Exeter Comic Expo 2011 is Tomorrow!

Here's a quick, final reminder that tomorrow brings what, for me is one of the highlights of my 'comic year' - the Exeter Comic Expo 2011, held as part of the annual Animated Exeter Festival.

The event takes place at a fantastic venue - the Southgate Mercure Hotel in the city centre Exeter, Devon - and celebrates 25 years of Watchmen with Harvey Award Winning Artist JOHN HIGGINS.

The guest list includes appearances from LEE GARBETT, DOM REARDON, LEE O’CONNOR, SHAKY KANE, SALLY HURST, our very own SIMON BREEZE ... great dealers and a Small Press Showcase.

The Expo opens its doors at 11am and the event runs until 4pm. Entry is just £2 with under 12’s free with an adult ticket holder.

As I say, this event is one of the highlights of my year - it may not be the biggest Expo I'll attend this year but with such a great line-up of guests and dealers combined with such a fantastic venue it always takes some beating.

More details from organisers Fantasy Events UK.

Cardiff International Comic Expo - Further Information

Our friends over at Fantasy Events UK have announced more details ahead of the Cardiff International Comic Expo 2011 that takes place in just a few weeks on Saturday 26 February at the Mercure Holland House Hotel, Cardiff, Wales.

With over 90% of tickets already sold - a limited number will be available on the door - Expo attendees can look forward to meeting some fabulous creators, visiting the great range of exhibitors, attending some of the fantastic panels that have been organised as well as picking up the 'trademark' Fantasy Events UK Expo Exclusives.

More information, of course, from the Fantasy Events UK website including a very useful downloadable PDF file containing all the details you'll need if, like me, you're planning on attending one or more of the panels.

Ahead of the 'main event' comes a 'Preview Event' being held at the Forbidden Planet store in Cardiff on Saturday 19 February - that's the day before the Exeter Comic Expo, also organised by Fantasy Events UK of course. Special guests at the Cardiff preview day, who will be signing and sketching, include David Roach, Dylan Teague, Jason Cardy, Kat Nicholson, Terry Cooper and Chris Lynch.

The fun starts at 12 noon with a chance to win Cardiff Expo tickets - again, more details from Fantasy Events UK.

Bristol International Comic and Small Press Expo 2011 'IN FIRST' Ticket Offer

Regular readers will know just how much I enjoy the events organised by Fantasy Events UK - particularly the Exeter Comic Expo and its 'big brother' the Bristol International Comic and Small Press Expo.

The event organisers are offering Escape from Tomorrow readers, and all attendees at last years event in Bristol, a fantastic New Year bargain which means that until 30 January 2011 tickets for this years Bristol International Comic & Small Press Expo can be bought at last years prices!

The 2010 event sold out in advance and while the event capacity has expanded for this year demand for tickets is sure to be high once again, so this is a great chance to secure tickets in advance and save money at the same time - what a fantastic offer!

The Bristol International Comic & Small Press Expo takes place on 14 and 15 May 2011 at the Ramada City Inn and the Mercure Holland House Hotels in Bristol city centre. Plans are already underway to bring the usual mix of international guests, interactive panels, European Showcase, Big on Small Press, new title launches and those ever-collectable EXpo EXclusives!

The international guest list already includes RICK VEITCH and RON MARZ Who will be helping celebrate the 40th anniversary of Swamp Thing and previewing the Green Lantern movie!

Also look out for a very special EXpo EXclusive as we wish WATCHMEN a 'Happy 25th Birthday' with DAVE GIBBONS and JOHN HIGGINS, who are together again for the first time on something just a bit special as the event supports its regular charity.

ROGUE TROOPER, the worlds greatest Genetic Infantryman celebrates, his 30th birthday at the Expo thanks to
John McCrea who is producing a signed and numbered limited edition print which will also feature another legend from 2000AD ... you will not want to miss this one, it's the law!

Other top guests confirmed are ALAN DAVIS, CHARLES ADLARD, LEE GARBETT, IAN CHURCHILL, GARY ERSKINE, IAN EDGINTON, DAVID HINE, SHAKY KANE, MIKE PLOOG, DYLAN TEAGUE, AL DAVISON, MIKE COLLINS, JOHN WATSON ... with many more to be confirmed!

EXpo EXhibitors include COMX, ACE COMICS, FORBIDDEN PLANET LONDON, 2000AD, INCOGNITO COMICS, PANINI, REED COMICS, MARKOSIA, PSICOLLECTABLES, THE COMIC MAN, ASTRAL GYPSY, TRIPWIRE.

Also in the New EXpanded EXpo EUROPEAN SHOWCASE, CINEBOOK plus DALEN BOOKS.

This fantastic 'IN FIRST' offer is open now until the 30th Jan 2011.

Click here to secure your tickets.

Full details will be on the websites: Fantasy Events UK and Small Press Expo 2011.

