A Taste of CAKE: My Brief Time at the Chicago Alternative Comics Expo

CAKE poster designed by Chicago’s own Ivan Brunetti

The Chicago Alternative Comics Expo is different from most comic book conventions. From the very beginning, CAKE distinguished itself as a more intimate and low-key affair. There was no need for a shuttle bus to a convention center; I took a CTA train to the Addison Red Line stop and walked to the Center on Halsted in Boystown. Instead of a thick booklet full of ads and schedules, there was a six-page foldout map with a handy guide to all the exhibitors, panels, and workshops. Friendly and helpful volunteers abounded and there were no towering monoliths dedicated to giant publishers that dominate blockbuster movie season or security personnel asking to see badges or search bags. I didn’t see any cosplay, either. A person dressed as a favorite character at this convention might be indistinguishable from an average person anyway; some of the most celebrated works were autobiographical. Fantagraphics Books was one of if not the largest publisher present, taking up most of the room in front of the elevators. Ballroom dancing lessons are held in that space Monday nights.

CAKE is the Independent Spirit Awards to C2E2’s Oscars (Wizard World can be the People’s Choice Awards, I guess). The atmosphere was more like that of a farmer’s market, and I mean that in the most positive way possible. Foldout tables were arranged in giant rectangles and lined the walls of the gymnasium, covered with goods for sale or free materials to whet the appetite. The bleachers were packed with people reading recent purchases. In front of them was a large table set with free comics, pamphlets, stickers, buttons, newspapers, newsletters, fliers, schedules for upcoming shows, ads for institutions offering classes on everything from how to make comics to learning new software, bookmarks, business cards, mini comics, and zines.

There were no oppressive lines or $50 autographs. If someone’s work was in high demand, there may have been a small crowd but everyone I encountered was polite and eager to talk. Mutual anticipation for an artist’s attention became shared conversations about why people were waiting for a particular person, what they were buying, and what they would recommend. Every creator I visited cheerfully signed everything I bought and talked briefly with me about comics or everyday matters.

Because I once more had work obligations to consider, I had to sneak out of CAKE after only an hour. Nonetheless, I was determined to make the most of it. I tried to follow a game plan to see as many creators as I could, but found myself constantly distracted by eye-catching covers and amicable creators I didn’t know. There weren’t just comics, but one-of-a-kind zines stapled together by hand, homemade newsprint constructions impressive at a glance, and three-dimensional structures that promised to revolutionize and redefine comics and what they’re capable of.

It was a surreal experience to interact with creators that I respect and admire so much. I reintroduced myself to Chad Sell, who actually remembered me from C2E2. This left me momentarily speechless, but I managed to recover. Right next to him, Tony Breed and I talked about shared musical taste. He spoke of how he was in awe of meeting a local artist and was impressed with the man’s humility. “I wanted to ask him, ‘Don’t you know who you are?’” Mr. Breed recalled.

“I feel like saying the same thing to you gentlemen!” I replied.

When I met Jack Gross, there were two other people buying work and we all shared stories about working in the service industry, commiserating about difficult customers. I bought Jack’s books, praised the webcomic that was premiering in print form, and got everything signed. I was very nervous talking to people who have actually accomplished things, but they were all very friendly and put me at ease.

My focus may have been on queer content and creators, but straight allies are important, too. Leigh Luna was right next to Mr. Gross and cheerfully accepted a card about this blog. She took one look at it and said, “This is a good thing!” I also got to talk to Kevin Budnik, who has a story in an upcoming Robert Kirby anthology. It was a joy to discover similar tastes in so many people I had wanted to praise.

Ed Luce was there to promote the release of the hardcover collection for Wuvable Oaf. I told him about the first time I had read one of his stories, in the anthology The Book of Boy Trouble 2 (also edited by Robert Kirby, with David Kelly). Mr. Luce was happy to hear the story had been effective, which surprised me. I told him he’d had nothing to worry about. I gave him my card and he included a sketch with his autograph.

It’s probably a good thing I didn’t take time off work, because I spent almost the entire paycheck I had earned the week before. I picked up so much stuff that I could easily spend the next two years on this blog covering only things I purchased at CAKE.

Most of the artists I talked to are primarily putting their work on the Internet and they all work at their craft out of love and desire. Many toil in obscurity for years with no benefit or reward, hoping for nothing more than for their work to be enjoyed. The discovery of something new is mutual, for the critic who finds an unknown artist worth praising and the artist who meets a fan.

Map for the Guest and Exhibitor List Provided by CAKE