APE Evolves!

Revisiting APE 2010

APE, the Alternative Press Expo, the country's largest alternative and independent comics convention, debuted a new Exhibit Hall in 2010. Conveniently the new facility was still within the Concourse Exhibition Center in San Francisco, but in an adjacent hall. APE continues to grow enthusiasm from both attendees and exhibitors and it was that enthusiasm that resulted in having to increase the Exhibit Hall to accommodate the increase in exhibitor interest and attendance. The show, which took place the weekend of October 16 and 17, featured over 400 creators displaying the best in alternative, independent and self published comics and art.

APE 2010's special guest spotlights included Lynda Barry (writer/artist, What It Is, Picture This: The Near-Sighted Monkey Book), Daniel Clowes (writer/artist, Ghost World, Wilson), Renée French (writer/artist, The Soap Lady, H Day), Megan Kelso (writer/artist, Artichoke Tales, The Squirrel Mother), Rich Koslowski (writer/artist, The 3 Geeks, BB Wolf and the Three LPs), Tommy Kovac (writer/artist, Stitch; writer, The Royal Historian of Oz), and Tony Millionaire (writer/artist, Maakies, Sock Monkey).

This year's show marked the debut of APE's Comics Collaboration Connection, an initiative matching writers and artists with their creative counterparts. APE continued its Workshop series, presenting invaluable advice to budding creators from experts in the field. The programming schedule included presentations on the history of the Bay Area Comics Scene, Queer Cartoonists and an Indie Comics Survival Guide, among others.

Plans are already beginning for APE 2011 to be held Saturday and Sunday October 22 & 23 at the Concourse Exhibition Hall, once again in the expanded hall at 635 8th Street, San Francisco. Keep checking out the APE website for up-to-date information on the 2011 show.

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