So over the weekend with my good pal Moony, I ventured out to South Philly to attend Philadelphia's Alternative Comic Con. I didn't know what to expect from Philly, considering it was my first time in that city. But I must say, this city of brotherly love was truly beautiful.
The center/city's architecture was so pretty (not to mention clean, well, cleaner than nyc) and the people were friendly (we even got free museum coupons from a lovely old couple on the bus!). Rumor has it rent in Philly is super cheap compared to smelly ole NYC, which means I may move there in the near future! hint hint.
On Saturday, we arrived at Cha Cha Razzi (an art studio occupied by the convention's very own host, Pat Ausilio) to attend the awards ceremony, Grawlix . There, we were reunited with old friends and even made new ones accompanied by cheap booze and live music.
On Sunday! Was the actual con, located in the Rotunda. It was way smaller than NY Comic Con and MoCCA, but damn it, whatta show! Being an alternative con and all, there weren't any signs of cosplayers (thank god) but instead some good ole punk music in the background (there was even a DJ, Snaaaazzy!) and awesome artists!
Aside from fooling around at our table
(the folks across from our table had the most delicious looking cookies on Earth and Moony's drawing got us free ones! Thanks Moony!)
we sold a bunch of comics as well as monster portraits :
And the comics we got!
1) Love Pile 
and Upset Cats Vol.1 by Ze San San
[Ze is currently a RISD alumni, and her work, oh lord I just want to make sweet love to it. It's so fucking amazing, cute and most importantly, weird. Like her RISD peers, her art has that scratchy nib quality in addition to a great amount of details and sexual content, making it beautifully obscure. Please go see her work.]
2) Earl The Girl by Dominique Martin
[ Recent SVA alumni, Dominique presents a silly story about a girl named Earl, her dog Dog Dog, and her cat Cat Cat. Earl, having broken up with Dog Dog, meets up and falls in love with a guy with a vagina back (explaining that it's a "Phantom Taint").
And with that folks, I'm hooked. The story is adorable, and I'm totally digging the Kaz/Gary Baseman-esque. Can't wait til issue 2! ]
3) Ghost Comics
[An anthology of ghost stories and the pas haunting the present.
It includes artists such as Jeffrey Brown, Ed Choy Moorman, Corinne Mucha, Zak Sally, Toby Jones, and much more. A must read!)
[ahhhhhhh cute cats in cute scenarios. What is there not to like??
I've never owned a cat thus this comic was definitely a huge help in understanding cats. It's well drawn and made me laugh for minutes. Please go check her stuff!)
5) Puppy Teeth
[ warning: this minicomic contains extremely talented folks, thus will make you hate yourself.
I've read this whole booklet like three times already. Good doesn't even describe it.
Please do me a favor and check out these artists, IT'S IMPORTANTE:
-Martinez E Garcias
All very lovely stories!!
Plus, I got the chance to meet and befriend the amazing Kevin Czapiewski, who so happened to be my twitter buddy already (I didn't realize it until he brought it up! What a small world. haha).
Oh! and he made a cute lil drawing in the minicomic.
Chick looks familiar!
And talented friends who are the reason why I continue on living and loving comics:
(go read his webcomic, Imaginary Monsters!!
p.s. this mofo= huge inspiration)
(His shirts are super rad and his photography is envy worthy)
(his crazy style is crazy. crazy good. Go die Josh)
(Watercolor master and a lady's man. Watch out world!)
(Remember his name, face and art. Your life will depend on it sooner or later)
THUS, it was definitely one of the best times I've had EVER at a con, and I must thank Pat for having the ability and patience to run this awesome con. Your hardwork is praised my friend.
And with that,
I hope you find inspiration in these folks.
see ya!
