This month is the Small Press Expo held in Maryland, an event for independent comic publishers of all sorts of work. I’m not sure what the web comic presence will be like, or if any web comic presence will be there, but all independent cartoonists should be familiar with the work of Harvey Pekar. If you don’t then how dare you call yourself a cartoonist, sir! How dare you! Here is the text from the Small Press Expo (SPX) press release:

“Bethesda, Maryland; September9, 2005 ? The Small Press Expo (SPX) has announced that its eleventh annual expo will be held September 23-24, 2005 at the Holiday Inn in Bethesda, just one mile from the Nation’s Capital. SPX is the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comic books, alternative political cartoonists and discovery of new creative talent that attracts thousands every year.

This years special guest will be Harvey Pekar. His graphic novel series American Splendor, was made into a hit movie starring Paul Giamatti, with Mr. Pekar also making an appearance. Mr. Pekar’s books include American Splendor: Our Cancer Year, Our Movie Year and 2 volumes of American Splendor stories.He also writes music and book critiques, and has been a long time personality on WKSU radio in Kent, Ohio. Mr. Pekar has a new graphic novel coming out in late October, The Quitter, from the VERTIGO imprint of DC Comics. More information on Mr. Pekar, including his blog, is available at his website www.harveypekar.com.“