The Comics and Graphic Narratives Forum invites papers addressing the intersection between comics and sports, athletics, or competitive games. Between the 2026 World Cup and the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics, Los Angeles finds itself in the spotlight as an international sports hub. As such, we are interested in arguments that explore comics and sport alongside various critical themes, including but not limited to embodiment, class, disability, gender, sexuality, nationalism, race, religious identity, or exploitation. Among other questions, panel participants might ask: How might the medium of comics specifically tell stories of sports or athleticism? What are the representative or formal challenges of depicting sports in comics? What can comics tell us about sports?
Below is a partial list of on-theme comics publications; please note that this list is non-exhaustive, and is meant merely as a jumping off point! Interested panelists should submit a 300-word abstract and bio to cpg008@bucknell.edu and amr9hk@virginia.edu by March 15, 2026.
21: The Story of Roberto Clemente (2021)
Ao Ashi (2020-present)
Belle of the Ball (2023)
Blue Lock (2018-present)
The Breakaways (2019)
Bull on Parade (2014)
Check, Please! (2013)
Cheer Up (2021)
Dogsred (2025)
Dragon Hoops (2025)
The Golem’s Mighty Swing (2001)
Grand Slam Romance (2023)
Haikyu!! (2012-2020)
Fence (2017-present)
A Map to the Sun (2020)
Medalist (2024)
Run on Your New Legs (2022)
Slam! (2016)
Slam Dunk (1990-1996)
Spinning (2017)
Sports is Hell (2020)
Suzanne (2022)
Swim Team (2022)