R.M. Rhodes quarterly webcomics report.

R.M. Rhodes (no relation) writes in with his -

Quarterly Report, Q1 2011 or "webcomics I have created and published this year by R. M. Rhodes, age 37."

A Pre-SPX Chat with R.M. Rhodes up at City Paper

Meet a Local Sequential Artist: A Chat with R.M. Rhodes

Posted by Mike Rhode on Sep. 8, 2010

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/general/2010/09/08/meet-a-local-sequential-artist-a-chat-with-r-m-rhodes/

Weldon on Jaime Hernandez; RM Rhodes interview

Jaime Hernandez Bridges The Indie-Vs.-Cape Divide
by Glen Weldon
NPR.org August 2, 2012
http://www.npr.org/2012/08/02/157301000/jaime-hernandez-bridges-the-indie-vs-cape-divide

Indie on Indie Spotlight: RM Rhodes
by Ken Eppstein
August 2012
http://www.theouthousers.com/index.php/columns/117320-indie-on-indie-spotlight-rm-rhodes.html

Small Press Expo 2012 videos online

2 panels with Jaime and Clowes, and then a bunch of interviews by Joe Mochove and Rusty Rowley.  

SPX 2012 - Jaime Hernandez: The Love Bungler

 Sep 24, 2012 by SmallPressExpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-tM-RKuxr0&feature=player_embedded

 

Jaime Hernandez and his brothers launched the alternative comics era with their epoch-defining series Love and Rockets. From 1981 to the present, Hernandez has produced a singular body of work tracing the life of Maggie Chascarillo and her vast network of friends, family, neighbors, rivals and lovers. In recent years, Jaime has, again, broken new ground with brilliant comics novellas that remain accessible to new readers while building upon years of narrative to invest his stories with a profound emotionality. He will discuss his work with artist Frank Santoro.

 

SPX 2012 - Daniel Clowes: Modern Cartoonist

 Sep 27, 2012 by SmallPressExpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v-kMyLdC_A&feature=relmfu

 

Daniel Clowes first gained fame with his iconic comic book series Eightball and graphic novel Ghost World, which he co-adapted into a film of the same name. In recent books, including The Death-Ray and Wilson, his unique visual-narrative voice expertly manipulates the position of the reader to get more deeply under the skins of his sharply rendered characters. Recently the subject of a major retrospective exhibit and monograph, Clowes will discuss his work with Alvin Buenaventura, editor of The Art of Daniel Clowes: Modern Cartoonist, and scholar Ken Parille.

 

Mochove, Joe and Rusty Rowley.  2012.

 

SPX 2012: Charles Brownstein

 Sep 26, 2012 by SmallPressExpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyp4yH2fx7o&feature=relmfu

 

Rusty and Joe talk to Charles Brownstein, the Executive Director of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, about what the fund does, the sort of cases it's working on, and how the Small Press Expo and it work together.

Mochove, Joe and Rusty Rowley.  2012.

 SPX 2012: Emily Wernet

 Sep 26, 2012 by SmallPressExpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcpscplvhGY&feature=relmfu

 

Joe and Rusty break it down with black market comic seller, Emily Wernet! No table needed for her! Witness the birth of a new genre! Learn about the sad habits of sinful children! An explosive interview by any measure!

 

For more from Emily, check out emilywernet.com!

 

SPX 2012: Patch

 Sep 27, 2012 by SmallPressExpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYTk2hlbNSQ&feature=relmfu

 

The guys sit down with Christian Patchell AKA Patch to talk about his brand new book, "I Put the Can in Cancer: A Journey Through Pictures". While going through chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer, Patch found an outlet through art and anchors his book on the 25 sketches he did during that time. Find out about the hero he got to meet, what he's working on next, and his excellent taste is shirts!

 

Find out more about Patch at artbypatch.com and find out more about the Joyce Brabner/Harvey Pekar project at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joyce-Brabners-Harvey-Pekar-Page/144029658958272.

 

SPX 2012: Michael David Thomas

 Sep 25, 2012 by SmallPressExpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1YNt-_RtAY&feature=relmfu

 

Prepare yourselves for an onslaught of manliness that will quake your knees and shake your beliefs. Rusty and Joe talk to Michael David Thomas, the king of Tumblr (at least the SPX Tumblr) and a long-time member of the SPX staff. Learn about the show and how it reaches with digital arms to hug people around the world!

