Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo

Last updated
Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo
StatusActive
Genre Alternative comics
VenueOhio Expo Center (2000–2006)
Aladdin Shrine Center (2007–2009)
Ramada Plaza Hotel & Conference Center (2010–2014))
Northland Performing Arts Center (2015–present)
Location(s)Columbus, Ohio
CountryUnited States
Inaugurated2000
Organized byBob Corby/Back Porch Comics
Website BackPorchComics.com/space

The Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo, or SPACE or S.P.A.C.E., is an annual convention in Columbus, Ohio, United States, for alternative comics, minicomics, and webcomics. Bob Corby founded the convention as a gathering place for "the comics and the creators with no distractions." [1] The show is sponsored by Corby's Back Porch Comics, a Columbus small press comics publisher.

Contents

Like most comic book conventions, in addition to exhibitor tables, each show features art exhibits, panel discussions, and workshops. [2] [3]

History

Prior to SPACE, there had been a few small press-themed conventions in Columbus, including segments of the Mid-Ohio Con (dating from the 1980s) and a stop on Dave Sim's 1995 "Spirits of Independents" tour. In 2000, inspired by Spirits of Independence, and with Sim's blessing, Columbus small press comics publisher Bob Corby staged the first SPACE show at the Rhodes Center in the Ohio Expo Center. 49 small press exhibitors — including Matt Feazell, Carla Speed McNeil, Alex Robinson, and William Messner-Loebs [4] — came from as far as Illinois, North Carolina, and Connecticut. [5]

In 2001, Sim collaborated directly with Corby, and SPACE became the home of the inaugural Day Prize, administered in person by Sim. 65 exhibitors came from as far west as Portland, Oregon, and as far east as New York City. Columbus-based Jeff Smith made a surprise appearance. [6]

From 2001 to 2008, Sim was a special guest at every SPACE show, often with his long-time collaborator Gerhard. In 2004, Sim was awarded the SPACE Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2007, with SPACE growing in popularity and exhibitors, the show expanded to two days and moved to the Aladdin Shrine Center. The 2008 show, Sim's last appearance, featured 30 of his original drawings, and over 150 creators and publishers. [3] The 2009 show featured an exhibit of original pages from Carol Tyler's new graphic novel, You’ll Never Know, Book One: A Good and Decent Man.

In 2010, the show expanded once again, moving to the Ramada Plaza Hotel & Conference Center. The 2012 show featured creators like Nate Powell, Carol Tyler, John Porcellino, Tom Scioli, and Eric Adams.

The 2020 show, scheduled for July 11–12, was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [7]

Dates and locations

DatesLocationSpecial guestsNotes
April 15, 2000Ohio Expo Center, Rhodes Center...
March 31, 2001Ohio Expo Center, Rhodes Center Dave Sim first presentation of the Day Prize
April 20, 2002Ohio Expo Center, Rhodes Center Dave Sim and Gerhard
April 5, 2003Ohio Expo Center, Rhodes Center Dave Sim and Gerhard
April 3, 2004Holiday Inn, Columbus East Dave Sim and Gerhard Sim awarded the SPACE Lifetime Achievement Award
April 16, 2005Holiday Inn, Columbus East [2] Dave Sim and Gerhard
May 13, 2006Aladdin Shrine Center Dave Sim and Gerhard
April 21–22, 2007Aladdin Shrine Center Dave Sim Event expands to two days
March 1–2, 2008Aladdin Shrine Center Dave Sim
April 18–19, 2009Aladdin Shrine Center
April 24–25, 2010Ramada Plaza Hotel & Conference Center
March 19–20, 2011Ramada Plaza Hotel & Conference Center
April 21–22, 2012Ramada Plaza Hotel & Conference Center
April 13–14, 2013Ramada Plaza Hotel & Conference CenterGraphic novel category added to SPACE Price
April 12–13, 2014Ramada Plaza Hotel & Conference Center
July 18–19, 2015Northland Performing Arts Center
April 9–10, 2016Northland Performing Arts Center
March 25–26, 2017Northland Performing Arts Center
April 28–29, 2018Northland Performing Arts Center
April 27–28, 2019Northland Performing Arts Center
July 11–12, 2020Northland Performing Arts CenterCancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic [7]
April 27–28, 2024Ohio Expo Center, Rhodes Center

The Day Prize / the SPACE Prize

In 2001, Dave Sim and his collaborator Gerhard founded the Howard E. Day Prize for outstanding achievement in self-publishing, in tribute to Sim's mentor, Gene Day. Bestowed annually at SPACE from 2002 to 2008 [8] the prize consisted of a $500 cash award and a commemorative plaque. The recipient was chosen by Sim and Gerhard from a pool of submitted works.

