Beanotown comes to life on the South Bank, London

The Beano is celebrating 75 wonderful years of rebellious fun, farts and laughter at Southbank Centre’s Festival of Neighbourhood in London – and you can join in the party at Beanotown, a recreation of the fictional home of the comic’s superstars.

The project is  part of a collaborative project from Dundee-based publisher DC Thomson, iconic design agency HemingwayDesign and Southbank Centre’s creative team.

“It’s a dream come true to see Beanotown coming to life at Southbank Centre," says The Beano Editor-in-Chief Mike Stirling. "For me, the coolest thing is that, along with the depths of the oceans and some parts of the rainforest, Beanotown was the last great uncharted territory on earth – I feel like Christopher Columbus!  If you think you know The Beano then think again… this exhibition provides all the anarchic fun of The Beano but with lots of added extras.”



Previously unseen artwork will be unveiled at the exhibition that features pieces by The Beano illustrator David Sutherland; a legendary artist who has the unique claim of having worked with all six editors since the comic’s birth in 1938. Further laughs and jokes-a-plenty will be provided by clips from the hugely successful TV show Dennis and Gnasher and The Beano’s hilarious iPrank App that will be available to download free in Beanotown – perfect for mega-menacing in the home of prank!

Other highlights include The Beano Social Club, where you can play Table Dennis (of course), The Beano Breville Bar, where you can munch on comic-themed food and drink (anyone for a Splat-a-Pult?), and The Beano Studio where you can have a go at creating your own comic masterpieces (if you dare).

Mike added, “Boris Johnson must be overjoyed that we’ve brought a bit of the old Beanotown magic to his ‘hood!  What will really bring things to life is the laughter and mischief of the hundreds of thousands of children who’ll visit, so I’m really happy that entry is free for everyone.  The reason The Beano is so fondly thought of is because we always put kids first and I’m so glad we’ve maintained that aim with this special celebration.”

In July 2013, elements of Beanotown will appear at the Vintage Festival, part of the Merchant City Festival, in Glasgow.

“The Beano is a true British institution," enthuses HemingwayDesign’s Wayne Hemingway MBE, who has also recently designed a new style guide for Beano licensors, "and the whole team at HemingwayDesign have had a blast looking through the archive and helping to put Beanotown together.  The artwork and stories are wonderful and show how British humour and irreverence can help us get through the toughest of times.

"There are always wonderful things to see and do at Southbank Centre and Beanotown brings a true multi-generational visitor attraction that has history, politics, subversion, art, design, laughter and sheer devilment running through it.”

The attraction has already gained acclaim from fans. ”Within an hour of opening, it was overrun with children reading the comics," The Guardian reported, "looking with bewildered concern at the man dressed as Dennis, or trying to work out where the fart noise comes from when you walk through the main door.”

• Visit Beanotown at Southbank Centre and celebrate 75 years of the country's favourite comic. Beanotown is free and is located in the Festival Village, underneath the Queen Elizabeth Hall, and runs until 8th September 2013, open from 11.00am – 7.00pm

• Hemmingway Design Beano Project Notes: www.hemingwaydesign.co.uk/projects/exhibitions/beanotown

• Click here to download The Beano Breville Bar menu from the Hemmingway Design site (PDF Link)

• Design Week: Wayne Hemingway creates Beano brand guidelines
The Beano, Beanotown, Dennis the Menace © 2013 DC Thomson Ltd

Beware of Dinosaurs: Forbidden Planet Chronos Commandos Signing announced

Comic creator and illustrator Stuart Jennett will be launching his new comic Chronos Commandos #1 at the Forbidden Planet London Megastore on Wednesday 10th July (6 – 7.00pm)

When the Allies and Nazis develop time-diving technology that could see the course of World War II derailed by creatures from the Cretaceous period, only the Sarge and his band of misfit soldiers can save the future by saving history!

Dinosaurs! Giant crocodiles! Time travel! Nazis! Albert Einstein with a machine gun!

Stuart started out as a comic book artist for Marvel UK back in the early 1990’s (drawing Warheads - yes, I was his editor after Paul Neary talent spotted him in Glasgow) before moving into the video games industry as a concept, 3d artist and studio art director. Now, after a long hiatus from his first love, Stuart returns with an unapologetic love letter to his youth with Chronos Commandos - a bullet strewn, time travelling, Nazi stomping adventure serial new from Titan Comics.

