iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

If you receive an email from someone trying to sell the “attendee list” from CAKE 2026, that is a scam! Please do not engage!

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Alex Hoffman (he/him) @sequential.li · 15/05/2026

Newsletter update today, with celebrations of our recent Eisner Award nomination, thoughts about @cakechicago.bsky.social, a sneak peek at work from @jennyzervakis.bsky.social coming from @fieldmouse.press in time for @smallpressday.bsky.social, and a recognition of the challenges of life —

sequential.li

What's New @ Fieldmouse - 5/15/26

Recovering from CAKE and reflecting on challenges

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Alex Hoffman (he/him) @sequential.li · 03/05/2026

First day at @cakechicago.bsky.social 2026 - Great Success!!

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

90 minutes left to get yourself some COMICS! CAKE day 1 ends at 6pm! Sunday hours are 11-5pm! Hooray CAKE!

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Jessi Zabarsky @hugbox.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Ps come to @cakechicago.bsky.social

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Jessi Zabarsky @hugbox.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

I honestly love how many Chicagoans absolutely REFUSE to take off their cute jackets/coats/cardigans in the toasty @cakechicago.bsky.social hall

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Dr. Carol Tilley 🏳️‍🌈 @anuncivilphd.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

I had the pleasure of interviewing Nicole Hollander (alongside Mimi Pond and Jim Woodring) at @cakechicago.bsky.social several years ago. The whole panel was delightful and I am honored to have gotten to meet her. #comics

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Derf Backderf @derfbackderf.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Nicole Hollander, passed away at age 87. Safe travels, Nicole.

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Iron Spike @ironspike.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

All set up and ready to roll at @cakechicago.bsky.social! Come on by early, gang, supplies are VERY limited!

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Richie Pope @richiepope.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

i'm at @cakechicago.bsky.social today from 11am-6pm! come see me and buy my comics and zines!

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Sarah Becan @sarahbecan.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

IT BEGINS! Come to @cakechicago.bsky.social today and tomorrow at the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago!!

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MILK Comics Fest @milkcomicfest.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Steady today at @cakechicago.bsky.social 🎂 You can find us next to our friends at @slicexpo.bsky.social 🍕

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Sarah Becan @sarahbecan.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

I’ll also be moderating a panel at @cakechicago.bsky.social at 2pm today about collaboration and comics! Join me, @oheysteenz.bsky.social , @jamilarowser.bsky.social , @bethhetland.bsky.social and Kyle O’Connell for a chat about making comics together!

CAKE 5/2 2:00-3:00
Teamwork for dream work, writers and artists making comics together. With Jamila Rowser, Beth Hetland, Kyle O’Connell & Steenz, moderated by Sarah Becan

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Rob Clough @robcloughhighlow.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Come out and see @sequential.li and me at @cakechicago.bsky.social today and tomorrow!

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Radiator Comics @radiatorcomics.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Ack! I’m super excited to be back in Chicago & tabling at @cakechicago.bsky.social today (11-6) and tomorrow (11-5)! It’s FREE and has way too many wonderful people & their art to handle. www.cakechicago.com

cakechicago.com

Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (CAKE)

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Diskette Press @ A2CAF @diskettepress.com · 01/05/2026

we’re on the road to chicago gonna see that big ol bean be sure to stop by @cakechicago.bsky.social tomorrow and sunday for comics and good vibes

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Steenz! @oheysteenz.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Chicago!! @cakechicago.bsky.social is this weekend!! Ive got a lot of books and a CAKE SECRET MENU ITEM: "Joint Comic: A Steenz and Bianca Xunise Joint". Gotta use the secret passphrase 'hey steenz gotta light?' to acquire!!

Find Me @ CAKE!
TABLE #406
MAY 2 & 3 2026

Irish American Heritage Center
4626 N. Knox Ave

Panel 1: held in steenz's hands is an open cigarette case containing matchbooks, joints, and a lactaid

Panel 2: Steenz snaps the case closed and puffs of smoke come out

Panel 3: BOYZ WKND title with an illustration of Bianca, Steenz (me), and Torta

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Diskette Press @ A2CAF @diskettepress.com · 01/05/2026

real proud of this one by @anatwocomics.bsky.social get yours at @cakechicago.bsky.social this weekend

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Jessi Zabarsky @hugbox.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

