STAPLE! News

30/83 tables sold!

2011-10-28T06:15:00.001-07:00

They're going fast! Get yours soon!

STAPLE! Survey - win a shirt!!!

2011-03-10T02:03:00.007-08:00

Thanks to everyone who come out to the show!!!

Please got to this note on the STAPLE! Facebook page, and answer these survey questions by 3/24 to be entered into a drawing for a STAPLE! t-shirt!

Attendee Survey - win a shirt!

STAPLE! Programming and Parties!

2011-02-25T00:43:00.007-08:00

Hey everybody!

STAPLE! is almost here!

The first ever two-day show is right around the corner on March 5th and 6th, and BOY, have we got TONS of great programming lined up for your entertainment and edification!

Join us on Saturday as Austin underground comics legends Mack White and Al Frank participate in a panel discussion entitled 'Rangers: Austin Underground Comix' moderated by Dylan Williams of Sparkplug Comics and Tim Fish!

Also on Saturday, Adam Blatner tell us 'Why My Mother Threw Out My Comic Books', in an informative and richly-illustrated presentation about the crisis at end of the "golden age" of comics (mid 1950s) involving their perceived negative influence on the morality of America's youth.

Sunday's events kick off in grand style with the premier of the The Intergalactic Nemesis! Volume 2. The amazing live action graphic novel is back with new stories, new characters, some new cast members and all-new artwork by David Hutchison! Can't wait to see it!

And don't forget there'll be Q&A sessions with all our awesome guests -- Jill Thompson, Alex Robinson, Brian Clevinger & Scott Wegener; as well as the Comic Book Literacy Documentary (feat. James O'Barr), and an Indie Animation Panel!

Full event schedule and guest list here: http://www.staple-austin.org/guests/

And of course, that is not all!

Friday night before the show, drop by Austin Books & Comics for the FREE Pre-Party Meet & Greet! It is an awesome way to talk to your favorite creators in a casual setting.

Saturday night after STAPLE! come on down to Club Deville for the Live Art Show and KOOP Radio Benefit! A STAPLE! tradition not to be missed. Deets on the FB event page here: http://tinyurl.com/4nqjw3p

Then Sunday night, also at Club Deville, come to the Block Party Comedy Showcase, hosted by The New Movement! Got something funny you want to do on stage? Bring it! RSVP at the FB event page: http://tinyurl.com/6krl5j2

All Pre and After parties are FREE to attend!

Admission to STAPLE! is $10 for a one-day pass, or $15 for a two-day pass and includes a badge, lanyard and 48-page souvenir program (while supplies last). Hours are Saturday, 11-6 and Sunday noon-6. Box office opens a half hour before the show.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Chris "Uncle Staple" Nicholas
www.staple-austin.org
http://www.myspace.com/staple_austin
http://www.facebook.com/stapleaustin

Animated STAPLE! trailer!

2011-02-11T05:37:00.007-08:00

by Yehudi Mercado:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXRB-s4pIYE

Did you know we have a Facebook page?

http://www.facebook.com/stapleaustin

Guests added! Podcasts up!

2011-01-22T04:19:00.007-08:00

Hey Everyone! We are very excited to announce some new guests added to the STAPLE! 2011 lineup!

Brian Clevinger and Scott Wegener, the writer artist duo behind the awesome Eisner nominated Atomic Robo from Red 5 Comics, will be joining us to meet the fans. If you haven't been reading Robo, I highly recommend you check it out here www.atomic-robo.com In addition to Robo, both Brian and Scott have worked on several Marvel comics, webcomics and a variety of other excellent projects, and will be doing a Q&A session on Saturday at STAPLE! to talk about all that and more!

We are also very pleased to be screening the documentary film Comic Book Literacy! This award winning film showcases the utilization of the comic book medium in the promotion of literacy and education, and highlights the positive ways it can be used by teachers, librarians and all lovers of reading and art. Filmmaker Todd Kent will be on hand for Q&A after the screening. You can learn more about the film and view a trailer here: www.comicbookliteracy.com

James O'Barr is coming to STAPLE! Best know as the creator of the Crow, on which four movies, several comics, a television show, and several novels were based, James is currently working on a motion comic called Sundown with MotionWorks Entertainment. He is also featured in the Comic Book Literacy documentary, and will be participating in the Q&A session after the screening. See more of James' work here www.jamesobarr.net and come meet him at STAPLE!

You can see all of the currently scheduled STAPLE! guests at http://www.staple-austin.org/guests/

If you missed any of our guest speakers last year, don't fret! We have posted recordings of the Guy Davis and Chris Schweizer panel sessions on our podcast page http://www.staple-austin.org/podcast/

In some non-STAPLE! news, our good friends at ARTSLAM! Are celebrating their 5th anniversary! ARTSLAM! is a Live art and Live music event that happens bi-monthly in San Antonio, TX, and for their big birthday show on Saturday, January 29 (at the White Rabbit in S.A.) they will be featuring long-time STAPLE! friends Jim Mahfood and Dave Crosland on the boards! Congrats on five great years, y'all here's to many more! More info at http://artslamsa.com/

That's it for now ' stay tuned for more big news coming soon!

Chris "Uncle Staple" Nicholas

19 tables left!

2010-11-17T01:55:00.007-08:00

Austin Comic Con was great and super-busy! We sold several STAPLE! tables to people at the show and now there are only 19 left!

here is a FB note i posted with more info about tables http://tinyurl.com/22ucs8b

November Update!

2010-11-08T02:55:00.007-08:00

Hey folks! Hope everyone is doing well and getting ready for their Thanksgiving festivities. We've got a few pieces of STAPLE! news that we're very thankful for to share with you all.

First off we are very excited to announce an Indie Animation Panel at the 2011 STAPLE! We'll be featuring local artists and animators Yehudi Mercado (www.yehudimercado.com), Korey Coleman (www.spill.com) and Dax Norman (www.daxnorman.com) giving you the low down on the ins and outs of producing their own animated films, showing some great clips, and answering your questions. Don't miss it!

And once again we will be joined by Jason Neulander and the crew of The Intergalactic Nemesis, with a special top-secret event! Can't reveal exactly what it is yet, but based on their appearance last year we KNOW it will be awesome!

THIS weekend, November 12-14, yours truly Uncle Staple will be at Austin Comic Con, at the Austin Convention Center, manning a booth and spreading the joy. Sharing the space with me will be Austin based creators Paul Maybury, Kennon James, Geoff Sebesta, Nate Southard and Dave Lamplugh.

Come by and say 'HI!' and come out that Friday night @8pm to Club Deville (900 Red River) where I will be hosting a Drink and Draw in conjunction with Wizard Entertainment, to benefit Heroes Initiative. It is open to all comers and a celebrity judge will pick pieces to be featured in Wizard Magazine! Show your Austin Comic Con badge for discounted drink specials!

There's still a few STAPLE! tables available. Last year they sold out before Christmas, so if you want one visit the registration page to get yours today http://www.staple-austin.org/register/

See you soon!

