The day I found out that my dad's cancer spread to the innards of his giant skull, I went to CAB. I was not as social as I wanted to be and I didn't see as much as I wanted to. I ran into people I work with, people I see only on the internet and people I see only at cons.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EixCYl86yRLUPlH9Al-EiVgKschb1Xt-4W9h-1CH6as892MnJRmugLJZzm2QBu6ptmizrC-QUZ93s_KjiShxHkgy0xKLSWCmiufF8ZOMGOLGasjAFnFjwQHcY7QNemcU5MSq/s400/cabstage.jpg) |
Stage decoration by Erik Z and Chris Uphues |
I really enjoyed the show, despite my state of mind. I thought the space was used well, the green cast of the upper floor comfortingly unpleasant and the folks courteous. The volunteers were sweet and didn't laugh too much when I asked if there were any CAB T-shirts still available. But is the fest still invite? If that is the case, what is the deal with Microcosm being invited?
My haul:
Mostly picking up debut comics that my patchy memory thrust forth, I did manage to browse a bit and find some things I'm really excited about like should-be superstar
Eroyn Franklin minis and
Caroline Paquita's Womanimal #3. I saw many more books that called out to me than my wallet could help me buy--an excellent sign for the revamped fest. There prints galore and fewer neon meltface bullshit items and a ton of inky stinky handmade books. Kids and oldsters mingled freely in the cramped aisles which made browsing a little tough but more conducive to getting a "excuse me" from your comics crush. Micro presses were out in full force and I regret not taking more notes on who is putting out whom. I missed picking up the
Sam Alden and
Laura Knetzger comics on my list but I know that my local store will carry them soon. At least those tears will not have to fall!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehn19gxKz-vPdhsVQzNnIglyk5DjgKQwVNih8p1s8juKqmUDitVf78_9kaxaGUMzVDCM_eJJUKGjukKhmvhJqsGdpqJ18T2msCQ1kiGKAvBpBzIo7yP5F2OvSyWoTEc9bm7x-/s400/cabfloor2.jpg) |
Upstairs |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBk0RBwJGw6FjyEGyjxIDHKgUCD-4ej43uORDcO-I2rrRWyOnupKcj24jgh1BFizQFcyesT3OV94uKYPgnfJX0KvTTUCK_C9YB-l6SjFw6f8XAOz0FXlMvfx6ZbSUEoZXfe8B/s400/cabfloor.jpg) |
Downstairs |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76jiX3UfWx6ZXRQfUknZZXIx1ifCr9JIEOp4d4WdSXaaSdXd311JiNAPGELqjaFcd75xHst261XJ4_amrEUL9zHh3rZeozWN3gGseEVdtN9SwIcwywIS2dpY7zT-FbuJwZxg3/s400/cabchuck.jpg) |
Oily Comics publisher Charles Forsman, blurry but unbroken |
Check out the
Comics Arts Fest tumblr for many better pictures done by better people than I.