Fans go 'APE' for indie press expo
The Alternative Press Expo, a gathering of less mainstream artists, writers, and publishers in the comics industry was hosted in San Francisco by Comic Con organizers on Oct. 16 and 17.
By Dominick DelgadilloThe Guardsman
The Alternative Press Expo, a gathering of less mainstream artists, writers, and publishers in the comics industry was hosted in San Francisco by Comic Con organizers on Oct. 16 and 17.
Members of this often under-appreciated gaggle showcased their talents to thousands gathered at the San Francisco Concourse.
The attendees flooded the building in hopes of letting the next best thing catch their eye, buy merchandise, or just sit and chat with their favorite artist. The rows between vendors occasionally got backed up by the throngs of fans.
Not only would a chat with one of the hundreds of quite congenial artists or designers slow traffic, but even some of the art simply hanging on the boards behind people would be enough to make anyone want to stop and stare in awe.
“I love APE. It’s my favorite of the local San Francisco events,” Ed Luce, the creator of our previously showcased comic “Wuvable Oaf” said.
He explained that an important part of the event is handing out promotional materials and getting your comic recognized.
Not all comics are created equal. Some take months to draw with spectacular color and subtle emotional portrayals. Some are simple line drawings that focus more on witty or poignant dialogue.
One comic in particular stood out for its unique layout. “The Lair of the Dreaded Atrox,” co-authored by Jeff Stone and Leslie Levings, featured cute clay critters that brought it to life. The colorful three-inch figures are positioned and photographed with photoshopped text bubbles. The product is instantly recognizable and completely endearing.
Not only artists and creators are present at this convention. Eric San Gregorio, owner of 4th Dimension Comics, discussed how he started his company.
“I originally set out to write entomology books, but I realized I could do that in comic form, because people found it more appealing,” Gregorio said.
“This is really a hobby. I never went to school for this,” Tracy Butler, the artist behind “Lackadaisy” said. “Drawing is just something I always did.”
You wouldn’t know it from seeing her signing her comics.
Other titles to look out for are “Sixth Circle” drawn by Xander “Grim” Kent and written by comedian Jackson McBray.
“It’s all about tattoos, metal, nerdery ... all the the things we love and do, everyday,” Kent quietly noted. “It’s good when you have a comedian as your writer and pitchman.”
