Comicsgirl

Archive for the ‘events’ Category

Here’s a confession: I don’t really read webcomics.

Sure, I kept up with Diesel Sweeties for a while, but mostly, I have a hard time keeping up with them (this shouldn’t really come as a surprise, honestly, if you know I have trouble following monthly comics. That’s once every four weeks. Do you really expect me to be able to remember to read something every day or every week?).

But after seeing some of the creators behind ACT-I-VATE last night at Politics & Prose, I think I better start.

Featuring founding member Dean Haspiel and creators Jim Dougan, Joe Infurnari, and Simon Fraser (right to left in the photo above) this really surprised me.

Haspiel is obviously awesome, and I liked his story of how ACT-I-VATE came about — he started by showing a photo of himself, all alone, working at his desk. You see, he said, making comics is lonely, and he found out that if he posted stuff to his LiveJournal (yay, LiveJournal!) people would respond. It began that just his friends were saying things, but soon, people he didn’t know were leaving comments too.

He saw that some of his creator friends were experiencing the same sort of thing. He thought they could join forces and therefore combine their respective fanbases.

ACT-I-VATE is a noncommercial enterprise — it exists, more or less, to just promote these creators’ work. Infurnari echoed this sentiment, saying he liked having a portfolio of his work online and that he could get feedback immediately. Fraser liked that he got control over his work — as primarily a creator for 2000 AD, he said he didn’t often get a lot of say what happens to his creations. (That was actually a point that was brought up many times by everyone — comics, especially at DC and Marvel, are work-for-hire. Creator-controlled works are the exception and not the rule.) He said he travels a lot and likes that he’s able to point people to the site when they ask him what he does.

DC local Dougan’s story was a little bit more of an interesting one. He’s a writer of comics and not an artist, so he’s had to find people to work with, and while the point wasn’t so much made, it was clear that the Internet makes it easier for him (Hyeondo Park, the artist of his ACT-I-VATE comic, Sam & Lilah, lives in Dallas).

Haspiel also told the story about how he encouraged Dougan & Park to submit Sam & Lilah to Zuda first, with the understanding it probably wouldn’t win (everyone seemed to have words of praise for Zuda, though, and everything I know about Zuda makes it seem like it’s a good deal). They joked about how after Sam & Lilah lost, they actually scooped the winner with their press release saying the comic was going to be on ACT-I-VATE.

While the event was for the ACT-I-VATE Primer, that seemed a little secondary to most of the discussion. They wanted to do the book because there’s still a print audience (although Haspiel talked about how that’s probably fading) and that there’s not necessarily a crossover between webcomics readers and print comics readers (I’m probably somewhat of an example of that). It was a good way to push people to the site that may have otherwise not known about it.

Then they read from their comics, accompanied by Dougan’s wife Rachel. This was, for the most part, hilarious and utterly charming. Fraser did voices and Rachel sometimes playfully stumbled over her parts (she said she hadn’t rehearsed). Haspiel called for audience participation when it came to sound effects. I’m all for this and I now demand that everyone does dramatic readings of their comics during panels. This was awesome.

The Q&A section was better than most, and allowed me to realize much too late that I was sitting behind Mike Rhode of ComicsDC. (I seriously didn’t make the connection until a little bit later, otherwise I probably would’ve said hi. So I’ll just say it here: Hi, Mike!)

It was a good presentation and I left an ACT-I-VATE fan. I foresee spending many, many hours on the site now.

On Sunday night, I attended the Graphic Details event, featuring Hope Larson, Anders Nilsen, Gabrielle Bell and Kim Deitch, which was moderated by Chris Pitzer of Richmond-based AdHouse Books at the University of Richmond. It was sort of a preamble to the Robert Crumb event which is going on as I type this (more or less).

I realized when I took my seat the only other time I’d been in that particular theater was to see a harp concert with one of my friends when we were teenagers (more or less — I think we may have been in college at that point. And yes, we went for fun. We were — and are — rather odd people). I liked that this theater — and the University of Richmond — was playing host to these sorts of indie comic-book types. You see, there are two Richmonds — there is the “old money” Richmond, full of Southern society types that go to the University of Richmond (which is a good school, don’t get me wrong, but it’s private and full of money) and then there’s the Richmond that gave us GWAR.

