Welcome to TCAF Idol! You’re going to Toronto!

Just as American Idol is getting a scary looking reboot, a real talent contest took place yesterday, an event on the tension and triumph/tragedy spectrum somewhere between San Diego’s Hoteloween and getting into the state finals.

Exhibitor applications for TCAF (Toronto Comics Arts Festival) went out yesterday, and just like in American Idol, there were three rooms: the one where you got to go on, the one where you didn’t and the one that was a waitlist. And the twitter reactions were just as jubilant or deflated.

TCAF is one of the world’s best comics shows, and space is at a premium, so many more crators apply than are accepted – plus because of the size limitations, many individual cartoonists are rotated in and out each year. Just because you were chosen last year is no guarantee of getting in again, in fact it may weigh against you.

Exactly what formula the TCAF staff uses to pick exhibitors is unknown but before we meet the contestants, here’s a reminder: You can still apply for VANCAF, the west coast sibling show.

We know folks are hearing about their #TCAF status today, which seems like a good time to remind everyone that VanCAF exhibitor applications are still open! https://t.co/npD64t469N

— VanCAF (@VancouverComics) January 9, 2018

And now some of the jubilant winners, some familiar but many first timers. I had barely heard of many of these artists so consider this your early guide to TCAF debuts.

https://twitter.com/melgillman/status/950531595609493504

Mindgator 2 #sketches
Looks like I’ll be tabling #tcaf2018 this is essentially the my first con outside of Japan. Good things are coming with me and will be available for the first time at tcaf. Hope to see you there! pic.twitter.com/JFEFoZWorw

— MuleleRedux (@muleleredux) January 9, 2018

After two years of applying to TCAF, I finally got in……!!! Anyone else going?!

— Haku✨Cape of Spirits s3!!! (@hakuku) January 9, 2018

https://twitter.com/erintheunready/status/950488353111240705

https://twitter.com/ARFranklinstein/status/950568326505402368

https://twitter.com/saint_vagrant/status/950567363392561152

https://twitter.com/julia_the_hut/status/950567772706177026

https://twitter.com/kohquette/status/950562934379315200

turns out they sent the wrong email and i actually got into TCAF. rollercoaster day.

— Christopher Sebela (@xtop) January 9, 2018

We're still trying to process the fact that we just got into #TCAF! Come hang with us for @TorontoComics if you can!!! pic.twitter.com/Z45V9he1aL

— Fine OK Press @Thought Bubble (@fineokpress) January 9, 2018

i'll be exhibiting at tcaf in may 2018

— kristina.exe (@Sskessa) January 9, 2018

I got into TCAF :>

— Miranda Harmon (@MirandaMHarmon) January 9, 2018

https://twitter.com/love_love_hill/status/950546680721616896

I got accepted to TCAF! See you all folks in Toronto ❤️

— Eggman Comics (@eggmancomicsgng) January 9, 2018

https://twitter.com/slimyswampghost/status/950527707380465664

"Hello! Thanks for your interest in exhibiting at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival, May 12th and 13th, 2018, with a professional development day on May 11th. We’re pleased to inform you that you have been accepted as an exhibitor!

You Requested: 6 FOOT TABLE, FIRST FLOOR" pic.twitter.com/m9ZueXVDaZ

— Sandy (@skimcasual) January 9, 2018

Folks, we're incredibly honored to say: WE'RE GOING TO BE AT TCAF! Who else is gonna be in Toronto?

— Margins (DATES 3 on sale now!) (@marginscomics) January 8, 2018

So I got into TCAF and now I'm in panic mode.

— Theodore Taylor III (@tedikuma) January 8, 2018

Heyyyy I got a table for TCAF. Should be up to Goro #6 by then.

— Sarah Horrocks (@mercurialblonde) January 8, 2018

Thrilled to confirm that I will be set up at #TCAF 2018!https://t.co/yhUTE0VWmU

— Jim Zub (@JimZub) January 8, 2018

https://twitter.com/grrrrace/status/950506331756212224

Landed in Vancouver to the good news that I got into TCAF!!! Yeah!!! Get ready for a hecka lot of new comics coming soon!

— ✨Christine✨ (@OneChrispy) January 8, 2018

https://twitter.com/heyelements/status/950495633193934848

Great news y'all, I got into TCAF! Less great news, I need to hustle up 200$ for my table, and lots more money to print books.

— Cat making Barbarian Comics (@fairywarriorcat) January 8, 2018

https://twitter.com/Sharean_M/status/950489356074176512

https://twitter.com/hirosemaryhello/status/950489274650103809

https://twitter.com/RyanDunlavey/status/950489076326715392

https://twitter.com/KeezyBees/status/950488936941371393

https://twitter.com/Short_Box/status/950484721464696833

https://twitter.com/retrofitcomics/status/950488793068572672

https://twitter.com/sfemonster/status/950486949504126976

https://twitter.com/kathmachine/status/950486135322525696

My application for a table at #TCAF 2018 has been successful so I’m pleased to announce I will be there, with bells on, this May. Thanks @TorontoComics

— Oliver East (@olivereast) January 8, 2018

Namesake/Valor team going to TCAF baby!

— Isa //Mothman is WILD and FREE and cannot be tamed (@Secondlina) January 8, 2018

https://twitter.com/neekaneeks/status/950475570248237056

Excited to announce My TCAF application was successful

— Christian Ward (@cjwardart) January 8, 2018

I guess I got into TCAF.

— J.N. Monk (@JN_Monk) January 8, 2018

But over on the waitlist and the rejection pile, it was sadness, Zen acceptance or maybe getting up the gumption to try again!

https://twitter.com/thisiskatedee/status/950553302751563776

https://twitter.com/heyjenbartel/status/950477207574597634

A little disappointed I didn't make it into tcaf, but I can support the hell out of @TorontoComix while I'm there anyway!!! More time to work on Eos and my other upcoming projects

— Brenna @ truly just doing my best here (@pangolinart) January 9, 2018

Shout out to my fellow comic creators who applied to TCAF and did NOT get accepted. Your not alone. Stay strong, proud, and excited about your work. And remember, above all else, keep making comics! pic.twitter.com/fWBI2PpDid

— Ryan King (@Ryyyan_Kiiing) January 9, 2018

https://twitter.com/MizTeeFranklin/status/950473283769655296

TCAF takes place May 12-13 with exhibitors located at the Toronto Reference Library and events throughout the city. Neither guests not any other details have been announced yet but here’s Sana Takeda’s lovely poster from last year to whet your appetite.