The Cable Factory’s massive, industrial-chic halls offered plenty of breathing room. In previous years, FSIComics buzzed with shoulder-to-shoulder browsing; in 2021, the aisles were wider, hand sanitizer stations dotted the floor, and masked faces were the norm. Despite the quieter energy, the warmth of the community was unmistakable.
Attendance was visibly lower than pre-2020 levels — perhaps 40–50% of the usual crowd — but that gave the event an intimate, almost curated feel. No long lines for tables, no shouting over noise. Conversations between creators and readers lasted longer, and you could actually hear a zine being flipped through.
While large conventions spent millions on proprietary virtual reality spaces (which often glitched), FSIComics 2021 kept its tech stack refreshingly simple: fsicomics 2021
The organizing team—just five volunteers—published a post-event report noting that 87% of attendees rated the experience "excellent" or "good," with the top compliment being "no tech fatigue." By not forcing users to download a proprietary app, FSIComics 2021 remained accessible to fans using old laptops or mobile browsers.
The Financial Services Institute is a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy organization that represents independent financial advisors and independent broker-dealers. Their output in 2021 was focused on regulatory reform, advocacy for the independent workforce, and navigating the post-pandemic economy. “Choreography on the Page” – FSI Comics 2021
“Choreography on the Page” – FSI Comics 2021
Learn how to direct the reader’s eye through fight scenes using panel flow, sound effects, and speed lines. Hosted by martial artist-tuned comic artist Jenna K. Recording available until Dec 2021.
Common content types from that year:
FSI Comics 2021 brought together indie comic creators, fight-scene enthusiasts, and storytelling fans for a fully digital celebration of visual narrative. From live breakdowns of manga-style action sequences to portfolio reviews with industry editors, the 2021 event focused on “Dynamic Storytelling Under Constraint.”