Comic Expo Exeter - February 2011

As always my thanks to Mike at Fantasy Events UK for news on one of their upcoming fantastic events - Comic EXpo EXeter returns on Sunday 20 February 2011 as part of the annual Animated Exeter Festival.


I've said before just how much I enjoy this event: relaxed and intimate the day always features a strong line up of creative talent ... and the February 2011 event looks like being no different in this regard.

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Watchmen the Guest of Honour will be John Higgins. Also already confirmed to appear are Lee Garbett, Dom Reardon, Lee O'Connor, Shaky Kane and Sally Hurst.

Held once again at the wonderful 4-Star Southgate Mercure Hotel in the beautiful Exeter city centre Comic EXpo EXeter 2011 will also see a debut appearance from friend of, and regular contributor to, Escape from Tomorrow Simon Breeze who I'm very much looking forward to spending some time with during the day.

In addition to the talented creators there will be a Small Press Showcase, numerous dealers, Expo giveaways and much more. Admission is just £2 with under 12's admitted free with a paying adult. The doors open at 11am and the day wraps up at 4pm.

Full details, of course, from the Fantasy Events UK website.

Comic EXpo EXeter
an animated exter event
Sunday 20 February 2011
Southgate Mercure Hotel, Exeter, UK

Darkness Falls Over Exeter: Top Cow Creators at the Exeter Comic Expo 2010

You might remember that a week or so ago I attended the Exeter Comic Expo, organised by Mike and his team at Fantasy Events UK, which was held at the four star Mercure Hotel in Exeter city centre, Devon.

Fantasy Events UK have a great track record organising such events having promoted the annual Bristol International Comic and Small Press Expo for a number of years so I went along with high expectations ... and I wasn't disappointed.

Alongside a wealth of local and national dealers - including Krackers, Reed Comics, Funky Monkey - were a number of very special guest creators.

As a fan of the Top Cow Universe I was very excited at the prospect of meeting writer and artist David Hine and artist Matt Timson.

I've long-since been a fan of David Hine's writing and was grateful to speak with him for 10 minutes or so about his Daredevil: Redemption mini-series for Marvel a few years ago - which to this day is one of the most moving comic book stories I've read - the numerous Batman-family books he has written and continues to write for DC as well as his four-issue mini series for Top Cow the Four Horsemen.

The first two parts of this series have so far been published - issue #2 is in stores today in fact - and I've certainly enjoyed what I've read. It was interesting to discuss some of the plot points with Mr Hine and get a first hand insight into his particular writing process.

Likewise, I enjoyed an interesting, albeit briefer, conversation with artist Matt Timson after which I purchased an extremely limited edition A3 Darkness print, the proceeds from which were being donated to charity. While we chatted about his work Mr Timson was kind enough to sign the image which will shortly have pride of place on my wall.


Aside from bringing away some fantastic souvenirs of the day it really was my great pleasure to meet two such talented and likeable men.

More from my visit to Exeter to follow - the next Exeter Comic Expo will take place on Sunday 20 February 2011, again at the Mercure Hotel, as part of the annual Animated Exeter festival.

Links:
Top Cow
Fantasy Events UK
Animated Exeter
Matt Timson website, blog

Yet Another Fantastic Exeter Expo Exclusive ...

Following on from my last post, and with the Exeter Comic Expo 2010 just 3 weeks away now, organisers Fantasy Events UK have confirmed that not only will David Hine and Shaky Kane be signing copies of Bulletproof Coffin, arguably the hottest Image title of the year with issue #4 debuting at the event, Expo attendees will also be able to purchase this limited edition A3, 300gsm, Bulletproof Coffin/Ramona print by Shaky Kane for just £5.

David Hine will also be signing copies of his ground breaking title Strange Embrace and, as part of 'Darkness Falls Over Exeter' will be taking part in a special double signing with Matt Timson.

The Exeter Comic Expo 2010 looks like being another fantastic event from Fantasy Events UK. Entry is, incredibly, just £2 with children under the age of 12 free with a fee paying adult.

More details from the Fantasy Events UK website.

Exeter Expo Update - 'Hex-po' Giveaway!

My thanks to Mike from Fantasy Events UK, organiser of next months Exeter Comic Expo, for news of yet another 'Exeter Expo Exclusive'.

To celebrate the release of 'Hex: The Movie' attendees will, while stocks last, be able to pick up free of charge this fantastic A4 print from Phil Winslade


Visit the Fantasy Events UK website for details of the Exeter Comic Expo and some of the other fantastic events that are planned for the months and year ahead.

Exeter Comic Expo 2010
Sunday 19 September 2010
Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel
Southernhay East EX1 1QF
Exeter, Devon

Exeter International Comic Expo - September 2010

I've received news ahead of the Exeter International Comic Expo 2010, sponsored by Com.x, and it looks like we're in for another superb event from organisers Fantasy Events UK, the team behind the ever-popular Bristol International Comic and Small Press Expo.

