The Boston Comic Arts Foundation has announced the annual Underground Visionary Award, given each year to honor the work of an individual, publisher, or community-builder whose dedication has brought opportunity, attention, and change to the comics medium. With this award, the Boston Comic Arts Foundation aims to inspire creators and enthusiasts to actively engage with the comics format, fostering creativity and community in the world of comics.

The 2025 award recognizes comics author and educator Cathy G. Johnson, and was presented at the annual Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo (MICE). 

This is an honor, thank you. I dedicate this award to my collaborators and community: the Authors Against Book Bans Rhode Island chapter, alongside whom I worked to help pass the Freedom to Read Act in Rhode Island; my studiomates at Binch Press / Queer.Archive.Work in Providence, where we build community and create together; and especially the many colleagues, librarians, and students who make my comics classes through Comic Art Ed! possible. Comic books can be lonely, but this award reminds me that I get to be a part of an extraordinary community. For me, this award not only recognizes the work that I’ve done, but the people I’ve been fortunate enough to work alongside, and our shared commitment to keeping art accessible to everyone.

-Cathy G. Johnson

The Underground Visionary Award recognizes an individual who has contributed to the independent comics community in New England, often in ways that are not immediately visible. I’m grateful we can honor someone in this way during MICE, a vibrant event that celebrates indie comics artists at all stages of their careers. Cathy G. Johnson is an extraordinary educator, artist, and community advocate, and I’m delighted they were chosen as this year’s recipient.

-MICE Co-Director Sadie Saunders 

While there were a number of impressive and talented individuals that the committee considered, Cathy stood out not only for the remarkable variety in her art (from Jeremiah to The Breakaways!) but also for how much she gives back in terms of activism and education. She is producing amazing work even as she ensures there are rising generations to do likewise.

-BCAF Grants and Awards Coordinator A. David Lewis.