Because you demanded it, the SPX Anthology is returning to its roots by doing away with themed issues and reclaiming its role as the nation’s finest showcase for an uninhibited range of today’s best alternative and art comics. In addition to doing away with the theme the anthology will be assembled under the guidance of Guest Editor Brian Ralph, author of the acclaimed books Cave In and Climbing Out.

“After three years of themed editions, we decided it was time to get the book back in line with the spirit of the convention and once again make it a showcase for what today’s alternative comics scene is all about,” says the book’s co-editor Chris Pitzer.

“We were thrilled when Brian Ralph stepped up to act as guest editor for this year’s book,” says Charles Brownstein, Executive Director of the CBLDF which publishes the benefit book. “Brian’s part of the group that established SPX as a haven for quality small press and hand made comics, having been through Fort Thunder, and the late nineties small press revolution that brought companies like Top Shelf, Highwater, and ReddingK in with a passion for reinvigorating the indy comics scene. We’re thrilled to have his eye selecting the comics that define the small press comics scene of 2005.”

Brian Ralph says, “This book will showcase the best work of the underground and the alternative, whether the artists are self published or unpublished. I really look forward to seeing what people send in. I’m going to be looking for a great variety, from the high gloss to comics that push the envelope a little more. Even stuff that makes you ask, ‘is that a comic?’ This is a fantastic opportunity for up-and-coming cartoonists to appear in print alongside the more established artists.”

Chris Pitzer adds, “This is what everyone in the indy comics scene has been asking the anthology to be, and now that it’s back we want the best stuff everyone has to offer. Tell the story you have to tell, show the world what your comics are all about, and make the 2005 SPX Anthology the definitive almanac of the indy comics scene.”

The Details:

Length: As long as it takes for great comics. Please do not include title pages, fake covers, or any other sort of lead-in. Dive right into that comic.

Deadline: Submissions must be received no later than June 30, 2005.
Please plan accordingly as overnight delivery can be very expensive.

Format: Please send your submissions, if at all possible, in an electronic format. Art should be scanned in at 800dpi bitmap tiffs (unless your art has tones, then grayscale). If you do not personally own a scanner, many copy centers such as Kinko’s now have scanning facilities. The dimensions of your artwork should be as follows:
-Page (trim) size: 6.625″ x 9″
-Live image area: 5.375″ x 8″
-Bleed image area: 7.125″ x 9.5″

Delivery: Please do not send original art. Submission packages will not be returned. CD-ROMs are preferred over ZIP disks. You must also include a print-out of your submission with the package. Please send your labeled discs and hardcopy printouts to:
SPX 2003 Anthology Submission
c/o Big Planet Comics
426 Maple Avenue East
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-9412

Please include the following information with both your hardcopy and electronic submission: Name, address, email, title of story, page count of story

FedEx, UPS, and the United States Postal Service all have package tracking abilities. Please do not call to check on the status of your mailing. (Stay tuned for FTP or e-mail delivery methods.)