- I went to Alternative Press Expo in San Jose last Sunday, Sept. 24. It’s a (usually) massive annual convention of indie and underground comics creators that has been a wellspring of creativity and inspiration every year since its founding in 1994. This year’s version was unusually anemic in terms of numbers of vendors and attendees, but among the cool finds there was a comic book comprised of just panels (you add the words and/or pictures), a comic book made up of just text (the writer couldn’t afford an artist to illustrate it), syndicated cartoonist Derf Backderfof Derf City, Matt Gaser’s fantastical drawings, Jack Kirby T-shirts, and local comics creators Alex Schumacher, Ray Zepeda Jr. and Betsey Streeter (also repping the absent and now-Portland-based Bridgett Spicer). Long live AlternativePressExpo.com.
- Sculptor Matt Kuck, “best known for his sculptures probing the essence of mortality through nature,” according to his press, is having a pop-up show hosted by Steven Whyte Sculpture Studio and Gallery at The Barnyard in Carmel, 6-8pm Friday, Sept. 29. His most recent work utilizes animal skulls. matt@kuckdesigns.com.
- Speaking of animal remains, the other day, while driving on General Jim Moore Boulevard along the scenic border between former Fort Ord and Seaside, I saw on the pristine sidewalk a deer carcass, much of it eaten. And I thought to myself, “That’s Fort Ord.” That is all.
- Monterey Peace and Justice Center and the Women’s March at CSUMB are screening the Frontline documentary Sick Around the World, which examines how five other democratic nations deliver cheaper and more comprehensive health care to their citizens, the subtext being what the hell is wrong with Republicans? Just kidding. I don’t know if that is the actual subtext of the film, but it seems like they are trying their hardest to make it so. A discussion follows. 1-3pm Saturday, Sept. 30. 899-7322.
- The Carmel International Film Festival is coming, Oct. 19-22. Oh boy. carmelfilmfest.com.
- Roving playwright Allston James, of Monterey, is finding success across the pond. His one-act, The Look Back, has been selected as one of the 10 among hundreds of submissions to be produced by Sky Blue Theatre. So if you’re in the vicinity of the Stockwell Playhouse, 208 Wandsworth Road, London SW8 2JU, around 7pm Oct. 21, do pop in.
An unconventional comic convention, health of a nation, Matt Kuck at Steven Whyte
ARTIFACTS
Ray Zepeda Jr. (standing) mans the table he shared with his fellow local comic book creator Alex Schumacher (not pictured) at the Alternative Press Expo in San Jose.
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