 

SPX 2012: Adam Casey

 Sep 25, 2012 by SmallPressExpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh4DDZdAjYg&feature=relmfu

 

Joe and Rusty sit down with comic creator and retailer, Adam Casey! Hear stories about terrible customers who share too much, what excited him about SPX 2012 and which smaller press-er he could take in a fight!

 

SPX 2012: Hannah Lee Stockdale

 Sep 25, 2012 by SmallPressExpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-7ipzEmlfE&feature=relmfu

 

The guys sit with comic creator, Hannah Lee Stockdale, to discuss her FIRST TRIP to SPX and how she got there! There is also the declaring of an archnemesis and their identity may surprise you!

 

 SPX 2012: Henry Eudy

Sep 25, 2012 by SmallPressExpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U96YIxUGBY&feature=relmfu

 

Rusty and Joe of Full Sanction sit down with comic creator Henry Eudy to talk about his work, including DEATH PIÑATA and his habit of breaking into homes to leave comics.

 

SPX 2012: Lamar Abrams

 Sep 25, 2012 by SmallPressExpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWA9xVU19xU&feature=relmfu

 

For the second year in a row, the guys talk with COMICS SUPERSTAR Lamar Abrams. Learn about his brand new book, Remake 3xtra, and see how he handles a Mysterious Question that gets far too evil far too fast.

 

For more from Lamar, check out neo-rama.com!

 

 

SPX 2012: Evan Keeling

Sep 28, 2012 by SmallPressExpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6KKXmMGRKA&list=UUVHYsGr8jxlpE3iaXnvLGfg&index=1&feature=plcp

 

Joe and Rusty talk to Evan Keeling in an EPIC INTERIVEW covering all manner of topics, including his secret child army and how he got started in comics. One of those is more important than the other. This video also features something no other SPX interview does thanks to an unexpected happening. Shocking!

 

For more from Evan, check out evantkeeling.com!

 

SPX 2012: RM Rhodes

 Sep 27, 2012 by SmallPressExpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng4R8XGQ2hw&list=UUVHYsGr8jxlpE3iaXnvLGfg&index=2&feature=plcp

 

Rusty and Joe sit down with RM Rhodes to discuss one of the hit books of the show, Emo Galactus. There is also a modicum of discussion about porn comics as well as the dangers of reality TV. It's all over the place and you'll love it!

 

Check out RM Rhodes online at oletheros.com!

 

 

SPX 2012: Viga

Sep 27, 2012 by SmallPressExpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwSaHoOLqqk&list=UUVHYsGr8jxlpE3iaXnvLGfg&index=3&feature=plcp

 

Joe and Rusty talk to Viga and find out about the colors that make her mad!

Also, it's not enough for her to make her own comics about convention trips,

Viga is an astute critic of the modern resting rooms. Find out what to avoid!

 

For more from Viga, check out panelburg.com!

 

SPX 2012: Dave Foland & Jason Strutz

Sep 27, 2012 by SmallPressExpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMReta0p6Ec&list=UUVHYsGr8jxlpE3iaXnvLGfg&index=4&feature=plcp

 

What do you get when you mix pizza with Dracula? An interview with Dave Foland

and Jason Strutz! The guys come by to talk about their new book, Pizzula, as

well as learn about the danger of NO RULES! LIVE ON CAMERA VIOLENCE!

 

SPX 2012: Jon Jebus

Sep 27, 2012 by SmallPressExpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_5o-XtZlwQ&list=UUVHYsGr8jxlpE3iaXnvLGfg&index=5&feature=plcp

 

The guys talk with Jon Jebus, writer of the superhero comic with a sense of

humor, "C-Listers". Find out about the perils of giving someone your comic (when

they think you want their autograph)! Also, here begins the ultimate death of

Rusty.

 

For more from Jon, check out visionarycomics.com!

 

For more vampire pizza, head directly to pizzula.com!

 

 

SPX 2012: Beth Scorzato

Sep 27, 2012 by SmallPressExpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGu27kGrK6w&list=UUVHYsGr8jxlpE3iaXnvLGfg&index=6&feature=plcp

 

Rusty and Joe chat with Beth Scorzato, the managing editor of Spandexless.com.

Important subjects discussed include: the perils of live-blogging awards

results, Rusty ladylike charm, and what's up with that. Oh, and a bunch of stuff

about small press and independent comics. That, too.

 

For more from Beth, check out spandexless.com!

