Press Release: The Alternative Press Expo (APE), the country’s largest alternative and independent comics convention, unveiled today the cover of its 2011 Program Book featuring original art by special guest and Eisner Award–winning cartoonist Shannon Wheeler.

APE offers the free program book to each attendee. This comic book-sized publication features a complete rundown on the show, including a comprehensive list of exhibitors and a map of the floor, as well as a complete programming schedule. “Each year we are privileged to have one of our special guests design the cover. It gives each edition a unique character while showcasing the extraordinary talents of our guests,” remarked David Glanzer, APE spokesperson and director of marketing and public relations for parent company Comic-Con International. Wheeler won the Eisner Award in 1995 for his series Too Much Coffee Man and again in 2011 for his humor publication I Thought You Would Be Funnier from BOOM! Studios.

Previous years’ covers have featured art by such special guests as Paige Braddock, Keith Knight, Rich Koslowski, Lark Pien, and Gene Yang, to name a few. “Complete with a programming schedule and biographies of our special guests, this book is not only informative but also makes a great keepsake.” said Glanzer.

APE will be held October 1 and 2 at the Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 8th Street in San Francisco. APE is coming off its biggest year ever in 2010 with attendance topping 5,500. Advance tickets are $10.00 single day, $15.00 both days and can be purchased at http://www.comic-con.org/ape/.

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