Chris "Uncle Staple" Nicholas
www.staple-austin.org
http://www.facebook.com/stapleaustin
http://www.myspace.com/staple_austin

STAPLE! 2011!

2010-10-11T01:17:00.007-07:00

Hey STAPLE! Fans!

Are you ready for the seventh annual STAPLE! Independent Media Expo?

Well you better get ready, because for the first time ever, we're expanding the show to TWO DAYS! That's two full days of programming, special guests, and fun, fun times on March 5th and 6th, 2011, at the Marchesa Hall and Theater in Austin, Texas.

Speaking of special guests, we are excited to announce the appearance of two very awesome comics creators at STAPLE! 2011 ' Jill Thompson and Alex Robinson!

Jill Thompson, creator, writer and illustrator of Magic Trixie and the award winning Scary Godmother, is one of the most well-known and admired female comic book artists in the industry today, and has received multiple Eisner Awards for her work on titles as diverse as The Invisibles, Swamp Thing, Wonder Woman, Black Orchid, Sandman, and the Books of Magic.

Writer and artist Alex Robinson is one of the most truly innovative story-tellers working in the comics medium, and his many critically acclaimed books include Box Office Poison, Tricked, and Too Cool to Be Forgotten, all available from Top Shelf Productions, and A Kidnapped Santa Claus from Harper Collins.

Come meet Jill and Alex at STAPLE! and stay tuned for more awesome guests and other news TBA soon!

TABLES! Exhibitor Tables are now available! You can get yours by visiting the Registration Page at www.staple-austin.org/register

Look forward to seeing you there!

Chris "Uncle Staple" Nicholas
www.staple-austin.org
http://www.facebook.com/stapleaustin
http://www.myspace.com/staple_austin

STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo is the Southwest's premier event for independently produced comics, zines, art, animation, games, crafts and more! The SEVENTH annual show will be held on Saturday and Sunday March 5th and 6th, at the Marchesa Hall and Theater, 6406 North IH-35 Suite 3100, in Austin, Texas.

Almost March

2010-02-24T14:19:00.007-08:00

STAPLE! 2010 is less than 2 weeks away! Plan to be in Austin on March 6th. We just posted 2 new interviews to the podcast section, featuring special guests Guy Davis and Andy Runton. More interviews coming soon.

Tables almost gone (and Facebook)

2009-12-04T00:19:00.007-08:00

STAPLE! 2010 is still 3 months away but tables are about to sell out! If you want to exhibit at the show, get over to the registration page and sign up.

And for exhibitors and guests alike, check out our new Facebook page and RSVP for the event. Thanks!

2010 date

2009-10-05T08:53:00.007-07:00

We are gearing up for STAPLE! 2010. It will be held on March 6th, 2010 at the Monarch Event Center. Guests will be announced soon! Stay tuned.

We've also got the audio for last year's sessions ready to go. Subscribe to the podcast to get the new episodes as soon as they are posted.

Thanks for all your support. 2010 is going to be a great year.

Last minute addition!

2009-03-06T06:30:00.007-08:00

Leo McGovern, publisher of New Orleans's Antigravity Magazine (www.antigravitymagazine.com) and author of the webcomic Firesquito (http://firesquito.com/) will be joining the 'Self-Gratification: The Joys of Independence in Multiple Mediums' discussion panel to talk about his long and storied history as a self-publisher! 1:30pm in the Theater!

Stan Sakai interview

2009-03-03T09:14:00.007-08:00

Our new interview with Stan Sakai is now up in the podcast section. Stan is the creator of Usagi Yojimbo and a featured guest at STAPLE! 2009 — only 4 days away!

Onstad and Podcasts and Programming at STAPLE! Oh, my!

2009-02-18T00:09:00.007-08:00

In a last minute guest addition, Chris Onstad, creator of Achewood will be joining us for STAPLE! 2009! Chris came through town in December and really liked Austin and our world famous BBQ and we're very excited to have him back for the show.

PODCASTS!

The triumphant return of the STAPLE! Podcast starts now with two brand new episodes!

Randy Lander of Rogue's Gallery Comics and Games interviews Chris Staros of Top Shelf Productions about small press, upcoming books from Top Shelf, and exhibiting at STAPLE! then talks to special guest Jeffrey Brown about his books "Clumsy", the "Incredible Change-Bots", and more.

Upcoming episodes include interviews with Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo); indie RPG publishers Luke Crane Paul Czege, and Danielle Lewon; and webcomics artist Mitch Clem! Listen to all these and more at the Podcast Page or subscribe in iTunes! Recording services provided by Dial-a-Stranger

PROGRAMMING!

We've got lots of great programming lined up for the 2009 show! We'll be kicking things off with:

'Comics and Comics: A performance by ColdTowne Theater'! The New Movement is Austin's latest improv and sketch comedy training center. Their instructors have performed all over the country, learned from the best, and have trained hundreds of writers, actors, comedians, and filmmakers. The New Movement approach is designed to ease the performer into improv by finding the truth in comedy at the top of the scene. New classes scheduled all the time! For more information email them at thenewmove@gmail.com

'Self-Gratification: The Joys of Independence in Multiple Mediums' featuring Zachary Kent (Dial-A-Stranger), Paul Czege (Half Meme Press), Will Terrell (Push Button Publishing) A discussion of why we love self-publishing, what it does for us and what it adds to the consumption of media as a whole.

Q&A sessions with Guests of Honor Stan Sakai and Jeffrey Brown!

PRE AND AFTER PARTIES!

And the fun doesn't start or stop there! Be sure to join us on Friday, March 6th at Austin Books and Comics, 5002 N. Lamar Blvd. for our pre-Expo Meet and Greet! Free refreshments and a casual atmosphere in which to meet all your favorite STAPLE! people!

And after STAPLE! come by Red7, E. 7th Street just WEST of I-35, for the After Party and Live Art Show! There'll be killer DJ's, a performance by nerdcore hip-hop artist Terp2it, and a chance to pick up some awesome pieces of unique and original art, while benefiting local community radio station KOOP! What more could anyone ask for?!?

STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo is the Southwest's premier event for independently produced comics, zines, art, animation, games, crafts and more! The FIFTH annual show will be held on Saturday March 7th, 11am-7pm, at the Monarch Event Center, 6406 North IH-35 Suite 3100, in Austin, Texas. Admission is still only $5.00!

And if you'd like to help promote the show go to PROMOTE to grab a STAPLE! web button.

Hope to see you there!

Chris 'Uncle Staple' Nicholas
www.staple-austin.org
http://www.myspace.com/staple_austin

Jeffrey Brown at STAPLE!

2009-01-20T13:23:00.007-08:00

We are pleased to announce the appearance of indie comics icon Jeffrey Brown at STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo!

