Linework NW Returns for 2015

One of the first things I got to do as an official Portland resident was attend the first Linework NW show in April 2014. Despite only being its first year, I came away extremely impressed by the way the show was run, the quality--and variety--of the creators involved, and the fact that there were plenty of comics I'd have happily bought if I hadn't just put a heft dent on my credit car taking a moving fan 2700 miles across the country.

The atmosphere was great. It reminded me so much of everything I loved--and as this year has gone on, missed--about SPX. While the show is much smaller, it's the same concept where there are a few big pubs (in this case, Fanta, Dark Horse, and Oni), but the focus is on the smaller presses, the self-published folks, and people who actually are there to make, share, and read comics.

Plus, Woodring brought a gigantic fountain pen, and drew with it.

Needless to say, I was extremely happy to hear that Linework NW will be back for 2015, as a two-day show, April 18th and 19th, 2015. It will be at the same Norse Hall (barring Ragnarok), and their Tumblr message promises that this coming year will be bigger, not just in terms of the days:

That’s right, Linework NW is expanding its schedule to two big days! The LWNW Team has big and perhaps surprising plans in store for this year’s event. Stay tuned to lineworknw.tumblr.com for many more announcements in the coming weeks and months, including special guests, application deadlines, and more!

—The Linework NW Team

(Zack Soto, François Vigneault, Shanna Matuszak, and Sam Marx)

 I don't have any inside information what the surprising plans might be (Gary Groth in a dunk tank?), but if last year was any indication, anyone who can make the trip to Portland for the show is in for a treat. I for one can't wait!