TCAF was amazing. Having previously only gone to comic conventions aimed primarily toward the standard American comic (read: superhero comics) my feelings on comic related gatherings tend to be an internal groan. (“Ooh, what’s that? A comic con? Sure, honey, I love watching you meticulously riffle through long boxes to find that one missing back issue!” – A vendor once even gave me a free key chain because I was being patient and looked bored out of my mind.) Let me, however, reiterate: TCAF was cool.
I initially agreed to go because I actually recognized the guests from comics that I read regularly (don’t ask about the number in my Comics bookmark or RSS folders). Seeing “the Internet!” live like that was neat.
Since I really have no idea how to structure this post other than a big “Wheeeee!” I shall run through the people (in order, because I’m like that) that I was lucky enough to meet – and throw some fun links at you, to boot.
First, I hunted down Erika Moen and spazzed out at her in inappropriate ways.
I love the approachability and honesty of her work. She takes little snippets of life and shapes them into graphic art. Reading her comics, I often say “Ooh! I’m not the only one!” Of course I didn’t actually articulate that to her. I thrust money at her, bought a book, got a signature (and quick sketch <3) and ran away. I avoided hyperventilating, though! (Warning for those who are not so inclined: A number of her pieces feature Nudity! Happy nudity, but nudity.)
After this I calmed down a little and came off as less insane to Karl Kerschl of “The Abominable Charles Christopher” fame. I hope. I told him to stop making his readers cry, at any rate.
He didn’t have any books (except some Teen Titans that he worked on, which CM purchased), but I did get a shirt, and the chance to flip through a collection of the strips. I really love his art style, and the poignancy he manages to wring from all the details he includes. It’s beautiful. Go look! (You may cry.)
John Campbell has a very meticulous signature, and I think I scared him. But I bought (yet another) shirt and mini-book. Some of his strips really seem to hit home and I love the way he portrays the things he is trying to say. The lines and art are so simple and clean, but every once in a while, I find that the strips really catch you and stick with you, making you confront something that maybe you didn’t want to.
Kate Beaton ran off as soon as I found her (presumably for lunch). But she returned! Then there was probably more gushing. I told her I was an English major, and got a nifty sketch of Shakespeare when I bought her book.
Her comic, “Hark! A Vagrant,” is about figures in history (and sometimes literature) and makes me giggle, or feel embarassed when I don’t get it. I’m also a firm believer that it should be included in history books in the future, thereby improving the future! Her art style is wonderful, and a lot of the time the expressions on the faces of the characters are enough to make me smile.
As I was leaving, I bumped into Matthew Forsythe, creator of Ojingogo. (Note to self: Read guest list more carefully. Memorize names better.) At this point I was out of money, but he was nice enough to give me stickers. Luckily, there was a bank outside, and I am now the proud owner of a signed book, with a nifty fish sketch that I got to see drawn.
Ojingogo exists without words or panels, (though at times characters do speak the language of that world). It’s a very unique comic, and I love that. (I have to add, the book is lovely. The paper is heavy and it really brings out the art. Following it in a book somehow seems to suit it more than an online medium, though that may be just because I love the physicality of a quality book.)
There were a couple more names that jumped out at me but I did not have a chance to talk to the artists. I recommend taking a peek at the TCAF guest list. There are some brilliantly talented people on there. (Or, if you wish, I’m always happy to make recommendations of comics that I think you may enjoy.)
Other than attacking artists, I had the pleasure of attending the “Spotlight: Scott McCloud” event.
Scott McCloud was actually mandatory reading in my comics class back university. His analysis of comics as a medium and genre has changed the way people view this art form. If you’re at all interested in that aspect of comics, I recommend going to a library (they’re sure to have them) and checking out “Understanding Comics” (or even buy a copy, if you’re inclined to listen to random blog posts about how to spend your money! In which case, grad school is expensive, and you’re looking very pretty today. Have I told you about my perpetual motion machine? If only I had enough money for a patent…)
I won’t even try to summarize the talk. He’s a very dynamic speaker whose enthusiasm for what he loves is contagious. His ideas about comics were brilliant, and I had to fight the impulse to whip out some paper and start taking notes. I’m happy that comics have someone so intelligent and articulate to point out their worthiness.
TCAF is still going on tomorrow, so you haven’t lost your chance just yet. I really recommend getting out there and checking out the talented artists! (There were also no long boxes! Yay!)
Look! Many people!
Filed under: Events by Lensblot
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