After the months of planning, plotting, coordinating, designing, emailing, scheming, and arranging, the Second Annual Stumptown Comics Fest finally descends upon Portland this weekend! The festivities get off to an early start, with two Fest-related in-store signings on Friday, September 30th. First, a group signing at Cosmic Monkey Comics features Derek Kirk Kim, Kris Dresen and J.R. Williams (4-6 pm, 10227 NE Clackamas St.) Later, be sure to stop by at Reading Frenzy (921 SW Oak St.) starting at 7:00 for a book-release party with Spiral Bound author Aaron Renier.

Then, Saturday morning, the main event hits PSU campus at 9:00 am! This year, we're filling the Smith Memorial Ballroom (1825 SW Broadway, room 355) with over 80 tables cram-packed with comics and art from all over the West Coast! A full day of presentations, panels, and films await in the nearby Vanport room, starting with a Q&A with SCF05 poster artist and Same Difference creator Derek Kirk Kim. The Fest wraps up with the event you've all been waiting for, the return of the infamous Cartoon Art Battle, hosted by Changers author Ezra Claytan Daniels. All this is included with your paltry $3 admission fee.

And just when you thought the Fest was over, the action moves East for the Comics Fest After-Party! Hosted by GoToAndPlay.net and Abalone Press, the party is free to all exhibitors and attendees of the Fest, and will provide free pizza, soda, Red Bull, and Voodoo Doughnuts (While supplies last! First come first served! Be there or be square!). Distract yourself with the game tables, and blow off some steam with Dance Dance Revolution! Party starts at 9, download the Invite pdf for details!