Newsletter September 2026

Hello-hello!

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any announcements you’d like to share with your fellow ÍMS-members, such as new comic publications, new webcomic launches or if you’re looking for collaborators on a new project.

We’d also like to remind you that we offer script and art critique to our members. We currently cap this service at one submission per month and we answer submissions in the order we receive them.

Comic Jams 16th and 29th September

Our routine Comic Jams at Loft Hostel in downtown Reykjavík are back on track and will take place on the 16th of September between 7:00pm and 10:00pm and the second event will be on the 29th between 5:00pm and 8:00pm. We encourage all comic creators who are preparing submissions for Listamannalaun to attend and receive critiques for their submissions.

By all means, please bring in your works-in-progress for a constructive critique. Or just come hang out and doodle! We look forward to seeing you.

Siglufjörður Comic Art Festival

The Siglufjörður Comic Art Festival returns for its third year, this time between September 11th and 13th. It’s always a good time for art lovers and we encourage everyone to attend and help us celebrate comics as an artform in Iceland.

You can see more info about the event here: https://comicsfestival.is/en

We hope to see you all there.

The Listamannalaun deadline is fast approaching

The deadline for applications to the artists' salaries ends on October 1st. ÍMS wishes to support comic book creators through the application process, so we invite you all especially to check out our Comic Jam sessions on the 16th and 29th of September to receive feedback on your applications. Furthermore, we encourage everyone to send in a submission because even if none of us get a grant this year, we can at least demonstrate that there is a demand for it.

Artist Spotlight

Each month, we’ll select a creator from our membership for a brief interview and a chance to introduce themselves to their fellow members. This month’s spotlight is on:

Bjarni Pálsson

Who are you?

I’m Bjarni Pálsson and I’m a 21-year old comic book creator. I create stories about the everyday superhero Christmas Light Man and am currently working to adapt Grettissaga into a comic series. I’ve already done two chapters. I have also created short stories about the end of the world, philosophers, world events and more.

How long have you been making comics?

I’ve written and drawn my own comics since I was six or seven years old. I created Christmas Light Man when I was thirteen and was inspired to tell more stories with him, since I regarded him as my best creation yet. I got more ambitious in my storytelling, but found that I didn’t know how to draw the angles and poses I needed to best tell my stories. I started practicing the fundamentals of drawing art, since I hadn’t really studied them at all before then.

Do you have any favorite creators?

André Franquin is a big influence on my visual style. Scott McCloud opened my eyes to comics and their techniques as an artform. There are many creators I admire, but I don’t know how to arrange them by quality without getting very wordy. I read whatever books I can get my hands on without thinking too much about their authors.

What would you say you’re best at when it comes to making comics?

I think I’m pretty insightful when it comes to ideation and storytelling. I get lots of ideas by daydreaming and listening to music and I often think about what kind of comics are missing on shelves rather than copying the things that are already out there. I’ve also received compliments for my choice of colors, composition and lively characters. My dad is a translator who helps me with my writing. I think it makes my dialog more concrete and to the point.

My greatest weakness is that I have a hard time answering questions in a few words.

What do you want to learn next?

I graduated from the Reykjavík School of Visual Arts this spring and I’m getting used to being an independent artist. I think many artists suffer from a lack of marketing and business-related skills, something I definitely lack experience with. For me, art is about giving other people something that can inspire them, so reader numbers and recognition of my work are important to me. My goal these days is to publish my own graphic novel about Grettir’s swim to Drangey.

What sort of comic stories would you like to see from Icelandic creators?

I’d like to see stories that appeal to older generations and people who aren’t into comics. We’re all nerds to some degree and we create stories for other nerds. Maybe it would be good to get people who don’t read comics to make comics and see if they find something we haven’t. It’s always good to explore subjects outside one’s comfort zone. I think we all agree that comics can be mature, but we need to be aware if what we make appeals to adults, teenagers and/or children, and whether or not we’re leaving certain demographics out.

Where can people find your comics?

