Coming This Weekend To Chicago
Only a week after C2E2, there are already several comic book related social events here in Chicagoland. Whether you missed the recent convention or you went and were left wanting more, we locals here in Chicago are lucky enough to seemingly always have opportunities to indulge our love for comic books. Here are a few noteworthy events happening this very weekend (March 25th-27th):
Becky Cloonan Signing and Gallery Opening Where: Challengers Comics + Conversation in Bucktown
When: Friday 7pm - 10pm
Website: Challengers "Demo" Gallery Event with Becky Cloonan
If you have yet to attend one of Challenger's Rogue Gallery openings, this is your chance to finally see what all of the hub-bub is about. Art collectors get the chance to see pages in person before they purchase pieces for their collections, and fans get the chance to meet and greet with the artist herself, all the while everyone enjoying snacks and refreshments: just like a real art opening! Pick up the new volume of Demo while you are there, or bring in a copy of your favorite Cloonan work to be signed. Even if you aren't familiar with Becky's work, this is the perfect opportunity.
Where: Columbia College, 826CHI, Quimby's Bookstore
When: Events held throughout the day on Friday and Saturday (See flier)
Website: http://chicagozinefest.org/
You know those local artists I mentioned missing at C2E2? Chances are several of them will be at the Chicago Zinefest this weekend, including Sarah Becan (I'm hoping Jeffrey Brown will be there as well). This two-day long event has a wide range of activities to choose from (all free), including readings, karaoke, a DIY film festival, workshops, and of course the opportunity to purchase a ton of locally created work. Chicagoland has a lot of fantastic independent creators, and I can't wait to meet some of them and purchase their work in person. Locals won't be the only ones at this event. Expect to see creators from all over the country as well.
An early reminder as well, Free Comic Book Day will be happening on May 7th this year. I will be updating sooner to the date with a list of events and signings for the annual event. Last year we had a fantastic time meeting Buffy The Vampire Slayer actor Nicholas Brendon at Columbus, OH's Rat Pack Comics. For anyone who missed out last year, he will be returning to Rat Pack for another FCBD event. It will be hard to beat, but hopefully this year will be just as much fun.