PR: The State of Small Press Expo

The State of Small Press Expo

For Immediate Release Contact: Warren Bernard Email: warren@smallpressexpo.com Bethesda, Maryland – April 6, 2021 Dear SPXers, Earlier this year, we reached out to SPX's creative community and attendees to provide a status update on the fate of SPX 2021. In a nutshell, should we elect to proactively cancel our show (versus the event being cancelled by an external body, like the local health department), SPX would incur a devastating cancellation fee that would, essentially, wipe us out permanently.  We want nothing more than to see all your beautiful faces, your amazing artwork, and everything else that comes with creating our annual festival together, with you. We also want to make sure the return of SPX is both safe and economically viable: for your travel, for your stay, and for the exhibition itself. We promised an update on our status around the end of March. So, along with some specifics about where we stand with regard to SPX 2021, we're including in this note a deeper look into where SPX is as an organization and what you can expect in the coming year. Needless to say, the pandemic has touched and changed us all.  As there are some long-term impacts to the show, we want to let everyone know what those are and what they mean for the community. STATUS OF SPX 2021 At this point, not much has changed with our situation regarding SPX 2021. We are actively engaged with various entities within the Montgomery County government about whether or not a show of the size and scale of SPX could (or should) be held in September.  We are also negotiating directly with the Marriott regarding the potential cancellation fee as well as the terms of future contract years. We will give everyone a status update by the end of this month at the latest, while we push for a final resolution, one way or the other.  In the absence of an in-person festival, we anticipate continuing, and perhaps expanding, aspects of the virtual events held by SPX in 2020, including programming and, of course, the annual Ignatz Awards presentation. 2021 IGNATZ AWARDS Given the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, we have made the decision to once again have the Ignatz Awards submissions submitted digitally (we do ask that you retain one copy of all works for potential submission to the Library of Congress).  We will be sending out the submission process details within a few days. The publication window of eligibility for the 2021 Ignatz Awards is June 1, 2020 through May 30, 2021, with a submission deadline of June 1, 2021. SPX INITIATIVES   SPX is a volunteer, non-profit organization. Everything we do goes toward a range of initiatives devoted to promoting the visibility and success of creators in the independent comics community. About 95% of festival revenues and sponsorships goes towards operating the show, with the remaining going towards these programs: The Graphic Novel Gift Program - Since its inception in 2011, our Graphic Novel Gift Program has provided over 2,500 copies of works by members of the SPX community to libraries serving under-privileged patrons. Besides supplementing their constrained budgets, these gifts expose both library collection managers and patrons to titles that better reflect the diverse make-up of their communities. The Library of Congress National Book Festival - As the sponsor of graphic novel programming at the Library of Congress National Book Festival, SPX provides financial support to indie comics creators to support their appearance as special guests of the festival, the largest such show in the United States. This allows a few SPX creators to share "The Big Stage" every year with the most esteemed authors in the country, and have their works promoted to the over 200,000 people who attend the NBF every year. The SPX Collection at the Library of Congress - The Small Press Expo Collection at the Library of Congress was established in 2011 with the express purpose of preserving the works of SPX creators for future generations. In the 9 years of its existence, over 10,000 mini-comics, graphic novels, posters, prints, original art, and ephemera have been preserved as part of the cultural, artistic, and social history of the United States at the preeminent Library of Congress. With the impact of the pandemic on future SPX events and its revenues still uncertain, neither the Graphic Novel Gift Program nor the NBF sponsorships (nor any other non-festival related initiatives) will be funded until 2024 at the earliest.  We will need at least 2 years of attendance to ascertain whether we have the cash flow to either re-start these programs, or create new programs to support the SPX creator community. When we are in a position to do so, you'll be the first to know.  The same goes for the small stipend SPX provides for our Executive Director. This stipend was suspended in June 2020, and will not be reinstated until 2024 at the earliest, if approved by a vote of the Executive Committee. The pandemic has also impeded our ability to capture the history and legacy of SPX creators for preservation and study in the decades to come as a part of our Library of Congress collection. It has been a truly momentous period in so many ways and your work has often been an essential commentary to these events. We are committed to working with you, as well as with the Library of Congress, to ensure the preservation of material from this "lost" time.  CBLDF RELATIONSHIP When SPX was created in 1994, one of its primary non-profit purposes was to be a fundraiser for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. When our corporate charter was rewritten in 2011, this explicit language was removed in support of a broader mandate that has allowed us more flexibility to expand into other initiatives, with our Graphic Novel Gift Program and Library of Congress Collection being notable new programs that resulted. SPX no longer has any relationship with the CBLDF, our last collaborative effort with that organization being the initial fundraising for the "Defend the 11" campaign, in 2018, which saw SPX divert 100% of its funds budgeted for the CBLDF to defray the legal defense costs of members of our creative community who faced a defamation lawsuit. Proceeds from all sales at the CBLDF's table at that year's show also went to the Defend the 11 fund. SPX has not contributed any funds to the CBLDF since 2017 and going forward has no intention of supporting them in any way. BEHIND THE SCENES SPX is a labor of love for our team. We are volunteers, with about 20 of us contributing our time year-round as a part of the Executive Committee. As SPX has grown, so has the crew that supports it, resulting in an ever-more diverse, multi-generational range of perspectives about who we are today as an organization and how we should accomplish the mission set out in our charter. One thing that has not changed is that we are here to support you. Along with the work we put into our year-round initiatives, when you are here with us at SPX, whether it be by providing coffee in the morning, hosting a reception in the evening, or being your advocate with the hotel when it comes to shipping, parking, etc., we strive to care for our creative community, the attendees, and the 100+ volunteers that support SPX, so that you can focus on what you've joined us to do, be it reconnecting with friends, moving merch, or singing your heart out at karaoke.  SPX aims to be a place where you can be your best self, to find acceptance and joy amongst the family you choose, while also finding the creative challenge and insight that forces you to grow as an artist, and the professional opportunities that help you build a successful career. We are always eager for your feedback on how well we hit this mark, year-after-year. Thanks SO Much, The SPX Executive Committee Small Press Expo (SPX) is the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comics, graphic novels, and alternative political cartoons. SPX is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit that brings together more than 650 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers, and distributors each year. Graphic novels, mini comics, and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators. The expo includes a series of panel discussions and interviews with this year's guests. The Ignatz Award is a festival prize held every year at SPX recognizing outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning, with the winners chosen by attendees at the show. The SPX Collection at the United States Library of Congress is dedicated to preserving the works of the SPX community for future generations. Small Press Expo P.O. Box 5704 Bethesda, Maryland 20824 www.smallpressexpo.com Email: press@smallpressexpo.com STAY CONNECTED ‌ ‌ ‌

