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It’s somewhat difficult to believe five years have already passed since our first monthly jam meeting in Minneapolis in December 2002… it still seems like we are just getting started. Five years! <\/p>\n
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The first meeting was pretty small, but awfully promising for a first meeting… my recollection is that Danno Klonowski (Dank)<\/a><\/a>, Ken Avidor<\/a>, Mike Toft<\/a>, Andy Singer<\/a> and Roger Lootine<\/a> were all there. Organized initially via flyers posted around Minneapolis and a much less ambitious version of this website, the Conspiracy has grown exponentially, and we now have 21 cells around North America in ALBERT LEA, MN,<\/a> CALGARY\/EDMONTON,<\/a> CHICAGO, IL<\/a>, DECORAH, IA,<\/a> KANSAS CITY, MO,<\/a> LANCASTER, PA,<\/a> MILWAUKEE, WI,<\/a> MINNEAPOLIS, MN<\/a>, MONTREAL,<\/a> NH, VT, and Western MA,<\/a> NORTH CAROLINA,<\/a> PHILADELPHIA, PA,<\/a> RICE, MN,<\/a> SACRAMENTO, CA,<\/a> SAN FRANCISCO, CA,<\/a> SANTA FE\/ALBUQUERQUE, NM,<\/a> SIOUX FALLS, SD,<\/a> SPRINGFIELD, IL,<\/a> SPRINGFIELD, MO<\/a>, ST. PAUL, MN<\/a>, and, as of this week, COLUMBUS, OH<\/a>! <\/li>\n (Note: any cartoonist anywhere can start a cell<\/a>) <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Besides getting together to draw jam comics the first Thursday of the month in Minneapolis (and many other times and places around North America), we do a lot of other things. I thought I’d take this opportunity to go over some highlights from the last five years. Please share your personal highlights from the history of the Conspiracy in the comments, if you have any to share!<\/strong> My memories are obviously Minneapolis focused, since that is where I live… I’d love to hear more about things that have happened with our other cells. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Highlight #1: 24 Hour Comics Day<\/strong><\/p>\n The Conspiracy in Minneapolis has participated in three of the 24 Hour Comics Days<\/a> organized by Nat Gertler that have occurred to date (in 2006 we celebrated on a different weekend due to the date conflicting with FallCon<\/a>), with many of the people participating continuing to do it each year. Doing a 24 hour comic is a unique learning experience that every cartoonist should try at least once, I think… it is pretty amazing to see what can be accomplished with the right attitude and environment in 24 hours. Doing it in a group is a whole lot more fun than doing it alone, so I’m thankful that we’ve had so many people enthusiastic to participate for the last 4 years in Minneapolis. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The first year was crazy… we had 12 participants at two locations. 24 Hour Comics are the equivalent of extreme sports or flagpole sitting for cartoonists, and we made it ridiculously extra-difficult on ourselves the first year. First of all we had two locations… we started today at a rented space at a downtown hotel, and halfway through, we deliriously moved from there to Grumpy’s bar. Even dumber than that, though… I decided that since April 24th was 24 Hour Comics Day that year, we should draw from midnight to midnight, so most of us had little or no sleep starting after working all day Friday. I have no idea what I was thinking. On top of all of that and printing all of the completed comics the next morning as an almost 200 page book at Kinkos to sell at MicroCon the next day, it was really 48 Hour Comics Day in Minneapolis. