My latest Nexus Graphic column over at SF Site centers on my visit to the 5th STAPLE! con.
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| Subtitled "the independent media expo," STAPLE! began in March, 2005 after Chris "Uncle Staple" Nicholas, co-creator of You Chose Right The First Time, realized that the Austin area offered enough talent "to put on a pretty good indie comics show" but none in the region. By combining a focus on independent, alternative, and small press media with independent-friendly comic book shop sponsorship and an affordable entrance fee, STAPLE! succeeded like none before. Each successive show, while staying true to Uncle Staple’s vision, has attracted more fans and required a larger venue. |
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| More than sixty exhibitor tables showcased a multiplicity of works in both content and medium. The creators and fans present varied in age, race, and gender. In an unusual and welcome change, young adult women represented a large percentage of the attendees. Long seen as a key to the industry’s survival, the need for inclusion of women in the field as both creators and fans led to the 1997 creation of the Friends of Lulu, whose "purpose is to promote and encourage female readership and participation in the comic book industry." From where I stood, the group has made serious inroads over the past twelve years. |
I then go on to talk about several of the people I met. This issue’s reviews all tie in with STAPLE! including coverage on Alan J. Porter‘s James Bond: The History of the Illustrated 007 and the anticipated The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Century: 1910.
