The most important and coolest Central Texas comic book happening of the year occurs tomorrow with the sixth annual STAPLE!, "the independent media expo." Begun 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 (only 5 bucks!), STAPLE! succeeded like no similar Central Texas event before.
This year’s event features over 85 exhibitors and several top notch special guests including Guy Davis (BPRD, The Marquis), Andy Runton (Owly), Chris Schweizer (Crogan’s Adventures), and Jason Neulander (The Intergalactic Nemesis).
The one day STAPLE! even has some pretty exciting programming planned. It starts off with two Q&A sessions: Guy Davis at noon, Andy Runton at 1:30. Next up is a presentation by Chris Schweizer entitled “Twenty Common Cartooning Mistakes, and How to Avoid Them”, at 3pm. Last, but certainly not least, at 4:30 it’s an amazing performance of The Intergalactic Nemesis: The Living Comic Book.
If all the above wasn’t enough, an Official STAPLE! program with original comics is given to every attendee! As part of my bi-weekly column Nexus Graphica, I reviewed last year’s program.
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| STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo Official Program March 7, 2009
Handed out to each attendee, this 32-page, staple-bound program book offers far more than just a schedule of events and map of the exhibitor hall. Uncle Staple and his crew wisely included 21 pages of fresh alternative comics. Highlights include Dylan Edwards’ Politically Inqueerect, the uncredited "Mr. Hell’s Guide To Proper Manners," Dave Sherrill’s "Science and Religion in Old Timers," and Rebecca Hicks’ "Little Vampires vs. the Stapler." Like the show itself, the STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo Official Program showcases a diverse cross-section of the cartooning world. |
Can’t wait for tomorrow’s festivities then be sure to stop by Austin Books tonight at 8:00 PM for the STAPLE! pre-party.
I know I’ll be at both events. Hope to see you there!