Astrokitty Comics & More, one block east of beautiful downtown Lawrence, KS, is a hub for local and regional comic creators, independent and mainstream alike.
In addition to the "Sketch Sessions" and "Drink & Draw" events the store hosts in their space (located on the corner of 7th & New Hampshire, right above the Java Break) and with the assistance of local bars the Jackpot Saloon & Johnny's Tavern, the staff of Astrokitty Comics tries to give creators a chance to shine via in-store signings and release parties. Normally, comic shops cater to "big names" and "mainstream talent" but Astrokitty tries to help give local, regional, and indy creators a chance in the spotlight. Previous events have featured the KC uber-studio Atomic Revolver, Xeric Grant award-winning creator Jai Nitz, nationally-known indy creators David Hopkins and John Porcellino, and the annual Minicomic-palooza event! On top of that, Astrokitty has made an effort to help up and coming local and regional creators get their work to the people by putting together local anthologies featuring a plethora of talent. Last year, we released the first anthology titled "Larrytown Laffs!" and got a lot of positive response to the issue. So, we went ahead and put together a second issue! As the first anthology was focused around the unifying concept of "humor", this issue is using the idea of "what is villainy?" as a springboard for creators. Wednesday, from 12-6pm, we'll have a rotating cast of creators signing their books, doing sketches, and talking about the creative process. The comic itself retails for $4.99 and features an inside-back-cover illustration by Justin Fujibayashi, a fellow creator who died a couple years back...and the book itself is dedicated to his memory. Below is the original blurb for our online invitations (i.e. using Facebook/Myspace/etc.):

"So, last year we got a bunch of local creators together and decided to do another anthology. Our first book, Larrytown Laffs! was a humor-themed book. This one is funny, too, but the idea behind this collection is "what is villainy"? So, the artists (all from the area) turned in some amazing answers in sequential format. Come out on Wednesday, November 19th (from 12-close) to meet, talk to, get signed copies by, and possibly coerce a sketch out of many of the parties involved in the creation of this book! Artists featured (and possibly stopping by throughout the day for a stint at our signing table) include:

ANDREW HADLE
DAVID BUTTERFIELD
JOHN RALSTON
JACOB RHODES
JOEL PFANNENSTIEL
TOM AVERY
DALE MARTIN
MIKE SULLIVAN
BRENT SMITH
IAN HRABE
WT HARMON
and
THAYER BRAY

DO NOT MISS THIS EVENT! SUPPORT LOCAL ART AND LOCAL COMICS
Also, we'll have information available on our next couple of projects at the signing!"

EVENT INFO:

Date:
Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Time:
12:00pm - 7:00pm

Location:
Astrokitty Comics & More
15 E. 7th
Lawrence, KS