Five Taiwanese comic artists showcased their works at the 2026 Small Press Expo (SPX) in Maryland. The artists—A ee mi, Rio, Ding Pao-yen, Monday Recover, and Crystal Kung—held signing events and interacted with fans over the weekend.
A ee mi noted that her work was created in both Mandarin and English, making it accessible to U.S. readers who identified with her themes. Monday Recover introduced her book “Sea You There and Us,” expressing hope that its sad narrative would resonate with readers. Crystal Kung shared her experiences in her book “American Overtime,” detailing her everyday struggles after moving to the U.S. to study.
Ding’s work received positive feedback following the release of an English translation, while Rio’s “Unemployed Killers Support Group” sold out. SPX Executive Director Warren Bernard expressed appreciation for the Taiwanese artists, highlighting their valuable contributions to the independent comics landscape. Established in 1994, SPX supports independent comic creators and offers networking opportunities for artists at all stages.
