An Evening with Michael Workman: An Oral History of My Characters, Readings from Biography of a Villain + Short Animations - Saturday, November 29 at 7pm @ Howling Pages, Chicago

We’re excited to welcome artist, writer, and publisher Michael Workman for a special evening of oral history, readings, screenings, and conversation at Howling Pages. The event will focus on an oral historiography of Workman’s characters such as Our Hero, Allen the Chalk-Line Ghost, Zed Molinger, Sophie and The Darkness who show up repeatedly throughout their recently published graphic novel, Biography of a Villain, at times with different names — some of them stretching back through Workman’s artistic practice to his teenage years, when he first began drawing them for himself, and eventually as a cartoon strip for his high school newspaper. As well, Workman will read selections, accompanied by a slideshow and screening of short animations. Guests may also have the chance to view original page art and paintings from the project. Additional guest readers may be announced.

Biography of a Villain, released in August 2025 by Bridge Books imprint Hurm Edition’s artist’s folio series, is a new graphic novel that interrogates the aesthetics of power, complicity, and cultural memory. Combining drawing, painting, and experimental narrative structures, the work expands on Workman’s longstanding artistic investigations into identity, resilience, and impermanence. The book reflects their interdisciplinary practice, which crosses between visual art, performance, and critical writing.

Michael Workman is the Executive Director of Bridge. Their work has been presented in museums, performance venues, and literary journals nationally and internationally. In addition to their artistic practice, they are a publisher, curator, and cultural organizer, dedicated to advancing experimental voices in literature and the arts.

This event is free and open to the public. Beverages will be provided.