Jeffrey Brown is the author of nearly a dozen graphic novels. He's best known for his autobiographical memoirs such as "Clumsy", "Unlikely" and "Little Things," but has also received acclaim for his humorous works such as "Cat Getting Out Of A Bag" and "Incredible Change-Bots". Most recently, Top Shelf has begun publishing Jeffrey's new series "Sulk", issues of which will include genre, parody and experimental comics.

Mr. Brown will be located with publisher Top Shelf, in their third consecutive year at STAPLE!, and will participate in a Q&A panel, as will our other special guest, the legendary creator of Usagi Yojimbo, Stan Sakai!

STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo celebrates its 5th year as the Southwest's premier event for independently created comics, zines, graphic arts, crafts, games and animation on Saturday March 7th, 11am-7pm, at the Monarch Event Center in Austin, Texas. Admission is still only $5.00!

For more info visit www.staple-austin.org

SOLD OUT!

2009-01-12T10:00:00.007-08:00

Tables for STAPLE! 2009 are now sold out! Woohoo!

For folks whose form is in the mail, you will be put on a waiting list and sent an email with further instruction. If you have not yet registered then all I can say is better luck next year.

Best to everyone - see you at the show!

XOXO,
Uncle Staple

STAPLE! 2009

2008-10-20T05:25:00.007-07:00

Hey everybody,

Mark your calendars!

We are back and proud to announce that the 5th annual STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo will be happening on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the Monarch Event Center in Austin, Texas!

To commemorate five amazing years of celebrating the best in independently created comics, zines, arts, crafts and animation, we've arranged to bring you a very special guest: the legendary creator of Usagi Yojimbo - Stan Sakai! Stan's been producing comics for over twenty-five years and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Eisner, Harvey, Inkpot, and the American Library Association Award. We are truly pleased and honored to welcome Stan to STAPLE! In 2009!

As usual we'll keep posting lots of interesting interviews and podcasts to the STAPLE! website. To kick things off we've put up audio from Goon creator Eric Powell's panel at this year's show. To listen to it and subscribe to future episodes go to http://www.staple-austin.org/podcast/ and stay tuned for lots more to come! Recording services generously provided by the fine folks at Dial-a-Stranger http://dialastranger.com/

Exhibitor tables are now on sale for next year's show! These always sell out very quickly, so if you would like to be an exhibitor at STAPLE! 2009 go to http://www.staple-austin.org/register/ to secure your spot today!

There's lot's more exciting announcements to come so be sure to stay tuned!

See you soon!

Chris "Uncle Staple" Nicholas
www.staple-austin.org
http://www.myspace.com/staple_austin

Eric Powell on the podcast

2008-10-14T07:01:00.007-07:00

We posted a new podcast episode, a recording from STAPLE! 2008 with Eric Powell. Check it out in the podcast section and subscribe to get future episodes automatically. Next up: our web comics panel and another interview with Brian Wood.

Dusting off for 2009

2008-09-25T14:18:00.007-07:00

The date for STAPLE! 2009 has been announced! Plan to be in Austin on March 7, 2009 for our special guest Stan Sakai and much more. We are dusting off the web site and will be adding new content soon, including podcasts of last year's sessions if you missed it.

Good morning!

2008-03-01T01:07:00.007-08:00

STAPLE! is today! Come join us at the Monarch Event Center for the best of independent comics and art, with great exhibitors, featured guests, prizes and more.

Parties Pre and Post!

2008-02-27T09:35:00.007-08:00

One of my favorite parts of STAPLE! is of course the parties! As has become tradition the STAPLE! Pre-party will be held Friday night at Austin Books and Comics at 5002 North Lamar Boulevard. Festivities begin at 8pm and run till 11, but feel free to come in early and browse!

This year's after-party will be held at Red's Scoot Inn at 1308 E. 4th Street (4th and Navasota), just a few blocks east of I-35. Once again there will be a Live Art Show, another staple of STAPLE!, and the whole thing is a benefit for KOOP Radio!

Drive safe! Take a cab if you have to!

STAPLE! Program Schedule!

2008-02-27T09:15:00.007-08:00

Lot's of amazing stuff happening throughout the day at this year's STAPLE! We'll be kicking everything off with a last minute addition:

1:00-1:30pm Lord Vile Rally - Come see who Lord Vile is and what he and his Henchmen are up to.

2:00-3:00pm Q&A with Brian Wood - Hear from the award winning creator of DMZ, Northlanders, Local and Demo. Moderated by Scott Hinze of Fanboy Radio.

3:30-4:30pm Webcomics Discussion Panel - Hot webcomics stars Scott Kurtz (PvP), Danielle Corsetto (Girls With Slingshots), David Malki ! (Wondermark!), and Kris Straub (Starslip Crisis) discuss the art and business of the webcomics revolution. Moderated by Randy Lander of Rogue's Gallery Comics & Games

5:00-6:00pm Q&A with Eric Powell - Madcap antics with award winning creator of The Goon! Ask him questions if you dare! Moderated by Scott Hinze of Fanboy Radio.

The Onion at STAPLE!

2008-02-21T08:46:00.007-08:00

Representatives from the Austin office of The Onion, America's Finest News Source, will be...well, representing...at this year's STAPLE! I've been a loyal reader for years so I'm personally pretty stoked to see them come out to the show.

For those sub-mineral dwellers not familiar with it, The Onion is a national publication and website with millions of readers, offering award-winning news and views that can't be found anywhere else. Every week, their attention grabbing headlines and photojournalism paint a unique and hilarious picture of the world. The New Yorker calls it "The Funniest Publication in the United States".

A print version of the paper that includes local entertainment news and reviews is distributed at over 1000 locations in Austin, so pick one up - it's free! Several members of their super-hip and attractive staff will be on hand at STAPLE! for you to ogle and admire. Become their BFF at http://www.myspace.com/theonionaustin

Yours Truly,
Uncle Staple

Sorry - there are no tables left!

2008-02-14T07:39:00.007-08:00

Hey folks,

I've had about a dozen emails in the last couple weeks from people asking about exhibitor tables at this year's show. As of January 17 all tables were sold out (scroll down to see the news item below that I posted at that time). There's currently a waiting list with about 10 people on it and there have been no cancellations.

Demand for tables was really high this year. If you wanted to exhibit this year and couldn't get in I hope that you will still consider attending the show. With the 80+ exhibitors who DO have a table, and all our fantastic guests, 2008 is is a STAPLE! not to miss. Not that anyone should EVER miss a STAPLE!

Again, very sorry but there are NO tables available for STAPLE! 2008. Some folks may be willing to share their space but it's up to you to contact them - check the Blog and the Exhibitor List to see who you can persuade, otherwise, better luck next year, kid.

Thanks,
Chris "Uncle Staple" Nicholas
www.staple-austin.org
http://www.myspace.com/staple_austin

Second podcast episode

2008-02-14T07:21:00.007-08:00

The second episode of the STAPLE! Podcast is now available. Randy Lander interviews Danielle Corsetto, creator of the popular web comic Girls With Slingshots. Danielle is a featured guest on our web comics panel at STAPLE! 2008, along with Scott Kurtz, David Malki, and Kris Straub.