KAL wins Overseas Press Club of America Award

https://opcofamerica.org/2020-opc-award-winners/

Veteran cartoonist Kevin "KAL" Kallaugher joined some select company with his fifth career OPC Award for Best Cartoon as his crow quill found favorite subjects in China, Vladimir Putin, climate change and deadly conspiracies. Only nine journalists have more than five career OPC awards.

THE BEST CARTOON AWARD

Best print or digital graphic journalism, including cartoons, on international affairs

Sponsor: Daimler

Kevin Kallaugher (pen name KAL)

Judges: Kevin "KAL" Kallaugher seems like a cartoonist transported from a bygone era, while still creating compelling work that resonates with today's audience. His impeccable pen and ink cross-hatching and weaponized bobble-headed caricatures might look at home on newspaper editorial pages of a century ago, which seems fitting since that was the last time we saw a global pandemic on the scale of COVID-19.

Constructing Comics - Episode 200- An Interview with Joshua Starnes

Constructing Comics - Episode 200- An Interview with Joshua Starnes

Noah Ray and Matt Kund

Constructing Comics Podcast April 6 2021

https://soundcloud.com/user-608556812/constructing-comics-episode-200-an-interview-with-joshua-starnes

On Episode 200 of Constructing Comics - Noah and Matt interview Joshua Starnes writer of "The Box" coming in August 2021 for Red 5 Comics. We talk writing stories, influence of films, and submitting an art portfolio to a publisher.

