52nd City

Big Read, Small Press, Great Guns!

As members of the small press ourselves, we'd be remiss in not noting these upcoming events, which came through my box via the Star Clipper newsletter. Not only does Star Clipper carry books and mags you won't find elsewhere (I'd also be remiss in not thanking them for carrying our little mag) they're constantly organizing events that help expand audiences for little magazines and comics. Not to make it sound medicinal or something you "should" do; au contraire, things like their annual Munny Show are exciting and just plain fun.

STAR CLIPPER AT BIG READ IN CLAYTON
Comics Discussion Panel and Booth

The Big Read, presented by Centene Corporation, is Saturday, October 6, 2007, 9 AM to 5 PM! The Big Read festival features publishers,book-sellers, national authors, readings, book signings, panel discussions, workshops, demonstrations and an interactive children's area with readings, costumed characters and projects that engage the young reader. It is free and open to the public.

Star Clipper will be a Big Exhibitor at the Big Read in Clayton's Central Business District. Additionally, owner A.J. Trujillo will join local comics creators Dan Zettwoch (Ironclad), and Ted May (Ted May's Injury) on a panel discussion about comics moderated by Cliff Froehlich, current director of Cinema St. Louis and former executive editor of the Riverfront Times and arts-and-entertainment editor of
the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The panel and demonstration will run from 4:15-5 p.m. Saturday, October 6, at the McCarthy Building Companies Big Bee Stage.

JOHN PORCELLINO AND ST. LOUIS INDIES
Small Press Heavyweights October 17

John Porcellino, Kevin Huizenga, Ted May and Dan Zettwoch are coming to Star Clipper Wednesday, October 17! These four trailblazers of independent comics will be available from 5 to 8 PM to sign their work and original art in this extraordinary gathering of young talent. Small-press icon John Porcellino (King-Cat Comics and Stories) will be giving a formal presentation in the Star Clipper Gallery at 6 PM.

John Porcellino was born in Chicago, in 1968. He began writing and drawing at an early age, compiling his work into small, handmade booklets. His first photocopied "zine" was produced in 1982 at age 14, and he began his current series, King-Cat Comics and Stories, in 1989. Since then, King-Cat has been his predominant means of expression. Porcellino's most recent book collection King-Cat Classix ("A comprehensive introduction to the work of a great living artist as well as a tribute to the foundational efforts of an icon." - Library Journal) is a splendid overview of his zine's first fifty issues.