LAKEVIEW — There's a comic expo in town this weekend, but don't expect any X-Men or Wonder Woman costumes.
It's the second annual Chicago Alternative Comics Expo, or CAKE, and only artists from small, independent publishers will be showing off their wares — not people from bigger places like Marvel or DC.
The two-day event at the Center on Halsted will feature comics artists from out of town and from Chicago, which has a thriving scene of indie artists — including big names like Chris Ware, known for his New Yorker covers and collections like "Building Stories." Last year featured Ivan Brunetti, also a regular New Yorker cover artist and known for his autobiographical series "Schizo."
More than 200 artists will be showing at this year's event, said co-organizer Max Morris, a Columbia College graduate who studies comics.
"C2E2 is more of a marketplace for nerd culture," Morris said, referring to Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo. "CAKE is more devoted to what we feel is great comic art."
CAKE is a free event organized by volunteers, including artists Grace Tran and Jeff Zwirek and Neil Brideau and Edie Fake from Wicker Park's Quimby's bookstore.
The idea is to expose people to the huge variety of comics out there — whether it be funny or personal or scary.
"When people think of comic artists, they think of fat white guys," said Candace Corner, a volunteer for the event. "And it's just not that. There are a lot of female artists. There are people from all sorts of backgrounds."
Comics, prints and artwork will be available for sale, and several panels will feature artists talking about their work. DNAinfo.com Chicago reporter/producers Darryl Holliday and Kyla Gardner will be at expo for comics journalism outlet The Illustrated Press and website The Open Key, comics based on Chicago police scanner quotes.
CAKE will be at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16.