I’ll be tabling at @cakechicago.bsky.social this weekend! I’ll have the 4th and final Weekly Bun Life book and I’ve finally reprinted Two of Us!! Plus I’ll be on a panel on Sunday about making comics for different age groups 🌱

Promo image for the CAKE indie comics show, including a photo of two little books I’ll have there

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Sarah Becan @sarahbecan.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Find me at @cakechicago.bsky.social this weekend! I'll have my brand new comic book cocktail book and lots of other fun stuff! #cakechicago

Fine me at CAKE CHICAGO table 702 A, May 2-3 at the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N Knox Ave Chicago

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Jaime Dear @potatofuzz.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

You can find ME on this very programming schedule! "Say Less: Succinct Storytelling Strategies" at 12:45pm on Saturday! See you then!

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Avery Hill Publishing @averyhill.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

WE WILL BE AT @cakechicago.bsky.social on May 2nd/3rd! Come and say hello! #comics

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The Story of Ó @osoart.com · 24/04/2026

Did I mention that I’m going to be on a panel this year? Joining some fine folx from SLICE and MILK: RUNNING A SMALL PRESS EXPO WITH SLICE, CAKE, AND MILK Saturday 5/2 @ 4:30

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Richie Pope @richiepope.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

"Trying 2" a 16-page sketchzine, featuring cartooning, abstract art, and drawings from life. outside blue, inside yellow. the second zine in a series of doing whatever I feel like doing available at CAKE @cakechicago.bsky.social in Chicago next weekend

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

The program schedule is LIVE on the CAKE website! Workshops, panels, and more are happening Saturday & Sunday at the Irish American Heritage Center -- all FREE 🎉 www.cakechicago.com/26schedule Take a look and make a plan to join us next weekend 😎

Graphic reading "Program schedule is live on our website! May 2 & 3 2026 / CAKE / 4626 N. Knox Ave."

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

Thank you to another of our amazing festival sponsors @goblinmkt.bsky.social Visit them at 2868 N Lincoln in Chicago!

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

CAKE would like to thank Lillstreet Art Center for sponsoring our 2026 festival! Founded in 1975, Lillstreet is a creative workspace for artists of all levels, from first-timers, to professionals. No matter how you define yourself! Visit Lillstreet Art Center at 4401 N Ravenswood

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Thank you to festival sponsors @quimbysbookstore.bsky.social legendary independent bookstore and purveyors of all things comics and zines! Stop by Quimby’s (1854 W North Ave) while you’re in town for CAKE!

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Thank you our 2026 sponsors @printninja.bsky.social who are handling some of our printing once again! We love working with Print Ninja!

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

CAKE would love to thank another 2026 festival sponsor @skunkcabbagebooks.bsky.social Join us on Friday May 1st at 6:30pm, at Skunk Cabbage (2826 N Milwaukee) for our Cupcake Mini Comic Release Party and reading celebrating 2025 Cupcake Award winner Mili St. John!

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

Thank you to our CAKE sponsors @barrelmakerprinting We’ll have tees and totes with our amazing 2026 graphic by Bianca Xunise thanks to Barrelmaker! CAKE is free to attend and open to the public! 4626 N Knox Ave, Saturday May 2nd 11am-6pm, Sunday May 3rd 11am - 5pm!

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

Thank you to our 2026 gestival sponsors @chirpradio.org CHIRPradio.org is a listener-supported music and arts focused community radio station in Chicago staffed by more than 150 volunteers.

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

CAKE would like to thank our 2026 festival sponsors Minuteman Press Chicago! Their branch located at 1249 N Clybourn, specifically, offers amazing customer service and a wide range of print services. The fastest turnaround times we’ve ever seen on badges, posters, and banners!

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

CAKE would like to thank our 2026 festival sponsors Hallagan Business Machines! www.hallagans.com Hallagan reps will be on site during CAKE, Saturday May 2nd hosting a risograph demo workshop!

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The Story of Ó @osoart.com · 09/04/2026

Postering! The show is coming up in less than a month! May 2&3

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

CAKE would like to thank long-time festival sponsors @busybeaverbuttonco.bsky.social We ❤️ Busy Beaver! Check them out for custom buttons, stickers, merch and beyond!