 

SPX 2012: James Point Du Jour

Sep 26, 2012 by SmallPressExpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ERjM9vNJ60&list=UUVHYsGr8jxlpE3iaXnvLGfg&index=9&feature=plcp

 

Joe and Rusty chat with James Point Du Jour about his comics, his first time

exhibiting at SPX, and the heart-breaking, unavoidable depression that follows

the show. Don't miss the Mysterious Question where James answers a question that

could very well change all our lives.

 

For more from James, check out jmpointdujour.com!

 

SPX 2012: Ming Doyle & Erica Henderson

 Sep 26, 2012 by SmallPressExpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMCUDiUyWCw

 

Joe and Rusty invite two guests to sit with them as they chat with Boston-area comickers (and first-time SPX attendees), Ming Doyle and Erica Henderson! The gang talk about some giant projects on the horizon for both, being the most beautiful in all the land, and watching where you step!

 

For more from Ming, check out mingdoyle.com! You can find Erica online at ericahenderson.net!

 

 SPX 2012: John Green

Sep 26, 2012 by SmallPressExpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w1SU4vXObI

 

The guys sit down with SPX veteran and "Teen Boat" co-creator, John Green! John discusses the origin of "Teen Boat", his history with SPX, and the secret to making the best looking minicomics in the land!

 

Check John out at johngreenart.com!

Gutterbrawl - a new blog on the comics industry from the small press POV

Matt Rhodes (no relation) (also see my City Paper interview) just shot me the following note about a new blog he's started -

Gutterbrawl.org was created by Adam Knave and R.M. Rhodes as a place to discuss the state of the comics industry (especially the so-called Indirect Market of independant comics creators). After several weeks of laying out the issues, we've turned the corner and are making the suggestion that we, the Indirect Market, should create a common marketing platform. This week's post makes the case for what form that platform should take, but it will only work if we can get a large number of people talking about it and - ultimately - participating.

http://www.gutterbrawl.org/?p=19

We welcome thoughts and opinions about this topic and hope to start the conversation.



Class of '63
Oceanus Procellarum Book Two
the new webcomic
by R. M. Rhodes
http://oletheros.com

PR: Fifth Annual Washington DC Comics Conspiracy Counter Culture Festival

The Washington DC Comics Conspiracy is proud to announce that the Fifth Annual Counter Culture Festival will be held on October 24th, from 12-8pm. The event will be held at RFD's, with an entrance on 8th street NW, between H and I streets - just one block from the Gallery Place-Chinatown metro station. Admission is free.

The event will feature vending by local comics creators and artists, as well as music and entertainment. For more information, including how to reserve a vending space, please visit:

http://www.dcconspiracy.com/blog/2010/09/counter-culture-festival-5.html

Please contact RM Rhodes at rhodes@oletheros.com with any questions.

Class of '63 Oceanus Procellarum Book Two the new webcomic
by R. M. Rhodes
http://www.webcomicsnation.com/oletheros/op

Local cartoonist RM Rhodes interviewed at SPX

Local cartoonist RM Rhodes was video interviewed at SPX.

Rhodes and I are planning on having a conversation about the difference between sequential and comic art. We'll let you know when we do...

RM Rhodes on Paul Kirchner’s “The Bus”

The Everyman Commuter: On Paul Kirchner's "The Bus"

RM Rhodes

NeoText September 2021
https://neotextcorp.com/culture/the-everyman-commuter-on-paul-kirchners-the-bus/

