TCAF: Tito’s First Time Experience
by Tito W. James
This year, I had the pleasure of attending the Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF) for the first time. The convention is free and open to the public with a focus on independent comics. TCAF is much like MICE in Boston, just on a much larger scale. I spent Saturday and Sunday navigating the vast artist alleys jam-packed with original comics.
I’ve traveled to big conventions like Pax East, Anime Expo, and New York Comic Con. I typically attend shows to talent scout new artists with an eye toward commissions for comic projects. At larger cons, most of the artists are already working for Marvel and DC or just producing fan art of the latest trend in pop culture. What makes TCAF unique is the mix of seasoned talent and rising stars. It’s a great place if you’re looking for fresh ideas and new talent.
I was hungry for more alternative/underground comix like Search and Destroy and Savage Street Vigilante — and boy did TCAF deliver! I found titles like Face Meat, BOB, Fat Rot Things, Prison Pit, Cry Punch, Ex.Mag Vol 5, and so much more. I blew through my budget on the first day. For my return trip, I had to strategically cushion my new books between clothes for safety.
TCAF was also at a convenient location in Toronto — within easy walking distance of great restaurants; I never had a bad meal while I was there. Whether you are a veteran comic book aficionado or are looking for cool things to do in Toronto, TCAF is well worth your time.