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Astoundingly, some really good comics were still produced, including Kevin Cannon<\/a>‘s fantastic first 24 Hour comic, The Next 24 Hours<\/a>. Kevin since then has gone on to pioneer the 288 Hour Comic (a 24 hour comic once a month for a year, to make a 288 page graphic novel), and in the process has most likely done more 24 hour comics than anyone else in the world. He is currently done with over 288 pages of Far Arden<\/a><\/em>, and it will easily be one of the best graphic novels of the year next year when it is published. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n In subsequent years, we have continued our practice of collecting the comics after the event… now we use the much easier box set method<\/a>. This is the first year we haven’t collected them the day after the event… we must<\/em> be getting old. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Above, a group shot of the participating Conspirators from 2004 at the end of the day… Top (L to R) Kevin Cannon<\/a> (finished) , David Steinlicht<\/a> (finished) Middle (L to R) Danno Klonowski (Dank)<\/a><\/a> (finished), Steven Stwalley<\/a> (finished), Adam Wirtzfeld<\/a> (finished), Sean Tenhoff<\/a> (finished), Doc Popular<\/a> (finished) Bottom (L to R) Antonio Campion (not finished Eastman Variation) , Damian Sheridan (not finished Eastman Variation), Ken Avidor<\/a> (finished) Not shown: Sam Hiti<\/a> (finished), Fang Langford (not finished)<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Year one coverage by Shad Petosky<\/a> (April 24, 2004): part 1<\/a> part 2<\/a> part 3<\/a> part 4<\/a> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Year two (April 24-25, 2005)<\/a> (coverage again by Shad Petosky<\/a>).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Year three (September 23-24, 2006).<\/a> (Note that this one didn’t occur on the actual date of 24 Hour Comics Day, so it was actually a >23 and <25 Hour comic event) <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Year four coverage (October 20th to 21st)<\/a> by David Steinlicht<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Highlight #2: Lutefisk Sushi Volume A and B <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Above, Mike Toft<\/a> navigates the packed house at the Lutefisk Sushi Volume A<\/a> show at Creative Electric Studios<\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n We have done two Lutefisk Sushi<\/em> shows so far, and both of them have been tremendous successes by any gauge (Lutefisk Sushi Volume C<\/em> will be happening this May at Altered Esthetics<\/a>). Both events centered around an enormous box set of mini-comics produced by Minnesota cartoonists. <\/p>\n The first one had 36 comics in it, the second had 52… both boxes were filled to bursting with beautiful handmade mini-comics. The box sets both had accompanying gallery shows at the wonderful Northeast Minneapolis gallery Creative Electric Studios<\/a>. In addition to the work displayed on the walls by all the cartoonists in the box, the shows both had a featured artist who showed off artistic highlights from their career (Vincent Stall (King Mini)<\/a> for Volume A and Ken Avidor<\/a> for Volume B). Each show earned over $1000 for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund<\/a>. You can read more about the two events on the websites for them: <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lutefisk Sushi Volume A Website<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lutefisk Sushi Volume B Website<\/a> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Highlight #3: The Schmapples Tribute <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Our comrade Eric "Schmapples" Lappegard<\/a> tragically passed away from complications after a car accident in July 2007, leaving behind considerable medical expenses. In a little over a month, we (along with some of Eric’s other friends) put together a benefit show for Eric’s family at Altered Esthetics<\/a>. We had a gallery show featuring an overview of much of Eric’s wonderful work, as well as work by cartoonists who wanted to help. In addition to the show we printed two publications… a complete collection of Eric’s online strip Schmapples<\/a>, and a 100 page anthology of strips by cartoonists who knew Eric or just wanted to help. The theme for the anthology was bikes, cats and ninjas… all subjects dear to Eric. The show ended up making over $4000 for Eric’s family. