Normally unless you’re a mole, it’s hard to see underground. But not for comics author and educator Cathy G. Johnson, who has been awarded the Boston Comic Arts Foundation’s Underground Visionary Award for 2025. The award was presented to Johnson at the annual Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo (MICE).
Moles? MICE? Is that anything? Anyway.
“This is an honor, thank you,” said Johnson via press release. “I dedicate this award to my collaborators and community: the Authors Against Book Bans Rhode Island chapter, alongside whom I worked to help pass the Freedom to Read Act in Rhode Island; my studiomates at Binch Press / Queer.Archive.Work in Providence, where we build community and create together; and especially the many colleagues, librarians, and students who make my comics classes through Comic Art Ed! possible. Comic books can be lonely, but this award reminds me that I get to be a part of an extraordinary community. For me, this award not only recognizes the work that I’ve done, but the people I’ve been fortunate enough to work alongside, and our shared commitment to keeping art accessible to everyone.”
The award is given to an individual, publisher, or community-builder who “has brought opportunity, attention, and change to the comics medium.” The goal is to inspire others — creators and/or enthusiasts — to do the same, continuing to build community around the comics format.
Added MICE Co-Director Sadie Saunders, “The Underground Visionary Award recognizes an individual who has contributed to the independent comics community in New England, often in ways that are not immediately visible. I’m grateful we can honor someone in this way during MICE, a vibrant event that celebrates indie comics artists at all stages of their careers. Cathy G. Johnson is an extraordinary educator, artist, and community advocate, and I’m delighted they were chosen as this year’s recipient.”
“While there were a number of impressive and talented individuals that the committee considered, Cathy stood out not only for the remarkable variety in her art (from Jeremiah to The Breakaways!) but also for how much she gives back in terms of activism and education,” said BCAF Grants and Awards Coordinator A. David Lewis. “She is producing amazing work even as she ensures there are rising generations to do likewise.”
MICE 2025 was held December 6 through 7 in, where else, Boston. When reached for comment, a mouse I asked didn’t say anything, because they can’t talk.
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