STRIP: The Dallas Webcomic's Expo Event Review

This year's STRIP: The Dallas Webcomic's Expo really showed local artists that they were appreciated in their online crafts. The third annual event took place at the Southfork Hotel in Plano, TX and had more people this year in attendance than it did in the past two year's combined. It just goes to show you that persistence is key to success.

"What is STRIP?" you ask. "Is it just like other comic-cons or something?" Well, sort of. There are different exhibitors and vendors in attendance. You can find anything from that Boba Fett action figure you've been looking for to an old issue of "Batman" or "X-Men." You can also find other collectibles that are more rare or hard to find.

STRIP: The Dallas Webcomic's Expo centers on the promotion of online comic creators, artists, and writers. These are the guys and girls who self-publish their own digital comics online. Most of them run their own websites and do it for the love of the craft. That's what the whole event is about. It's a celebration of webcomics and their fans.

Artists that were in attendance this year included "The Crow" and "Sundown" creator/writer/artist James O'Barr, David DeGrand (MAD Magazine), Terry Parr & Halo Seraphim (ShoNuff Studios), Bobby Blakey ("Last Stop"), Jonathan Caustrita ("Tiki Coladas"), Michael Moreno ("Ted & Zed," "Death By Bunny," etc.), Eddie Medina (EdMed Art/Atonement Studios), Talthos & Silkspinner ("Complex Actions") and many more. Each one had their own booth with art to sell. Many of them would do sketches for event goers of their favorite characters while they waited.

Multi award winning stunt man/actor/writer/director Gary Kent also attended. He has worked on movies with Jack Nicholson, Bruce Willis, Penny Marshall, Bruce Dern, Ann-Margret, and Robert Vaughn. He was also the stunt coordinator for cult favorite "Bubba Ho-Tep." This guy had some very interesting stories to tell about his 50 years in the movie and television industry.

There were opportunities for fans to get their pictures taken with their favorite super heroes thanks to Costumed Crusaders. These girls attended dressed up as different female comic book characters. Wonder Woman, Huntress, Storm, and many more were there to keep everyone safe from other costumed fans like a "Halo" soldier, Boba Fett, and others.

The night closed out with a charity art auction and 1980s-themed dance. The artists each donated one of their pieces to be auctioned off. The money made from the event went to The Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

Needless to say, STRIP: The Dallas Webcomic's Expo was a big success this year. Everyone was having a good time posing for pictures, looking at collectibles, dancing, and getting a chance to talk to their favorite artists. With attendance at record highs, you can rest assured the event will be back next year.

To see pictures from STRIP: The Dallas Webcomic's Expo go here.

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