Paul Kirchner's The Bus

Bruce Guthrie's SPX photos

2019_09_13_SPX_Reception	66	MD -- Bethesda -- Small Press Expo (2019) -- Opening Reception Among the folks pictured here are Teresa Roberts Logan, John Kenn Mortensen, Rune Ryberg, Typex, R.M. Rhodes, Keith Knight. (Partially reviewed)
2019_09_14A1_SPX_Other	195	MD -- Bethesda -- Small Press Expo (2019) -- Other (Saturday) Folks shown here include Randy Tischler, Sheena Wolf, Sara Duke, R.M. Rhodes, Dustin Harbin, Karen Green, Michael Cavna, Mike Rhode, Eddie Campbell, Jamie Noguchi, David Crispino, Mike Riley, Jordan Clark, Keith Knight, Rick Banning, Rikke Villadsen, Kate Lacour, R. Sikoryak, Lenora Yerkes, Ted Rall,... (Partially reviewed)
2019_09_14A2_SPX_Posters	44	MD -- Bethesda -- Small Press Expo (2019) -- SPX Poster Review (Partially reviewed)
2019_09_14B1_SPX_Libraries	3	MD -- Bethesda -- Small Press Expo (2019) -- Libraries And Comics: Past, Present, And Future Trends Libraries And Comics: Past, Present, And Future Trends Over the past twenty years, libraries and the comics industry at all levels have been working together to forge bonds that have benefited both. Comics and graphic novels have become a huge draw for libraries, who also use their resources for comics... (Partially reviewed)
2019_09_14B2_SPX_Bio	22	MD -- Bethesda -- Small Press Expo (2019) -- Sourcing Biography Sourcing Biography The most difficult task for an artist tasked with drawing a biography of a famous figure is how to reduce an enormous amount of text and information into a relatively small number of images. Making those images interesting beyond simply conveying that information for narrative... (Partially reviewed)
2019_09_15A_SPX_Other	117	MD -- Bethesda -- Small Press Expo (2019) -- Other (Sunday) Folks shown here include: John Kenn Mortensen, Rune Ryberg, ???, Vanesa Del Ray, Robin Ha, Keith Knight, Lonnie Millsap, Mike Rhode, Ezra Clayton Daniels, ???, ???, Christine Skelly, G.E. Gallas (in bird mask), Michael Lee Harris, Teresa Roberts Logan, Paul Kirchner, Lucy Knisley (and son), (The Nib)... (Partially reviewed)
2019_09_15B_SPX_Knight	61	MD -- Bethesda -- Small Press Expo (2019) -- Racial Illiteracy (w/Keith Knight) Racial Illiteracy Harvey, Glyph and Inkpot award-winning indie cartoonist Keith Knight crashes SPX with an all-new slideshow addressing America's Racial Illiteracy. Using comix, story-telling, and humor, ye olde Gentleman Cartoonist gets to the heart of the matter when it comes to America's biggest... (Partially reviewed)

RM Rhodes on Heavy Metal's limbo state

Well worth reading.

The Uncertain Death of Heavy Metal Magazine

A look at what looks like the demise of Heavy Metal magazine, and the strange road that led to this

By RM Rhodes

08/07/2023

https://www.comicsbeat.com/the-uncertain-death-of-heavy-metal-magazine/

R.M. Rhodes on Kickstarter for Comics Reporter

Here's sequential artist R.M. Rhodes writing on Kickstarter for Tom Spurgeon's Comics Reporter.

For the record, I've funded about a dozen Kickstarter projects, all related to comic art.

RM Rhodes on Brussels for the Hooded Utilitarian

Comics Tourism: Destination Brussels
by RM Rhodes
June 4, 2013
http://hoodedutilitarian.com/2013/06/comics-tourism-destination-brussels/

RM Rhodes on The Adventures of Dieter Lumpen

RM Rhodes of Arlington, aka the Man in the Purple Suit at local cons, writes about the Eurocomic "The Adventures of Dieter Lumpen" here: http://comicsworkbook.com/the-adventures-of-dieter-lumpen/

SPX 2014 videos online, suddenly en masse

These are by Joe Mochove and Rusty Rowley.

SPX 2014: Tom Scioli

SmallPressExpo

Jun 23, 2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KddLbcT_yDU

Joe and Rusty convene with Tom Scioli to discuss comics, Transformers, GI Joe, and Transformers vs. GI Joe.

SPX 2014: Rafer Roberts

SmallPressExpo

 Jun 23, 2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rydsXSOukTc

Rusty and Joe have a heartfelt sit-down with Rafer Roberts talking about comics, giant books as flotation devices and weapons, and the state of snakes.

SPX 2014: RM Rhodes

SmallPressExpo

 Jun 23, 2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGa3mesUing

Joe and Rusty chat with RM Rhodes about comics, liquor laws, and the importance of purple.

SPX 2014: MDT & Sam Marx

SmallPressExpo

 Jun 23, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VwezgQLufE

Rusty and Joe chat with MDT and Sam Marx about comics, unrepentant manliness, and vertical exhibiting because gravity is for losers.

SPX 2014: Katy Rex

SmallPressExpo

 Jun 23, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ClGP3zToAU

Joe and Rusty sit down with faux-Joe Katy Rex to talk about comics, the mystery of dinosaurs, and emotional naps.

SPX 2014: Matt Dembicki

SmallPressExpo

Jun 23, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBaB9W9igzM

Rusty and Joe talk with Matt Dembicki about editing anthologies, teaching comics, and making comics about what's happening right now!

SPX 2014: Luke Humphris

SmallPressExpo

 Jun 23, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFVZSZpvhm4

Joe and Rusty speak the devil's tongue with Luke Humphris and chat about comics, Australian handshakes, fresh-pressed vinyl emotions.