You can read some of my comics for free at jolaljosamadurinn.com. My work has also featured in issues of Ókeipiss, Fjarlægðin gerir fjöllin blá (from the Siglufjörður comic art show in 2025) and in the Myndarsögur publications Meindarsögur, Myndarsögur í skóinn and Myndarsögur á ferð. My Instagram handle is @Jolaljos_comics. Cheers!

Newsletter August 2026

Hello-hello and happy Eclipse!

We’d also like to remind you that we offer script and art critique to our members. We currently cap this service at one submission per month and we answer submissions in the order we receive them.

Comic Jams 19th and 25th August

Our routine Comic Jams at Loft Hostel in downtown Reykjavík are mildly disrupted this month, to avoid clashing with the eclipse event on the 12th of August. Instead, the first event takes place on the 19th between 7:00pm and 10:00pm and the second event will be on the 25th between 5:00pm and 8:00pm.

By all means, please bring in your works-in-progress for a constructive critique. Or just come hang out and doodle! We look forward to seeing you.

Comics Crowdfunding with Karolina Fund

Kris Halla Helga is currently crowdfunding for the publication of their auto-biographical comic Skynsegin einhverfa on the crowdfunding site Karolina Fund. In their words:

“Skynsegin einhverfa is an educational comic about autism that’s also my own testimony of receiving a diagnosis, followed by my struggle for rehabilitation into the job market. The book also contains links to useful texts and videos that explore autism.

Skynsegin einhverfa has been my passion project since I originally created it as an infographic for display at Marglita Mars back in 2024. I finished the entire book as my final project at the Reykjavík School of Visual Arts in 2026.”

The book is already fully funded, which means you’re guaranteed to receive a copy if you back the project now. The deadline runs out at midnight on the 9th of September.

Here is a link to the crowdfunding page.

New Manndýrahópur-book now available

I.R. Kjartansson presents Prinsinn frá Smáríu (“the Prince of Smáría”), the third instalment in the Manndýrahópur-series. The book will be available at the Siglufjörður Comic Art Festival on September 12th. You are also welcome to reserve copies directly from Ingi via Facebook or Instagram. Finally, the book is expected to debut in Nexus at the end of this month.

Listamannalaun Applications Open

Applications are now open for artists' salaries! We encourage all creators to apply before October 1st. Good luck to you all.

Artist Spotlight

Each month, we’ll select a creator from our membership for a brief interview and a chance to introduce themselves to their fellow members. This month’s spotlight is on:

Sara

Who are you?

Hi-hi, my name is Sara. I’m pretty new to making comics. I make short one-page stories based on my personal experiences. I’ve always been interested in art and comics, but I’ve struggled with creating art myself.

How long have you been making comics?

Just over a year, as I recall.

Do you have any favorite creators?

I don’t really have any favorites. I like to jump from one thing into another. I don’t read many long stories, I prefer short joke comics, webcomics and very emotional short stories.

What would you say you’re best at when it comes to comics?

I’m pretty proud of my lettering. I hand-letter all of my own stories.

What do you want to learn to do next?

I need to practice more with colors.

What sort of comics would you like to see from Icelandic creators?

I’m always happy to see more short stories. I would also love to see a homepage/hub where everyone's comics are collected so we could find them more easily.

Where can people find your comics?

https://linktr.ee/RegularSara

Newsletter July 2026

Hello-hello! We hope you’re all doing well!

We’d also like to remind you that we offer script and art critique to our members. We currently cap this service at one submission per month and we answer submissions in the order we receive them.

Comic Jams 15th and 28th July

As usual, Comic Jams return at Loft Hostel in downtown Reykjavík, 15th and 28th of July. This time, the first event (on the 15th) is happening between 7:00pm and 10:00pm and the second event (on the 28th) is between 5:00pm and 8:00pm. We hope that by offering more varied hours more folks can find a good time to join us.

By all means, please bring in your works-in-progress for a constructive critique. Or just come hang out and doodle! We look forward to seeing you.