Stuart, alongside his wife, is also one of the founders and creative directors of Alien Apple Studios, providing design work across the entertainment industry.

Here's some pages from the first issue!

• For more about Forbidden Planet signings click here

Alternative Press at London's No Dark Places Festival this weekend

Alternative Press are bringing the Small Press to No Dark Places, the DIY music festival tomorow (1st June 2013) in London.

From 11am – 5pm, artists will be exhibiting and selling their self published comix, zines, book arts, and prints, alongside a programme of workshops and talks.

Workshops and Highlights




Introducing the Kevin Van O’Dreams and Breaking Beard!
Cookin’ up something good in ‘Kevin Van O’Dreams’ for Breaking Beard and more!
Join us and give Heisenberg a beard!
Inside the Kevin Van O’Dreams, artists in residence StoryHands, a collective on a mission of awesome colourful narrative illustration perfection, will be offering live portraits to all who visit! Portraits starting at £3 are a one off opportunity to get a unique illustrated picture of you.
• Sign up for yours at the AP table on the day. More information here

DIY Stop Motion Animation Workshop
12.30pm – 3.30pm: Having worked for Disney, Warner, Universal, Paramount, and Redbull, as well as lecturing at four of the top universities for animation and leading workshops for the Tate, and Barbican, the amazing Shaun McGlinchey will be now running the AP DIY Stop Motion 2D Puppet Making Workshop!
Places are limited to only four participants per hour. To reserve your place in advance email enquiries@alternativepress.org.uk or alternatively sign up on the day.

DIY Politics: “Is this a good situation?”
4pm:  3 invited speakers, and those who attend, will informally discuss how they think the nation is being run.  Are the folks in charge doing a good job?
With Pragmatists’ Party: http://pragmatists.co.uk/about/  a newly formed party

A conversation open to all and everyone, come along and give your ten pence worth!

Entry is completely free and open to all in a celebration of creativity and DIY.

Join the facebook event here
——————-
Workshops from AP Friends
As a part of the NO DARK PLACES festival, Dimitri Antorka Pieri will be running his Blind Drawing workshops at 2, 4, and 6pm. More information here

The festival will also include a Live Printing Stand run by the collaborative force of  Animaux Circus and Studio Mothership. From 11am – 4pm and for a small fee, you can have a go printing on their amazing table top letter press!
——————-
The No Dark Places music programme will start at 12pm and continue till 1.30am. £15 on the door
For further information: NO DARK PLACES

Venue: The Albert, 1 Albert Road, London, NW6 5DT
For a list of the  exhibitors please click here

Gary Northfield's TeenyTinySaurs storm Gosh!

Excellent childrens' books illustrator and Phoenix-contributor Gary Northfield has released The Terrible Tales of the TeenyTinySaurs, a delightful new kid's book from Walker Books - and Gosh London are celebrating it with a launch party on Friday 31st May.
 
Is it possible to fly to the moon in a bubble of snot? Can you really have an argument with a cloud? Are there bogey monsters at the bottom of the garden? 

All these questions and more are explored in The Terrible Tales of the TeenyTinySaurs - an hysterical and charming collection of comic strip adventures, following a teeny tiny gang of dinosaurs as they wind each other up and muddle their way through the myths and mysteries of prehistoric life.


• The Terrible Tales of the TeenyTinySaurs Launch Party Friday 31st May, Gosh London, 1 Berwick Street, London W1F 0DR
 
• Here's a link to Gary's website with several teasers: http://www.garynorthfield.com/2012/07/24/teenytinysaurs/

Orbital Comics announces Comic Book Creators launch event

Orbital Comics in London have announced a special discussion panel to celebrate the launch of the new Comic Book Creators magazine from Twomorrows Publishing, taking place on Saturday 8th June.

Learn more about how John Morrow and his wife started with the Jack Kirby Collector back in 1994 - and the profound effect Kirby had (and continues to have) on comics, as well as the members of the panel.


Comic Book Creator #1, on sale now via comic shops, is TwoMorrow's newest magazine edited by Jon B. Cooke, devoted to the work and careers of the men and women who draw, write, edit, and publish comics, focusing always on the artists and not the artifacts, the creators and not the characters. Behind an Alex Ross cover painting, the frantic first issue features an investigation of the oft despicable treatment Jack Kirby endured from the very business he helped establish. From being cheated out of royalties in the ’40s and bullied in the ’80s by the publisher he made great, to his estate’s current fight for equitable recognition against an entertainment monolith where his characters have generated billions of dollars, we present Kirby’s cautionary tale in the eternal struggle for creator’s rights.