SPX 2014: Joey Weiser

SmallPressExpo

 Jun 23, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6S0ai8GX1Y

Rusty and Joe kick back with Joey Weiser to talk about comics, the challenges of writing and drawing, and a confluence of Joes.

SPX 2014: Claire Folkman & Kelly Phillips

SmallPressExpo

 Jun 23, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKbKSBBabWQ

Joe and Rusty sit down with the ladies of Dirty Diamonds to talk about their anthology, sPromX, and Joe's last days as a contributing member of society.

SPX 2014: Neil Brideau & Kenan Rubenstein

SmallPressExpo

 Jun 24, 2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mTs5_RbHOo

Rusty and Joe team up with Neil Brideau and Kenan Rubenstein to talk about comics, creating new avenues for sharing comics, and that old guy over there.

SPX 2014: Caitlin Major & Matt Hoddy

SmallPressExpo

 Jun 23, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGtZxzIQRSY

Joe and Rusty make magic happen with Caitlin and Matt as they breakdown comics, the benefits of eating trash, and wondrous meat pies!

SPX 2014: Catherine Fraas

SmallPressExpo

Jun 23, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEwzyxFWMpo

Joe and Rusty chat with Catherine Fraas about comics, being fancy at the prom, and question opinions on maximum macaroni and cheese intake.

SPX 2014: Jessica Anderson

SmallPressExpo

 Jun 23, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAEcvhfZGmc

Rusty and Joe interview Jessica Anderson about things that aren't comics, regrettable crimes, and the sort of sandwiches that change the game.

SPX 2014: Hannah Lee Stockdale

SmallPressExpo

Jun 23, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdENCKmtTtE

Joe and Rusty talk to Hannah Lee Stockdale about a plethora of topics including comics, dreams, and the mortality of tires.

SPX 2014: Alexis Sugden

SmallPressExpo

Jun 23, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0JY4rNRqMo

Rusty and Joe chat with Alexis about Australian comic conventions, spooky stories, and a pinch of murder.

SPX 2014: Frank Candiloro

SmallPressExpo

Jun 23, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0bAPDrW5xw

Joe and Rusty have a time with Frank Candiloro as they ruminate on comics, traveling the world, and the skill of romance.

SPX 2014: Jeff Zwirek

SmallPressExpo

 Jun 23, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TifRcYPy9Ig

Rusty and Joe verbally cohabit with Jeff Zwirek to exchange ideas about comics, impressive website addresses, and unwanted children finding new homes.

SPX 2014: Matt Czap

SmallPressExpo

 Jun 23, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=od3wW0_EfCw

Rusty and Joe have a mighty discourse with Matt Czap to discuss comics, approved bootlegging, and the art of pantomime.

Dec 7: R.M. Rhodes on French comics in Alexandria, VA

Lecture: "An Introduction to French Comics" (The Lyceum)
On 12/7/2017

A high-level introduction into how a closely neighboring culture views the humble comic book in a completely different way.About the Speaker: RM Rhodes has a day job and lives in Arlington, but he would prefer to be known as a comics creator and historian. He has written articles and reviews for sites like Forces of Geek, Need Coffee, The Hooded Utilitarian, and Comics Workbook. He is learning French so he can read his French comics and enjoys talking about himself in the third person. $5, Doors at 6:30 p.m., lecture at 7 p.m., followed by a wine and dessert reception.

He's also blogging on Heavy Metal comic books at

A page from Heavy Metal, every day

RM Rhodes on Bruce Jones and Bernie Wrightson’s ‘Freak Show’

…The Horrors Were Revealed: On Bruce Jones and Bernie Wrightson's 'Freak Show'

RM Rhodes

NeoText October 6 2021

https://neotextreview.com/culture/and-the-horrors-were-revealed-on-bruce-jones-and-bernie-wrightsons-freak-show/

Sequential artist RM Rhodes begins writing on French comics

Here's his first column, and I like his anecdote and his conclusion -

Heavy Metal Magazine: A Brief Introduction

Posted on 01.23.11 by R.M. Rhodes
http://www.needcoffee.com/2011/01/23/heavy-metal-magazine/

I interviewed him for the City Paper in 2010 and we're planning on having a follow-up as to the nature of sequential art and how cartooning is just one variety of it.

