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With people still coming down from their Brooklyn Comics and Graphics Fest high, another indie show has just announced its plans for 2013. CAKE, the Chicago Alternative Comics Expo, will be held June 15-16, at a new location, Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, in the Lake View neighborhood of Chicago. CAKE is free to the public and exhibitor applications are now being taken with a deadline of January 1, 2013.

It’s a curated show that attempts to show the diversity of Chicago’s indie comics heritage.

CAKE is a weekend-long celebration of independent comics, inspired by Chicago’s rich legacy as home to many of underground and alternative comics’ most talented artists– past, present and future. Featuring comics for sale, workshops, exhibitions, panel discussions and more, CAKE is dedicated to fostering community and dialogue amongst independent artists, small presses, publishers and readers.

In June 2012, Chicago hosted its first alternative comics expo in over 16 years. Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (CAKE) gathered 200 local, national, and international artists and publishers and more than 800 attendees for a weekend of book debuts, conversation, and art exhibition. Following its debut show, CAKE organizers began working on CAKE 2013, taking into consideration feedback provided by attendees and exhibitors alike.

CAKE is a curated show, alternative comics creators of all experience level are strongly encouraged to apply within the eight-week window between November 12, 2012 and January 1, 2013. Applications will be reviewed by a jury consisting of CAKE organizers and auxiliary committee members. Terms, conditions, and submission instructions provided in the application form should clarify any questions. Any further inquiries should be directed to [email protected].

CAKE 2013 Individual Exhibitor Application
CAKE 2013 Small Press/Collective/Distro Application

As a new show, CAKE is still finding its feet, but given the enthusiasm which indie comics show have been met in 2012, quite a few people hope to see it realize its potential.

2 COMMENTS

  1. This is pretty rad new. Center on Halsted (which formerly housed the much missed Windy City Con) is a great space overall and a better fit for CAKE specifically, if you ask me. The location used for this past year’s show downtown and somewhat out of the way for lots of folks not attending some kind of art college. Putting the show in Lakeview will hopefully draw a few more casual readers and curious parties alongside the diehard alt comix buyers.

  2. CAKE was an good show brought down by the fact that everyone was packed in like sardines. I think a bigger venue (like the Center on Halstead) is a great move. And I too miss the Windy City Comic Con.

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