Plus, CBC #1 interviews artist Alex Ross and writer Kurt Busiek, spotlights the last years of writer/artist Frank Robbins, remembers comics historian Les Daniels, talks to Todd McFarlane about his new show-all book, showcases a joint talk between Neal Adams and Dennis O'Neil on their unforgettable collaborations, as well as throws a whole kit’n’caboodle of other creator-centric items at you.

Taking part in the discussion will be:

Chris Thompson (chair)
Chris is a podcaster, blogger and host known for his work on Pop Culture Hound and The Orbiting Pod. Web: www.popculturehound.com

John Morrow (writer, publisher)
John is the co-founder of Twomorrows Publishing which has been publishing the Jack Kirby Collector since 1994. Web: http://twomorrows.com

Barry Forshaw (writer, journalist)
Barry is a well-known UK writer and journalist who has contributed numerous pieces to the Jack Kirby Collector. Web: www.crimetime.co.uk

Jason Atomic (artist, Hail To The King curator)
Jason is an artist, writer and curator who work has been inspired and affected by various aspects of pop culture. Web: http://jasonatomic.blogspot.co.uk

• Jack Kirby, Man of TwoMorrow: 7.00pm Saturday 8th June Orbital Comics, 8 Great Newport Street, WC2H 7JA London.

This discussion will be recorded for a special edition of the Orbiting Pod.
http://www.orbitalcomics.com/podcast/

SelfMadeHero talks adaptations at the Institut Francais

A panel from SelfMadeHero's The Man Who Laughs - art by Mark Stafford

The world of adaption is the focus of a SelfMadeHero panel discussion at this year’s BD & Comics Passion event at the Institut Français, London on 2nd June. 

What are the difficulties involved with turning a classic book into a graphic novel? Three top writers and artists reveal magical process they adopt towards a trio of very different stories.

Artist Mark Stafford tackles Victor Hugo’s The Man Who Laughs, a satirical tale of 18th century Britain that also inspired the creation of The Joker; INJ Culbard takes on the challenge of H.P Lovecraft’s gothic tales including his latest volume, The Shadow Out of Time, and writer David Zane Mairowitz explores the Kaftaesque world with adaptations of The Trial and soon-to-be-released The Castle. The event is chaired by Resonance FM’s graphic novel expert, Alex Fitch.

SelfMadeHero has championed many graphic novel creators in the French language. These include David B (Black Paths, Best of Enemies), Margaux Motin (But I Really Wanted To be An Anthropologist), Jérémie Dres (We Won’t See Auschwitz) and Frederik Peeters (Pachyderme, Sandcastle and the recently acquired Aâma series). Full details can be found at: www.selfmadehero.com

• From Classic to Graphic panel discussion - Sunday 2nd June   Time: 3.30-4.30pm. The BD & Comics Passion runs 30 May – 2 June at Institut Français, London.  Full details:  www.bdandcomicspassion.co.uk

New Venue and More TIckets for Jaime Hernandez Comica Conversation

We knew Jaime Hernandez was popular, the celebrated co-creator of Love & Rockets and author of some of the greatest graphic novels ever, but the response to his exclusive speaking engagement in London at the end of this month has been phenomenal.

Due to massive demand for tickets which have almost sold out already on WeGotTickets, Comica have moved Jaime Hernandez's Comica Conversation with Woodrow Phoenix to a bigger venue, the fantastic Ciné Lumière Cinema at the Institut Francais.

This lets the team offer a further batch of tickets through their own Box Office - here is the booking link - or ring the box office on 020 7871 3515 -  these will also be snapped up fast!

New venue address: Institut Français, 17 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2DTNearest tube station: South Kensington on the Piccadilly, Circle & District lines
New Earlier Start Time: 6.00pm to start 6.30pm SHARP on Thursday May 30th! Runs till 8pm, followed by signing.

"We're thrilled that this extra-special Comica Conversation is being hosted by the third BD & Comics Passion Festival," says Paul Gravett.

• Full details on the Comica Festival website: www.comicafestival.com

Comica Festival's Bank Holiday 2 for 1 deal on upcoming MangaAsia event

London-based Comica Festival and Asia House are offering a Bank Holiday Weekend Special of 2 for 1 (i.e. buy one, get one free!) on the pass for all three talks at Comica MangAsia on Saturday May 18th, if you book between now and next Tuesday - May 7th.

