mikebo

I returned from the Small Press Expo in Bethesda a couple hours ago. It’s a convention of independent cartoonists and animators held every year. The website states that this is the tenth anniversary of the show, but it seems like it’s been a few years more than that. I’ve gone nearly every year, missing only two. There are usually a couple thousand attendees and a couple hundred exhibitors. It didn’t seem as crowded as it has been in the past; at times it’s been shoulder to shoulder and hard to maneuver. I noticed quite a few international dialects being spoken among the attendees for the first time, which was very exciting. There were a lot of families too. The indy crowd usually attracts 20-something art geeks and gals, so the new blood is good news for the future of the con. I noted the presence of jugs of water at a couple places around the show floor for the first time too; a great service that should have been provided long ago. Better late than never!

I was determined to do the show quickly this year and not spend all of my money, be more selective. I had a few goals: Visit the CBLDF table and write them a big check. Find some books I’ve never heard of by artists I’ve never heard of. See Harvey Pekar. Say hi to a friend of Tim’s. Go home before worn out. No pity buys.

A pity buy occurs when you’re stuck in front of some poor soul’s table while you’re waiting for the throngs of people to move, and he/she isn’t occupied with any customers. Usually an indicator of the quality of their work, but not always. Sometimes it’s just poor table placement. Anyway, they say hello while you’re immobile, and you gjve them a few bucks for the cheapest item on their table out of pity. I didn’t make one pity buy! Then, the situation never presented itself where I was stuck in front of a table either, but I’m sure I could have been adamant had I been given the chance! Really, I can say “NO!” to a book! Stop looking at me in disbelief! No pity buys? √

The CBLDF is a great charity that provides legal aid to cartoonists, retailers, publishers and other associated comic folk who find themselves being threatened by nefarious ne’er-do-wells (ie, public officials, would-be politicians and soccer moms.) The evil doers are seeking publicity/votes in the name of “protecting the children” to the detriment of their innocent victims. Most of the Fund’s cases seem to come from the bible belt, and we don’t have to worry about that kind of craziness here. With the direction the country is headed however, I wouldn’t be surprised if it started to occur in my back yard. The Fund also fights state and local laws which tread on our First Amendment rights. We’re lucky to have them, contribute! Check for CBLDF? √

I picked up 14 books today, only four of which I knew of. And I’d only heard of the artist for one more of the remaining ten. I got a couple sketches for my sketchbook as well. I’m pretty pleased with what I found. I didn’t have any real idea what to expect from the show this year. Goal I don’t want to type out again? √

The guest of honor, Harvey Pekar, writes and occasionally illustrates his own autobiographical comic, American Splender. He started the series in 1976 and it’s unique in that it usually deals with mundane matters and his daily frustrations. There was a movie adaptation in 2003, which is very enjoyable. Well I did SEE Harvey. But he was walking around the show and not at his table at the time, and I didn’t want to disturb him. Technically a √

Tim’s friend Liz had a book debut at the show, Will You Still Love Me If I Wet the Bed? It sold out! Seeing as she didn’t have anything left to sell, she wasn’t at the Top Shelf booth. I wandered around for 20 minutes in search of her, but couldn’t find her. I thought I’d have greater success if I was stationary, and sure enough I saw her within a couple minutes. We chatted for a bit about the book and I got a sketch. I wished her well in the Ignatz Awards tonight (for best debut at the show,) and decided to head home. Found Liz? √

UPDATE - This just in, Liz’ book won best debut, congratulations!!!

I was starting to grow weary by the end, but I did all of the above in less than two hours, which is probably a record for me. I also wanted to play it safe since I was sick yesterday, and didn’t want that unpleasantness to resurface. I was becoming batty too; I don’t do well with crowds. That can be another post entirely, I’ll get back to that. I walked for about 15 minutes to the nearest metro stop and was pretty wobbly by the time I reached it. I had difficulty going down the stairs at the station (using the elevator would have meant walking another block.) I napped once I got home and have since healed. My back’s still a bit sore from carrying my purchases, but I’m pleased with how I did this year for the most part. I think I got out of there at just the right time, and the physical stress was kept to a minimum. I enjoyed the show too, but it was somewhat bittersweet. The Holiday Inn Select where the convention has been held for many a year has been sold and will be undergoing renovations. This is likely the last year SPX will be at this venue, or even the last in Bethesda, where it’s always been. I hope the variety of attendees I saw this year continues once it finds a new home. Maybe change will be for the better. See you next year.