In 2008, Sim announced he was withdrawing from convention appearances (including SPACE) to concentrate on new work. [9] In addition, Sim announced that, beginning in 2009, the Day Prize was going to be folded into the Joe Shuster Canadian Comic Book Creator Awards. [10] SPACE organizer Bob Corby announced the creation of the SPACE Prize beginning at the 2008 show. [9] Entries for the SPACE Prize are submitted by that year's exhibitors, with a list of finalists selected by Corby. The winner is chosen by a group of judges and SPACE exhibitors. [9]

In 2009, the SPACE Prize expanded to include three categories, General, Minicomic/Short story, and Webcomic. In 2013 the SPACE Prize added the Graphic Novel category. In 2016 the SPACE Prize dropped the Webcomic category but added the Junior Category prize.

Day Prize/SPACE Prize Winners

Award categories

General

  • 2009: The Dreamer #1–5, by Lora Innes
  • 2010: (tie)
    • Cragmore Book One, by Pat N. Lewis
    • Mirror Mind, by Tory Woollcott
  • 2011: The Collected Diabetes Funnies, by Colin Upton
  • 2012: (tie)
    • Kiss & Tell: A Romantic Resumé, Ages 0 to 22, by Mari Naomi
    • No One is Safe, by Katherine Wirick
  • 2013: Ragged Rider: Tales of a Cowboy Mummy, by Andrew Meyerhoefer
  • 2014: Black of Heart, written by Chris Charlton, illustrated by David Hollenbach
  • 2015: If the Shoe Fits, written by Emily Willis, illustrated by Ann Uland
  • 2016: Woodstalk #6 (According to Plan), by Bruce Worden
  • 2017: Refugee Road (Prince Delight), written by Stu Rase & Tara Rase-Writers, illustrated by Will Jones
  • 2018: Himawari Share Vol. 1 & 2, by Harmony Becker

Graphic novel

  • 2013: Xoc: The Journey of a Great White, by Matt Dembicki
  • 2014: Persia Blues, written by Dara Naraghi, illustrated by Brent Bowman
  • 2015: Apama: The Undiscovered Animal (Hero Tomorrow Comics), written by Ted Sikora & Millo Miller, illustrated by Benito Gallego
  • 2016: Persia Blues Vol. 2: Love & War (NBM), written by Dara Naraghi, illustrated by Brent Bowman
  • 2017: Black of Heart (Narrier), written by Chris Charlton, illustrated by David Hollenbach
  • 2018: Far Tune – Autumn, written by Terry Eisele, illustrated by Brent Bowman

Minicomic/Short story

  • 2009: Aliens Poop on Your Children, by Chris Garrett
  • 2010: Board of Superheroes #2, by Matt Feazell
  • 2011: Sing, Sing, by Paul Zdepski
  • 2012: And Then One Day #9, by Ryan Claytor
  • 2013: Better Together, by Ryan Claytor
  • 2014: (tie)
    • Birds in a Sluddle, by Pam Bliss
    • Blindspot #3, by Joseph Remnant
    • Limp Wrist, written by Scout Wolfcave, illustrated by Penina Gal
  • 2015: Bad Sex, by Lauren McCallister
  • 2016: (tie)
    • Dive, by Sean Dempsey
    • Far Tune, written by Terry Eisele, illustrated by Brent Bowman-Writer
  • 2017: Brain Weather (Anxious Ink LLC), by Alexis Cooke
  • 2018: Anemone & Catharus, by Harmony Becker

Webcomic

  • 2009: Introspective Comics, by Ryan Dow
  • 2010: Champ 2010, by Jed Collins
  • 2011: Spoilers, by Kevin Czapiewski
  • 2012: Next Year’s Girl, by Katie Valeska
  • 2013: Little Guardians, by Lee Cherolis and Ed Cho
  • 2014: Black Rose, by Aaron Minier, Christopher Atudt, and Brandon Peat
  • 2015: (tie)
    • Clattertron.com, by Daniel J. Hogan
    • Wonder Care: After School (Vantage: Inhouse Productions), written by Justin Castaneda & Victor Dandridge, illustrated by Justin Castaneda

Junior Category

  • 2016:
    • Ant and the Zombie Spiders Parts 1 & 2, by Harrison Worden
    • Starcatcher’s Quest, by Althea Seilhan
  • 2017:
    • Daughter of Brothers & Daughters (Silber), written by Brian John Mitchell & J. M. Hunter, illustrated by Aubrey Hunter
    • The Electric Team Food Adventure, by Abigail Connor
    • The Mule Man Collection, by Max Wolf & Amelia Sealy
  • 2018:
    • Be Your Self, by Aubrey Hunter
    • Duncleosteous, by Nevan Bowman
    • Kitchen Chemistry for Kids of All Ages, written by Matt Williams, illustrated by Althea Seilhan
    • Pirate’s Life, by Aubrey Hunter
    • Puppy Dog Tales, by Althea Seilhan
    • Sylvester (Dimestore), by Lucian Snars
    • Super Tooth (Zimberack Comics), by Jackson Connor
    • Swann Castle, by Abigail Connor
    • There Was an Accident... (Silber), written by Violet Mitchell, illustrated by Nate McDonough, Jason Young, Eric Shonborn, Kurt Dinse, Chelsea Fields, Jared Catherine, and Shane DeLeon
    • We Only Live Once, by Aubrey Hunter

See also

Related Research Articles

Notable events of 2004 in comics.

