APE Returns to The Concourse for a Weekend of Comics

Two-day comics convention offers programming, special guests, and free shuttle

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Alternative Press Expo (APE), the country's largest alternative and independent comics convention, returns to The Concourse Exhibition Center (635 8th Street, San Francisco) on Saturday, October 13 and Sunday, October 14. Now in its 11th year at The Concourse, the convention provides comics fans with a weekend of fun and excitement.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110929/DC77424 )

APE programming offers a full schedule of panels and a separate workshop track. Panels run both days and are geared around the show's special guests and various aspects of independent and alternative comics. The hands-on workshops cover everything from graphic memoirs to watercolors, from character development to storytelling technique. In addition, the Comics Collaboration Connection, an initiative matching writers and artists with their creative counterparts, will take place on both days.

"The workshop track and Comics Collaboration Connection are great for budding artists and comics creators," said APE spokesperson David Glanzer. "Attendees are assured a great time by taking part in all that APE has to offer."

Every year APE features special guests. This year's impressive list of comics creators includes Sergio Aragones, Eric Drooker, Ben Katchor, Miriam Libicki, and Jim Woodring. Additional special guests include the Hernandez brothers—Gilbert, Jaime, and Mario—whose comic book series Love & Rockets is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Back, due to popular demand, a free courtesy shuttle to the Concourse Exhibition Center is provided for attendees. The shuttle will pick up at three San Francisco locations, making it easy to travel by public transportation. The courtesy shuttle will run roundtrips between The Concourse, the Townsend Street Caltrain station (311 Townsend St), Westfield Shopping Centre (865 Market Street, 5th street entrance by valet), and the Civic Center BART station (1150 Market Street, Hyde Street by SF Public Library). The shuttle will run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

APE also offers over 400 exhibitor booths, including some of the biggest indie comics publishers as well as artists and DIY creators showcasing their comics, books, zines, original art, handmade items, and much more. APE badges are $10.00 for a single day, $15.00 for both days and can be purchased in advance at www.comic-con.org/ape or onsite at The Concourse Exhibition Center.

About Alternative Press Expo:

Alternative Press Expo (APE), the country's largest alternative and independent comics convention, is part of Comic-Con International (CCI), a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular artforms. The organization achieves its mission primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture. In addition to APE, CCI organizes San Diego Comic-Con (the largest comics convention of its kind in the world) and WonderCon. On the web: Comic-Con.org/APE, Facebook.com/APExpo, Twitter.com/APExpo.

SOURCE Alternative Press Expo