I’d say the theater was probably less than half full for this event (I didn’t count so I’m not going to give estimates, but there were plenty of empty seats) and that made me sad. Yes, I know it was a Sunday night in a sort of out-of-the-way place, but to me, these people are famous. I’m guessing much of the audience was U of R students, but I did see some that seemed to have sought out this event, including a few older people. I thought that was pretty cool.

This was probably one of the best panels I’ve attended. Yes, there was some awkwardness, but comic book people are awkward. I mean that with the utmost love — after all, if these sort of people were outgoing, they probably wouldn’t be making comics but be actors or rock stars instead. It took a while for everyone to settle in. Deitch, who is considerably older than the other three, was really the one to break the ice, and I liked his perspective. He’s pretty much seen and done it all.

One of the first questions focused on each creator’s creative process. both Deitch and Nilsen tend to write and draw simultaneously, while Bell and Larson write their scripts first, then begin drawing. Larson probably had the most methodical process — she said she definitely finalizes her scripts first before drawing (and she mentioned she hasn’t drawn anything since March, I believe, since she’s working on some super-secret adaptation right now. Sadly, she wasn’t allowed to announce what it was — she said “people will either love me or hate me for it” — but I have some of my own “wishful thinking” ideas of what it might be).

Everyone had pretty harsh words for the term “graphic novel.” Deitch said it’s “just another name for comic book” and Bell said she felt there’s now too much pressure on young creators to create longer works that they may not be ready to do. Nilsen said he knows that publishers want books but he thinks the comic format lends itself better to shorts. Pitzer, a publisher himself, admitted he does make money off books rather than single issues or shorts.

Likewise, while everyone had appeared in anthologies (or Pitzer’s case, published them), no one really seemed to like doing them. Larson said that while she contributed to Comic Book Tattoo, she’s not really a Tori Amos fan. Bell said that they helped her develop her skills but she kind of resents them. No one really knew how much people actually read anthologies.

I am probably a different case, but I love anthologies. I buy them quite a bit and enjoy them. I find them a great way to discover new creators. But I guess I can see how they may not be the best entry point for people who usually don’t read comics.

At the end, Pitzer asked where everyone felt the comic industry was going. Deitch mentioned that there are now editors specifically for graphic novels. Bell says that it’s gone more to a “book” market and away from the floppies. Everyone basically agreed that most still hesitate when it comes to reading comics and that it’s a learned skill. There is a way to go before people accept comics as legitimate form of media.

I didn’t stick around for the signing since I had to drive back to Arlington that night, but I will now track down works by both Deitch and Nilsen. Everyone was lovely and awesome and I’m so glad I got to go.

I was all set to go to Baltimore Comic-Con this weekend when my life decided it had other ideas. I am disappointed I wasn’t able to attend since I think Baltimore is a great con — a good size and a good balance of artists/guests to retailers selling back issues. It’s also one of the few genuine comic cons — not a lot of other media there.

The coverage on various blogs and Web sites makes me think I missed a good show. Reports on Twitter made it sound like everyone was having fun.

Well, maybe next year.

I think it was the beer tickets. Otherwise, I really have no good explanation why everyone at Small Press Expo was in such a good mood all weekend. Or it was just a really great show. Or maybe both.

As you can see from the photo I lovingly stole from the Small Press Expo Facebook page, the drink tickets had “BEER” on them, along with a rather classy clip-art beer mug. (There were also “WINE” tickets, but those lacked clip art.) As exhibitors checked in, they received a beer ticket (which could also be traded in for wine, soda or water — they weren’t just for beer). Everyone was amused by them and they started SPX off on the right note.

That attitude lasted through the weekend — we all had good laughs about the revival in the ballroom next door, which was then replaced by a fancy cocktail party/ball (everyone had to leave out the side doors at close on Friday because of this. Can’t expose people in fancy clothes to scruffy cartoonists!) and then, on Sunday, some teen pageant. Even when the exhibitor hall was freezing on Sunday, complaints were more jokes than anything else.

Attendees were also in a good mood for the most part, even when it got crowded. I saw very few flare-ups (I’m sure they happened) and very little crankiness from anyone. All the volunteers were great with a lot of the same faces (we had cookies and temporary tattoos once again. I am completely serious when I say I’m getting custom tattoos made for next year).

