Comics Festival Participants
Businesses and Community Organizations Participating
Alternate Reality Comics
Started in 1995 when Ralph Mathieu bought Dungeon Comics (established in 1987), Alternate Reality Comics carries all things comics with a heavy emphasis on alternative, underground and indie titles. In addition to off-beat publications, they carry a comprehensive selection of new titles and back issues (including superheroes), Japanese manga, graphics novels, collectables, and free red vines. Their new location at Maryland Parkway and Flamingo is close to UNLV and easy to get to from the Las Vegas Strip; Alternate Reality Comics is open seven days a week.
Comic Oasis
Conveniently located on the corner of Rainbow and Cheyenne, Comic Oasis features all things comic-related. They carry a huge array of new comics and back issues, toys, Japanese manga, games, and clothing, all in an open and comfortable store. Open 7 days a week, Comic Oasis hosts weekly tournaments and special events.
Curbside Café
Taking inspiration from “curbs around the world”, Douglas Porter and his Curbside Café offer up daily specials that are more “moving culinary experiences” than just your average visit to the lunch truck. With items like mahi-mahi tacos, tandoori chicken sandwiches, and Hawaiian burgers, Doug will join the Vegas Valley Comic Book Festival with specials that should make your tastebuds do more that go “BLAM!” and “POW!”. Follow Doug on Twitter.
Fantagraphics
Fantagraphics Books is a publisher of alternative comics, underground comics, magazines, and graphic novels currently based in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1976 by Gary Groth and Kim Thompson, their roster includes such artists as R. Crumb, Peter Bagge, Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez, Dan Clowes, Joe Sacco, Chris Ware, Jessica Abel and others.
Fukuburger
This Japanese-American burger truck, started by Colin Fukunaga and Rob “Mags” Magsalin, usually caters to late-night Las Vegans in the “8 til late” crowd. This year, they’ll be donning their sunglasses and joining us in daylight at the Vegas Valley Comic Book Festival, serving up delicacies such as the Karai Burger, Buta-Burger, and—of course—the Fukuburger. Follow Colin and Mags on Twitter.
Grace City Comics
Jeremy Dollar opened Grace City Comics to provide family friendly and superhero comics at a reasonable price and to share the word of the gospel with the community. His motto is, “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.”
Hungry Tiger Press
Founded in 1994, Hungry Tiger Press is owned and operated by David Maxine. A publisher of books, comics, and compact discs with a special focus on the works of L. Frank Baum and the Land of Oz – including the award winning Oz stories by Eric Shanowar; they also publish the Age of Bronze graphic novel series which freshly retells the story of the Trojan War for 21st century audiences.
Pop! Goes the Icon
Pop! Goes the Icon (PGTI) is a boutique print and online publishing house, specializing in sequential art — both in traditional comic book form and as online webcomics — as well as prose books, posters, and prints. PGTI started in 2007 as a comic book/pop culture blog featuring news, commentary and personal stories from Las Vegas writer and musician Pj Perez. It has since become a hub for new comic book, non-fiction and art projects for independent and upcoming creators.
Slidin’ Thru Slider Truck
As a self-described “above-average twenty-something who’s passion lies in food”, Ric Guerrero—owner of the Slidin’ Thru Slider Truck, Vegas’ first mobile restaurant—serves up gourmet sliders all over the valley. Ric and his Slidin’ Thru Crew will be joining the Vegas Valley Comic Book Festival for the first time this year, selling tasty sliders such as the Barbie, Pep Pep, and Pulled Porkie. Follow Slidin’ Thru Slider Truck on Twitter.
Slave Labor Graphics (SLG) Publishing
Founded by Dan Vado in 1986, Slave Labor Graphics Publishing has remained true to its roots as a publisher of great diversity for over twenty-three years. The first publisher of such notable comic book artists as Evan Dorkin, Andi Watson and Jhonen Vasquez, SLG has been known to be on the forefront of discovering and fostering new talent in the comics industry. It is often the “first choice” of new artists looking to break into the industry and because of this, SLG books offer readers the opportunity to not only read entertaining stories told with excellent artwork but to encounter new voices and talents.
Top Shelf Productions
Started in 1997 by Chris Staros and Brett Warnock, Top Shelf Productions is a comic book and graphic novel publishing house best known for its ability to discover and showcase the vanguard of the alternative comics’ scene. Their authors include Alan Moore, Craig Thompson, Andy Runton, Nate Powell, James Kochalka and Eddie Campbell.
Wishing Well Comics
Wishing Well Comics, formerly Dreamwell Comics, is located at 5706 W. Charleston Boulevard — one block East of Jones behind the 7-Eleven. They have a carry back issues, toys, and posters; plus a wide variety of comic book supplies, including drawer boxes. Additionally, they offer a free subscription service with 15% off new comics.
