On September 23, 2026, popular comic artist Aubrey Hirsch visited the university as the newest of a long list of guests for the Stephen Dunn Reading Series.

The event was hosted in the theatre room at the Galloway campus between 11:20 A.M. and 12:35 P.M. All students were welcome to attend, but those attending certain general studies classes in writing or artistry could receive a free copy of her short story collection “Why We Never Talk About Sugar.”

After introductions from creative writing professor Cynthia King, Aubrey Hirsch began presenting her work. Hirsch’s comics mainly focus on the social and societal injustices women face every day. Whether it be in fashion, in medicine, in politics, or simply while trying to live their lives; she wishes to bring these issues to light. Despite the heavy subject matter, Hirsch’s comics often have a light or comedic tone to them. The reason is, as she states, “The only answer you can have to absurdity is absurdity.”

As her presentation came to an end, Hirsch began taking questions from the audience. When asked about her background, she commented that she had actually started as a writer, only later adding comic artistry as part of her repertoire. Hirsch hosts “Comics for People That Can’t Draw” classes both online and in various universities, as she herself lacks a background in fine art.

Many people wanted to know about her research and writing process, to which Hirsch discussed thoroughly. Her inspiration often begins at personal anecdotes or learning a fun fact that inspires inquiry. During research, she prioritizes tracking down the original source of the information, and writing from there. Her care for research extends to originality, as she’ll discard ideas that have been covered by other artists, or in the case of issues tailored to specific communities, for example women of color, Hirsch treads the line carefully, wishing to respect these communities while feeling she shouldn’t “step in front of” them.

Finally, Hirsch opened up about the realities of being an artist and women’s rights advocate. The criticism and hate she has received on sites like 4Chan, or dealing with rejection in the writing world, or just keeping a voice in a growingly absurd world. Despite that, Hirsch said she sees her work as a privilege. She wishes to help the world through her comics, and in her own words, “there are millions of ways to help… find yours.”

If you wish to see her works, you can go to her website or subscribe to her free Substack.