Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that comics have come a long way sinceSuperman; the recent film adaptation of Frank Miller'sSin Citybeing an obvious example, not to mention the success ofMarjane Satrapi'sexcellent biographies,PersepolisandPersepolis 2.

Toronto, hip to all that is cutting edge, is not blind to this trend. Thus, the secondToronto Comics Arts Festival, which features over 100 writers, comics and artists, officially begins tomorrow night, with a kickoff party atHorseshoe Tavern, and runs through Sunday.

The good people atThe BeguilingandScholastic Canadasponsor TCAF in it's mission to promote our own local and Canadian talent while also showcasing international creators. Events include gallery presentations, lectures, workshops, discussion panels and interactive readings.

Honoured guests at the festival include (but arenot remotely limited to) Jeff Smith, author ofBone,M@Bwho I'm sure we all know fromeye, and Paige Braddock, who writesJane's World.

For a closer look at an artist featured in the festival, read Danielle'srecent interviewwithChip Zdarsky, auteur ofPrison FunniesandMonster Cops.

Friday at the Horseshoe is the aforementioned TCAF kickoff party featuringKid Koala. Doors open at 9pm and the show starts "later." Tickets, available at The Beguiling, are 15$ and give a discount on other TCAF events. If you're under 19, though, you'll have to be satisfied peeking in the window or checking out some of the other events on Saturday and Sunday.

TCAF赞助人通过腕带(20美元,10美元18) gets you in to all the main events on Saturday and Sunday, which take place in the square block radius at Bloor and Bathurst - additional ticket purchases are required for access toHarbourfrontand Horseshoe events.

Access to the TCAF Main Tent, which features over 100 artists, is free, as is the Scholastic Canada Children's Tent. Both the tents are located behindHonest Ed'sin Honest Ed's Alley and will be open from 10am - 6pm Saturday and 11am - 5pm Sunday.

To read the full calendar of events and readingclick here. For any additional info, email contact@torontocomics.com.