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Several people bought prints and novels and got them signed by the artists themselves. Many of the vendors were extremely friendly and talented, but we're not going to lie: sometimes it's just really awkward. Imagine a situation where you aren't really interested in the art that someone did, but they kept pushing it at you. In fact, they told you the whole plot line and individual character development. And while you nervously flip through the (badly made, perhaps?) comic, they stare at you in order to pressure you and guilt trip you into purchasing it. Then you put it down without seeming too abrupt (because you didn't actually pay attention when flipping through the book) and inch slowly to the next table, only to repeat the scenario. How awkward.
Even thought there were some cumbersome circumstances, our experience was also filled pleasant occurrences. A handsdown favorite was Derek Kirk Kim. Many of the students (including myself) were captivated by his character (I have the Stumptown 06 poster that he designed hanging in my room right now). Another personal favorite was Jen Wang who sat next to Vera Brosgol at the convention.
The convention was located at the Concourse Center in San Francisco, which looked like a warehouse on the outside, but on the inside there was comic-y goodness. It was only 30 minutes away without traffic from our school campus.
Information about the Alternative Press Expo can be found here.
The APE excursion was only the beginning of the outings that the Society of Independant People is already planning. We already know that in addition to attending the Alternative Press Expo next year, we will also be attending Wondercon. Also, we are currently arranging a trip to the San Francisco Film Festival, so please stay tuned for that.
-Yooni Kim