Comica is collaborating with Asia House in London to bring comic fans Comica MangAsia, a Saturday of talks, workshops, panels, kamishibai paper theatre, cosplayer activities and a Free MangAsia Comiket, all on the theme of manga and Asian comics. This marks the very first time that comics have been included as part of Asia House's prestigious Festival of Asian Literature.

Comica MangAsia takes place in the three beautifully re-appointed Georgian Fine Rooms of Asia House, not far from Oxford Circus, Regent's Park and Great Portland Street tube stations. In Fine Room 1, they're offering you three fascinating illustrated talks starting at 12.30pm.

Award-winning expert and Osamu Tezuka biographer Helen McCarthy comes live from the USA via Skype to guide you through the fascinating migrations and colonisations of comics art across Asia, from manga and anime in Japan to other popular graphic forms in China, Korea, Malaysia and elsewhere.

Then Sarah Rundle will introduce Kamishibai or paper theatre, entertaining picture-based stories performed live by bicycling Kamishibai men, touring Japanese villages selling sweets, and present her own re-tellings of a variety of traditional stories.

Thirdly and finally, Comica Festival co-director Paul Gravett hosts a lively panel discussion with Kripa Joshi (Nepal), Yishan Li (China), Tim Yu (Taiwan) and Canan Marasligil (Turkey) and other guests, exploring the connections and differences between different Asian traditions of comics.

You can book an Afternoon Pass for all three of these talks for only £12, or Concessions £10 or Friends of Asia House £8 and bring a second person completely free. But only if you book now on Eventbrite between Thursday May 2nd and next Tuesday May 7th.

Whether you already love manga, anime and other kinds of Asian comics or you're curious and want to discover and explore these rich traditions and vibrant cultures for yourself, don't miss the first Comica MangAsia at Asia House. Be sure to take advantage of this Special Talks Offer.

When: Saturday May 18th, 11.00am to 5.00pm.
Where: Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street, London W1G 7LP.

TRIPWIRE kicks off its 21st birthday celebrations

May is a busy month for the British independent media magazine TRIPWIRE. Despite not hitting the kickstarter target for TRIPWIRE 21, its planned 21st anniversary special, publisher and editor-in-chief Joel Meadows tells us he's putting the book out anyway.

The kickstarter crowdfunding campaign achieved over 70 per cent of its hoped for backing but did not make target, which is clearly disappointing for Joel – but he remains upbeat.

“It was always going to be a gamble and the fact is that we have distribution in place which means that we are able to fund the book in a more traditional fashion anyway,” says Joel.

Along with the book launch, London's top bookshop Foyles will be hosting a double celebration of TRIPWIRE’s birthday. Kicking off on 16th May in its prestigious Charing Cross Road gallery in the world-famous bookshop is an exhibition showcasing a selection of photographs, images and covers from TRIPWIRE over the years.

“It will give visitors the opportunity to see these images up close and at a much larger size than they’ve ever seen them before," Joel enthuses. "It will feature photos of Alan Moore, Grant Morrison, Michael Moorcock and classic covers by the likes of Frank Quitely and our iconic Fury cover by Jeff Carlisle."

Also on 16th May at Foyles, in the evening, is the TRIPWIRE 21 event. Meadows will be joined by legendary SF and fantasy author Michael Moorcock, Mike Carey (Felix Castor, The Unwritten), Roger Langridge (Muppets, Snarked!), Peter Milligan (Hellblazer) and Christopher Fowler (Bryant & May, Roofworld) to talk about 21 years of TRIPWIRE and 21 years of comics.

There will also be copies of the limited edition TRIPWIRE 21 hardcover and the paperback to buy at the event.

“We are very excited that we have managed to gather such an impressive line-up of guests to help us celebrate TRIPWIRE’s birthday and the fact that it’s at such a prestigious place like Foyles makes it even more of an occasion,” Meadows admits.

• TRIPWIRE 21 will be offered in June’s edition of the Previews catalogue for Diamond US. It will be available to buy, retailing at £14.99 UK and $24.99 US in paperback and £29.99 UK for the limited hardcover from 9th May 2013. It will be distributed to the UK booktrade through Turnaround, to the US direct market through Diamond Comic Distributors and to the US booktrade through SCB Distributors. 

