Sam Wallman: Why Comics Pack a Punch

Award-winning illustrator and journalist Sam Wallman turns comics into a tool for confronting hard truths. His subjects have ranged from Australian workers' rights to Eastern European border camps and even Donald Trump's presidential campaign.

Join Sam in conversation as he unpacks how research into historic archives suits a comic. He'll talk about why that form can reach people in ways photographs and news articles sometimes can't. He'll share a first look at his research for his upcoming book All Out: Pink Bans and Blue Collars, about a pivotal chapter in Australian history where union activism and queer rights collided.

Drawing on archival records, he'll also uncover the story of Max du Barry, who Sam describes as 'Melbourne's late, great drag queen wharfie'.

Hosted by cartoonist, publisher and educator Bailey Sharp. Doors open at 5:30pm, with Sam’s exhibition 'Pink and Green Bans' on display in the Victorian Archives Centre Gallery.