[dc]M[/dc]y lone comic show appearance in July is this weekend in Columbus, Ohio. The Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo (SPACE) takes place this Saturday and Sunday at the Northland Performing Arts Center (4411 Tamarack Blvd., Columbus OH 43229).
Comics! Image via the SPACE website.
NOTE: SPACE was supposed to be back in April, but an issue with the original show space (a hotel) caused the new date this weekend. So, instead of being one of my first shows of the season, it is one of the last–which is probably better in many ways (I have more stuff to sell and more experience).
Like last year, I am part of a squad of Lansing comickers making the trek to SPACE. The captain of our merry band, leading the charge south, is Ryan Claytor, freshly back from his trip to the San Diego Comic-Con. Joining Ryan and myself in the comic-mobile is Jason Strutz (he appeared in a recent comic, as did Ryan a long time ago).
What is SPACE?
SPACE, as the words making up its delightful acronym state, puts a focus on small press comics (and zines) and alternative comics. To sum up, expect to see plenty of different (but fun) stuff. I didn’t get much of a chance to walk around SPACE last year, but what I saw I liked. You won’t see a rep from DC talking about the new Bat(whatever) comic, but you will find something like a black and white self-published auto-biographical comic or an indie artist with her own take on a super-powered team.
What You Will See at SPACE
Independent artists and publishers showing off their work, and in some cases their newest work (I’ll have my new Clattertron coloring book for sale, and my latest volume of mini-comics). Young artists/writers, old artists/writers, and everyone in-between. Lots of creative talent, for sure, with many different styles. Here’s a list of SPACE exhibitors.
There’s also several panels and events worth checking out too.
What You Won’t See at SPACE
X pop-culture media star from Y pop-culture TV show/movie. X actor/actress promoting new Y comic book movie/sequel/reboot/TV show. There might be some cosplay, as I’m sure there is always some at any comic event, but I don’t recall a lot of cosplay at SPACE last year. But, by all means, come and cosplay.
SPACE Hours
SPACE is open 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday, July 18th and 10 AM to 5 PM on Sunday, July 19th.
SPACE Admission
Tickets to SPACE are only $5 for the day or $8 for the weekend (the same price since 2006, according to the website). Very affordable and a great show for those interested in seeing what the independent comic scene is all about, or for comic con first timers wanting to start out with a smaller show.
See You in Ohio
Last year’s SPACE was my first big comic show, so I can’t wait to return, and hopefully beat the $18 I took in last year (heh). I have many fond memories of last year’s SPACE (and the road trip), and I can’t wait to go back.
