SPX '12 Goodies

I'm a few weeks behind in talking about all the cool stuff I picked up at SPX this year, but hey, things have been hectic...getting files ready for "Blood-Drenched Creature Double-Feature", working on Kickstarter rewards for it, more "Simon Says" work, and a relocation for me & my family.

But onto the topic at hand...SPX swag.

I didn't get much of a chance to walk around this year. It was insanely busy; easily the busiest it's been in the four years since I've been an exhibitor at SPX. I did manage to score some nice books, either as a result of shelling out the bucks or doing some trades (suckers).

Grixly - I actually met Nate McDonough (the mastermind behind this mini comic series) at SPACE a few years ago. His art style definitely stands out, so I immediately remembered his stuff. It turns out he bought a copy of "Bee Sting" the previous year when we just had them as minis and really enjoyed it. He gave Jeremy and me a stack of more Grixly comics, and I bartered for a few more with some trades. These are the epitome of bizarre minis (and trust me, there's some weird mess out there), but they are great...full of detail and hilarious.

Like It's 1999 - I'm pretty certain I managed some trades for this. This mini is an introduction to the bigger story, which seems like a coming-of-age sort of tale. The mini was well put together on some nice card stock, and the art was pretty solid. I'm definitely intrigued and look forward to reading more.

Leftovers - My friend Jason Pittman had his Leftovers mini comics printed as full size comics now, and he debuted issue 3 as well. These are short, self-contained stories that feature people at a crossroads in their lives. Jason is a damn fine storyteller in many ways...beautifully detailed artwork that really conveys the emotions and dialogue that is easily relatable.

Gay Kid 4 - Katie Omberg gave me her latest issue of Gay Kid, her autobiographical story about coming out. Each issue stands alone, but overall, you have a nice portrait of Katie's childhood and the ins and outs (no pun intended) of her revelation to friends and family. This issue was, by far, her strongest. It's the awkward sleepover issue, and the ending is far too powerful for me to spoil here.

Atom Bomb Bikini - Rob Ullman came out with this small, hardcover, pin-up book of his beautifully-drawn women several years ago. For whatever reason, I never bought it (which is pretty crazy considering how big of an Ullman fan I am). It's worth every penny. Ullman's artwork oozes of animated sex appeal which will have lovers of Tex Avery and Bruce Timm drooling for more. If ever an opportunity arises to have Ullman draw some of my characters, I'll be all over it.

Between Gears - Our little SPX group happened to be seated next to Natalie Nourigat, who was selling her wonderful debut graphic novel by Image Comics. It's a massive graphic diary she compiled of her last year in college...every tear and laugh is documented here. It's expertly delivered and filled with heart.

Henry and Glenn Forever and Ever #1 - Last, but definitely not least, is the pick of the show! This anthology features my good friend Benjamin Marra and a host of others, depicting performers Glenn Danzig and Henry Rollins in an interesting relationship. Guest appearances by Hall and Oates are inspired, to say the least. Every story made me laugh hysterically, and my only wish is that I had bought this months ago when it came out!

I urge any of you to check out these books, cause frankly, they were all amazing.

Til next time,
Matthew