For download and subscription links, check out the podcast section. And watch for the third episode next week!

STAPLE! Podcasts!

2008-02-07T08:06:00.007-08:00

Very excited to announce a brand spanking new feature of the STAPLE! website - STAPLE! Podcasts!

In this first episode Randy Lander of Comic Pants and Rogue's Gallery Comics talks to Fred Van Lente, author of Action Philosophers and a brand new work Comic Book Comics, a comic book history of comics, which will be making its world premiere at STAPLE!

We'll be posting a new podcast every week, so be sure to keep checking back. Upcoming episodes include Danielle Corsetto (Girls With Slingshots) and featured guest Brian Wood!

iTunes users can subscribe here.

All podcasts graciously recorded by the studios of Dial A Stranger: When you don't know who to turn to, turn to who you don't know.

Eric Powell at STAPLE!

2008-01-23T16:09:00.007-08:00

Hey Folks!

Big news here in a little press release composed by STAPLE! Press Secretary, horror novelist, and rakish man-about-town Nate Southard (www.natesouthard.com). Add'l comments by Uncle Staple at the bottom:

"STAPLE! RETURNS TO AUSTIN WITH ERIC POWELL AND BRIAN WOOD AS GUESTS OF HONOR

Comic creators Eric Powell (The Goon) and Brian Wood (DMZ, Demo) will be the Guests of Honor at the fourth annual independent comics, animation, and literature convention STAPLE! on March 1st at the Monarch Event Center.

'I'm really excited about the 2008 show,' said STAPLE! founder Chris Nicholas.
'Having Brian Wood and Goon creator Eric Powell is not only great for STAPLE!, but for me personally. I'm a huge fan of both these cats.'

Eric Powell has won three Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards and an International
Horror Guild award for his horror/comedy series The Goon. Published by Dark Horse Comics, The Goon tells the story of a punch-happy palooka with a penchant for swigging booze and busting monster craniums.

Brian Wood released his first series, Channel Zero, in 1997 to considerable critical acclaim and has continued to produce comics and graphic novels
at a brisk pace ever since. Buzz book DMZ is Wood's story of a demilitarized New York City in the wake of a second Civil War. Currently under exclusive contract for DC/Vertigo, Wood has received several Will Eisner nominations as both a writer and a cover artist.

Now in its fourth year, STAPLE! is a celebration of the independent artistic spirit,
drawing creators from all over the United States. 'I'm looking forward to getting
together with the great friends and indie creators who are coming back this year,
and meeting all the new folks who are making this their very first STAPLE!' says
Nicholas.

In fact, the growth of STAPLE! has necessitated a change in venue from the Red Oak Ballroom to the recently completed Monarch Event Center. The former movie theater will give STAPLE! the room it needs to grow for years to come.

STAPLE! will take place at the Monarch Event Center, 6406 North IH-35, Suite 3100, Austin, TX, on March 1st, 2008 from 11AM until 7PM. Admission is $5 at the door. All ages welcome. For more information, visit www.staple-austin.org or email info@staple-austin.org.

###

Staple founder Chris Nicholas is available for interviews. To request one, please
email info@staple-austin.org with the words 'interview Request' in the subject
line."

Nice job, Nate! Some newspaper should totally hire you. Also worthy of note at this year's show is the Webcomics panel discussion with Scott Kurtz (PvP), David Malki ! (Wondermark!), Daniealle Corsetto (Girls With Slingshots), and Kris Straub (Starslip Crisis)!

Like to help promote the show? Webmaster Manton Reece has designed handy web buttons you can use to link to STAPLE! Grab'em at:

www.staple-austin.org/promote

And don't forget to check out the new STAPLE! Community Blog for all the latest
scuttle-butt on this year's show and what you can expect to see!

I say it often but it bears repeating - STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo is the Southwest's only convention for independently produced comics, zines, graphic arts and animation. If you don't go you will be sad! Forever!

See you soon!

Chris "Uncle Staple" Nicholas
www.staple-austin.org
http://www.myspace.com/staple_austin

SOLD OUT!

2008-01-17T15:30:00.007-08:00

As of today's mail run STAPLE! 2008 tables are sold out! Any registrations received after this point will be wait-listed in the order they arrive.

For everyone who has a table, congratulations! We'll see you at the show. Please let us know if you cannot make it - we'll send you a refund and give your spot to someone on the waiting list.

Hotcha!

Love,
Uncle Staple

Halfway there!

2007-12-10T03:11:00.007-08:00

Hey folks!

Happy to report that over half of the available exhibitor tables for STAPLE! 2008 have been sold!

What that means is that if you want one and haven't gotten it, well, you need to get yer butt in gear!

To register for a table go to the registration page, download the registration form and send it in (along with your payment, natch) to secure your spot today!

I dropped by the venue yesterday (www.monarcheventcenter.com) to check out the Blue Genie Art Bazaar that is going on there all month till Christmas. The place looks really great! I'm getting more and more excited about this new spot and I think it's going to work fantastically for next year's STAPLE!

If you're in the area and want to get a preview of the new place, drop by the Art Bazaar and do a little Christmas shopping while you're there. Tell'em Uncle Staple sent ya!

Chris "Uncle Staple" Nicholas
www.staple-austin.org
www.myspace.com/staple_austin

STAPLE! 2008 with Brian Wood!

2007-11-06T01:55:00.007-08:00

Hey everybody!

STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo is back for its fourth annual show! Come out Saturday March 1st, 2008 to a new location ' the Monarch Event Center next to Highland Mall. This exciting new venue occupies the site of the former Lincoln Village Theater in the Lincoln Village shopping center in north central Austin. It's been completely remodeled and refurbished into a lovely new spot just perfect for a bigger and better STAPLE!

We are very pleased to announce a very special guest for STAPLE! 2008 - BRIAN WOOD! Author of Channel Zero, Couriers, DMZ, Demo, Local, Supermarket, and the forthcoming Northlanders (available December 5th), Brian has made his mark as an influential and eclectic pioneer of independent comics creation. We are very honored and excited to have him appear at STAPLE!

And if you'd like to start making your own mark, you can be an exhibitor at STAPLE! Exhibitor registration is now open and tables are available at $65 for an eight footer and $35 for a half ' cheap! They always sell out fast so to get yours now hit the Registration page and download the form.

STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo is the Southwest's only convention for independently produced comics, zines, graphic arts and animation. The fourth annual Expo is Saturday, March 1st, 2008, 11am-7pm at the Monarch Event Center in Austin, Texas. Admission is STILL only $5 at the door!

Stay tuned here for more exciting announcements, articles, podcasts and more!

Chris "Uncle Staple" Nicholas
www.staple-austin.org
http://www.myspace.com/staple_austin

PS: The best way to stay up on STAPLE! news is to sign up for our email updates. Drop your addy in the little box down on the left.