Notable events of 2005 in comics.

Howard Eugene Day was a Canadian comics artist best known for his work on Marvel Comics' Star Wars licensed series and Master of Kung Fu. He was considered a mentor by independent comic writer/artist Dave Sim.

Gabagool! is an American comic book that began in 2002. It was created by cartoonist Mike Dawson and humorist Chris Radtke, and concerns the various misadventures of a 30-something super-nerd, Christopher Vigliotti, and his friends Ritch Sutton and Vinnie DelPino. They live in the Bronx, New York, in an apartment owned by Christopher's cousin, Lenny Vigliotti.

Notable events of 2007 in comics.

Notable events of 1994 in comics.

Notable events of 1995 in comics.

Notable events of 2008 in comics.

Notable events of 2003 in comics.

Notable events of 2002 in comics.

Notable events of 2010 in comics. It includes any relevant comics-related events, deaths of notable comics-related people, conventions and first issues by title.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fan Expo Chicago</span>

Fan Expo Chicago, is a comic book convention held during the summer in Rosemont, Illinois, United States, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. It was traditionally a three-day event, but in 2006, it expanded to four days. It was founded in 1972 as Nostalgia '72, Chicago Comic Con and later as the Chicago Comic and Nostalgia Convention by a local dealer named Nancy Warner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ohio Comic Con</span>

The Wizard World Columbus Comic Con, formerly known as Mid-Ohio Con and then the Wizard World Ohio Comic Con, was a comic book convention held during the fall in Columbus, Ohio, United States, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Initially held in early November, from 1994–2007 the Mid-Ohio Con took place on the first weekend after Thanksgiving. Normally a two-day event, in 2012 it expanded to three days.

The Motor City Comic Con is a fan convention held in Novi, Michigan, United States, at the Suburban Collection Showplace. It is traditionally a three-day event, usually held in May of each year. The Motor City Comic Con was founded in 1989 by comics retailer Michael Goldman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael DeForge</span>

Michael DeForge is a Canadian comics artist and illustrator.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Comic book convention</span> Event with a primary focus on comic books

A comic book convention or comic con is a fan convention with a primary focus on comic books and comic book culture, in which comic book fans gather to meet creators, experts, and each other. Commonly, comic conventions are multi-day events hosted at convention centers, hotels, or college campuses. They feature a wide variety of activities and panels, with a larger number of attendees participating in cosplay than most other types of fan conventions. Comic book conventions are also used as a vehicle for industry, in which publishers, distributors, and retailers represent their comic-related releases. Comic book conventions may be considered derivatives of science-fiction conventions, which began in the late 1930s.

The Nib was an American online daily comics publication focused on political cartoons, graphic journalism, essays and memoir about current affairs. Founded by cartoonist Matt Bors in September 2013, The Nib was an independent member-supported publisher that ceased operating in September 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cartoon Crossroads Columbus</span> Comics festival

Cartoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC) is an annual, free, four-day celebration of cartooning and graphic novels held in Columbus, Ohio. Venues for the festival include Ohio State University's Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Hale Hall, and the Wexner Center for the Arts; and downtown Columbus' Columbus Metropolitan Library, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Columbus College of Art and Design.

The Chicago Alternative Comics Expo is a comic book festival usually held each June in Chicago.

UK Web & Mini Comix Thing was an annual comics convention specializing in British small press comics. Produced from 2004 to 2010, always in the month of March, the convention's venue was typically the Great Hall of Queen Mary University of London. The event's organizer was David Findlay, who was based in Slough, Berkshire.

References

  1. Corby quoted in "What is S.P.A.C.E.," Official website. Accessed June 10, 2012.
  2. 1 2 "Convention to Feature Independent Publications," Columbus Dispatch (April 14, 2005).
  3. 1 2 "Event to include writers, artists," Columbus Dispatch (Feb. 28, 2008).
  4. Zabel, Joe. "SPACE Show — Columbus does Indies," Amazing Montage Magazine (May 2000).
  5. "SPACE 2000," Official website. Accessed June 10, 2012.
  6. "SPACE 2001," Official website. Accessed June 10, 2012.
  7. 1 2 "Small Press & Alternative Comics Expo 2020: July 11-12, 2020 Cancelled," FanCos.com. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
  8. "SPACE". BackPorchComics.com. Retrieved 2011-07-18.
  9. 1 2 3 "Bill Knapp Wins SPACE Prize," Cosmo's Corner: The Official SPACE blog (January 11, 2009).
  10. "Gene Day Award for Self-Publishing," Joe Shuster Awards official site. Accessed June 12, 2012.