This past weekend on New York City’s Lower East Side was the inaugural Five Points Festival, a brand new fan convention curated by Clutter magazine and presented by Midtown Comics. The festival is a collision of toys, comics, street art, and counterculture, replete with food trucks and craft beer. This was pretty much a geek’s version of Valhalla.sThe Five Points Festival was held at Pier 36, on the lower east side of Manhattan. Comic book creatives such as Amy Reeder, Dan Slott, Jamal Igle, Greg Capullo, and Scott Snyder made an appearance. Several toy and art guests were on hand as well, including Amanda Louise Spayd, Tokidoki’s Simone Legno, and Tara McPherson, founder of The Cotton Candy Machine art boutique in Brooklyn, NYC.
While a bit on the smaller side, the festival has a lot of potential to grow into something huge. Nothing against the designer toys or beer companies, but I don’t think there was enough marketing on the comic book artists and writers that were at the show. One of my inspirational, favorite artists, Khary Randolph, who was present at the show, I was actually a bit shocked by the lack of comic book fans that were at his table. If you’ve seen the eye-popping work that he puts out, then you’ll understand the point I just made.
I have a feeling that the festival will be bigger and better, and whether as an exhibitor of my own work, or simply a fan, I can’t wait for next year’s show! I snapped some pics from the event with my trusty iPhone 7 Plus in order to capture the spirit of the event. As I mentioned earlier, I’m hoping the event continues on to the next level. I certainly enjoyed myself.
I got to meet one of my favorite inspiring comic book artists, Cliff Chiang. Amazing artist and even a better person.
I had a chance to catch up with the super-talented Khary Randolph. We had a chance to talk art, comic books, industry, process and getting random camera folks to ask permission before they start filming incriminating conversations lol. Do yourself a favor and check out his work. The brother’s work is off the charts!
In one word. Epic!
Kidrobot debuts their brand-new Andy Warhol collection.
A gorgeous Barda commission drawn by comic book artist, illustrator and designer, Lynne yoshii.
This Star Wars Stormtrooper helmet created by Kevin Derken (Klav) of A1 Plastik, seems to already be battle-tested.
It’s always a thrill for me to catch up with multi-talented artist, writer, and publisher, Alitha E. Martinez. She constantly puts out quality work and I often wonder when she sleeps.
Another amazing sculpture called Death Gorem, created by Kevin Derken (Klav) of A1 Plastik.
DC Collectibles’ Batman custom designed by comic book artist Christopher Uminga.
Tokidoki’s Simone Legno is one of the coolest artists you can ever meet.
Which one is your favorite Marvel t-shirt?
Comic book artist extraordinaire, Mike Lilly, seemed to be a bit camera shy, as he’s hidden behind his stunning art commissions of DC Comics’ characters.
This is one of the most brilliant works of art I’ve ever seen. The work here was done by Spitfire Labs, a Brooklyn based, husband and wife team with years of work in the visual effects community. The constructs here were made with cherry wood and a laser engraver. Very cool stuff!
I cracked up after seeing this! Baby Huey SDCC 2015 Exclusive Kim Jong Un (Blue) Vinyl Figure by Frank Kozik from Kidrobot.
The event itself drew a nice-sized crowd which made it easier to talk with the artists and guests that were on hand.
Meet the 2017 Designer Toy of the Year, King Korpse. Created by James Groman and Instinctoy.
Comic book artist, Alex Sanchez, is one of DC Comics most gifted artists. I first took notice of his work when he worked on the late Michael Turner’s Fathom: Blue Descent. Very talented and cool guy.
Don’t worry about those who don’t support your work, but always pay it forward to those you inspire and those who are there for you no matter what. Food for thought.
As I was taking this photo of artist, Mike Altman, this quote dawned on me at that very moment: “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” – Pablo Picasso
I hope you guys enjoyed the photos. I definitely had a great time at the festival. If there’s anything for me to complain about is that the location of Pier 36 is a bit distant from the local restaurants and eateries that are in the area. So if you were extremely hungry, you really had to depend on the food trucks that were located outside of the venue.
Also, the artists and writers needs to be promoted better for next year. Some people got the impression that it was strictly a toy exhibition because of how the festival was marketed. Other than those two minor gripes, I had a great time there.
What did you like or dislike about the festival? How would you change or try to improve the event for next year? Let me know what you think. I would love to read your comments and thoughts. Thanks again for stopping by.
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The Perennial Aesthete 
This event was awesome! I missed Death Gorem, that looks sick!! Great page btw!
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