Stumptown Comics Fest

nvigneaux · Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 1

I had a good time as an attendee at my first Stumptown Comics Fest. You had some great panels especially when you factor in how small the show is.

I enjoyed the Comix Apocalypse panel, but I have a suggestion for that particular event. It concerns the Battle Royale round. While it is fun and entertaining to see 4 artists try to draw on top of each other, it's very counterproductive. I suggest that the Battle Royale round be the final round of the contest. During the Battle Royale, all members of each team must participate. The teams take turns at the drawing board so that they have room to work and so that the audience can see what's going on (or so that it can be filmed easily). Bouts are 1 minute per team member (10 minutes total, 5 for each team). All team members must participate and they may only participate once. However, they can huddle up and talk about what to draw or coach the person at the board, but they must do it from their side of the stage.

It's a great panel even though it's a bit chaotic. Chaos can be fun to watch, but you want to give the talent of the artists time to shine as well.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks for putting on the show.

indigo · Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Posts: 46 Location: Stumptown, Ore.

thanks for the suggestions. We're going to be re-tooling the Comic Art Battle a bit for this year, I think to try to bring it back to the controlled chaos that we had a couple years ago. There may be less in the way of team-oriented battle, and more one-on-one stuff, though maybe with pairs. Not sure yet, but we'll definitely be keeping people posted.
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-indy

ArchetypeWade · Joined: 14 Sep 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Seattle, WA

I had a great time the past two years. I was just rather startled by the move from Fall to early Spring this year ('08). I hope it works out, despite the fact that you're putting the con smack dab in the heat of con season.

I was planning, and will, hit SPACE (Small Press Alternative Comics Expo) in Columbus, OH on March 1 and 2 and then I'll be at Emerald City ComiCon, May 10 and 11 in (I live here) Seattle. Can't make Stumpy, not even just a drive down to visit, sorry.

There are at least five other, both mid-west and west coast cons all going on about the same time. I hope things work out for Stumptown this year. Mebbe you could consider moving it back to September... or late August...

Again, I hope for the best this year!
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Wade Busby
Look for Mr Emergency #1, Mr Emergency #2, and hopefully #3 at the Archetype Media table.

I review small press for Dimestoreproductions.com email me for contact info.

indigo · Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Posts: 46 Location: Stumptown, Ore.

Howdy, Wade!

Yeah, we were kind of surprised by the move ourselves, to tell the truth, but as we looked at the schedules of the other major conventions and alt/indie comics shows for 2008, Spring just made the most sense. We seriously considered Memorial Day weekend in May, but were strongly advised against it by people who are in a position to know.

I wish we had been able to find a time that didn't conflict so much with other local shows like Emerald City, it's something that I think a lot of shows struggle with, though we've certainly had a time of it so far...

Anyway, have a good time at SPACE, I've always heard great things about that show, and I may even see you at ECCC!
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-indy

ManWithNoName · Joined: 25 Apr 2008 Posts: 1 Location: Salem, OR

I attended the Portland Comic Convention this April 13th. This show has gone downhill fast.

This year's Stumptown will be my first. I'm looking forward to all the awesome comic creators attending. I'm hoping this will become THE premiere comic convention for Oregon. It can be done.
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Brubaker's Criminal made me a better criminal.

monkeyminion · Joined: 30 Jun 2008 Posts: 1

Hi, I'm an artist who is new to the Portland scene. I was wondering when you might know about artist alley spots, (how many you have open, costs, etc.)? I've heard a lot of good things about this con from friends of mine who have attended and exhibited and am really looking forward to it.

Thanks
Dane

indigo · Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Posts: 46 Location: Stumptown, Ore.

Howdy, Dane:

We're starting to make our plans for next year's show already, but the cost of tables and the date they'll be available is still not finalized. Check back at the main blog every so often for updates, that's really the best advice I can offer. I know they sold quickly this year, but I'm hoping 2009 will be a bit different.
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-indy