An Austin tradition returns this weekend – STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo. This expo bills itself as:
“…the premiere event in the Southwest for independently created comics, zines, art, crafts, games and more, with over 100 exhibiting artists, 7 hours of panels & presentations, and on & off-site events!”
This convention was started by Chris Nicholas and David Lamplugh in 2005 as a way to help DIY and Indie comics publishers get their work in front of people, which is a growing challenge again today. The name of the convention derives Nicholas and Lamplugh’s experience self-publishing comics which included taking care of the stapling themselves.
STAPLE! repeated annually until the pandemic forced them to take a break in 2020. Family matters as well as concerns about how expensive it was to put on a show kept it from returning until now.
This year’s festivities include:
-April 12th, 8pm – free pre-party meet and greet at Austin Books
-April 13th, 11am-6pm – exhibitors, panels, and presentations
-April 13th, 9pm – free live art show at the Far Out Lounge
-April 14th, 12pm-6pm – exhibitors, panels, and presentations
Among the many featured guests and panelists are Mattie Lubchansky, TheStarfishface, Chesca Hause, Ron Regé, Jr., and Dale Wallain. You can find the complete list of guests and panelists here, and the whole list of exhibitors here.
Staple! 2024 is scheduled for April 13-14 in the Mabee Ballroom at St. Edward’s University.
