After a resounding success at last year’s Kingston Independent Comic Expo (KICx), the organizers are gearing up for the next event, which is coming to the Old Dutch Church in Uptown Kingston this Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

The expo, which focuses on platforming independent comic book artists, writers, publishers, illustrators and more, is welcoming back 45 new and returning comic artists with an impressive roster of award-winning attendees.

KICx is organized by locals Joe Gonzalez, creator of Art Walk Kingston and producer of Comic News Insider, one of the longest running comic podcasts; Cristopher Livecchi, owner of World’s End Comics and writer/performer on Radio Wiltwyck; and Kevin Michael Rowe, a comic-artist whose self-published work includes his running series “N.A.R.L.I.” and a comic about the burning of Kingston created with fellow artist Chris O’Neal.

As Hudson Valley residents themselves, this trio made sure that at least half of those accepted to table at the expo were local creators.

After last year’s event, which garnered over 300 attendees and around 80 creators applying to table with 45 spaces available, the trio were humbled by the amount of people who applied to table this year, with 96 applications before the deadline with more still trickling in later, creating a waitlist of around 75-100.

It seems this positive reaction is due in part to the trio’s experience managing and organizing events and being genuinely passionate about what the expo brings to the community in Kingston.

“It’s crazy to think that all of these people want to come to Kingston and show their work … The amount of people who knew about the show from other expos [I attended] over the year was flabbergasting,” said Rowe.

Gonzalez followed by saying, “Even though it’s not your typical comic con, it’s super accessible. It’s really diverse content that any attendee will find interesting. It’s interesting to show anyone in the creative field to see what’s another in another space in the art world. There’s always something new and that’s what’s fun about it.”

One of these new features is “Sphere Toon,” a virtual reality attraction where participants can “step inside the pages of our favorite comics.” It’s set up by MyKingstonKids, a local nonprofit supporting and providing Kingston’s youth with engaging events and activities.

In addition to this, there are several award-winning exhibitors joining the event including Emmy and Ringo Award winning Dean Haspiel, who has worked with Marvel, DC/Vertigo and Image, Distinguished Artist Award winner and Kingstonian Matthew Pleva, Independent and Radical published PM Press, Harvey Award winner Nick Bertozzi, working with First Second Books, Roaring Books and Disney Books, and Eisner Award winner Gideon Kendall, of Dark Horse, First Second Books, Z2 and The New York Times.

This year’s KICx event poster was created by New Paltz artist Charles Fetherolf of Darkhorse Comics, Heavy Metal and Giant Earth Press, who will also be in attendance at the event.

After an overwhelmingly positive reaction to last year’s event, including people, according to Gonzalez, attesting that they were “thrilled about how well organized it was,” the trio mentioned the idea of expanding if the reaction is as positive as 2026 rolls around.

“We will consider a slightly bigger venue so we can get in new artists and expand the programming a bit. Maybe adding a panel or two. It all depends on how it goes this year. It’s so nice doing it at the Old Dutch Church. In a perfect world I wish they could expand,” said Livecchi.

For now, the group is working on making this year’s event a success. They even managed to lower the cost of tickets so those arriving the day of will pay the same amount as those ordering tickets in advance.

After running out of wristbands at last year’s event, they expect a huge turnout on what’s looking like a big Saturday in the Stockade. The Expo is on the same day that the Kingston Farmer’s Market opens up shop right across the street, along with an apparent music festival happening at Snapper McGee’s right around the corner on North Front Street.

There is limited capacity at the event and interested participants are encourage to purchase tickets in advance, though there will be tickets for sale at the door as well. Tickets are $10 for adults over 18, students ages 8-17 are $7, and children under the age of 8 get in free. Purchase tickets here, where you can also check out all of the artists who will be at the expo.