The seventh annual STAPLE! Independent Media Expo will take place on March 5 and 6 at the Marchesa Hall and Theater and will feature comic artists, special guests, and a live marching band.
STAPLE! is a conference featuring over 150 exhibitors ranging from independent comic artists to people selling their own crafts, T-shirts, and original art.
Chris Nicholas, founder and lead organizer, is the man running the show.
"It's a much bigger show this year. I'm excited about this year's guest speakers… and the marching band should really be fun," said Nicholas.
This is the first year that the expo has expanded to two days. The expo is the only one of its kind offered to independent artists in the Southwest United States.
"The artists have been asking for it for a long time...and this way, people from across the country will be coming in, since it's more than just a single day," said Nicholas.
At the show, there will be an animation panel with local animators, celebrity panels, and a Q&A session with James O'Barr, the creator of The Crow original comic book series. There will also be a screening of Comic Book Literacy, a documentary that explores how comic-reading promotes literacy for the young and those learning English as a second-language.
On Saturday, The Best Best Best Friends, a marching band, will be playing New Orleans-style brass music and even a few video game covers.
"It's great because you get to meet the artists first-hand, and when you buy a comic, you buy it from them and support them directly," said Nicholas. "Making your own comics is typically thankless, expensive, and tough to make a living at," said Nicholas.
"There's only one distributor around, and it's nearly impossible to get your comic in the catalogue. STAPLE! helps these people survive doing their art."
Beyond just meeting with the artists, there is an array of activities for those who attend.
The Friday before the show, there will be a pre-party at Austin Books and Comics for exhibitors and attendees alike with free beer.
"I think the pre-party is a cool idea because it will be a nice casual atmosphere for regular people and the artists to get to know each other and get connected," said Nicholas.
There will also be a live art show on Saturday night at Club Deville, where attendees will paint or create art that will then be sold to benefit KOOP Radio.
Wrapping up the expo on Sunday night at Club Deville, there will be a Comedy Showcase featuring The New Movement comedy troupe.
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article!