• TRIPWIRE Web: www.tripwire-magazine.com


• Foyles Event Details: 

Exhibition: www.foyles.co.uk/Public/Events/Detail.aspx?eventId=1920 
Launch Event: www.foyles.co.uk/Public/Events/Detail.aspx?eventId=1893

Ian Gibson at Gosh London today

The artist behind one of 2000AD’s most ground-breaking series will be signing at Gosh Comics today

Ian Gibson’s work with Alan Moore on The Ballad of Halo Jones is lauded as some of the legendary weekly comic book’s greatest.

And to celebrate the latest edition of Halo Jones, complete with a new introduction by Zoo City author Lauren Beukes, Gibson will be signing at Gosh Comics on Berwick Street in London from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 27th April.

The new UK edition of The Ballad of Halo Jones, due for release in May 2013, will have a brand new design-led cover by 2000AD head designer Simon Parr.

Dubbed “possibly the first feminist heroine in comics” by The Observer, the ground-breaking series introduced readers to a poignant, fascinating, and at times heartbreaking story of an ordinary woman who lives an extraordinary life.

Set in a future where the unemployed are herded into the Hoop, a floating ghetto off the coast of Manhattan, Halo is a young woman who dreams of escaping her boring life. When she gets the chance to do so aboard a luxury space cruiser as a hostess, it catapults her into an uncaring galaxy that will take her from the lap of luxury to a time-bending war of atrocity.

 

Expect 'Bedlam' in May as Nick Spencer and Frazer Irving descend on Forbidden Planet London

Nick Spencer and Frazer Irving will be signing Bedlam Volume 1 (published by Image Comics and collecting #1-6) at the Forbidden Planet London Megastore on Wednesday 1st May from 6 - 7.00pm.

One of the hottest new series of the year gets its first, new reader friendly-priced collection.

Fillmore Press was once Madder Red, a homicidal maniac and criminal overlord who ruled the city of Bedlam. Now he's been cured of his mania, and says he wants to help protect the place he once terrorized - but can he be trusted?

Nick Spencer is best known for his creator-owned titles at Image Comics. After working in politics and other fields, Nick successfully pitched Existence 2.0 to Jim Valentino at Image, and the first issue was released in July 2009. Nick has also written The Infinite Vacation, Ultimate Comics X-Men, Cloak & Dagger, Victor von Doom, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents and Thief of Thieves.

Frazer Irving's credits include Necronauts for 2000AD and more. He studied art at the University of Portsmouth and since breaking into the US market he has worked on a various superhero titles, including a number with Grant Morrison.

• More info on the Forbidden Planet web site

Comica Festival preps for launch with Brian Bolland and many more

Brian Bolland, Frazer Irving, Warren Pleece, Mark Stafford and many more comic creators will be part of this year's fantastic Comica Festival thus weekend (April 19th and 20th) at Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, King's Cross, London.

Don't miss the chance to hear Brian Bolland, famed for his iconic versions of Judge Dredd and Batman, discussing his infuences, career, projects and passion at Comica Festival on Friday April 19th from 5.30-6.30pm. Tickets are only £8 or £4 for all concessions and are bookable online at http://www.wegottickets.com/event/218114 or on the door (subject to capacity).

Then on Saturday April 20th, at the Spring Comica Comiket Fair, a host of comics creators will be drawing live on the big screen in the Drawing Parade, every 30 minutes from 11am to 6.30pm, on stage before your very eyes - and admission is completely free.

Here's the Festival's line-up (publisher name in brackets after each title mentioned):

11.00-11.30: Stephen Collins - The Gigantic Beard That Was Evil (Cape)

11.30-12.00: Terry Wiley - Sleaze Castle (Markosia) and VerityFair (Sequential)

12.00-12.30: S.J. Harris - Eustance (Cape)

12.30-1.00: Vivane Schwarz - The Sleepwalkers (Myriad) & Welcome To Your Awesome Robot (Nobrow)

1.00-1.30: Gary Northfield - Derek the Sheep (Bloomsbury), Gary’s Garden (The Phoenix) and Teeny Tinysaurs (Walker)

1.30-2.00: Oliver East - Trains Are... Mint, Proper Well High, Berlin, Swear Down (Blank Slate)

2.00-2.30: Hannah Eaton - Naming Monsters (Myriad)

2.30-3.00: Dan Berry - The Suitcase (Blank Slate)

3.00-3.30: Warren & Gary Pleece - Montague Terrace (Cape) and The Great Unwashed (Escape Books)