Finally - the vitally important "SPX Map" of food

From: R. M. Rhodes (the man in the purple suit - Mike):

I put together a Google Map of places to eat in North Bethesda as a reference for people to use: http://t.co/IdY6sQJ


Taste of Flesh
Oceanus Procellarum Book Three
the new webcomic
by R. M. Rhodes
http://www.webcomicsnation.com/oletheros/op

DC Conspiracy’s SPX plans

I was able to check in with members of the co-op DC Conspiracy about their SPX plans - the biggest of which is debuting the free newspaper tabloid comic Magic Bullet #3.

 

Carolyn Belefski says Curls Studio will be at SPX - Table F3B.

 

CDC: Can you tell us a little about your books that you'll have with you at SPX?

 

CB: Curls Studio will have some of the latest Curls comic strips and new prints. In addition, we will have our comic books Kid Roxy, Black Magic Tales, and The Legettes available for purchase. We have a Black Magic Tales story in the free issue of Magic Bullet #3, which will be premiering at SPX and I will be doing sketch commissions.

 

CDC: You've attended the Small Press Expo in the past - do you have any thoughts about your experience?

 

CB: I've been attending SXP since 2004 and Curls Studio has been exhibiting since 2006. SPX is always a great gathering of folks interested in discovering new stories. There are books available at SPX that you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. Some are rare, some are limited edition, and others are so fringe that they may not be available at mainstream bookstores. The beauty of SPX is exploring the show floor and finding books that interest you. SPX shows people there's a comic out there for everyone.

 

CDC: What are you looking forward to buying or seeing or doing for this year's event? Or who do you want to see, to catch up on old times, or to have a fangirl experience?

 

CB: I am looking forward to hanging out at the table with Jim Coon and Joe Carabeo and saying hi to Raina Telgemeier, Katie Omberg, and the DC Conspiracy group. Most of all I am excited about the chocolate fountain after the Ignatz Awards.

 

Andrew Cohen writes in, "I'll be at SPX this year (table W7), with three new books:

 

- Dr. W #1 and #2, continuing the formalist anarchy

- Porter Black: Murder Under Midnight Suns, a satirical crime comic written by Art Haupt

- Surrealia: Chapter One, a kids' book for adults, written by writer/composer Billy Lopez.

 

"Every year, I always think about how I'd like to take a break from the table to go and see some of the panels and discussions, and every year I fail to find a spare hour or two to do so.  I hope I can change that track record, this year!"

 

R.M. Rhodes says, "I will be at SPX."

 

CDC: Can you tell us a little about your books that you'll have with you at SPX?

 

RMR: I've got the two new graphic novels in the Oceanus Procellarum series this year - Books 4 & 5. The whole series allowed me to do make a large-scale structure. Book 1 was the prequel. Book 2 was the main book. Book 3 was the sequel. Book 4 is the anthology of short stories based on the characters we've met so far. Book 5 is the apocrypha.

 

Artwise, these two books are just as experimental as the rest of the series. I had a different artist for each of the stories in Book 4, so the art looks more uniform from story to story than in previous books.

 

I even put together a sampler for the series that I'll be selling for a much lower price as a "gateway comic." If you like the sampler, you'll probably like the series as a whole. If not, then you're only out a few dollars.

 

CDC: You've attended the Small Press Expo in the past - do you have any thoughts about your experience?

 

RMR: SPX is a fantastic event. The staff is great to work with and the audience is always enthusiastic. The creative energy in the room from all of the passionate creators is very refreshing and almost tangible. It's the local show for those of us who live in the DC metro area and I wouldn't miss it for the world.

 

CDC: What are you looking forward to buying or seeing or doing for this year's event? Or who do you want to see, to catch up on old times, or to have a fanboy experience?

 

RMR: I always enjoy browsing the Fantagraphics table, even though they take all of my money. I enjoy catching up with the Trees and Hills group from Vermont - Dan Barlow and I always end up having really interesting conversations. I've gotten to know some other creators over the years - SPX is where I first met the Timony brothers, for example. I'm also going to try and catch up with some of the people I talk to online - Darryl Ayo is at the top of my list. And there are some people from the DC Conspiracy that I really only see at shows when we're working - John Bintz and his fiancee Meredith, for example.

 

Jamie Noguchi also answered my interview questions –

 

CDC: Can you tell us a little about your books that you'll have with you at SPX?

 

JN: I'm debuting my first book, Back to the Grind: A Yellow Peril Collection.  It collects the first year of the web comic along with some bonus strip commentary.  And anyone who picks it up at the show will get a QR code that will give them access to digital versions of the book which includes a detailed explanation of how I did the cover painting.

 

CDC: If you've attended the Small Press Expo in the past - do you have any thoughts about your experience? 

