It’s not too early to start thinking of this year’s indie comix show circuit, and two key shows have announced new dates and formats.

First, SPX has announced it’s dates: October 4-5. That means they’ll be going to a Saturday-Sunday format next year. The move had been long expected, given the small showing for Sunday’s “Small Press Summit” and the belief that a Saturday-Sunday show would daw more people.

By popular demand, SPX 2008 is shifting its exhibition hours to a Saturday-and-Sunday show. The show will be open to the public Saturday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday from noon to 6:00 pm.

“The show has grown over the years to the point where we really need both days of the weekend to let exhibitors sell their comics,” said Executive Director Karon Flage. “This makes it easier for attendees to come to the show and see what all of our creators and publishers have to offer.”

Portland’s Stumptown Comics Fest, the up-and-coming show on the circuit, has announced a move to April 26-27 to fill the spring void left by APE’s move to November.

Portland Oregon’s 5th Annual Stumptown Comics Fest will be held on April 26th-27th at the Doubletree Hotel Lloyd Center, 1000 NE Multnomah St, Portland, OR 97232. This event is a festival celebration of comic art. As Alternative Press Expo (APE) finds itself in the height of the autumn convention calendar in November, Stumptown Comics Fest has recognized the need for a Spring show focusing on the art and creation of comic books and moved to fill the void.

Exhibitor reservations are available now. Guests include Nick Gurewitch, Derek Kirk Kim, Craig Thompson and Mike Richardson. M ore info and PR in the jump.

The annual Stumptown Comics Fest, the largest comics convention in the Pacific Northwest dedicated primarily to the artists and publishers who make everyone’s favorite comics. Celebrating its fifth year, Portland strives to make this Fest the biggest and best yet, with a guest list reflecting the diverse nature of comics and cartooning.

Confirmed guests so far include:
Nicholas Gurewitch (Perry Bible Fellowship)
Craig Thompson (Blankets, the forthcoming Habibi)
Mike Richardson (Founder/President Dark Horse Comics)
Steve Lieber (White Out,Gotham Central)
Raina Telgemeier (Baby Sitter’s Club)
Dave Roman (editor for Nickelodeon Magazine)
Derek Kirk Kim (Same Difference, Good as Lily)

And more to come! These guests will join hundreds of other writers, illustrators, publishers, and fans sharing their enthusiasm for comics.

Exhibitor tables will be available for reservation on January 1, 2008. For further information please visit www.stumptowncomics.com. Admission price is $6/day, or $10 for a weekend pass.Table prices to be announced. Hotel reservations can be made through the Doubletree Hotel Lloyd Center, 1000 NE Multnomah St, Portland, OR 97232