3.30-4.00: Frazer Irving - Batman (DC), Uncanny X-Men (Marvel), Gutsville (Image)

4.00-4.30: Chie Kutsuwada - As You Like It (SelfMadeHero), The Story of Lee (NBM), Hagakure (Kodansha)

4.30-5.00: Darryl Cunningham - Psychiatric Tales (Blank Slate) and Science Tales (Myriad)

5.00-5.30: Mark Stafford - The Man Who Laughs (SelfMadeHero) and Cherubs (Dark Horse)

5.30-6.00: Inko - Ketsueki (Markosia) and Fantasy World (Adjiey Media)

6.00-6.30: Neill Cameron - Mo-Bot High (The DFC Library) and Pirates of Pangaea (The Phoenix)

• For full programme and details visit www.comicafestival.com

 

Kieron Gillen to sign variant "Uber" editions at Forbidden Planet London

Forbidden Planet have announced a signing for a limited edition variant of Uber #0 and Uber #1 by writer Kieron Gillen.

Join Kieron at the London Megastore on Saturday 11th May 1 - 2.00pm.

Uber #0. 1945. Germany is in ruins. The war in the west can only be days away from ending. Threats of wunderwaffen to be unleashed by the dying Reich have become laughable. There are no miracle weapons here. It's over. It has to be over.

It's not. There's been stories which have mixed enhanced humans and World War 2 before. There's never been one like this. See super beings in a whole new light as Gillen presents an epic new series that not only rewrites history, it redefines the genre. From the jaws of defeat, the Nazi war machine is resurrected by walking battleship superhuman soldiers who turn the tide of World War Two.

In Uber #1, Super soldiers now turn the machinations of the Twentieth Century's greatest madman into reality. The Ubers are here and the world will tremble at their feet. But a deeply entrenched spy could be the difference in seeing the world remade in the Nazi vision and the Allies finding a way to stem the tide.

In this new, ongoing comics series, Superstar writer Kieron Gillen (Invincible Iron Man, Uncanny X-Men) delivers a brutal alternate timeline tale of super humans first appearing during World War Two.

• More info here on the Forbidden Planet web site

Comica Festival Unveils Dave Gibbons' Giant Print Satirising Roy Lichtenstein

The Comica Festival will unveil Dave Gibbons' giant print satirising Roy Lichtenstein's 'WHAAM!' at Central Saint Martins, King's Cross, London, Saturday 20th April.

'WHAAM!' by Roy Lichtenstein is Pop Art's most famous appropriation of comic book panels. It is currently the toast of London as the star attractions a massive Lichtenstein retrospective at Tate Modern. But what about the unsung, underpaid artist who drew the panel he used?

Dave Gibbons, illustrator and co-creator with Alan Moore of Watchmen, has re-appropriated Roy’s original source for his iconic painting 'WHAAM!' and turned the spotlight back onto the brilliant illustrator, Irv Novick, who produced it in the DC war comic book All-American Men of War.

Gibbons has used Novick’s original composition to make 'WHAAT?', his own version of the panel, by removing none of Novick’s original elements. He has also stayed true to the full original script in both caption and balloon, probably written by editor Robert Kanigher, and to the design and placement of letterer Gaspar Saladino’s lettering and sound effects. Gibbons wittily turns WHAAM!’ into ‘WHAAT?’ and the missing onomatopoeia of the missile firing, ‘WHOOSH!’, into the telling question, ‘WHOOSE?’. And all those red dots are actually dollar signs!

Gibbons explains, “I drew the piece in Adobe Illustrator using vectors, so it can be enlarged to any size and still stay pin-sharp. I intend to do one huge enlarged version. The idea would be to present it in as much the same way as the Lichtenstein version as we could. I will then sell it and donate the profits to the Hero Initiative.”

It’s an appropriate charity, as its proceeds go to help comics professionals who need financial assistance. Gibbons has had this giant print specially made, and will also raise funds by signing a smaller limited edition prints of this image, available shortly.

Meanwhile, his controversial large blow-up of 'WHAAT?' goes on show to the public for the first time on Saturday April 20th as part of Comica Festival, a whole day of exhibits, interviews, live-drawing, competitions and a massive independent comics fair, from 11.00am to 7.00pm in The White Lab, at Central Saint Martins, King's Cross, London, admission free.