 

JN: Last year was the first time exhibiting at the show and I had a blast. Since I didn't have my book ready, I borrowed an iPad to show off my comics.  Got a lot of people to come by and swipe through and actually had some pretty good conversations about digital comics.  The show also convinced me that I needed to work my butt off to get my first book ready for this year.

 

CDC: What are you looking forward to buying or seeing or doing for this year's event? Or who do you want to see, to catch up on old times, or to have a fanboy experience?

 

JN: I'm pretty excited because this year, Super Art Fight has been booked to perform after the Ignatz awards!  We're all huge comic nerds and to get the chance to participate in SPX as part of programming is just too cool.  I've also never experienced the famed Chocolate Fountain so I'm looking forward to that.

 

From Evan Keeling, we find out, "The books I'm premiering at the show are…

 

Nancy Boy - 12 page preview - If Veronica Mars is a teenage Sam Spade, Nancy Boyle is the teenage version of Richard Stark's Parker. One girl.  One hockey stick.   Nine circles of suburban hell.

 

Everything sucks for Nancy.  Parents suck.  High school sucks. This town sucks.  So when the only person in her life ever to show her kindness is attacked and robbed, Nancy does the one thing she knows how to do: Fight back.

 

Nancy punches her way through an opulent but disturbed gated community as she searches for a stolen crystal owl. On her quest, she'll get a few bruises, but give out many more to the people who piss her off. 

 

And God help you if you piss off Nancy Boyle.

 

Fifinella Color Special - This is a collection of the 3 strips I've done for the Magic Bullet newspaper presented in color and oversized.

 

Tales from the District - A collection of the web comic I used to do for Brightest Young Things with the writer of Nancy Boy Jason Griffenhagen, about real life stories of people in DC

 

Early Adaptors Case Files: D-Bags of Ill-Repute - A slightly beefed up version of the Chester Gould influenced drawings that I premiered last year.

 

I will also have CrumbSnatchers and am waiting on reprint copies of the DCC anthologies and maybe some other random goodies.

 

This is my 6th year tabling at SPX and probably my 12th year going to SPX (maybe more). I have a great time at the show and love picking up new comics and roaming the aisles to see what people are doing.

 

I always like catching up with folks that I have met at other shows or previous SPXs and it's always good to hang around with the rest of the DCC crew. The main thing I'm excited for is finding new work that I haven't seen before and hopefully introducing my work to some folks who haven't seen it before.

 

Matt Dembicki answered my questions too:

 

CDC: Can you tell us a little about your books that you'll have with you at SPX?

 

MD: I will have the Eisner-nominated Trickster, Brewmaster's Castle (a favorite among D.C.-area historians) and Xoc, which are the last of the minis before Oni publishes the book next summer. My son, Adam (6), will have two new mini-comics—Jailbreak! and The Never-Ending War.

 

CDC: You've attended the Small Press Expo in the past - do you have any thoughts about your experience?

 

MD: I've attended since 2002 as an exhibitor. SPX offers a wonderfully creative and inspiring atmosphere. Besides picking up some wonderful books, I get to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

 

CDC: What are you looking forward to buying or seeing or doing for this year's event? Or who do you want to see, to catch up on old times, or to have a fanboy experience?

 

MD: I'm always drawn toward the Top Shelf and AdHouse tables for bigger ticket items. For minis and self-published works, I enjoy strolling around and see what catches my eye. There are always a ton of goodies. The Ignatz Awards nominees are always a good place to start.  

 

Rafer Roberts speaks for the DC Conspiracy as a whole before concentrating on his books:

 

Things we will be debuting at SPX this year:

 

Magic Bullet #3 - Magic Bullet is a free semi-annually published comic newspaper focused on presenting the work of independent and underground cartoonists, with a bias towards DC artists. Each artist is encouraged to take advantage of the larger canvas to cut loose and experiment and to push themselves and the medium.

 

Contributors:

 

Bill Ellis, Matt Dembicki, Dominic Vivona, Kevin Czapiewski, Danielle Corsetto, Jonathan Case, Kevin Panetta & Mike Short, Matt Sheean, Rafer Roberts, RM Rhodes & Evan Keeling, Jake Warrenfeltz, Art Hondros, Art Haupt & Andrew Cohen, Adam Dembicki, Joe Carabeo & Carolyn Belefski, Eric Gordon, Jeff McClelland & Jeff McComsey, Scott White, Dale Rawlings, David W. Ryan, Troy Jeffrey-Allen, David Dean & Jay Payne, Adam Umak & Michael J. Auger,  JT Wilkins, Michael Brace, Kyle Kaczmarczyk & Helaine Crawford, Michael May & Jason Copland

 

Plastic Farm #20 - This issue includes:

Chapter 28: Oh, Injury. Art by Mal Jones. The most heart-wrenching love story ever told by one of the stranded travellers.

