Hello. How have you been? We haven’t spoken in awhile. That’s on me. I’ve missed you. Where have I been? Glad you asked, thank you. In early February I started a new job. This new job (which I love) is mostly focused on writing and content production. By the time my week comes to an end the part of my brain handling all of my writing is usually burned out. I want to do the weekly Bay Area comic event updates, but I also want to rest. It hasn’t been easy because I do feel like this is an important service.
At some point during the last week I asked myself “Self, does it really need to be weekly? Usually, there aren’t that many surprise creator signings, so what if I make it monthly?”
“Ahhh,” I replied, “your 13 newsletter readers will totally understand, right? In fact, they’d probably appreciate not receiving as many redundant emails.”
That’s where we’re at. I want to continue providing this service to Bay Area comic book fans but I need to moderate my output. At the moment, I’m 100 percent positive I can pull together a monthly calendar. So, without further boring extrapolation on my thinking process, I present The Shared Universe’s Bay Area April Comic Events Update.
April 2017
Michael DeForge signing Sticks Angelica: Folk Hero at Comix Experience
When: April 5, 6 p.m.
Where: Comix Experience
305 Divisadero Street, San Francisco
What: “Celebrate the release of Sticks Angelica: Folk Hero from Drawn & Quarterly by welcoming Michael DeForge with us!
“He will be having a public signing for the book before our Comix Experience Graphic Novel Club meeting. If you would like to join the discussion you can sign up and get more details on the club at graphicnovelclub.com”
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/380953648926784/
Donny Cates signing God Country, Paybacks, and Rednecks at Mission: Comics and Art
When: April 7, 7 p.m.
Where: Mission: Comics and Art
2250 Mission Street, San Francisco
What: “He just launched the new hit series GOD COUNTRY and has a new book REDNECK coming in April, but he’s been doing quirky books like BUZZKILL AND THE PAYBACKS for years. Come ask him about growing up in the King of the Hill town, chat about the Austin scene, or get advice on building you own career in comics.”
More Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/224709761331722/
Jason Latour, Ivan Brandon, and Greg Hinkle singing Black Cloud at Escapist AND Tr!ckster
When: April 8: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Escapist & 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tr!ckster
Where:
Escapist Comics
3090 Claremont Avenue, Berkeley
Tr!ckster
2631 Ashby Street, Berkeley
What: Both of these stores will take a unique spin on this rockstar signing event. Join Escapist for BBQ and follow the trio to Tr!ckster for beverages and conversation.
Escapist: “Writers Jason Latour (Southern Bastards, Spider-Gwen), Ivan Brandon (Drifter, Viking), and artist Greg Hinkle (Airboy, Rattler) will be in the store SIGNING for the release of their new Image comic Black Cloud #1. Be a part of the BBQ & a session with the creators recorded for the Escapist Comics Podcast featuring BBQ’d treats.”
Tr!ckster: “Join us April 8th as we welcome Jason Latour, Ivan Brandon, and Greg Hinkle to TR!CKSTER to celebrate the release of Black Cloud issue #1 with an evening art reception. We’ll have original art from this beautiful book, as well as a limited number of prints! Don’t miss this spectacular event! You’ll be able to sip beverages, nibble snacks, and chat with (almost) the entire creative team! And, if you desire it, they’ll happily scribble on your books!”
More Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/176138269559994/
Adrian Age Scott signing SuperHood at Mission: Comics and Art
When: April 7, 2 p.m.
Where: Mission: Comics and Art
2250 Mission Street, San Francisco
What: “Join us in welcoming back Adrian Age Scott and his new book SuperHood! Zomby Girl, Beef, Story and Shiva return for a whole new adventure in the hood. Chaos erupts when a powerful being runs rampant shooting everything in its path.”
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/258098697951186/
Colossus Con 2017
When: April 8, 2017
Where: Alameda County Fairgrounds
Pleasanton, Calif.
What: “Colossus Con is the ultimate pop culture convention event. Catering to the fans to enjoy the comforts of fandom without the corporate hustle and bustle.”
More info: http://www.colossuscon.com/
Queers and Comics
When: April 14-15, 2017
Where: California College of the Arts
1111 8th Street
San Francisco, CA
What: Queers & Comics features two days of discussion panels, workshops, readings, and comics galore, along with a multitude of off-site events. This year we will spotlight international and emerging LGBTQ cartoonists, the role of the San Francisco Bay Area, and the future of queer comics. Keynote speakers include Mariko Tamaki and Gengoroh Tagame.
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/655077967985077/
Silicon Valley Comic Con
When: April 21 – 23, 2017
Where: San Jose Convention Center
More info: http://svcomiccon.com/
June 2017
ID10T Music Fest + Comic Conival
When: June 24 & 25
Where: Shoreline Ampitheatre, Mountain View
What: Chris Hardwick brings together his three passions: music, comedy, and comics. This music festival will not only have a stand-up comics stage with the likes of Michael Ian Black, Garfunkel & Oates, Brian Posehn, and Nikki Glasser, but will feature a comic book section! Some of the confirmed guests include Babs Tarr, Becky Cloonan, Rick Remender, Nick Dragotta, and Cameron Stewart.
More info: http://id10tfest.com/
September 2017
San Francisco Comic Con
When: September 1-3, 2017
Where: Moscone Center West
747 Howard Street in San Francisco
More info: http://sanfrancomiccon.com