Comic Genius

Some of the most inspired, hilarious and touching comics I’ve ever read have been self-published zines drawn by indie comic artists laboring out of love. John Porcellino, the Denver-based creator of King Cat Comics and Stories and godfather to the indie comic movement, has been self-publishing his mostly autobiographical comic since 1989. Tonight at 6 p.m. at Kilgore Used Books & Comics, 624 East 13th Avenue, Porcellino will face off in a comic-book battle with newcomer Noah Van Sciver, creator of the zine Blammo and the Westword strip 4 Questions, at Van Sciver vs. Porcellino.

“They’ll both be officially releasing new work — Porcellino’s King Cat #69and Van Sciver’s Blammo #3 — and they’ll also have a discussion on underground comics in general and the Denver scene,” explains Kilgore co-owner Luke Janes. A question-and-answer session and book signing will follow the discussion.

Kilgore opened on June 1 of this year, and the shop has been very supportive of the local scene, carrying zines by more than a dozen local artists, including all three issues of Van Sciver’s Blammo and much of Porcellino’s back catalogue, including King Catand several of his books. Admission to the comic discussion and signing is free; for more information, call 303-815-1979 or visit www.kilgorebooks.com.
Sat., Dec. 20, 6 p.m., 2008