Comic Book Launch at Nexus 11th July

Our friends at Myndarsögur are launching a new comic anthology for the summer at Nexus Glæsibær at 1:00pm on Saturday the 11th of July. In their own words:

"We’re publishing a comics magazine. It’s for you. It’s for your kids. It’s for your grandparents, it’s for everyone.

We’re meeting at the greatest crossroad you’ve ever heard of. A crossroad that takes you straight from Skeifan to Álfheimar. Nexus Glæsibær will host us.

We invite you all to rejoice and celebrate with us this latest offering from the hands and minds of our greatest artistically inclined individuals, who contribute to the book, who keep the comics fire burning for all of us today, and who serve up piping-hot, crunchy-fresh comics to excite every cone inside your irises.

Several of ÍMS’s members are in the book and we encourage everyone who can to drop by and show comics our support.

Artist Spotlight

Each month, we’ll select a creator from our membership for a brief interview and a chance to introduce themselves to their fellow members. This month’s spotlight is on:

Ísold Davíðsdóttir

Who are you?

My name is Ísold Davíðsdóttir, but I operate under the artist name Aparass (“Monkey Butt”) (don’t ask why).

How long have you been making comics?

Since I was seven years old. I started publishing them online in 2007 and put out my first book in 2012.

Do you have any favorite comic creators?

The creators that have influenced me most are Alessandro Barbucci, Don Rosa, Peter Madsen and Brian Lee O’Malley.

What would you say is your greatest strength in comics?

Hmm… I think I have a pretty distinct artstyle that appeals to both kids and adults, and I love to play with the fourth wall.

What would you like to learn to do next?

I’m fascinated by all kinds of visual art that I would love to learn, like murals and tattoo art. I doubt I’ll pursue them though. I’ll probably just stick to comics and keep expanding my knowledge there.

What kind of comics would you like to see from Icelandic creators?

I would love to see a monthly comic magazine with an ongoing story!!!

Where can people find your comics?

My latest story, Krummafótur (“Ravenfoot”), drops into bookshops this autumn. In the meantime, you can follow me on instagram under @aparasscomix, to see my art progress.

Newsletter June

Hello-hello! We hope you’re all doing well!

We’d also like to remind you that we offer script and art critique to our members. We currently cap this service at one submission per month and we answer submissions in the order we receive them.

Comic Jams 10th and 30th June

As usual, Comic Jams return at Loft Hostel in downtown Reykjavík, 10th and 30th of June. We’re switching things up a little this time by holding the first event (10th) between 7:00pm and 10:00pm and the second event (30th) between 5:00pm and 8:00pm. We hope that by offering more varied hours more folks can find a good time to join us.

By all means, please bring in your works-in-progress for a constructive critique. Or just come hang out and doodle! We look forward to seeing you.

Siglufjörður Comic Art Festival is live

The third annual Siglufjörður Comic Art Festival is being held between September 11th to 13th this year. We encourage all of our members to register as soon as possible and look forward to seeing all of you there.

Artist Spotlight

Each month, we’ll select a creator from our membership for a brief interview and a chance to introduce themselves to their fellow members. This month’s spotlight is on:

Sólveig Eva Magnúsdóttir

Who are you?

Sólveig Eva Magnúsdóttir - writer, illustrator, actor and cofounder of the Spindrift theatre company. I create editorial comics for newspapers such as the Washington Post, the New Yorker, LA Times, Boston Globe, McSweeney’s and more. I’m also working on two graphic novels to be published in the United States: One is Pretty Privilege, which is about class struggle in the U.S. as well as the murky boundaries of violence. The other is Space Mama Piggy, which is about the role of motherhood, shame and anxiety.

How long have you been making comics?

Since I was a child, although I didn’t get serious about it until 2017 with the character of Space Mama Piggy, a sort of tragi-comic clown to help me laugh at and personify my own enableism and anxiety. When Covid struck, my acting career was put on hold for several years, so I dedicated myself more strongly to comics as a creative outlet instead.

Do you have any favorite creators?

I love the dialogue and exploration of humanity in the works of Rutu Modan. Exit Wounds is a particular favourite. Of course, Trove Jansson will always be the queen — I wish I had a cottage and money for food so I could live in nature and draw lovable doofuses all day long like she did.