• For details please see: www.comicafestival.com and http://paulgravett.com/index.php/articles/article/the_principality_of_lichtenstein

 

London's Rich Mix to host "DIY Cultures Fair'

London's Rich Mix arts venue is hosting the first DIY Cultures Fair this Sunday (7th April). It will be a day long festival of zines, artist books, comics and distros with films, animation and video art as well as art exhibitions, workshops and music.

The aim is to celebrate all things independent, autonomous and alternative.

Events include a talk from the Black Feminists, talks on unemployment and creativity, artist-run spaces and prisoner zines as well as DIY workshops throughout the day. You can also enjoy a film screening of DIY or Die featuring Ian Mckaye of Fugazi & Lydia Lunch.

“DIY culture is about creating alternatives to what is out there, whether it’s news, music or art, and doing it without the need of any experts or a lot of money,” explains Sofia Niazi, DIY Cultures Co-curator.

“In spite of blogs, facebook and twitter, zines seem to have had a nationwide comeback," adds DIY Cultures Co-Curator Hamja Ahsan. "This will showcase the best of alternative and independent activities from all across the UK in one big gathering.”

You'll be able to browse over 50 exhibitors' stalls and buy original publications direct from the artists. If you make your own zine you can bring some copies on the day to sell at our free communal table.

Rich Mix is a Bethnal Green-based charity and social enterprise that offers live music, film, dance, theatre, comedy, spoken word and a range of creative activities for people of all ages and all cultures. All profits go back to support their education, arts and community activities which nurture new and local talent.

Programme

Upstairs:

Craft & drawing Workshops by ExtraBones, DIY Couture & Blindfold Drawing with Dimitri Antorka-Pieri

Downstairs:

1.00pm: We All Can Do It! Black Women in DIY Culture - TALK
Join Black Feminists in a discussion about how black women have played a vital role in DIY cultures with Stephanie Phillips, Aurella Yussuf and Rianna Parker.
Web: www.blackfeminists.org
#DIYBlackFems

2.00pm: FIlm - DIY OR DIE: How to Survive as an Independent Artist
feat. Zinesters, Lydia Lunch, Fugazi, Dinosaur Jr, Artists.

3.00pm: Unemployment & Creativity Panel Discussion
with Sarah Tea-Rex (Graduating in Unemployment Zine), Saban Kazim (Gissa a Job Zine), Robin Bale (Dole arts) Janine Francois
#DIYDole

4.30pm: Prisoner Zines, Writing & Creativity Panel
with Marek of Not Shut Up Magazine, Nicki Prisoner Fightback & Hamja of Free Talha Ahsan Campaign
#DIYPrison

6.00pm: DIY Artists Communities - Panel Discussion
with Pippa Koszerek (Post-Artists / Independent Art School / Arts Against Extraditions), Craftivist Collective, Gareth Llyod Owen (Foodface gallery) & other TBC
#DIYArt



• Programme - www.diycultures.tumblr.com
• Twitter - @DIYCulturesFair
• Facebook - www.facebook.com/pages/DIY-Cultures

• More info: www.richmix.org.uk/whats-on/event/diy-cultures-2013-zines-and-artists-books-fair Alternative Press/London or www.alternativepress.org.uk

London Film and Comic Con back in July

The London Film and Comic Con returns to Earl's Court 2 this summer (Friday 5th - Sunday 7th July 2013).

Along with a host film and TV guests such as Avery Brooks, Nicole deBoer, Sylvester McCoy, Colin Baker and more, there are plenty of comic-related happenings lined up for the weekend.

Comic guests already announced include Andy Diggle, Paul Cornell, Milo Manara, Doug Braithwaite, Alan Davis, Gary Erskine, Mike Collins, Ian Boothby, Laurence Campbell and Stephen Baskerville.

• For more info visit http://londonfilmandcomiccon.com and check out the venue and travel page before you set out to make sure you're going to the right part of Earl's Court!

• To keep up to date on guest announcements, visit the LFCC Forum

'Marshal Law: The Deluxe Edition' Signing at Gosh announced

Pat Mills and Kevin O'Neill will be signing copies of Marshal Law: The Deluxe Edition at London's Gosh! Comics in London on Saturday 20th April, 2-4pm.

This whopping 480-page collection been a long time coming. Since it began in 1987 Pat Mills and Kevin O’Neill’s superhero satire Marshal Law has been through a string of publishers before finally finding a home at DC Comics.