I loved seeing a lot of new exhibitors. Every year, the general feel seems to be a little bit different. Last year, I noticed a lot of children’s comics and more fantasy and manga-inspired comics. This year, there did seem to be a lot of the typical autobiographical/real-life stuff, but I felt like people were reaching a little bit deeper and offering an interesting perspective more than “I am an urban twentysomething cartoonist who isn’t good at relationships.” I, of course, picked up a big bag of stuff and I’m excited to go through it (I would like to thank Rob of Talkin Bout Comics for bringing me a bag after I forgot one. Yes, I know, that was on the list of my recommendations … but you know, do as I say, not as I do. And I was delighted to see that people did bring bags, whether or not I had anything to do with that).

Carol Tyler is awesome (I’m going to keep saying that. I want to make sure everyone knows) and I loved loved loved her Q&A session. She’s such a smart, funny and down-to-earth woman. I want to be her when I grow up. I am so glad I got to see her. Part two of You’ll Never Know isn’t going to be out until late 2010 and I really don’t know what I’m going to do until then.

I don’t know what the final count on attendees is (I know Saturday was a pretty big day and Sunday was pretty crowded when I left) but I do know that two nearby ATMs were cleaned out, so I’m guessing sales were pretty brisk. I think that’s wonderful.

I got home yesterday, exhausted but happy. And I’m already making plans for next year. I feel like there is a ton of things I’m forgetting to write about. We’ll see if they occur to me at some point. I’ll be digging through my purchases in the next few days and writing some reviews.

Well, this afternoon, anyway. I am volunteering this evening during set-up and check in (and I was actually really happy I was able to do so).

My “official” volunteer schedule (since you really want to know) is:

Today – 6 to 9 p.m.
Saturday – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sunday – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

But if previous years are any indication, I will probably gladly work more than just that.

I’m going to be there all weekend — I won’t leave on Sunday until I’m too exhausted (or broke!) to continue.

You can follow me on Twitter and I will be posting from SPX (at least once a day, possibly more). If you find me, please say hi. And did I mention I have buttons?

You’re now all set to go to SPX, but buying — and selling — comics will make you hungry. So when you wander out of the North Bethesda Marriott in search of food, you’re going to want to know where to go.

And at first glance, there’s not much in the area, but with the help of SPX veteran Rusty Rowley of Full Sanction and SPX steering committee member Michael David Thomas, I’ve compiled a list, that while probably not definitive, will guarantee you won’t starve during your stay at Small Press Expo.

(All Google Maps links are for walking directions — if you have a car, I imagine you can find other places to eat.)

If you ask me, you should just go to The Vegetable Garden (map and directions) and be done with it, but understandably, no matter how good it is, vegetarian Asian food isn’t going to be everyone’s tastes.

The White Flint Mall (map and directions, about a mile away), has a Cheesecake Factory and a Dave & Buster’s among other places. In the opposite direction along Rockville Pike, there is also a Ruby Tuesday’s (map and directions, less than a mile) and a Silver Diner (map and directions, less than a half-mile). Note, though, I’m not recommending these places. I’m just telling you they are there. You will also find a good assortment of fast food restaurants nearby, as well as a 7-Eleven and a few grocery stores.

While I’m sure all the New Yorkers would laugh, Ize’s Deli and Bagelry has provided many a tasty breakfast and lunch to attendees of SPX. (It’s in the same shopping center as Vegetable Garden, map and directions). Regional chain Tara Thai (map and directions, a little more than a half-mile) has also won praise, as has Taipei Tokyo (map and directions, not even a half-mile away).

If you want to get on the Red Line, you can stop in Bethesda to go to former SPX haunts like Tel-Aviv Cafe and The Original Pancake House.

And yes, if you have plenty of time, there are cool places in DC to go. I take all out-of-town guests to Busboys & Poets because it’s a crowd-pleaser. But I also kind of figure if you’re venturing into DC, you can do your own research on where you want to go.

(Still, I think everyone should just go eat at Vegetable Garden.)

Small Press Expo is, without a doubt, a friendly and comfortable event. You’ll be just fine when you go. But if you want to make the best of it, these are my recommendations.

