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The Ignatz Awards were presented at the annual Small Press Expo (SPX) over the weekend, an indie-focused convention that remains one of our favorite comics events of the year due to its friendly community vibe, the awesome, undiscovered comics you can often find at the booths of new creators, and the general joie de vivre of the attendees. This year, the laid-back vibe was best represented by the often-topless "American Splendor" artist and recent Emmy winner Dean Haspiel, who presented the award for Best Graphic Novel to James Sturm for "Market Day" shirtless by request of the crowd.

Our congratulations to Sturm and the other Ignatz winners, and stay tuned for more highlights and hidden comics gems from the indie fest throughout the week.

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