STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo 2008

Here’s a smattering of photos from tonight’s party at Austin Books. This is just a sampling. More soon.
The two men responsible for tonight’s shindig: Chris "Uncle Staple" Nicholas and Brad Bankston, owner of Austin Books.
[img:56d14a038c]http://www.rethunkmedia.com/staple2006/staple_ab_chrisbrad.jpg[/img:56d14a038c]
Rafael Navarro was accompanied by a friend who has known him since the 3rd grade. Wowsers.
[img:56d14a038c]http://www.rethunkmedia.com/staple2006/staple_ab_rafael.jpg[/img:56d14a038c]
Robyn could hardly contain the flood of emotions she felt as the STAPLE! show drew near. Andrew . . . doesn’t like having his picture taken, I gather.
[img:56d14a038c]http://www.rethunkmedia.com/staple2006/staple_ab_robynandrew.jpg[/img:56d14a038c]
Dave Crosland confronts Melita Curphy in a manner not often seen in a comic book store. Emilia, foreground left, seems unconcerned even though she is set to produce the Hallmark Theater docudrama based on this event.
[img:56d14a038c]http://www.rethunkmedia.com/staple2006/staple_ab_melly02.jpg[/img:56d14a038c]
No one asks what Jim Mahfood does when he disappears Behind the Green Door. At least, no one who has asked is still alive.
[img:56d14a038c]http://www.rethunkmedia.com/staple2006/staple_ab_mahfood.jpg[/img:56d14a038c]
Christian Beranek of Silent Devil Press is pleased that his favorite book in the store, [i:56d14a038c]Dracula vs. King Arthur[/i:56d14a038c], happens to have been written by someone named Christian Beranek.
[img:56d14a038c]http://www.rethunkmedia.com/staple2006/staple_ab_christian.jpg[/img:56d14a038c]
Ronee is briefly distracted by the most attractive Superman figurine she’s ever seen.
[img:56d14a038c]http://www.rethunkmedia.com/staple2006/staple_ab_ronee.jpg[/img:56d14a038c]
The Rodriguezes were kind enough to waive their usual fee when I asked to take their picture.
[img:56d14a038c]http://www.rethunkmedia.com/staple2006/staple_ab_rodriguezes.jpg[/img:56d14a038c]
Nate Southard is in his element, he is one with the comics vibe, he stands tall above the crowd. Beer is the magic elixir that makes this possible.
[img:56d14a038c]http://www.rethunkmedia.com/staple2006/staple_ab_nate.jpg[/img:56d14a038c]
Michael LaRiccia thought that meeting other creators of comics was the main draw for tonight’s party, but in fact he couldn’t stop raving about the pizza.
[img:56d14a038c]http://www.rethunkmedia.com/staple2006/staple_ab_lariccia.jpg[/img:56d14a038c]
Paige Braddock is stunned by the miles of aisles of comics at Austin Books.
[img:56d14a038c]http://www.rethunkmedia.com/staple2006/staple_ab_paige.jpg[/img:56d14a038c]
Drew Edwards and Gary (that’s me) demonstrate that highly saturated colors are fashionable even without capes and masks.
[img:56d14a038c]http://www.rethunkmedia.com/staple2006/staple_ab_drewgary.jpg[/img:56d14a038c]
Danielle Corsetto, tired after a long journey to Austin, managed to chug a cider while asleep on her feet.
[img:56d14a038c]http://www.rethunkmedia.com/staple2006/staple_ab_danielle.jpg[/img:56d14a038c]
Tony Millionaire hangs with Brad. We don’t ask what Tony’s got in the little medicine bottle, and he doesn’t tell us.
[img:56d14a038c]http://www.rethunkmedia.com/staple2006/staple_ab_tonybrad.jpg[/img:56d14a038c]
All shoplifters at Austin Books will be executed by Dave Crosland and Chris Nicholas (albeit in a manner most stylish).
[img:56d14a038c]http://www.rethunkmedia.com/staple2006/staple_ab_croslandnicholas.jpg[/img:56d14a038c]

/> i’m still not sure which one has better hair.

man, that was a good time. Austin Books is the biggest comic book shop I’ve ever been in. It’s twice the size of the biggest thing is Dallas.

that was a good time. Austin Books is the biggest comic book shop I’ve ever been in. It’s twice the size of the biggest thing is Dallas.[/quote:8189693432]
AB is the shiznit. Best shop in the country.
i was reading Cultural Void this morning, Dave. that shit cracked me up! even hung over!

excellent! I’m glad you liked the book.
I had the best time this weekend. I met more people and sold more books than I’ve ever before. In fact mid con I had to run out to the parking lot and cut and staple more of the minis in the trunk of the car!
Not to mention I met people face to face I’ve known online for a year now.
I had a really killer time, you’ll see me again next year for sure.
More pics to come, I thought this one was pretty cool though.

/> Come on Dave! Jump! I’ll catch you!

at the point I might have!

I had the BEST time this weekend I cannot even tell you, (without incriminating myself anyway).... I so love STAPLE! and every single one of you, I never had such a good time with a three day long hangover!!

One of these days we’ll hit the afterparty… but I dunno if I wanna be around you folks when you’re drunk… tipsey artists/writers I can handle… it’s the drunk ones that frighten me.
It was a blast. I can’t WAIT until the next one, already!

I’m surprised at how much better looking I am vs. last year. I must have turned into a pod person or something.

and I thought I looked better this year, but now I am not so sure. lol.
And Drew, the purple suit was pimptastic!!

STAPLE! is just full of gorgeous people.
Comics make you beautiful!!!

I ACTUALLY like many of the photos of me from this show. That’s super rare.
The purple suit seemed to be a big hit with everyone. Real men wear purple! You heard it first here! ;)
Comic creators are have inner beauty which makes them attractive on the outside. We are pure souls. ;)
Jokes aside, STAPLE! easily has the most attractive crowd of comic creators AND fans I’ve ever seen.