• I don’t think I need to say this, but bring cash. A few of the bigger publishers do take credit cards, but mostly, you want cash. There is an ATM on site (the line can get long, though). Smaller bills are the best, overall.
• You’ll also want to bring a bag. This may seem obvious, but it’s really not — you’ll want something to put your comics in because trying to juggle your purchases as you go through the show isn’t fun. Those snazzy reusable shopping bags are good, as are messenger bags (which is typically what I use). Backpacks are OK, but you’re more likely to hit someone with it if you turn around too quickly.
• Speaking of that, it does get crowded, so dress appropriately. It’s fall in the DC area and SPX is in a hotel convention center, but it can still get hot. I find wearing a jacket over a T-shirt works the best, but any sort of layering is ideal.
• Check out the programming. Yes, I know it’s easy to get distracted and lose track of time, but the programming is an under-appreciated part of SPX and something to take advantage of. There is a good line-up this year and it’s definitely worth it.
• Likewise, check out some of the Ignatz nominees. I don’t think anyone really expects you to buy them all, but there is an impressive selection of nominees this year and even if you decide not to vote, it’s still worth seeing who is on the ballot. You may discover something you really love. (By the way, since a bunch of people ask — I even did one year — the “best debut” category is for a title/issue/etc. that is first released at SPX, whether it is from a newcomer or veteran, a new series or an ongoing series. It’s not a “best new cartoonist” category.)
• Buy mini-comics. Yes, I know we’re all working with limited budgets these days and graphic novels are really cool. But I do urge you to set aside some portion of your SPX fund to buy a few mini-comics. You get good value for your money — I mean, plenty are only $1-2 and you may find something you really love. Or hate, for that matter. But I think mini-comics are great fun and that’s where I find a lot of the good stuff. They allow you to try out a creator you know nothing about and support them. And really, where else, other than this show (and shows like MoCCA or APE) are you going to be able to buy mini-comics? Take advantage of this opportunity and pick up a few or several.
• Don’t be afraid to to take a break. The North Besthesda Marriott actually has a lot of nice, comfy places to hang out if you just want to sit and read for a bit (I’ve been known to find a corner in the past). It may allow you to find you really like a creator’s work so you can go back to buy some more. Or it just may allow you to recharge a bit before you go back in to buy more comics.
• If you had fun, strongly consider volunteering next year. SPX is a labor of love — it’s run completely by volunteers, by people who just love comics and the event. At this point, I don’t think I’m allowed to not volunteer, but I love it. It’s always a good time. You will, at the very least, get free admission to SPX. At the most, you’ll meet a bunch of awesome people who will become your friends and you’ll get to be a part of something really cool. You’ll only be obligated to a three- or four-hour shift, but if you’re like me, you’ll stick around longer because you love it that much. I’m serious.

(And yes, you’ll probably want to eat at some point during SPX. I’m going to get to that on Wednesday.)

I really did not intend to not write anything for a couple of weeks (but you knew I wasn’t dead since I managed to use Twitter). Things have been busy. Which is a likely story.

And things are about to get busier. It will be a fun fall. Here are the things I’m excited about.

There are a few other things I’m working on and we’ll see what comes of them. But I’m definitely looking forward to all of this. Fun will be had.

Around the time San Diego Comic-Con was gearing up some annoying life things started to take hold so I wasn’t really following the news all that closely. But here’s the most random roundup ever.

New Bone is always awesome. Annoying sexist contests are not (thanks, Electronic Arts for not wanting my money. I don’t have a lot of it so it’s always nice when someone tells me “Yeah, don’t spend it with us”).

I am pro TRON Legacy (I am, of course, pro-Moebius, pro-Syd Mead and very much pro-Daft Punk).

I know Comic-Con hasn’t been completely about comics for a while now, but really, why was Glee there? That’s not even a genre show.

Nothing else really excited me, but like I said, I really didn’t follow any of the news all that closely. Give it a couple of days to sink in and maybe I’ll realize all the awesome things that happened.

Last weekend, after consuming a wonderful selection of beer at Bell’s Brewery’s Eccentric Cafe, we wandered over to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, mostly to check out the Jump to Japan. It’s obviously for kids, but it was still fun. I mean, they have a more-or-less life-sized Catbus (which I happily posed in, as you can see) which was basically the major reason I wanted to go.

It does cover the history of art and culture in Japan in a fun and hands-on way — you can create your own animated sequences, draw (well, trace from templates) manga characters and also learn about older forms of art, like the process behind Japanese woodblock prints and the history of a couple of culture holidays.

The exhibit is designed well and the connections between the past and the present are clearly made. The whole thing is probably more interesting if you’re 7 years old, but I did love seeing the comparisons between still shots from My Neighbor Totoro and photos from Japan.

The exhibit is a traveling one (it’s been around for a couple of years now) and is up at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum through Sept. 7. The website doesn’t list where it’s going next, but I hope it finds another home because I’d love for more kids to get to see it.