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This is a real hidden gem of an event. Brooklyn Indie Comics Fest is HUGE, and has more vendors at it than many indie comics shows. It also has panels.
It's located in the amazing Industry City, which has an awesome huge Japanese section where I got my lunch from.
A Little History: How it Got Here
Brooklyn has a long history of being the capital of alternative comics, and the "festival" has changed hands a few times:
The Origins (2009–2012): It started as the Brooklyn Comics and Graphics Festival, held in a church basement in Williamsburg.
It was organized by Gabe Fowler (who owns the legendary Desert Island comics shop) and some other indie heavyweights. The "CAB" Era (2013–2019):
After the original fest split, it became Comic Arts Brooklyn (CAB). For years, this was the gold standard for indie fans, held at Pratt Institute. It was moody, artistic, and packed with talent like Art Spiegelman. The Shift to BICS (2024–Present): During COVID, BICS stepped in to fill the gap left by CAB going on hiatus.
It started as an outdoor fair right outside St. Marks Comics in Industry City. Even though it rained during the first one, it was such a hit that it moved inside and expanded to two days.
What to Expect
Beyond Comics: You’ll see plenty of traditional comics, but there’s a huge focus on zines, self-published art books, and screen-printed posters. * The "Beginner" Show: Because it's free and un-juried compared to some other big fests, you get a mix of legitimate pros and people who just finished their first zine that morning.
Crowd: Since it’s in Industry City, you get a lot of "walk-ins," families and people who were just there for food or shopping and stumble into a massive world of indie art.
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