Check out Red 5 Comics
www.red5comics.com
twitter.com/red5comics
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twitter.com/JoshStarnesFilm
www.instagram.com/jbstarnes1/

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www.facebook.com/The-Box-Comic-Bo…100389911951029/

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Jude Jones on the superhero Icon

Respectable Icons: Milestone Media's "Icon" and the Politics of Presentability

Jude  Jones

NeoText April 2021

https://neotextcorp.com/culture/respectable-icons-milestone-medias-icon-and-the-politics-of-presentability/

How Icon and the Politics of Respectability Shaped Barack Obama (and Me)

A proud New Orleanian living in the District of Columbia, Jude Jones is a professional thinker, amateur photographer, burgeoning runner, and lover of Black culture, love, and life. Magneto and Cyclops (and Killmonger) were right. You can read more from Jude here.

Ann Telnaes goes to war

We're all in this together — unless you're a Republican

By Ann Telnaes

April 1, 2021

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/04/01/telnaes-cartoon-republicans-coronavirus-wwii-posters/

Tom King's New God movie cancelled

Ava DuVernay's New Gods and The Trench films shelved at WB

The two long gestating films have been put on the shelf.

Heidi MacDonald

04/02/2021 

https://www.comicsbeat.com/ava-duvernays-new-gods-and-the-trench-films-shelved-at-wb/

YouNeek Studios Q&A with their new publisher Dark Horse

Dark Horse Comics: YouNeek Studios Q&A and Live Art

Dark Horse Comics April 1 2021

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/971566529

The latest comic from The Lily

I used to laugh off anti-Asian jokes. Now, I will stick up for myself every time.

It's been too easy to downplay racism in the past

(Tenzing Lhamo Dorjee for The Lily)

Tenzing Lhamo Dorjee

Mar. 31, 2021

https://www.thelily.com/i-used-to-laugh-off-anti-asian-jokes-now-i-will-stick-up-for-myself-every-time/

'Wonder Woman: Heartless' audiobook set in DC

On the heels of Wonder Woman 1984, Realm (formerly Serial Box) is releasing a new audio book where Wonder Woman is living in DC. The writers and voice actor got together recently to discuss the creation of the story.

Behind the Scenes of 'Wonder Woman: Heartless'

Amanda Rose Smith (Head of Audio at Serial Box), Natalie C. Parker (writer), Tessa Gratton (writer), Alaya Dawn Johnson (writer), Heidi Heilig (writer) and Tiana Camacho (narrator) moderated by Karama Horne

•Mar 29, 2021

Realm (formerly Serial Box)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCz3qFUcGOk

PCHH on Falcon and Winter Soldier

In 'The Falcon And The Winter Soldier,' Sam And Bucky Are Vib(ranium)ing

Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Eric Deggans

Pop Culture Happy Hour March 30, 2021

https://www.npr.org/2021/03/29/982352708/in-the-falcon-and-the-winter-soldier-sam-and-bucky-are-vib-ranium-ing

https://play.podtrac.com/510282/edge1.pod.npr.org/anon.npr-mp3/npr/pchh/2021/03/20210330_pchh_pchh_20210330_falcon_and_winter_soldier_final.mp3

https://www.npr.org/transcripts/982352708

Cavna gets comics recs from Asian-American cartoonists

Four graphic novels that illuminate anti-Asian racism through personal experience

Michael Cavna

April 1, 2021 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/04/01/graphic-novels-racism-asian-american/

The Lily's latest comic

I'm a barista, but often my customers need more than coffee. They look to me for connection.

During the pandemic, people have been asking more of service workers

(Dabin Han for The Lily)

Dabin Han

Mar. 28, 2021

https://www.thelily.com/im-a-barista-but-often-my-customers-need-more-than-coffee-they-look-to-me-for-connection/

Al Goodwyn's latest cartoon newsletter

EDITORIAL CARTOONS

March 30, 2021

Fantom Comics staff change

From their March 31 2021 Newsletter -

CAMILLE BIDS FAREWELL:
As Master Yoda would say, "adaptability is the key to survival," and let's just say I took that to heart for the year of 2020! With one of the most insane years I have spent in the six years I've worked in the comic industry running stores, I am so incredibly grateful to have been doing it with Fantom Comics! I adore Fantom and am beyond thankful to have worked for some incredible and understanding people through an insane year, and hope to help out with consulting and events in the future! Even though I'm leaving, good luck getting rid of me for good!

