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SPX and The Love Hangover

spxBy Devon Sanders

Located in Bethesda, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC, another Small Press Expo (SPX) has come and gone and I am sad. I just appreciate this convention so much. SPX, to me, has become just as much about finding something new to love in comics as it is about sharing that love and time with friends, creators and publishers.

There's just something so pure about this convention. The true draw of SPX is that it is founded in pride. That wonderful look you see on a creator's face as they tell you about this thing they did. At SPX, what's on display on any given table has gone from an idea to something tangible. Something you can hold in your hand. It was made for you to consider and most important to the exhibitor, own.

Pride in this medium of comics. Pride in your ability to contribute to this medium. Pride in knowing that this is where you most want to be.

Where else but SPX could writer/artist Craig Thompson, premiering Blankets, take time out of his tabling to try and show your then-girlfriend why she should become a comics fan.

Where else could you have a day where you attend a panel featuring The Hernandez Bros, Dan Clowes and Charles Burns and all you can say to a friend as wild-eyed and appreciative friend as you is, "This is like the independent League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, man."

SPX is where I saw a friend go from splitting a table to a decade later, being invited back as a featured guest.

SPX is where buddy Jim Dougan practically picks you up and carries you over to the Self Made Hero table to take a look at creator Glyn Dillon's book, The Nao of Brown. SPX is where you can't believe he remembers you the next day as he waves goodbye to you from across the street. SPX is the place where days and fans are newly made.

SPX is where Andrew, a young congressional staffer asked if it was ok to sit with me while I flipped through some of my purchases. Minutes later, I was up to speed on what would be a trilogy of books called "March." From that incredibly open moment at SPX, a friendship was born. I count myself fortunate to have it.

SPX isn't so much an expo as it is a reunion or a homecoming. So many good friends to see again. So many new people met. SPX has been a great venue to grow closer to them and the medium of comics.

This past weekend, I received more hugs in my two days at SPX than I probably have in the past two months. I walked away from SPX tired, broke and inspired and I can't wait to do it all again next year.


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Rich JohnstonAbout Rich Johnston

Founder of Bleeding Cool. The longest-serving digital news reporter in the world, since 1992. Author of The Flying Friar, Holed Up, The Avengefuls, Doctor Who: Room With A Deja Vu, The Many Murders Of Miss Cranbourne, Chase Variant. Lives in South-West London, works from Blacks on Dean Street, shops at Piranha Comics. Father of two. Political cartoonist.
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