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Conspiracy has done a lot of work I’ve been proud to be a part of… I’ve never been prouder of our group than with our work done for this benefit. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Highlight #4: The Publications<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Looking back, I can hardly believe how much the Minneapolis cell has published in the last five years… <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Panelfesto V.1 #1: The Journal of The International Cartoonist Conspiracy<\/strong> (October 2003, collection of jam comics from the Minneapolis cell of the Cartoonist Conspiracy) <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n 24 Hours<\/strong> (April 2004, collects 9 24-Hour comics from 24 Hour Comics Day 2004<\/a>) <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Includes (in the below order):<\/p>\n Mermzy<\/em> by Danno Klonowski (Dank) <\/a><\/p>\n The Rupture<\/em> by Ken Avidor<\/a><\/p>\n The Next 24 Hours<\/a><\/em> by Kevin Cannon<\/a> <\/p>\n Dish Dog<\/em> by Adam Wirtzfeld<\/a><\/p>\n 24 Hours With Trog<\/em> by Doctor Popular<\/a><\/p>\n How the Square Fell in Love With the Triangle<\/a><\/em> by Sean Tenhoff<\/a><\/p>\n 24 Hours<\/a><\/em> by Steven Stwalley<\/a><\/p>\n Cleaning My Work Area <\/a><\/em> by David Steinlicht<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Panelfesto V.1 #2:<\/strong> (2004, collection of jam comics from the Minneapolis cell of the Cartoonist Conspriacy)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lutefisk Sushi Volume A<\/strong> (September 2004, Box Set of 35 Mini-Comics, box design by Vincent Stall (King Mini)<\/a>, limited edition of 100 numbered copies, produced for the Lutefisk Sushi Volume A <\/a> event) <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Includes (in alphabetical order by artist): <\/p>\n A Twin Cities Christmas Carol<\/em> by Ken Avidor<\/a><\/p>\n As if Moved by a Divine Hand: The Stories and Art of Kevin Cannon and Sam Fellman<\/em> by Kevin Cannon<\/a> and Sam Fellman <\/p>\n Why it’s the Foxy Chick<\/em> by Zander Cannon<\/a><\/p>\n From Under A Rug<\/em> by Jarilyn Fahrendorff<\/a><\/p>\n A Star Story<\/em> by Andrey Feldshteyn<\/a><\/p>\n naked<\/em> by Peter Gaustad<\/p>\n Untitled scroll by Geoff Hamerlinck <\/p>\n The Gallows Noose<\/em> by Sam Hiti<\/a><\/p>\n Stop the Clock Productions Warns You Beware of the Veebling With Free Time and No Ride<\/em> by Renata A Staplegenius Comic Starring Monster Pig-Face Boy and His Half Brother Roger Pig-Face Van Buren<\/em> by Danno Klonowski (Dank) <\/a><\/a><\/p>\n Blues<\/em> by Maxeem Konrardy<\/a><\/p>\n Why is it Always So Sunny?<\/em> by Tonya Kuxhausen<\/p>\n Uptown Girl<\/em> #16 by Bob Lipski<\/a><\/p>\n Residue Comics<\/em> #8 by Roger Lootine<\/a><\/p>\n Bigfoot Comix<\/em> #3 by Doug McNamara<\/a><\/p>\n Mox Nix Minicomix<\/em> #1 by Doug McNamara<\/a><\/p>\n Gimpy Cat Falls in Love<\/em> by Anna Petosky<\/p>\n The Blue Box<\/em> by Shad Petosky<\/a><\/p>\n Low Blow<\/em> #4 by Aaron Poliwoda<\/p>\n Sedentary Life<\/em> by Anna Pratt<\/p>\n Avec Tout Mon Amour<\/em> #1 1\/3 by Quillan Roe<\/a><\/p>\n Sauce<\/em> by Zak Sally<\/a> and Mr. Mike Haeg<\/a><\/p>\n Placebo Addiction<\/em> by Jason Sandberg<\/a><\/p>\n The Judas Cradle<\/em> Act I Scene I by Damian Sheridan<\/p>\n No Exit<\/em> by Andy Singer<\/a><\/p>\n All Small<\/em> #7 