Last Sunday: Phoenix Zine Fest!

As my last post plugged, so this post pontificates!  Thank you, Wasted Ink Zine Distro, for organizing an amazing sophomore Phoenix Zine Fest!

A happy customer with the latest issue of Amazing Arizona Comics,
and the Klute's poetry collection with a cover by yours truly.

This year's PZF was at the Unexpected Art Gallery, a venue that has taken the Valley by storm with its diverse programming and potential.  I must say, parking, checking in, and setting up my table were all very smooth and easy, and I'm grateful to the volunteer team that made the day very exhibitor-friendly.  Comic con organizers often forget that exhibitors are their first paying customers, with their marketing emphasis on attendees, and I'm glad PZF remembered our value and prioritized our desire to do business.  And, boy, business was had!

Amazing Arizona Comics was on full display, alongside the my poetry chapbooks and fanzines, and folks were interested everything!  That's what's great about "zines" -- the distinction can include anything self-published, including minicomics.  The crowd was equally assorted, and I was happy to see some young faces interested in alt press and self-publishing.

The young man between his parents is an up and coming self publisher.
The kid on the end was stoked for his Spider-man sketch.

Even the DJ was awesome, and when it comes to music at a show, I'm a cranky old man.  This guy offered a great mix of oldies and hip hop that breached and reached all tastes -- including a few requesting Monkees tunes for yours truly.  These are my people!

This guy's name is Russ and he draws political comics.  Yes, the other guy!

And the exhibitions aren't over, people!  This weekend, Amazing Arizona Comics will be set up alongside Forever Etched Mirrors and Glass at AZ Cosfest in downtown Phoenix.  Just find the details on Facebook, then find us offering etches and sketches to anyone interested.  Thank you for your support, all!

This Sunday: PHX Zine Fest!

This Sunday, I'll be at this year's PHX Zine Fest, an event that celebrates self-publishers here in Arizona and throughout the Southwest. I've attended the LA Zine Fest, and exhibited at the Alternative Press Expo in San Francisco and SPX in Maryland, so I'm excited to have a show of this scope and focus right here in the Valley! If you're in or around Phoenix, please come support some of the best alternative press you'll ever find, including my own Amazing Arizona Comics, Karaoke Comics, my fanzines Far & Wee and My Talk Show Life, and more!

If you can't make it to PHX Zine Fest, you can find Amazing Arizona Comics at AZ Cosfest, Phoenix Comicon's FanFest, and Drawn to Comics' Brightest Saturday, all coming soon!  Come back here for details!

Appreciation Week, part 5

Welcome back to Appreciation Week, where I thank the people and places that have brought you Amazing Arizona Comics this summer!  Today's shout-out -- Wasted Ink Zine Distro at The Hive!

Wasted Ink Zine Distro is an amazing zine and minicomics shop, open during the weekends and on special events, in Central Phoenix's The Hive, an artists' co-op that also hosts Silent Flight Coffee, the Bees' Knees Boutique, and a sweet little gallery. WIZD has carried Amazing Arizona Comics since they opened over a year ago, and I'm very grateful.

Fun Fact!  Did you know I host a live, local late night talk show?  It's true!  It's called Phoenix Tonight, and new episodes are posted monthly on YouTube.  Yes, I deliver a monologue, perform comedy bits from my desk, and interview local celebrity guests!  I've had a few notable guests from the comic industry, from my self-publishing friends Birdie Birdashaw and Tommy Cannon, to published writers like Brian Augustyn, to local shop owners like Drew Sully and Ken Brown.  It's exciting to have this unique way to combine my love of comics with late night talk shows!

Taping Phoenix Tonight with Steve Rude

Well, the latest episode was filmed at The Hive just last week, and my first guest was none other than comics legend Steve Rude!  He answered my questions about the beginning of his career, his latest projects, and meeting Jack Kirby.  The episode will be posted on YouTube soon -- click the link above to subscribe now, so you can catch it as soon as it comes out!

Many thanks to Wasted Ink and The Hive for making that show happen.  If you're ever in Central Phoenix, grab a coffee, enjoy some art in their gallery, and shop!

Next: Pants!