Amidst the clinking of glasses and the honking of Mario Karts, Ad Astra had its second seasonal shindig, aimed at building the radical comics community in Toronto.  The spread of comics available for acquisition was second only to the one on the kitchen island – a delicious selection of vegan and vegetarian delights made with love by Erica Podlowski (of Podlowski’s Traveling Emporium) and Emma Palumbo, author of the zine “CAN IT: A Collection of Stories, Recipes, and DIY Food Politics“)  Other vendors plying their exciting wares included Ohhh Canada, the JustSeeds Art Collective, and the poster campaign “Imaging Apartheid“.

The literary fortune telling booth was a a true highlight of the evening, with all kinds of people packing in behind a screen of diaphanous silk to hear Melina and Yasmine prophesize their book-loving prospects with tomes and tarot alike! Some eager fortune-seekers were so taken by the proceedings that they sat in on additional tellings just to take it all in.

Ad Astra Comix contributor and Comic Book Embassy ambassador Sam Noir made an appearance with his newly-crafted “Crack Smokin'” Mayoral action figure! Also to be available in a PG “Publically Inebriated” model… We hope he will be making many more, as it was incredibly popular!

If Mario Kart came to a crashing close when someone stumbled over the controller cords and sent the whole thing into scattered disarray, the circles of conversation that formed in the half-pipe were an ample substitute.  Several attendees discovered to their delight that the slick surface of the half-pipe is perfect for group sliding…

All in all it was an exciting night – food was served, perspectives were exchanged and a good time was had by all.  If we sold a few comics along the way, well, it’s in the service of expanding the city’s political horizons through the medium of the graphic narrative.  A big thank you to the 70+ people that came out to make the event a truly memorable one, and an extra special cheer of appreciation to everyone who poured their energy into putting it all together.

See you at the solstice!

With love,

The Ad Astra gang.