Cartoonists United does great work. Formally, known as The Cartoonist Cooperative, it’s a member-driven organisation that works to improve and protect comic industry workers worldwide. Through membership, members gain access to benefits such as career-based resources, creative feedback, and promotional campaigns. While much of it benefits comic book creators and cartoonists, readers will be able to get in on the action throughout May with Cartoonists United’s Nib & Ink Fest.
Nib & Ink Fest is an online comics festival. The annual event, now in its second year, runs throughout May. It features a marketplace, workshops, roundtables, portfolio reviews, and comic book goodness.
Nib & Ink Fest 2026 poster by Jackarais.The online festival is led by the digital marketplace. Curated by the Nib and Ink Fest Committee organisers, it includes works for sale by 67 comic book creators. The comic creators involved this year come from a variety of backgrounds, with distinct styles and perspectives. Browsing the marketplace is an excellent opportunity to discover new creators and try different kinds of comic storytelling. Better yet, purchasing their works through the marketplace supports these independent creators, with all proceeds going to them.
But that’s not the only way to discover new creators. This year’s Nib & Ink Fest also features a free downloadable sampler. It’s packed with preview pages of webcomics from Cartoonist United members. Additionally, there’s a fundraiser zine called “Oops All Comics!” featuring one-page comics with the theme of “Eureka!”
For creators, there are heaps of online events every weekend. There are sessions about art portfolios, storytelling, lettering, career guidance, and much more. These will be conducted over Zoom, making them accessible to a broad audience. If you miss them live, they will likely be on the Cartoonist United YouTube channel eventually, similar to last year’s events.
Find out more about the Nib & Ink Festival on the official website.
English (US) · 