This decision has been very bittersweet for me because I genuinely never wanted to leave. I love Fantom, the owners, staff, comics and every single one of our customers, especially those that trekked in every week since we opened for Phase Two! But commuting from Virginia, underlying health conditions, and the opportunity for a job that would help those issues immensely, I have had to make the hard decision to leave. It really breaks me up, I have learned so much, have become far more confident in my abilities and what I can handle in uncertain times, but above all else, I'm going to miss you, the customers the most!

My last day will be this Friday, April 2nd, so if you're able to stop by the shop, I would very much like to see you!! If not, no worries, I'll still be stopping by from time to time, but wishing all the best to every one of you and of course, Fantom Comics!!

Fairfax County Times picks up Duane Abel's ZED comic

Abel brings laughter and fun with ZED comic strip

• By Brooke Lewitas / Fairfax County Times
• Mar 26, 2021
• http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/abel-brings-laughter-and-fun-with-zed-comic-strip/article_735b7a66-8d8a-11eb-a0d3-ff353b7fe74a.html

John Lewis’s March turns to Run this summer

John Lewis's posthumous new graphic novel will be out this summer, in time for a new battle over voting rights [in print as Lewis no longer marches, but 'Run' goes on]

Michael Cavna

Washington Post March 31, 2021  p. C1, 4

online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/03/30/john-lewis-run-graphic-novel-release/

'Run', Rep. John Lewis's posthumous memoir, is coming out in August

Run chronicles Lewis's ongoing fight for voting rights in the 60s.

Heidi MacDonald

03/30/2021

https://www.comicsbeat.com/run-rep-john-lewiss-posthumous-memoir-is-coming-out-in-august/

Rep. John Lewis's Life Story Continues in 'Run: Book One'

By Calvin Reid |

Mar 31, 2021

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/85960-rep-john-lewis-s-life-story-continues-in-run-book-one.html

Phillip Kennedy Johnson takes a job for Marvel

PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON PENS MARVEL'S 'EXTREME CARNAGE ALPHA' #1

The Five Life Foundation Symbiotes Take On Carnage

 by Jeffrey Dohm-Sanchez on March 30, 2021

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/47981/phillip-kennedy-johnson-pens-marvels-extreme-carnage-alpha-1

The Post's editorial page editor on hiring de Adder

The Week in Ideas: A new editorial cartoonist joins our ranks

By Fred Hiatt Washington Post's The Week in Ideas newsletter March 28 2021 https://s2.washingtonpost.com/camp-rw/?trackId=596c1be2ade4e24119c3d7be&s=606061d69d2fda1e56d69a84

YouNeek Studios at WonderCon

Creating African Superheroes for A Global Audience with YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse | WC@Home 21

Roye Okupe, along with artists Sunkanmi Akinboye and Toyin "Morby" Ajetunmobi

•Mar 27, 2021

Comic-Con International

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQVYuj0dOIA

Dark Horse Comics and YouNeek Studios present a deep dive into the African superhero universe from YouNeek Studios with creator Roye Okupe, along with artists Sunkanmi Akinboye and Toyin "Morby" Ajetunmobi. Listen in on the conversation as they immerse themselves in the world of Malika: Warrior Queen, Iyanu: Child of Wonder, and E.X.O. The Legend of Wale Williams - a YouNiverse spanning centuries centered around African stories, crafted by African creators.

More on De Adder's contract with The Post

SaltWire cartoonist Michael de Adder inks deal with the Washington Post

Stephen Cooke

Mar 24 2021

https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/news/local/saltwire-cartoonist-michael-de-adder-inks-deal-with-the-washington-post-567784/

thanks to DD Degg for the tip