At first thought, we rejected the idea.

Although we got accepted to SPX in Maryland, the largest independent comics expo in N. America, we did not believe it was possible due to our budget constraints.

Arnie told the boys not to give up

But then David watched 'Arnold' on Netflix and realized opportunities like this must be seized, just like how Arnie did. 

How SPX helps The City

Small Press Expo (SPX), similar to Toronto Comics & Arts Festival (TCAF), attracts indie comics and arts enthusiasts worldwide. Unlike larger conventions like Fan Expo or Comicon, which have a broader pop culture focus, SPX cater specifically to the target demographic that independent creators like us seek. Attendees purchase tickets to SPX specifically to interact with independent creators and publishers like ourselves!

As much as David enjoys going out to Dundas Square to sell issues of The City on the streets, conventions like SPX provide a much more efficient way for reach and awareness. Also a load of independent publishers and distributors also attend SPX to seek their next project!

Lastly, The City has been nominated for 'Promising New Talent', among other awards at SPX's Ignatz Awards.

Our past 2 fundraisers helped us accomplish the following:

• Enter major conventions: Fan Expo 2021, Toronto Comicon 2022, Mississauga Comics Expo 2022, Toronto Comics & Arts Festival 2023...and now Small Press Expo 2023!!

• Print issues of Chapter 1-3 and compilation issue (1-2).

• Purchase equipment and invest in a new website which hosts The City for digital readership for free!

• Win a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts in 2022.

**Although the 2 fundraisers has helped us reach a self-sustaining print cycle, we are not able to fund this project because we sell our print issues at a breakeven price. 

So once again, we are here to ask for your help!

We require help raising a total fund of: $1931.81 CAD!

Here is the estimated breakdown:

• SPX Half table fee
  • $259.61 CAD = $195USD
• Car rental (Will seek best deal off Turo) 
  • $400 CAD + tax ($100/day; 3-4 days) 
  • Gas: $192.20; total distance of 1511km at $1.59/L    
    • vs. Flights are $600/per person
• Hotel (2 nights, 3 days)
  • $540 CAD + tax; $135 USD($179.73 CAD)/night with convention discounts
    • Room will be shared!
• Food for the boys: $540; $60/per person each day (assuming 2 meals/day)
  • • We can also cook instant noodles at the hotel as an alternative (no, for realz).

The most important part for this fundraiser is to get the essentials covered (convention fee, travel, and hotel). The food part can be taken care of by respective members of the team. 

As a small token of our appreciation

• Backers will be able to obtain exclusive rewards for supporting this project!
• Custom commission art sketches by Dave Praetorius!
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