Chapter 29: Some Other Shit That Happened During Freshman Year. Written and drawn by Rafer Roberts. Chester Carter's tales of his freshman year in college get closer to concluding and a long-absent fan-favorite makes its return.

Chapter 30: People's Choice (part 5). Art by Matt Dembicki. The cannibal farmers raise the stakes.

 

Written and (mostly) drawn by Rafer Roberts, Plastic Farm follows the life of a man named Chester and his slow descent into complete insanity and chronicles how that madness reshapes the world around him. Chester has had a rough childhood, has a magic cowboy that rides a dinosaur living inside of his head, and is now, late in life, sitting in a nameless airport bar during a blizzard telling his life story to a group of people who really couldn't care less.

 

Thoughts about SPX:

 

This will be my 9th time exhibiting at SPX and it seems to get better every year. This year it seems like the organizers have doubled their efforts in terms of promoting the event and in making the event itself as cool as possible. Personally I'm excited by the fact that I will be receiving a Nerdlinger Award at Atomic Books' pre-SPX extravaganza on the Friday night before the show, and I look forward to showing that sucker off all weekend.

 

Mostly, SPX is the most social of the comic shows I go to. In addition to being able to hing out with my local friends that I don't see enough of in the first place, it is also great to see all of my out-of-town friends as well. The central location of the after-parties, and the fact that most of the exhibitors stay in the same hotel, makes SPX as much a party as book selling event.

 

Troy Allen also sent in answers  to my questions:

 

CDC: Can you tell us a little about your books that you'll have with you at SPX?

 

TA: Yep. Bamn #3, the third installment of our nerds vs. jocks battle royale, will be making its appearance at the Small Press Expo.

 

Also, the Magic Bullet newspaper (which is very free) will be available to the public starting with SPX. It features a ton of local artist doing single-page comics, including Boogie Monster by David Dean and myself. It's a running conversation between two hipsters inside a comic shop, essentially. Hopefully, it will offend someone.

 

CDC:  If you've attended the Small Press Expo in the past - do you have any thoughts about your experience?  If you haven't, what're you expecting? What are you looking forward to buying or seeing or doing for this year's event? Or who do you want to see, to catch up on old times, or to have a fanboy/girl experience?

 

TA: I had a back and forth on my podcast about whether or not being a geek/fanboy is cool and acceptable. We disagreed on most of it but the one thing we did agree on is that it has to be fringe to remain cool. To me, that's what SPX is. It's fringe, it's the bad kid who smokes in the school bathroom, it's where comic books become grunge or punk. it is French New Wave. It is the cool kids club. Hollywood can pick up the superheroes --- I think that's good for the industry --- but indie comics and indie creators need to exist as our connection to what made comics great in the first place: their odd, outsider status. SPX embodies that and I look forward to being reminded of that every year in Bethesda.

 

Dale Rawlings surprises me by noting, "I have not been interviewed for City Paper (I'm fixing that – MR) and I'll be at SPX with the DC Conspiracy crew."

 

I'll have my mini comic Skidoo with me, Issues 1-3 of of Down And Out On Planet Earth, my 4 issue series, Liquid Revolver, a graphic novel written by Matt Dembicki and I illustrated a chapter, and the newest issue of Magic Bullet.

 

I was at the very first SPX in 1994 and each year I'm always surprised at how much SPX has grown since its start. I'm looking forward to meeting Chester Brown at this year's SPX as his Ed the Happy Clown was a big influence on me in the 90's.

 

My best fanboy experience was meeting Will Eisner in a hallway at SPX in 2000 and giving him a copy of my comic. Another great SPX experience was around 97 or 98 where I was in Connie's suite ( Quentin Tarrantino's mom who came out to SPX several years in a row in the early years) with a bunch of the artists after the Ignatz. Ivan Brunetti was passing around a sketchbook that he carried to collect portraits of himself from the other artists. And it comes around to me so I start sketching. And Ivan Brunetti... Now you've seen his work, right? The guy who does cartoons like Schizo and Haw. Horrible Horrible Cartoons  is watching over my shoulder and recoils in horror and starts laughing going "oh my god!" at my portrait of him. I was immensely proud to elicit that response from him.