by David Steinlicht<\/a><\/p>\n Nicknames<\/em><\/a> by Steven Stwalley<\/a> (includes "distortoscope") <\/p>\n Raking Leaves<\/em> by David Tea<\/p>\n Absurd<\/em> #1 by Sean Tenhoff<\/a><\/p>\n Lucy & Cornelius<\/em> Part 1 by Sean Tenhoff <\/a><\/p>\n Brain Food<\/em> #10 by Mike Toft<\/a><\/p>\n Captain Fantasy<\/em> by Lonny Unitus<\/a><\/p>\n Do You Have the Runs<\/em><\/a> by Brett VonSchlosser<\/a><\/p>\n CoffeeShop Metaphysics<\/em> by Dwayne Williams<\/p>\n Sister Elizabeth Kenny<\/em> by Adam Wirtzfeld<\/a><\/p>\n Panelfesto<\/em> V.1 #2 by The Minneapolis Cell of the International Cartoonist Conspiracy<\/p>\n Lutefisk Sushi Volume A Show postcard<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Panelfesto #3: Jam Packed<\/strong> (2005, 4 16-page mini-comics, wrapped in red band, limited edition of 200) <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n 24 Hour Comic Day: 24 Hours 24 Pages: A Comics Marathon 2005 <\/strong> (April 2005, Box Set of 24-Hour Mini-Comics from from 24 Hour Comics Day 2005<\/a>, Box cover by Zander Cannon<\/a>, limited edition of 100) <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Includes (in alphabetical order by artist): <\/p>\n The Rupture<\/em> by Ken Avidor<\/a><\/p>\n Armitage Shanks: Arctic Pirate "Exit Strategy"<\/a><\/em> by Kevin Cannon <\/a><\/p>\n The Curse of the Silver Cobra<\/a><\/em> by Zander Cannon<\/a><\/p>\n Adequate Comix<\/em> by Troy Cummings<\/p>\n BOOM<\/em> by Andy DeVore<\/p>\n The 24 Hours & More Before the 24 Hour Comic Event<\/a><\/em> by Craig Ede <\/p>\n Staplegenius 24 Hour Comic Day 2005<\/em> by Danno Klonowski (Dank) <\/a><\/a><\/p>\n Free as a Bird<\/em> by Eric Lappegard<\/a><\/p>\n The Secret of Hamble House<\/em> by Nathan Lauster<\/p>\n Tartpop<\/a><\/em> by Phil Redmon<\/a><\/p>\n R. Escobar<\/em> by Tone Redmon <\/p>\n 24 Hour Comic Day: Walk<\/em> by Quillan Roe<\/a><\/p>\n FUCK<\/em><\/a> by Sean Tenhoff<\/a><\/p>\n Define Random<\/em> by Scott Williams <\/p>\n 24 Hour Comic<\/a><\/em> by David Steinlicht<\/a><\/p>\n Good Friends<\/em> by Shane Stevenson<\/p>\n Skull Lover<\/a><\/em> by Steven Stwalley<\/a><\/p>\n Start Living<\/em> by Adam Wirtzfeld<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/www.shadland.com\/altforum\/cartoonc\/24hr\/24everyone.jpg\")
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Limon<\/p>\n![\"Panelfesto](\"http:\/\/stwallskull.com\/blog\/images\/conspiracy\/ccpub_panelfesto03v1.jpg\")
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![<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\nIncludes (in alphabetical order by artist): <\/p>\n The Rupture<\/em> by Ken Avidor<\/a><\/p>\n Armitage Shanks: Arctic Pirate "Exit Strategy"<\/a><\/em> by Kevin Cannon <\/a><\/p>\n The Curse of the Silver Cobra<\/a><\/em> by Zander Cannon<\/a><\/p>\n Adequate Comix<\/em> by Troy Cummings<\/p>\n BOOM<\/em> by Andy DeVore<\/p>\n The 24 Hours & More Before the 24 Hour Comic Event<\/a><\/em> by Craig Ede <\/p>\n Staplegenius 24 Hour Comic Day 2005<\/em> by Danno Klonowski (Dank) <\/a><\/a><\/p>\n Free as a Bird<\/em> by Eric Lappegard<\/a><\/p>\n The Secret of Hamble House<\/em> by Nathan Lauster<\/p>\n Tartpop<\/a><\/em> by Phil Redmon<\/a><\/p>\n R. Escobar<\/em> by Tone Redmon <\/p>\n 24 Hour Comic Day: Walk<\/em> by Quillan Roe<\/a><\/p>\n FUCK<\/em><\/a> by Sean Tenhoff<\/a><\/p>\n Define Random<\/em> by Scott Williams <\/p>\n 24 Hour Comic<\/a><\/em> by David Steinlicht<\/a><\/p>\n Good Friends<\/em> by Shane Stevenson<\/p>\n Skull Lover<\/a><\/em> by Steven Stwalley<\/a><\/p>\n Start Living<\/em> by Adam Wirtzfeld<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/a>](\"http:\/\/stwallskull.com\/blog\/images\/conspiracy\/ccpub_sushivolumea_closed_open.jpg\"){kind=link}
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