A few highlights from the Alternative Press Expo (a.k.a. ‘The Temple of Spendy’):
First of all, I have to mention my yearly APE companion: Anne-Maria. I love going to these things with AM. She talks to everyone. EVERYONE. She is not afraid tell the scary metal-obsessed tattooed boys that she wants their shirt. She draws out the shut-ins and makes them feel human again. She’s a gem.
The Queer Comics Panel hosted by Justin Hall is always a lot of fun. A good discussion of Genre: Slice of Life books vs. Fantasy books. Sat with the Verasphere for this talk, and I think they should start a Mrs. Vera comic ! Was most interested in Cedric Hollows by Sina Grace. I need to get myself a copy. Liz Baillie was also amusing: need to check out ‘My Brain Hurts’.
In other gay comics news: Wuvable Oaf. Bought a couple of issues, and they’re hilarious. I was laughing at loud in the aisle at the image of Baby Wuvable Oaf emerging from his mother’s loins, already sporting a thick beard and hairy arms. Too much.
Big news in lynda barry land (straight from the mouth of the D&Q guy): ‘the near sighted monkey’ is turning in to to a ‘what it is’ style work-book about drawing. All hail LYNDA BARRY!
A few new hardcover books (I budgeted $100 for the expo, aaand spent every thin dime) HOT POTATOE by Marc Bell, and Masterpiece Comics by Robert Sikoryak (who also gave a talk on Sunday with my friend Isabel Samaras). Got these fine fellows to sign my books.
xm
Michael it was great going to APE , meeting the fabulous fearless Anne-Marie. It was my first and I nust say I was overwhelmed by the amount of hard work and fine intent of the exhibitors.
As my A.D.D. mind tried to take it all in without a mind melt , i realized that thing that made me wonderfully giddy was all the illustrations-ART ART ART. And when I could get situated I was taken with the story concepts and the varieties out there. Esp. Enjoyed the Queer comic panel-another first for me. A good question that i often thonk of re: “Queer Fiction” regarding audience, and changing times-how we find a Niche or go out into the world. it’s all good and got my mind to workin’.
Re: Mrs. Vera comix, Rene capone a has added hr in his Hedgehog boy next issue
Rene David myself and our pal Sam Russell are more thinking of bringing back my zine RANT and RAVE-in blog form.
All we do is complain but it’s (we think) funny I’ll show you the originals some time.
thanks for posting
Dear Mikol,
I can’t *wait* to see RANT and RAVE. I love the idea of re-introducing it as a blog, but why not do a paper version as well? (Mother Nature sighs… I know paper is not as Correct, but it’s nicer to hold than a screen!) Maybe a small run?
I get the same vibe every time I go to APE – it makes me want to get back to my studio to WORK!
So glad we I got to spend some time with you two!
xm