The Olympia Comics Festival, an all day event in downtown Olympia, takes place this Saturday, June 2.

"There's something for every comic book fan," promises Frank Hussey, event director. Hussey says he began the Olympia Comics festival back in 2001 because he wanted to create something that was accessible and fun for everyone from mom and junior to the diehard fanatic.

 "Signings and conventions felt too commercial," he says. "We have special interest in indie and small press comics."

The festival's guests of honor include Jason Shiga, whose book Meanwhile, a choose-your-own-adventure, has gained wide-spread recognition.  Also attending is the satirical Shannon Wheeler, who created Too Much Coffee Man. Perhaps the best known guest is Mike Allred, creator of Madman, Red Rocket 7 and co-creator of iZombie.  Allred has primarily worked in the superhero genre, but with a quirkiness and creativity that makes his work very different from the norm in that genre.  Allred is famous for a crisp, clear line style which reads both cleanly and beautifully.  Notably, Allred is a Mormon and has published several chapters of The Book of Mormon as a graphic novel.

 Here's the rundown.

Stage Show
Capitol Theater (206 5th Ave. SW, Olympia, WA)
Time: 11 A.M. - 1 P.M.

Expo
Olympia Center (222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia, WA)
Time: 1:30 - 6:30 P.M.

Book signing with guests
Danger Room Comics (201 4th Ave. W, Olympia, WA)
Time: 6:00 - ?:?? P.M.

At the stage show, expect action, drama and excitement, as well as panels from special guest artists.

"We put a lot of energy into the stage shows," says Hussey.

"It's like the best episode of Lettermen ever - except with comics."

For more information, click here.