What would you say you’re best at in comics?

Probably just making myself laugh. I try to write sincere stories that come from the heart and can give comfort to wounded souls or keep company with a reader’s difficult emotions.

What would you like to learn to do next?

I’m slow and get easily frustrated when I have to draw in an exact three-dimensional perspective up close. I’d like to find the discipline to do more simple drawing studies so I can be faster and more accurate with such a fundamental technique…!

What sort of comics would you like to see from your fellow Icelandic creators?

I really admire the rapid growth and variety I see in Icelandic comics, the humour and the talent. Personally, I think our government needs to recognize the cultural value of graphic novels and comics and offer funding for ambitious, sophisticated, longform projects so we can see more comic books on peoples’ shelves and the country can learn to enjoy everything this artform has to offer. I admire creators who compose long, complex, sincere, journalistic stories about difficult human experiences and political topics for mature readers. I think it’s a terrible shame that cultural tastemakers in Iceland still haven’t discovered the value of the medium when it comes to making complicated, heavy subjects accessible for readers of all ages.

Where can people find your comics?

I’m @solaevadraws on instagram and my website www.solaevadraws.com holds various articles, works and overviews of my books. My next booked convention will be the Thought Bubble Festival in Yorkshire this autumn. You should also be able to find copies of Pancake Cravings, Four Family Stories and Neistar in Penninn Eymundsson, Skálda, Nexus, Stúdentakjallarinn, Reykjavík Books and Chocolate, Gamla bókabúðin and elsewhere.

Newsletter May 2026

Hello and Happy Summer! We hope you’re all doing well!

We’d also like to remind you that we offer script and art critique to our members. We currently cap this service at one submission per month and we answer submissions in the order we receive them.

Comic Jams 13th and 26th May

As usual, Comic Jams return at Loft Hostel in downtown Reykjavík, 13th and 26th of May between 5:00pm and 8:00pm. By all means, please bring in your works-in-progress for a constructive critique. Or just come hang out and doodle! We look forward to seeing you.

Free Comic Book Day is Here!

Free Comic Book Day is happening on Saturday May 2nd, and our pals at Nexus are preparing their annual giveaway event at their flagship store in Glæsibær. At least two free books will be available, packed to the gills with fresh, Icelandic comic stories. We hope to see you there.

If you can’t make it to the event in Glæsibær, we encourage you to celebrate comics in some other fun fashion. For instance, you can visit your local library and see what they have in their selection. Let’s spread the good word of comics everywhere we can!

The Kría-Contest Begins

ÍMS presents the Kría-Contest, a competition in comic book art for children and youths between the ages of 8 and 17 years. The contest officially begins on May 2nd (Free Comic Book Day) and ends at midnight on August 28th (International Comic Book Day). Contestants have the whole summer to write, draw, color, letter and submit their work. A special judges’ panel will assess the comic stories and the winner will be announced at a special event later this year.

ÍMS Presents: Comics May

ÍMS wants to celebrate May with an Inktober-style game on Instagram (and other social media sites)

The rules are simple: Come up with a 1-4 panel comic strip inspired by each days’ theme and post it on your social media account. Make sure to tag it with #myndasogumai26 so we can find it.

Enjoy the challenge. Don’t try to do each days’ challenge. First and foremost, this is meant to be fun!

Artist Spotlight

Each month, we’ll select a creator from our membership for a brief interview and a chance to introduce themselves to their fellow members. This month’s spotlight is on:

Einar Valur Másson

Who are you?

Most folks already know me here, but I’m a cartoonist, editor, founding member and current chairman of ÍMS. In 2022, I translated and re-lettered Scott McCloud’s Understanding Comics into Icelandic. I am also Iceland’s first Comic Strip World Champion!

How long have you been making comics?

For as long as I can remember. I think my mom and dad still have some comics of mine from when I was four or five years old, inspired by my He-Man action figures. I didn’t seriously pursue art until I was 25 and have been making comics in earnest since 2012.