2008 Pre-announcement Announcement!

2007-10-15T03:50:00.007-07:00

Hello faithful STAPLE! fans!

Uncle Staple here to announce that very shortly we will be making some big, exciting announcements about our 2008 show! Yes, that's right, I'm announcing announcements. Say that over and over in your head until it starts to sound weird.

Just want you all to know, that even though we may've seemed a little quiet lately, we're still back here behind the scenes working as hard as ever to make this the biggest, bestest STAPLE! yet. So stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled for the big news that's coming soon!

Looking forward to seeing you all again next year!

xoxo,
Chris "Uncle Staple" Nicholas

ps: In case you're trying to make travel plans to be here mark down March 1st on your calendar with a big ol' STAPLE!

Music!

2007-03-08T07:34:00.007-08:00

STAPLE! is so awesome it apparently inspired Wondermark cretor David Malki ! to burst spontaneously into song! Just like in a Bollywood movie!

Con Reports are comin' in!

2007-03-08T06:37:00.007-08:00

Dean Haspiel wrote up a great report of STAPLE! that you can read here.

Styx Taxi driver Steve Goldman just posted his as well. Click.

Lots more pics and reports on the message board.

Uncle Staple's Thanks!

2007-03-07T16:11:00.007-08:00

Hey Folks!

Well, it's taken me a few days to get around to it, but I didn't want to just dash something off so here goes.

STAPLE! '07 was our biggest and best show yet, which is saying a lot since we are always awesome, and I've got a lot of people to thank for helping to make that happen.

First of all I'd like to thank our terrific guests, Dean Haspiel and Brian Keene, for coming down to Austin, lending their considerable talents to the proceedings and just being all-around cool guys.

Thanks to Evan Cagle, Lance Meyer, Aaron Romo and David Liu for participating in the first ever (but not last) STAPLE! Independent Animation Panel.

Thanks to the Fiction Circus for waking us up with a hot cup o' lies, and their always...interesting...table sculptures.

Thanks to Jim Mahfood and Dave Crosland for coming back from Cali to rock the live art with all the local and San Antonio cats at the after-party, and thanks to 3-Deep for supplying the jams.

Huge thanks to our awesome sponsors: Austin Books for the party and bringing Dean; Frequency Press for bringing Brian; and ECPrinting for bringing the great looking programs!

Thanks to everyone on the STAPLE! Planning Commission for all the help putting this stuff together in general, and specifically:

Comics expert Randy Lander for interviews, advice and artist wrangling.

The illustrious Robyn Anderson for awesome designing and coolness.

Hucksters Justin Humphries and John Thornton for pimpage and radio entertainment.

Shiny-pate-Nate Southard for guest acquisition and personal inspiration.

Extra special thanks to Commissioner Manton Reece for keeping the website updated, the handsome redesign, and all the work coordinating Animation Panel. Nicely done, sir.

Big thanks to all our fantastic volunteers ' Shauna, Alyssa, Irene, Louisa, Jason, Randy, Mercedes and Brother Mike for the bang-up job working the door and shirt shilling.

Incalculable thanks to all our super-talented exhibitors, especially those of you who made the trek from faraway places. Said it before and I'll say it again: STAPLE! is all about you and what you do. It is why we are here. Keep on keepin' on, my brothers and sisters!

And of course, colossal thanks to everyone who came out to attend and support the show. We need and love you all and we will see you next year!

And I'm out!

Chris 'Uncle Staple' Nicholas

Another successful year

2007-03-04T07:42:00.007-08:00

STAPLE! was yesterday! If you missed it, check back next year because we'll be doing it all again. To our exhibitors, sponsors, panelists, and featured guest speakers -- thank you! We had a great time and hope you did too. Keep an eye on the disussion forums for photos from attendees.

Uncle Staple will post again later with additional wrap-up. In the meantime, don't forget The Animation Show tonight at the Paramount theater. Mike Judge and Don Hertzfeldt will be there and it's a great way to round out the weekend. Enjoy!

Today!

2007-03-02T23:55:00.007-08:00

STAPLE! is today! Doors open at 10am and we have sessions at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 4pm, with over 60 exhibitors on hand all day long to sell their comics, art, zines, and more. See the guests section for details on our featured guests plus a full day schedule and after-party.

Austin Books party tonight

2007-03-02T06:53:00.007-08:00

The pre-party at Austin Books is tonight, Friday from 7pm until 11pm. Stop by and hang with artists and other attendees while enjoying discounts on your favorite comic books. Austin Books is located at 5002 North Lamar.

STAPLE! is tomorrow. Doors open at 10am.

More prizes

2007-02-28T10:02:00.007-08:00

The comics and other good stuff we plan to give away all day on Saturday just got better. I just received a stack of vouchers for The Animation Show! We'll be giving pairs of these away a few times throughout the day, and a bunch during the Independent Animation panel at 1pm. See the guests section for more details on all our featured speakers.

Party details

2007-02-27T05:13:00.007-08:00

We are officially announcing the pre-party at Austin Books and after-party live art show at Club Deville! Check out the sidebar on the guests page for details on these events as well as the full day schedule.

Interview with Brian Keene

2007-02-22T07:40:00.007-08:00

Our interview with Brian Keene is up in the articles section. The questions provide a great preview for his upcoming STAPLE! session next week.

Yes, that's right. STAPLE! 2007 is a mere 9 days away. Block out the morning or afternoon next Saturday and plan to be at The Red Oak at Northcross Mall. Or stay all day and don't forget the live art show after-party at Club de Ville. (Details soon.)

If you need a reminder, enter your email address in the form at the bottom of this site. And for those of you who already use an RSS reader, you can also subscribe to our news feed.

Dean Haspiel questions

2007-02-21T17:18:00.007-08:00

The Quick Questions interview with Dean Haspiel is now online in the articles section of this site. Dean is a special guest at STAPLE! 2007 and will be speaking Saturday afternoon (March 3rd) with Scott Hinze of Fanboy Radio.

Notice anything else new? We've redesigned the web site and updated the guests page with the STAPLE! schedule and new information about our Independent Animation panel.

STAPLE! 2007 flyer

2007-02-09T06:22:00.007-08:00

Help promote STAPLE! with these convenient print-out-and-cut flyers for 2007. The show is less than a month away! You can download a PDF here (3.4 MB).

Also check back soon for some new interviews and the final guest and panel schedule.

The Animation Show

2007-01-17T15:14:00.007-08:00

The first weekend in March is shaping up to be a great two days for fans of comics and animation. First, Staple runs all day Saturday, with the usual Friday night pre-party and Saturday night live art shows. Then Sunday evening, March 4th, is The Animation Show at the Paramount Theater! This is a one day stop in Austin, so it's not to be missed.

If you are coming into town for Staple and love animated short films, plan to take off work Monday and stay an extra night in Austin. You won't regret it. Visit the Animation Show web site for more details, including the film list and their guests Don Hertzfeldt and Austin's very own Mike Judge.

