Kiʻi Kon Series September 2025 – June 2026

A program of the McCully-Moʻiliʻili Public Library Sponsored by Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi

Calling all comic book and graphic art fans to meet some of the greats in the industry. Amy Kim, Mari Morimoto, Ron Marz, Phil Jimenez, and Kazu Kibuishi, will all participate in this series that celebrates the visual arts. Meet these writers and artists at the McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Public Library. The Spring 2026 guests will appear for a talk story discussion, moderated by McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Public Library branch manager, Hillary Chang, as well as signings at the library. The talk stories will take place near the library at Washington Middle School to accommodate a larger audience. Bridging the gap between the Fall and Spring is the Kiʻi Kon Teen Art Contest. Teens are invited to re-imagine their favorite book or graphic novel cover to win an exclusive meet & greet with one of the Spring 2026 guests and other prizes.

Find more information below:

Amy Kim
at Mini Con 14
September 27, 2025 • 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Public Library

Amy Kim is a graphic novelist and illustrator known for her work in children’s and young adult literature. She is the creator of The Rema Chronicles, a graphic novel series published by Scholastic Graphix.

Meet Amy Kim at Mini Con 14 along with Audra Furuichi, Brady Evans, Jon J. Murakami, Kevin Sano, Studio Pyro & Friends! Pick up some cool artwork, comic books, and other wonderful treasures! The library will be showing a variety of animation and attendees can earn free buttons while supplies last. Cosplay is encouraged and will be rewarded!

The big book sale has hundreds of comic books, graphic novels, and manga, while the silent auction features exclusive action figures, toys, and autographed books. Find out more . . .

Mari Morimoto
The Art & Science of Manga Translation
October 16, 2025 • 5:00 p.m.
McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Public Library

Mari Morimoto speaks about her experiences working on Naruto, Boruto, Dragonball, InuYasha, Manga Biographies: Charles M. Schulz, and more!! Find out more. . .

Mari Morimoto
at Kapolei Kon
October 18, 2025 • 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Kapolei Public Library

Special guest manga translator Mari Morimoto will be speaking about her experiences working on titles such as Naruto, Boruto, Dragonball, InuYasha, and her recent Manga Biographies: Charles M. Schulz.  Umamiplant will also speak about digital and graphic art ideas and knowledge!

Plus, join us for a wonderful Artist Alley event featuring guest artists Brady Evans, Jon J. Murakami, Kevin Sano, Tara Tamayori, and Umamiplant!  Get your Christmas shopping done early and pick up some wonderful artwork, comic books, and other one of a kind pieces!  Cosplay is encouraged. Find out more . . .

Kiʻi Kon Teen Art Contest
November 1st – January 15th
Statewide

Teens are invited to re-imagine their favorite book or graphic novel cover for this statewide art contest. The grand prize is an exclusive meet & greet with the visiting Spring 2026 artist of their choice. Find out more about the teen art contest here.

Ron Marz
April 16 – 18, 2026
McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Public Library

Acclaimed comic book writer best known for his work on Green Lantern, where he created the character Kyle Rayner. He has written for major publishers including DC, Marvel, Image, and Top Cow, earning a reputation for strong storytelling and character-driven narratives.

Signings at the branch – 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. on April 16, 17, and 18.
Talk-Story Discussion – 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. on April 18 at Washington Middle School Cafeteria.

Phil Jimenez
May 14 – 16, 2026
McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Public Library

An award-winning comic book artist and writer celebrated for his detailed artwork and contributions to titles such as Wonder Woman, The Invisibles, and New X-Men. A longtime advocate for diversity and representation in comics, he is known for blending dynamic storytelling with inclusive, human-centered themes.

Signings at the branch – 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. on May 14, 15, and 16.
Talk-Story Discussion – 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. on May 16 at Washington Middle School Cafeteria.

Kazu Kibuishi
June 18 – 20, 2026
McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Public Library

Graphic novelist and illustrator best known as the creator of the bestselling Amulet series and the editor of the Flight anthologies. Renowned for his cinematic story-telling, imaginative worlds, and emotional depth, He has become a leading voice in contemporary graphic literature for readers of all ages.

Signings at the branch – 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. on June 18, 19, and 20.
Talk-Story Discussion – 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. on June 20 at Washington Middle School Cafeteria.