Back From SPACE

Well, as you can see, I did not get to post in any manner yesterday while I was at the Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo (SPACE), but I am here today to give my first hand account. I picked up quite a few new comics that I'll be telling you about as I have the chance to read them and a couple of opportunities presented themselves that, while I am by no means a superstitious person, I do not want to "jinx" by speaking too soon of. So, for now, let's concentrate on the panels and the presentation of the Day Prize.

Anyway, the panels, held in the Aladdin Shrine Complex's Oasis room behind the Multipurpose Room where the exhibitors' tables were set up, started at 11 a.m. with a discussion of the Business of Comics, hosted by Eric Adams with panelists Pam Bliss, Paul Hornschmeir, and Allen Freeman.

At noon, Jared Koon, David Orr and Ryan Holgerson talked about On-Line Comics.

Next came the presentation of the Day Prize, for which an hour and a half was allotted though the ceremony lasted only just over thirty minutes. Dave Sim, founder of the Prize and creator of the comic Cerebus, first presented plaques to the creators and publishers of the non-winning comics that had made the Short List of final nominees which he selected from all the entries recieved at last year's show and from which his Cerebus co-creator Gerhard picked the winner. One of the Short Listers, Allen Freeman of Slambang Comics, publisher of the nominated short story "Justin's Big Chance," was not present to collect his plaque, as well as the plaque for creator Anton Bogarty who lives in Seattle and couldn't get to the show, because he was left to mind his table in the exhibition hall and, furthermore, did not even realize that as the publisher he would be recieving a plaque.

The Day Prize went to The Lone And Level Sands, by A. David Lewis and mp Mann. Sands is, as Sim wrote on the SPACE web site: "A retelling of the story of Moses and Aaron from the Pharaoh’s side. Gorgeous front and back covers and a spare graphic style neatly complement this austere treatment that 'tells the story of a man trying to rule wisely, love his family well, and deal justly in the face of a divine wrath.'" Sands was originally self published by Lewis under the Caption Box imprint, but has since been picked up by Archaia Studio Press and released in a full color hardbound edition. Lewis accepted both plaques on behalf of himself and artist Mann, who also could not attend yesterday.

Following the presentation of the Day Prize, the Third Annual SPACE Lifetime Award was given to Tim Corrigan, whose mid-80's review 'zine, Small Press Comics Explosion, and it's late 90's revival as Small Press Creative Explosion, helped to create a national network of small press and mini-comics creators and influenced many aspiring cartoonists, including SPACE organizer Bob Corby, to enter the field.

Past recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award are Dave Sim, and Matt Feazell, creator of The Amazing Cynical Man and a contributor to Disney Adventures Magazine, who is also cited by many small press artists as a major influence in thier decision to create and publish their own comics.

Programming resumed at 2:30 with a presention by founders of the All-Comics APA, followed by a panel on Manga, and wrapping up with a Comics Improv hosted by Stan Yan.