STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo was founded in 2005 by Chris Nicolas as a gathering place for both amateur comic creators and professional artists where participants could exchange ideas and experience among themselves. The event focused on independent and self-published comics and was basically a showcase for the artists who published their works out of their own apartments.
STAPLE! Austin is sponsored by Austin Books & Comics, the biggest comics and pop culture retailer in Central Texas. Founded in 1977, it has been nominated for the prestigious Eisner Award. It is also known as the site of the largest gathering of artists for the worldwide 24-Hour Comics Day that took place in 2005.
Guests at the inaugural STAPLE! convention included well-known comic book authors such as Michael Lark, Terry Moore, Scott Kurtz, and Shannon Wheeler. Other guests over the years have included David Hopkins, Jim Nahfood, Tony Millionaire, Danielle Corsetto, Alex Robinson, Kevin Eastman, and more. The organizers always invite both independent artists and artists who work or have worked for major comic book publishers. For example, Michael Lark has worked for DC Comics and Marvel Comics during his career.
Originally a single-day event, STAPLE! has been a two-day festival since 2011. The programming of the event includes comics and art exhibitions, panel discussions, meetings with the guests, and more. The expo focuses on small and indie comic book publishers, giving them a chance to find new audiences.
Photo: staple-austin.org