Alex Cahill Interview

2007-01-15T04:58:00.007-08:00

Our interview with Alex Cahill is now online. Alex discusses the process of character development, self-publishing, and working with Jad Ziade on the upcoming Poison the Cure. The 400-page sci-fi comic will make its debut at STAPLE! this year.

More exhibitors up

2007-01-15T04:07:00.007-08:00

We have updated the exhibitor list with even more companies and artists showing off their work at STAPLE! The show is less than 2 months away: March 3rd in Austin TX.

Registration closed

2006-12-11T11:51:00.007-08:00

Exhibitor tables have sold out! Staple is 3 years old and every year we have seen the interest grow. We have a partial list here and will be updating the rest soon.

If you didn't register early enough this year, there may be others who are willing to share their table with you. Try posting to the community forums.

And a reminder to attendees -- there's no need to register in advance. Just show up Saturday morning March 3rd ready to meet some great independent artists. $5 at the door.

Exhibitor space almost full

2006-12-01T04:58:00.007-08:00

Tables are selling even faster than we expected. We have already sold out of our original space, so we added an additional room to accommodate more exhibitors. If you'd like to show and sell your work at Staple, please register soon because there are only a few spots left.

New content up

2006-11-02T03:58:00.007-08:00

If you haven't had a chance to check out the featured articles section of the site recently, we've posted Quick Question interviews with Bryan O'Malley and Hope Larson there. Enjoy!

And a reminder for our exhibitors: Don't forget to send in your registration form soon. Space is limited, and half tables start at just 30 bucks through the end of the year.

Registration open

2006-10-19T10:55:00.007-07:00

The date is set for STAPLE! 2007: March 3rd, 2007 in Austin, TX. Exhibitor registration is open! We are also happy to announce that Dean Haspiel will be a special guest at the show.

Curious about what last year looked like? New pictures are online now.

2007 planning

2006-09-21T06:06:00.007-07:00

Planning is underway for our third show in March of 2007. We will announce the date and open registration for exhibitors as soon as the details are finalized. Thanks for making last year's show a success!

Live Art Show 2!!!

2006-04-11T05:55:00.007-07:00

The STAPLE! afterparty/live art show was so awesome that we're doing it again!

Jim Mahfood is coming back AND we'll also be featuring four local artists as well. Table Manners Crew will once again provide the grooves.

It's Saturday May 13th at Club Deville, 900 Red River. Don't miss it!

View flyer

Before I slip into a coma...

2006-03-05T14:57:00.007-08:00

There are many, many people I want to thank for making STAPLE! '06 the phenominal success it turned out to be.

The STAPLE! Commission: Gary Bartos, Manton Reece, Randy Lander, Nate Southard, John Thornton, Justin Humphries, and Robyn Anderson. You made it happen once again.

Our sponsor Austin Books & Comics - THE best comics shop in America.

Our wonderful guest, the erudite and entertaining Tony Millionaire.

The coolest kids in comics, Jim Mahfood and Dave Crosland - you guys just amaze me!

The suave Keith Knight for his terrific slideshow.

Our Xeric winning panelists, the delightful Emily Benz and Summer McClinton and those funky dance machines Alex Cahill and Michael LaRiccia.

My good friend Toby Craig for pimping STAPLE! in Houston and bringing the DIY knowledge.

The Fiction Circus - wow, just wow! (I still think y'all are awesome, but next time please bring someone to sweep up after the elephant).

And more: Jessie Garza of Viper Comics for the assist w/ the programs. Billy at Obsolete Inc. for the sweet t-shirts. Scott Hinze of Fanboy Radio for coming through again. The Ritz for hosting a killer live art event. DJs Digg, LD and Eddie Campos for bringing the jams.

Special, special thanks to ALL our fantastic 2006 exhibitors. STAPLE! is all about YOU.

And super extra special thanks to everyone who attended this year and made this the biggest and best STAPLE! so far. You rock my world.

Anyone who missed it, well...you suck.

If I've forgotten anyone, please accept my apologies. Uncle Staple is very, very tired. He's going to sleep now. Nighty-night.

Tomorrow!

2006-03-03T09:02:00.007-08:00

STAPLE! 2006 is tomorrow, 10am - 6pm. We've put together a new map showing the location of the pre-party at Austin Books (tonight!), the main show tomorrow, and the after-party art show at the Ritz Saturday night. View weekend map (PDF, 550K)

Schedule is online

2006-02-28T02:58:00.007-08:00

We've posted the complete schedule online, including panel times and information on our pre-party and after-party live art show. See you in Austin this weekend!

Eric Kim and Rafael Navarro

2006-02-23T07:11:00.007-08:00

We've just posted two Quick Questions to the articles section of the site, featuring Eric Kim and Rafael Navarro.

STAPLE! is just 9 days away! See you in Austin next Saturday.

STAPLE! Terrorized!

2006-02-17T02:02:00.007-08:00

Please go to the forum to read about this vicious attack on our freedom!

Forum back up

2006-02-16T09:16:00.007-08:00

Manton, that ton of a man, has fixed our forum. Take that you hooligans!

Unk.

Forum down

2006-02-16T01:51:00.007-08:00

Some miserable piece of human excrement has hacked our forum. It is currently down. We will get it running again as soon as possible. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Mgmt.

2006-02-14T01:28:00.007-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day from

We'd LOVE to see you at the show!

Uncle Staple Interviewed!

2006-02-12T04:28:00.007-08:00

That's right! Yours truly, Chris 'Uncle Staple' Nicholas, founder of STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo, was recently interviewed by Drew Edwards, creator of Halloween Man, for a column at Silver Bullet Comicbooks!

Go here:

http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/features/113952594121349.htm

and see how I weigh in on such weighty topics as comic books, and , uh, more comic books!

STAPLE! February Update!

2006-02-03T03:10:00.007-08:00

Keith Knight!

Award-winning San Francisco cartoonist and rapper Keith Knight will be appearing at STAPLE! 2006! Most famous as the creator of the K Chronicles and (th)ink, he has published five comic-strip collections, including his latest, "The Passion of the Keef". Keith will be presenting a slideshow at STAPLE! entitled:
"Keith Knight: The "Other" Black Cartoonist" Check out his website www.kchronicles.com and come see him at the show!

Sold out!

Exhibitor tables for STAPLE! 2006 have sold out! We've got more than 50 creators signed up to show you their stuff ' this is going to be an awesome show! Do not miss it!!!

More Quick Questions!

Our latest interviewee is Phil Hester, artist on DC's Green Arrow and Nightwing and creator of indy gems like Deep Sleeper and The Coffin, among many other
credits.

Help Promote STAPLE!

You too can help get out the word about STAPLE! Download this flyer and distribute it in your area.

http://www.staple-austin.org/promote/staple2006_01_full.pdf

Traveling to the show? Need a place to stay? We've got a very reasonable hotel deal in place. Check the message board www.staple-austin.org/community for
details.

