The Ink Spot Café – A Writers’ Salon

The Ink Spot Café – A Writers’ Salon is a monthly gathering for writers of all stripe in a relaxed, casual atmosphere where we talk about writing, mingle, and socialize with like-minded souls. Hosts for the Salon rotate, with each host bringing his or her own unique style and program to the session. The Salon is held at The Ink Spot where we create a coffeehouse ambiance, with both caf and decaf available, and a variety of light refreshments brought by Salon participants.

• Mondays, June 29; July 27 (Community Meeting)
• 7 – 9 pm
  

June's Salon—Getting Graphic! An Exploration of a Growing Genre

From the caves of ancient Europe to the tombs of dynastic Egypt, it is clear that humankind has long employed graphic storytelling as a tool for communicating thoughts and ideas. In more recent times, from the first Poor Richard’s Almanac (published in 1732) to today, graphic material has informed and entertained us – and has become an accepted means of commenting on society’s quirkiest and, sometimes, darkest times.

On June 29th, we happily present a panel of graphic novelists and publishers who will discuss the history of graphic communication, the industry today and the bright future of the genre.

Jackie Estrada, a professional book editor, has been involved in the comics industry since the 1970s. A featured speaker at book shows and festivals, Ms. Estrada has edited the Souvenir Book and onsite Events Guide for San Diego's Comic-Con International numerous times and has served as administrator of the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards (the “Oscars” of the industry). She co-owns Exhibit A Press with her husband, cartoonist Batton Lash.

Batton Lash, the creator of the humor/horror series "Supernatural Law" (aka Wolff & Byrd, Counselors of the Macabre), studied cartooning and graphic arts at the School of Visual Arts in New York, where his instructors included Will Eisner and Harvey Kurtzman. Mr. Lash also crafted Archie Meets The Punisher, the 1994 crossover between Archie Comics and Marvel Comics.

San Diego artist Sean Dietrich’s full-length graphic novel, Industriacide, (Rorschach Entertainment) could be described as dystopic; his art drips with dark images and storylines that create a distinct contrast to those of mainstream superheroes. Of Industriacide, Andrea Speed of Comixtreme.com wrote, “If you’re new to Dietrich, this might actually be a good place to start, as it’s sordid and seedy… should probably have been packaged with Prozac… definitely worth picking up, if only to read one of the best comic creators you’ve never heard of.”

Learn more about our panelists by visiting the websites shown below. And then mark your calendar and join us for this unique event!
www.exhibitapress.com
www.industriacide.com

Sybil Hunt hosts The Writer's Salon.