Week of 9/18/2023
Rescue Operation El Puro is a success while I discuss the NYC Anarchist Book Fair, dole out more announcements, and review an upcoming illustrated cookbook this week.
Comics
El Puro 15-16
News
NYC Anarchist Book Fair Review
After a mostly lukewarm August, I kicked off the winding down of summer with a winding up of activity in my roster, and this year’s Anarchist Book Fair was part of that, a mere five days after coming from North Bethesda for SPX. Yes, I am not catching myself a break this season.
Leaving for my commute at 9 AM, I packed with me a heavy backpack containing all of my inventory, a small handbag to carry on my shoulder, and an extra table resembling a suitcase when folded. The result was me looking like a vagrant salesman lugging my baggage in the subway. A kooky sight to behold.
Upon arrival, I was relieved to set my bags aside and set up in the verdant outdoor space of La Plaza Cultural. The transitory cool weather was perfect. My table placement had its quirks. Being seated directly under a tree during a lanternfly infestation meant being randomly ambushed by spotted lanternflies from left to right while the sap they consume drips down on the table. Some sap fell on my books, creating an inadvertently glossy, glittery effect on the cover.
Insect nuisances aside, they weren’t enough to ruin a good time. Despite the fair’s title, it wasn’t limited to anarchist literature. A variety of other vendors could be found selling books and zines encompassing miscellaneous subject matter generally of the subversive side. I only tabled for a little over four hours so I could stop by the PictoBeach Bazaar comics fair, but in the time I spent, I am proud to state that several of you stopped by to support including quite a few friends in the creative community.
I’ve said this more than enough times, but thank you for coming out!
Queens Comic Party
What better way to segue than with yet another event announcement because this Sunday, I’m tabling at the monthly Queens Comic Party show in Woodside. Anyone who arrives at my table within the first hour and says the code FIDDLESTICKS gets a free sticker!
More Shop Announcements
The Shapes can now be found at Taylor and Co Books, a new bookstore on Courtelyou Rd, and I dropped The Shapes #3 at Dessert Island Comics, Book Thug Nation, and Topos Bookstore & Cafe.
Sammy the Critic
Cook Like Your Ancestors Review
Whether you are experienced in cooking or have never cooked a single dish, Mariah-Rose Marie’s illustrated guide will get you in your groove. The first half focuses on the generalities of cooking for beginners and cost-efficient but ethically-conscious ways of acquiring kitchen tools and produce alongside measurement alternatives. The information is conveyed straightforwardly and comprehensively for any reader to understand with ample imagery to complement the text. Unlike a certain old marijuana smoking guide I reviewed, Cook Like Your Ancestors never feels straining on the eyes as the composition allows you to read each part of the process as a separate paragraph rather than a stifling word wall. Meanwhile, humorous panels are used sparsely to effectively emphasize a point or add a degree of reliability to the author’s anecdotes.
The second half of the book is about recipes divided into “Starters, Snacks, & Sides”, “Mains”, “Drinks”, and “Sweets” sections containing mouthwatering dishes and beverages from all across the globe taking into account dietary restrictions. I know I sure could go for a samla curry with a glass of morir sonañdo and skyrterta for dessert.
Overall, this is an illuminating cookbook I would recommend to anyone looking for practical cooking guides and unique dishes to spice up the kitchen. You can preorder Cook Like Your Ancestors on the Silver Sprocket site.
Thank you Mariah Rose-Marie and Silver Sprocket for the advance review copy.