SOLD OUT!

2005-12-23T01:00:00.007-08:00

Wow! Exhibitor tables for STAPLE! 2006 have sold out! Check back here for a full list of exhibitors to be posted soon! Update: The full exhibitor list is now online.

November Update! Tony Millionaire!

2005-11-14T13:27:00.007-08:00

Tony Millionaire at STAPLE!

STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo is pleased to announce the appearance of Mr. Tony Millionaire at our second annual expo to be held March 4th, 2006 in Austin, Texas. Mr. Millionaire is the creator of Maakies, Sock Monkey, the new Billy Hazelnuts, and other fine comical adventures. We are proud and excited to have Tony Millionaire at STAPLE!

Exhibitors!

Our list of exhibitors is growing and includes the folks mentioned above plus Chris Moreno, Silent Devil Productions, Rafael Navarro, Viper Comics, Drew Edwards, Danielle Corsetto, Jeffery Stevenson, John Thornton, Justin Humphries, Nate Southard, Dylan Edwards, Jason Degroot, Toby Craig, and more!

Paige Braddock

2005-11-10T09:00:00.007-08:00

Today we are starting a new series of quick questions posed to artists about working in comics. The first one up is Paige Braddock, creator of Jane's World. Go read it now in the articles section.

Xeric Grant Panel at STAPLE!

2005-10-28T03:25:00.007-07:00

What is the Xeric Grant, and why should you know about it if you're a self-publisher? Five creators who have successfully lobbied for and been awarded a grant for self-publishing talk about the rewards, potential pitfalls and process of signing up for comics' best known self-publishing grant! Panelists include Alex Cahill & Jad Ziade Something So Familiar, Emily Benz & Summer McClinton Thread, and Michael LaRiccia Black Mane.

New articles up

2005-10-19T16:59:00.007-07:00

We've just republished a how-to article on book binding by Toby Craig to the new articles section of the STAPLE web site. While you are there, also check out our interview with Scott Kurtz.

Date and location set for STAPLE 2006

2005-09-25T17:14:00.007-07:00

Details are starting to come together for our 2006 show. STAPLE will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2006 in Austin at the Red Oak Ballroom. Hope to see you there!

Registration for exhibitors is now open. Please download the PDF and mail it in to reserve your table.

STAPLE! 2006 is coming!

2005-07-17T03:36:00.007-07:00

STAPLE! 2006 is in the works! Stay tuned to this website for exciting updates about next year's show!

If this is your first visit, be sure to enter your email address below to receive more info and updates.

STAPLE! DVD now available

2005-07-15T17:58:00.007-07:00

The STAPLE! DVD is finished and ready to order! You can hear excerpts from the interviews on the audio page, or head over to the Rethunk Media web site for more information and to order your copy.

STAPLE! donates $1,000 to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.

2005-05-28T04:18:00.007-07:00

STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo, Texas' first independent and small-press comics, zines and arts convention, recently donated $1,000 to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. The check was delivered by Nate Southard, one of the show's organizers, during the Alternative Press Expo in San Francisco to Charles Brownstein, Executive Director of the CBLDF.

Brownstein said, 'Starting a convention from scratch is a daunting enough task, but making it fun for everyone in the room, profitable for the exhibitors, and successful for the organizers is nearly impossible. But STAPLE! pulled all of it off, and the organizers are such nice and generous guys that rather than taking the proceeds as a much deserved reward, they passed it on to help the Fund defend the First Amendment rights of cartoonists and retailers. We're very grateful for their generous support and look forward to working with the show as it continues to grow in the years to come.'

According to STAPLE! lead organizer Chris Nicholas, the donated funds came from the door receipts of the Texas show. 'I'm very happy we're able to give this money to the CBLDF,' said Nicholas 'and that our first show was successful and well-attended enough that we had it to give. The Fund does an important job and it has been a real pleasure working with them. We definitely want to have the CBLDF involved in STAPLE! again next year.'

CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein (L) receives a check from STAPLE! organizer Nate Southard.

Audio now online

2005-04-20T06:08:00.007-07:00

Audio excerpts from the upcoming Staple 2005 DVD are now available. The DVD is currently in production and will include video of the Staple panels, interviews with artists, and original artwork. Check back for details, or sign-up on the mailing list to be notified when it is available.

Whew!

2005-03-06T15:22:00.007-08:00

It's late and I'm tired, but it's that good kind of tired.

Real good.

Just want to add to Manton's comments below my own personal thanks to our sponsor, the vendors, guests, panelists, volunteers and attendees of the very first STAPLE! The show was a roaring success, with over 300 people through the door - in spite of the damp weather - lively and interesting panel discussions, super fun pre and after parties, and, of course, tons of fantastic comics, art and zines.

Look here in the upcoming weeks for reports, pics, and announcements about reviews of comics exhibited at the show by Randy Lander, the upcoming STAPLE! dvd, and next year's show. This one went so well and was so much fun that we pretty much HAVE to do it again.

Thanks again to everyone who helped make STAPLE! completely awesome! See ya again soon.

Chris "Staple-Head" Nicholas

It's over!

2005-03-06T02:52:00.007-08:00

We hope you made it to the show! Thanks to all the exhibitors and attendees for making the show a success! We'll be posting a report soon, including pictures from the floor and more announcements.

If you haven't subscribed to the mailing list yet, enter your email address on the home page for occasional announcements. And if you attended Staple, we've love to hear your feedback. Email info@staple-austin.org. Thanks!

One week to go!

2005-02-26T03:53:00.007-08:00

The first ever STAPLE! is right around the corner, and it's set to be a bang up show!

We are pleased to announce the following additional special guests:

Terry Moore - Terry Moore began writing and drawing his award winning comic book series, Strangers In Paradise, in 1993. Since then he has produced over seventy five issue of the larger than life saga featuring Francine, Katchoo and the amazing cast of friends and lovers in their lives. Strangers In Paradise is published under Moore's own imprint, Abstract Studio and is one of the most successful self-published books in the comics industry. Today Strangers In Paradise is available in eight languages and is near the top of the charts for trade paperback sales worldwide. Celebrating ten years of Strangers In Paradise in 2003 Moore continues to enthrall readers with the adventures of Francine and Katchoo. Terry will be signing at the CBLDF's table at STAPLE!

Michael Lark - Michael Lark is an Eisner Award nominated illustrator for his work on Gotham Central, Batman Nine Lives and Terminal City. He has also illustrated Terminal City: Aerial Graffiti, Scene of the Crime, and worked on a number of other titles for DC/Vertigo, including All-Star Comics, Superman: War of the Worlds, Sandman Mystery Theatre, The Invisibles, and Legends of the Hawkman. He is currently working with Marvel Comics as the artist of The Pulse and Captain America (along with Steve Epting). Michael will appear at STAPLE! to sign his work at the CBLDF table.

Scheduled Panels:

We have two panel discussions set to occur at STAPLE!