Do you have any favorite creators?

My tastes were heavily shaped by the old European masters when I was a child: Tome & Janry, Morris & Goscinny, Hergé, et al. These days, I draw inspiration from British and American creators like Grant Morrison, Erica Henderson, John Allison, Kyle Starks and Stan Sakai.

What would you say is your strongest side in comics?

Gosh, that’s a tough question! I guess I’m proudest of my environment work these days. I always want to make sure that my environments come off as alive in my stories.

What would you like to learn to do next?

I’d like to learn to write long-form stories. I’m pretty good at short-form comics (my motto in storytelling is always: “Get to the point”) but I think I’m ready to attempt a longer, more ambitious story.

What kinds of stories would you like to see in Icelandic comics?

I think I’d like to see more refined, more ambitious stories. Stories that express the author’s point of view, and with art that keeps up with our European neighbors. More flash AND more substance, I guess. I think those stories are coming soon.

Where can people find your comics?

It’s been a while since I’ve shared my comics anywhere outside of anthology books, like Myndarsögur. You can still find some of my work on my instagram @emassonart and can scroll through my work that I did for five years with Jono Duffy on Bruce the Angry Bear at GayIceland.is. That aside, I promise to update my site emassonart.com soon!

Newsletter March 2026

Hello! We hope you’re all doing well!

We’d also like to remind you that we offer script and art critique to our members. We currently cap this service at one submission per month and we answer submissions in the order we receive them.

Comic Jams 11th and 24th March

As usual, Comic Jams return at Loft Hostel in downtown Reykjavík, between 5:00pm and 8:00pm. By all means, please bring in your works-in-progress for a constructive critique. Or just come hang out and doodle! We look forward to seeing you.

ÍMS website is online

Our new website is operational! Check it out over here: https://www.ims.is/

Things are still a bit raw, but we are slowly but surely sprucing it up. We encourage our members to send in some art we can put into rotation on the site’s header,

Here’s a pattern for you to follow. Note that we will add ”ÍSLENSKA MYNDASÖGUSAMFÉLAGIÐ” to the image on either side of the image as indicated, along with the author’s credit.

Membership directory under development

The ÍMS membership directory is beginning to take shape. We hope to launch it by the end of the month. We’re still waiting for our members to send in their vital information and would encourage you all to do it soon.

Please send the following pieces of info to asap islmynsam@gmail.com:

A profile picture (photograph is preferred, but an illustrated self-portrait is fine too)
A short artist’s bio (education, notable works, inspiration, etc.) of approx. 50-100 words
One art piece that represents your work
A link to your portfolio (can be a webpage, instagram, Cara, whatever suits you)
An e-mail address where people can contact you regarding your work
Your home address (this won’t go on the website, it’s to post your new membership card)

Here is a screenshot of the membership directory (work-in-progress) for reference:

Screenshot of Members' Directory in progress

We can’t wait to hear from you all!

Membership dues sent

We have sent our annual invoices of 5.000kr. to all our registered members. These fees help us offer professional-level critiques, organize professional workshops, secure discounts from select shops and services, help maintain our Society website as well as all kinds of other stuff!

Artist Spotlight

Each month, we’ll select a creator from our membership for a brief interview and a chance to introduce themselves to their fellow members. This month’s spotlight is on:

Kris Halla Helga

Who are you?

My name is Kris Helga and I am a neurodivergent artist from Hafnarfjörður. I’m about to graduate from the Drafting program at the Reykjavík School of Visual Arts.

How long have you been making comics?

About four years now.

Do you have any favorite creators?

Junji Ito is a big favourite of mine. Brian K. Vaughan is a brilliant writer, I love his stories.

What would you say you’re best at in comics?

My strongest skill is continuation between the panels.

What would you like to better learn next?

Lettering.

Do you have a favorite medium to work with?

I do a lot of mixed media but most often I like watercolors.

Where can people find your stories?

I just started a new comics-focused Instagram profile where I post weekly four-panel slice-of-life comics along with other comic projects. https://www.instagram.com/kris.comics/