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Are you interested in volunteering at CAKE 2026? Send us an email! Volunteers@cakechicago.com

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

We’re very excited to announce this year’s Cupcake Award Mentors: Liz Sux and Maddie Dennis! 🧁 Whoever wins will be partnered with one of these stellar artists to gain advice and support as they make their new mini comic. Apps are due 4/11. Learn more on our website: www.cakechicago.com/cupcake

Headshots of Liz and Maddie with the following information: 10th Annual Cupcake Award Mentors: Liz Sux & Maddie Dennis"

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 05/04/2026

SPECIAL GUEST! Steenz is a St. Louis based cartoonist, professor, and editor. They currently teach at Webster University & SVA while editing independent titles. They’re also Board President of The St. Louis Independent Comics Expo. Get excited to see Steenz (AKA @oheysteenz.bsky.social ) at CAKE 👏

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

SPECIAL GUEST! Jeremy Tinder is a cartoonist, painter, and educator based in Chicago. His favorite color is pink. Make a plan to meet n' greet with Jeremy (AKA @jeremytinder.bsky.social ) at his CAKE table - exactly one month from today 🎉

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

SPECIAL GUEST! Jim Terry is a Ho-Chunk storyteller who’s called Chicagoland his home for over ten thousand years, and has worked in comics for the last fifteen or so. No foolin! Jim will be at CAKE May 2-3, so mark your calendar!

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

SPECIAL GUEST! Jamila Rowser is an award-winning writer, editor, and publisher. She’s known for her debut graphic novel, Wash Day Diaries, co-created with Robyn Smith, and as the founder of Black Josei Press. Make a plan to visit Jamila (AKA @jamilarowser.bsky.social ) at her table this May ✨

Headhost of Jamila Rowser with the following information added: "Special Guest / CAKE / May 2 & 3, 2026 / Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N Knox Ave"

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

SPECIAL GUEST! Gabriel Mason Howell: Published by Secret Acres, Reptile House Comix, Cold Cube Press, Entropy Editions, & Bred Press. Chicago based Ignatz award nominated cartoonist & Koyama grant recipient. Co-owner of Mind Palace Chicago. Save the date so you don’t miss Gabe at CAKE ⭐️

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

SPECIAL GUEST! Ashley Robin Franklin is a queer cartoonist and illustrator based in Austin, Texas, and originally from the Rio Grande Valley (that’s south South Texas). Notable works of theirs include: The Skin You’re In and The Hills of Estrella Roja. Don't miss Ashley Robin at CAKE this year! 🍰

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

SPECIAL GUEST! Abby Kacen (she/her) is a migratory cartoonist and DIY organizer. She’s the creator of the self-published fictional series, Sid & the Sickos, and autobio series Mild Pain. Mark your calendar so you don’t miss Abby (AKA @mild-pain.bsky.social ) at CAKE this year ⚡️

Graphic reading "Special Guest / Abby Kcaen" with a photo of Abby and the following event information: "CAKE / May 2 & 3, 2026 / Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N Knox Ave"

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

We’re teaming up with @skunkcabbagebooks.bsky.social to celebrate @milimonster.bsky.social debuting “And Up!, They Sprung!” Comics Reading Party: 5-1 / 6:30-8pm / readers TBA Check out the 40 page surrealist memoir mini-comic by Mili, 2025 Cupcake Award winner: www.milistjohn.com/and-up-they-...

Graphic reading "May 1, 2026 / Cupcake Award Minicomic Release Party / 6:30 - 8:00 PM / Skunk Cabbage Books / Join us for the inaugural comics reading event celebrating the 2025 Cupcake Award Winner: Mili St. John debuting And Up!, They Sprung! / More readers to be announced - stay tuned!"

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Thank you to the Awesome Foundation’s Chicago Chapter for the grant! As a result of their generosity, CAKE is able to partner two emerging artists with mentors this year. Check out their other awesome work: www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/... Remember, Cupcake application deadline is 4/11!

Graphic reading "Thank you / Awesome Foundation Chicago Chapter for the grant supporting the cupcake award! Thank to their generosity, we're able to partner two emerging artists with mentors this year."

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Chicago Alternative Comics Expo @cakechicago.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

10th annual Cupcake Award applications are OPEN! And thanks to the Chicago Awesome Foundation chapter we’ll have 2 winners 🥳 The Cupcake Award is CAKE's $400 mentorship grant! Applications are due by 11:59 PM CDT on April 11, 2026. Get the details and apply: www.cakechicago.com/cupcake

Graphic reading "10th Annual Cupcake Awards / Apps Due 4-11 / CAKE's award for emerging artists! / Winners receive a $400 micro-grant + professional mentorship!"

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