Marshal Law: The Deluxe Edition collects the original series plus Fear and Loathing, Takes Manhattan, Kingdom of the Blind, The Hateful Dead, Super Babylon and Secret Tribunal.

This hardcover collection is £37.99 and Gosh! will have plenty of copies on the day. If you’d like to reserve one or can’t make it and would like Gosh! to set you up with a signed copy by mail order, drop them a line at info@goshlondon.com.

• More Info: http://www.goshlondon.com/2013/03/pat-mills-and-kevin-oneill-marshal-law-signing

Showmasters plan 'Independents Day' events to promote British indie press

Showmasters, who run the London Comic Marts at the Royal National Hotel, have announced a number of 'Independents Day' events through 2013. The aim is that there will provide a platform for the independent press and celebrate their work.

The dates are Sunday 7th April, 4th August and 3rd November and table booking should be made by calling 01908671138 quoting 'Independents Day' or, for any queries on the event, emailing Mike Conroy via demigodATbtconnect.com.

• Web: http://londoncomicmart.co.uk
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/londoncomicmart

London's Comiket is back - bigger and bolder than ever!

London's Comiket is back on 20th April 2013 - and the Comica Festival-organised event has a new and much bigger venue.

This year, they've teamed up with Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design to stage the biggest and best Comiket Independent Comics Fair yet, in their spectacular new headquarters, mere minutes away from King’s Cross rail and tube stations.

Spring Comiket will again offer the opportunity to discover the very best in comics and enjoy the Drawing Parade of superstar artists, all for free.

With lots more space in the Platform Theatre in Handyside Street, London N1C 4AA and the adjoining Studio and Foyer, complete with convenient and affordable all-day Student Bar and with the White Lab space right next door too, Comica say they can present a wider range than ever of creators, publishers, exhibitors and events throughout the day.

"We’re also programming an extra session of Comica Conversations on the Friday afternoon, April 19th," says Paul Gravett. "Sign up to the Comica Newsletter on our web site for exclusive details of who’s participating and how you can join the audience.

Meantime, now’s the time to book your tables, at the same rate as before and at the width of 160cms by 68cms. Comiket is a premium event and major attraction of Comica Festival, a not-for-profit social enterprise promoting public appreciation of and involvement with the comics medium in all its forms.

• To book a table, visit this page on the Comics web site

72nd World Science Fiction Con to celebrate 'Diversity in Speculative Fiction'

The academic programme at Loncon 3, the 72nd World Science Fiction Convention which will be held in London next August at the Excel, is offering the opportunity for academics from across the globe to share their ideas - including their thoughts on comics - with their peers and convention attendees.

Running from Thursday 14th to Monday 18th August 2014, Loncon 3 has already announced authors Iain M. Banks, John Clute and Robin Hobb, SF editor and critic Malcolm Edwards and the highly influential SF artist Chris Foss, artist and designer Jeanne Gomoll  and comics creator Bryan Talbot as Guests of Honour.

In a Call for Papers for the event, organisers have announced that to reflect the history and population of London, the host city, the theme of the academic programme at the event is 'Diversity'.

"We will be exploring science fiction, fantasy, horror, and all forms of speculative fiction, whether in novels, comics, television, and movies or in fanworks, art, radio plays, games, advertising, and music."

Proposals are particularly welcome on the works of the Guests of Honour, the city of London as a location and/or fantastic space, and underrepresented areas of research in speculative fiction. Examples of these may include, but are not limited to:

• Representation of alternative sexualities
• Speculative fiction by writers and producers of colour
• Non-English language media and/or fandoms
• The fantastic in unexpected places (greetings cards, opera, football stadiums)
• Digital comics
• The role of speculative fiction in Live Action Role-Playing
• The fantastic in music videos
• Speculative fiction in advertising
• European horror

Academics at all levels are warmly encouraged, including students and independent scholars. Proposals for presentations, roundtable discussions, lectures, and workshops/masterclasses are welcomed.

The deadline for submission is 1st October 2013 and participants will be notified by December 31st 2013. All presenters must be in receipt of convention membership by 1st May 2014. Abstracts will be included in the Academic Programme Book, available to download from the Loncon website. It is anticipated that an edited volume showcasing the variety of topics presented will be published.

• To propose a paper, please submit a 300 word abstract to Emma England, the academic area head. To submit something other than a paper, please contact her first, for an informal exchange of ideas at emma.england@loncon3.org.



• Web: http://loncon3.org • Twitter: @AcademicLoncon3