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

Comic Empire annexes London ABC Show

Fans of British comics will be delighted to learn that an event catering to their particular needs is returning to London on a regular basis.

Such has been public demand following its successful restaging of the dormant ABC Show last December that Showmasters has decided to incorporate the marketplace into its long-established London Comic Marts on a quarterly basis.

Now renamed Comic Empire and expanded to encompass not only British comics from the 19th century to the present day but also such other UK-produced material as pulps, magazines, paperbacks and ephemera, the 2013 shows will be held from noon to 4.00pm on the following Sundays: 3rd March; 2nd June; 6th October.

All the events will take place at the Royal National Hotel, Bedford Way, London WC1H 0DG.

Dealers’ tables are £50 in advance (£60 on the day if available) and booking is advisable.

Please call 01908 671138 and specify Comics Empire. All enquiries and requests for further information to Mike Conroy on 01322 335332; Skype: mike_conroy48 or via email: demigodATbtconnect.com

• Official web site: http://londoncomicmart.co.uk

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LondonComicMart

It's The Dandy Show! Final print issue to be celebrated at London Mart

With the final print edition of The Dandy comic imminent - a 100-page special that includes a facsimile of the first issue - the London Comic Mart is marking its transition to a digital format on Sunday 2nd December by hosting a special Dandy-themed day to celebrate 75 years of the much loved comic.

Launched on 4th December 1937, The Dandy hits 75 years at the beginning of December – but, sadly, the anniversary will see an end to the print edition. Hopefully, the move to an entirely digital comic will prove a success – DC Thomson have been working on it for months, so fingers crossed!

To celebrate the anniversary and to tie-in with the final print issue of the iconic DC Thomson comic, Showmasters is hosting a special edition of its ABC Show. Held on 2nd December from noon to 4.00pm at the Royal National Hotel, Bedford Way, London WC1, the festivities are an addition to the regular London Comic Marts held at the same venue.

In attendance will be such contemporary Dandy artists as Henry Davis, Laura Howell, Gary Northfield, Lew Stringer and others.

Original artwork from The Dandy from the 1930s to the 1960s will be on display, as well as issues of The Dandy from the same period.

Organisers say this is a unique opportunity to meet the people behind The Dandy, hear them talk about their experiences working on the comic and see some of the rarities from the weekly’s history.

In addition, Hunt Emerson - also a Dandy contributor - will be at the event, signing copies of his new book, Dante's Inferno; and author David Ashford will be signing copies of his latest book The Art of Denis McLoughlin, published by exhibitor Book Palace, who will also be showing off the first issue of illustrators , the quarterly publication devoted to the finest European illustration.

Dealers at the event will also be offering comics and memorabilia from across the wide range of British comics in general.

• London Comic Mart, Noon - 4.00pm Sunday 2nd December 2012. For more details visit the Showmasters website here: http://londoncomicmart.co.uk