From 12:30 - 2:00pm there will be a Webcomics Panel featuring Lea Hernandez, Scott Kurtz, Barbara Lien-Cooper, Chris Moujaes and Aaron Romo.

Then from 3:00pm-4:30pm it's a Comics Panel with Shannon Wheeler, Jessie Garza, Chris Moreno, Rafael Navarro and Drew Edwards.

Scott Hinze of Fanboy Radio will be your Moderator for both events.

Pre-party!

Join us on Friday, March 4, the night before the show, Brad Bankston of Austin Books will be hosting a pre-STAPLE! Meet and Greet at the Austin Books store located at 5002 North Lamar Blvd. The party starts at 8pm and refreshments will be provided. Come out and meet your favorite creators in a party atmosphere!

Well, we're all set for YOU so come on out and join us Saturday, March 5, 10am-6pm at the Elks Lodge, 700 Dawson Road, Austin, TX.

SOLD OUT!

2005-01-26T01:36:00.007-08:00

Exhibitor tables for STAPLE! are now sold out! We have filled all available spots and now have over 30 exhibitors signed up for the show.

If you wanted to get a table but didn't register in time, try posting on our message board to see if someone is willing to share their spot. Either way we hope you will still attend STAPLE! and join us for all the fun and festivities.

Happy New Year!

2005-01-10T14:17:00.007-08:00

We here at STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo hope you had a safe and enjoyable Holiday Season and are ready for a great 2005! We're very excited to make the following announcements!

Early Registration Deadline:

Exhibitor tables at STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo are a reasonable $50 for a full 8' table and $30 for a half table. After the Early Registration Deadline of January 31st, those prices will increase to $70 and $50, respectively. So don't delay! If you'd like to be an exhibitor at STAPLE! go to the Registration page to download your registration form and send it in today!

More confirmed guests:

Scott Kurtz - www.pvponline.com Scott has wanted to be a cartoonist since he was 9 years old. Although he created comics all throughout elementary school, high school and college, his work first appeared on the internet in 1998. Scott's earlier strips Wedlock and Samwise earned him his first (albeit small) online audiences and gained him notice in the computer gaming industry. PvP debuted on May 4th 1998 and has run ever since. PvP is now read by over 100,000 people daily online and collected in comic books every month by Image Comics.

Scott will be joining Lea Hernandez, Barb Lien-Cooper and Aaron Romo for the STAPLE! Webcomics panel discussion.

Chris Moreno ' www.chrismoreno.net Chris is a rising star in the comics industry whose current project, Dracula Vs. King Arthur, makes its debut this year. Having cut his teeth on a two-year run on Tony DiGerolamo's The Travelers, Chris has provided illustrations for gaming companies like Burning Wheel, and Kenzer & Co. on their Hackmaster game products, covers for Knights of the Dinner Table magazine, interior artwork for Tony DiGerolamo's Complete Mafia for d20 (coming out later this year), and has collaborated with artists like Mike Avon Oeming and Tommy Castillo. His 5-page story 'Monkey in a Wagon Vs. Lemur on a Big Wheel' is in 2004's Comic Book Legal Defense Fund: Even More Fund Comics anthology. His creator-owned project, The Rot Pack, will be debut next year.

Rafael Navarro - www.sonambulo.com By day, he's a storyboard animator on such shows as Stripperella, JL, and Xiaolin Showdown. By night, he's the creator and artist of the Xeric Award winning cult classic Sonambulo, published by Ninth Circle Studios.

Chris and Rafael will be on the STAPLE! Independent Comics Creators panel with Shannon Wheeler, Jessie Garza, and Drew Edwards.

Fanboy Radio's www.fanboyradio.com own Scott Hinze will be moderating the panels at STAPLE!

More exhibitors:

Leo McGovern www.antigravitymagazine.com Steven Noppenberger www.angrydogpress.net Christine Pointeau www.riverbynight.com David Hopkins www.antiherocomics.com Zach Taylor www.gnourg.com Ismael Cavazos www.i-c-art.org Dave Lamplugh www.ycrft.angelcities.com/index.htm Nate Southard, Danny Blount www.frequencypress.com Chad Hopper www.palfloat.com Jessica Champion www.arcadedistro.com Shawn Granton www.microcosmpublishing.com

For the current full list of exhibitors go to the Exhibitor page.

More Special Guests!

2004-11-14T16:05:00.007-08:00

Shannon Wheeler, creator of Too Much Coffee Man, lived in Austin, Texas from '89-'99 during which time he wrote, drew and stapled 12,000 TMCM mini comics before self-publishing his own full sized comic books. One of the only people to have self published full color comics, he now lives in Portland, Oregon where he publishes Too Much Coffee Man magazine. Shannon will appear at STAPLE! courtesy of sponsor Austin Books.

Barbara Lien-Cooper, writer of GUN STREET GIRL at www.graphicsmash.com and one of the original founders of Sequential Tart, is currently co-columnist at www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com and managing editrix of the 2004 Eisner award-winning print magazine COMIC BOOK ARTIST. Named by Mark Millar as one of the three most promising new talents in the next wave of comics writing, Barbara will be exhibiting her works at STAPLE! and joining Lea Hernandez and Aaron Romo on the STAPLE! Webcomics Panel.

New Flyer!

2004-10-27T16:08:00.007-07:00

Want to help promote STAPLE? Download the new flyer and distribute it to your local comic shops, bookstores and all the other cool places in your town!

Special Guest Confirmed!

2004-10-19T14:13:00.007-07:00

Lea Hernandez, 2004 Lulu of the Year editor of girlamatic.com; multiple Eisner-nominated creator of Rumble Girls, Texas Steampunk, Killer Princesses (with Gail Simone), and artist of Hardy Boys, will appear at STAPLE! to conduct a panel discussion and meet the public! Come join us in welcoming Lea to Austin and STAPLE!

Endorsed!

2004-10-10T06:55:00.007-07:00

Comic Book Resources' very own Comic Pimp James Sime has endorsed STAPLE! 'Austin is hands-down one of America's hippest cities; jam-packed with youth, culture, art and music. What better place to establish the front line for cutting edge comics culture?'

Get Reviewed!!!

2004-09-28T05:34:00.007-07:00

Randy Lander of www.thefourthrail.com has generously and enthusiastically agreed to review comics exhibited at STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo. Bring extra copies of your work to give him at the show and he'll post a review of at least one of them on his well-known and influential comics review website. This offer is only for folks who sign up to exhibit so don't miss out!

Exhibitor registration form available

2004-09-23T06:29:00.007-07:00

The PDF registration form for exhibitors is now available. Full tables are $50 and half-tables $30.

Date and location set

2004-09-20T05:00:00.007-07:00

The first Staple Expo will be held on March 5, 2005 in Austin, TX! Here is the date and location:

Saturday, March 5, 2005
10 AM - 6 PM
Elks Lodge BPOE #201
700 Dawson Road
Austin, TX