RADAR+++

Alex Smith’s newest: SCI-FI/GENRE FICTION READING AT LOCUST MOON COMICS!

Working in the medium of comics, there’s generally two sides. First, the vibrant art that allows for immediate, tangible recognition and expression of ideas. the absolute essential element that makes sequential art become “comics” is how it’s drawn. It’s a visual medium and we are ecstatic about that!

But secondly, there’s also the writing. At a comic book convention, no one stands in line to pay $100 for Grant Morisson or Neil Gaiman to write them a couple paragraphs of Batman fanfic. No, the writing in comics is secondary, even though without its best practicioners, comics as a viable expressive medium would have floundered a long time ago.

So, the idea occurs that both mediums should be integrated at comic book gatherings. But how? It’s easy for an artist to show a fan, potential publisher, or retailer a few panels or pin ups of their art. It can be felt in the three seconds it takes the viewer to simply view the art. We get it. But again, for writers, simply saying, “I can write” isn’t enough, yet no one wants to spend precious minutes at a convention reading someone’s story they’ve typed and printed out or posted to their iPAD (I know from experience..ugh.) Thus, I propose a reading! It’s quite simple: Writers bring one of their best pieces of fiction, walk up to the stage, and read to the audience, captivating them in the same manner as an artist would: with a visceral, permeable rendering of their words.

Our reading, titled RADAR+++, would allow for writers in the sci-fi, super hero, action, crime, spy, fantasy, horror genres to present their work, much like a poetry reading. There’s a proven audience for this, if recent attendance and participation in the Laser Life sci fi readings and the Afro-Futurist Affair gatherings are proof.

Format:
Each reader signs up beforehand, preferably online, after submitting a portion of their piece. We want this to be entertaining and a showcase for talent. Then we allot ten minutes reading time for each participant. This event should last two hours (the length of a good movie), and while that may seem like a long time, it really goes by fairly quickly.

So let us know if you’re down to read for us!