Did You Hear About: Quince #1 Comic Book Signing - Free Comic Book Day

Comic book movies may be what's hot when the warm days find their way onto our calendar, but for us comic book readers (or lapsed comic book readers ::cough::), they've always been a source of joy, frustration and inspiration year-round. And as much as I love the powerhouses that are DC, Marvel, Infinite and Dark Horse, I also like to support independent artists and smaller comic book houses that may reach a more niche audience or simply a more selective one.

That's why I couldn't be more delighted to tell you about a new comic book series called Quince. Created from the mind grapes of Kit Steinkellner, Emma Steinkellner, Valeria Tranier and Sebastian Kadlecik, Quince is a lightning-in-a-bottle concept that will leave you wondering "Why hasn't anyone thought of this before?" And if Kadlecik's name sounds familiar to you, dear readers, it's because I gave his last comic book series, the delightfully esoteric Penguins vs. Possums, a mini-broadside here on my blog way back in 2012.

‍Quince follows a young superhero finding their way in a topsy-turvy world where the usual and unusual problems of the day collide in a spectacular fashion. Oh, and did I mention that our superhero is a 15-year-old Latina who inherits her powers at her quinceañera and must learn how to use them and become a hero with the help of her abuela? No? Well, when the awkward, but quick-witted Lupe finally takes up the challenge, she quickly realizes it may be a little more than she bargained for.

Oh, and did I also mention that this 15-issue series is available in both English and Spanish?

Now if this wonderful bilingual world of make-believe spurs you to seek out the comic series at your nearest "Android's Dungeon," then have no fear. Saturday, May 6th is Free Comic Book Day (FCBD), and anyone in the Los Angeles area can pop into the Hi De Ho Comics store in Santa Monica to pick up a free limited edition copy of Quince #1. And if you time it just right, you might also get to have your copy signed by the quirky creatives who brought this winsome tale to life. That's right! Kadlecik and the Steinkellner sisters will be in the house between 10 am and 12 noon to sign your personal copy of their exclusive title for FCBD!

However, if you're like me and no longer reside in the Golden State, you'll have to miss out on the FCBD giveaway and in-store signing for Quince. (Which sucks because I love free things!) But you can pre-order the printed trade paperback in English in time for its October 2017 release and enjoy this wild adventure and amazing story of empowerment in beautiful graphic novel form this fall.

And who knows? Maybe someday, we'll all see this unique saga on the silver screen too.