Hey there,

I didn’t post the press release for the Toronto Comic Arts Festival, because I didn’t want to step on the toes of my comics journalist compatriots, but I did want to point out that we just posted our first guestlist update:

We’re pleased to announce that the following Canadian comics creators will be attending The Toronto Comic Arts Festival, May 9th and 10th 2009: Ho Che Anderson (King), Kate Beaton (History Comics), Andy Belanger (Raising Hell), Joey Comeau & Emily Horne (A Softer World), Tom Fowler (Mysterius), Scott Hepburn (Star Wars), John Martz (Drawn.ca), Kagan McLeod (Infinite Kung-Fu), Ramon Perez (Kukuburi), John C. Ralston, Paul Rivoche, Cameron Stewart (Seaguy), and J. Torres (Batman: Brave and the Bold).

In addition, TCAF is proud to announce that we will be working with Toronto Gallery + Retailer Magic Pony to welcome Tara McPherson to Toronto. Tara McPherson will be participating in a gallery show at Magic Pony and debuting her new artbook and toyline with Kid Robot at TCAF.

These creators rachet the guestlist up to something like 120 artists and authors who will be getting together in Toronto this May to have the most fun allowed by law. I’ve been trying to keep the hype off of my blog here (last year I think it got a little… thick) but I’m super-excited about the show this year, and knee-deep in planning it. As much fun as it is watching the direct market self-destruct (and arguing with folks who think that Nero is fiddling just fine, thanks), my attention will be more-likely-than-not focussed elsewhere for the next few months. Towards doing something cool and positive for the medium. Wish me luck!

Best,

- Christopher