Taking place at the Mercure Southgate Hotel, in the heart of Exeter city centre, on Sunday 19 September 2010, the Exeter International Comic Expo features a host of talented creators including Special Guests Lee Garbett (Outsiders, Batgirl, Batman: Return of Bruce Wayne), David Hine and Shaky Kane, who will be signing copies of Bulletproof Coffin with issue #4 debuting at the Expo, Matt Timson (The Impaler, The Darkness, The Darkness: High Noon) along with Guest of Honour Mike Ploog.

Lee Garbett will be signing copies of the recently published Batgirl Rising trade paperback which features the first 7 issues of the series written by Bryan Q. Miller. Furthermore, Expo visitors who purchase a copy of Batgirl Rising from the Krackers booth will receive a print of this fantastic pencilled splash page - from Batgirl #12 - which will be printed on A3 300gsm card stock: you'll find me somewhere in that queue!


As well as the creators there will be a wide range of dealers in attendance including Expo regulars Reed Comics, Full Circle Publications, PsiComics, The Comic Man and the aforementioned Taunton-based Krackers.

The event takes place from 11am to 4pm with entry an absolute bargain £2 while children under 12 years of age are admitted free of charge with a fee paying adult.

I attended Fantasy Events Exeter Expo in February of this year and had a wonderful day picking up a load of back-issues, new publications, sketches and chatting with creators and comic fans alike. The venue, the Mercure Southgate Hotel, was absolutely superb with fantastic facilities, friendly staff, large function rooms and a great restaurant.

I can't recommended this event too highly - along with the Bristol International Comic and Small Press Expo the Exeter Expo has quickly become one of the highlights of my 'comic year' - and more details and additions to guest list can, of course, be found at the Fantasy Events website.

EXETER INTERNATIONAL COMIC EXPO
Sunday 19 September, 11am to 4pm
Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel

Expo website

Bristol International Comic & Small Press Expo 2010

I've been attending the 'Bristol Comic Expo', in it's various guises and at a couple of different venues, for the past 5 years or so and it's fair to say that it's become the highlight of my 'comic year'.

This year the event was once again held across two venues - The Ramada Jarvis Hotel and The Mercure Hotel, both just a short walk from the city centre - and taking into account the excellent four-star hotel venues, the format of the show (I'll explain what I mean ...), the range of exhibitors and quality of the guests meant that for me this years Bristol International Comic & Small Press Expo was not only the best 'Bristol' show I've attended but quite possibly the best comic event that I've ever had the pleasure of attending.

First up, the venues - or to be accurate I should say venue as I managed to spend all day, from 10am to 5pm at the Ramada Jarvis 'Mainstream & International' Expo and didn't have time to get across to the 'Independent, Small Press & Manga' Expo at the Mercure Hotel. When the Expo was held at the exhibition hall at Temple Meads railway station it was, for me, a case of get in, do a couple (maybe 3 laps of the hall) and get out: all in 3 hours or so - there was very little space to sit and rest, or to enjoy some refreshment. Situated at the four-star Ramada meant this year I was able to do a couple of circuits of the main hall then take a break in the hotel bar, then head off to one of the signing rooms before once again returning to the bar for some lunch and refreshment ... and so on. The hotel itself was well prepared for the 'invasion' of hundreds (thousands?) of comic fans, exhibitors and creators with reasonably priced hot and cold drinks on tap and with an excellent 'lunch bag' available again at a very reasonable price. As you'd expect for a 4-star hotel the level of customer service from the staff was excellent.

Next, the format of the show. In previous years - certainly 4 or 5 years ago, the show felt like a 'comic jumble' (and I don't mean that as a criticism just an observation): loads of exhibitors selling current and back issue comics, a good range of toys etc, and a number of creators signing, sketching and selling artwork. This year I felt there was a change of emphasis towards the creator and, if I'm right, this was a change that I welcome ...

As much as I enjoy routing through boxes of back issues for a bargain or hidden gem most of my back-issue buying these days is done online from the comfort of my armchair and as such I've lost a little patience for the physical battle that is sometimes required to seek out and find (or maybe not find) that elusive copy of Nightwing. I know many of my friends feel the same and while I wouldn't want the show to lose the 'comic jumble' element it seemed to me that this year the creator spotlight had grown with more writers, artists and publishers than ever before.

Again, whether the format was slightly different or I was just more aware there also seemed a greater emphasis on 'panels' and these also seemed more popular than ever with at times quite long queues forming ahead of the start times. The range and quality of the guests was certainly very impressive - quite rightly justifying the 'International' tag whereas in the past Bristol has felt very much like a 'local and national' event.

Great venue, staff, exhibitors and guests ... all for just £7 entrance charge: great value for money as well.

So, that's Bristol over for another year. Thinking ahead to next year, what if anything would I do differently?

From the organisers - nothing, absolutely nothing: they've found a superb format and I'd like more of the same please!

From me - I think I need to go for a weekend ticket as this year, for the first time for me, there felt so much to see and do.

Well done and thanks to everyone involved.


In part two of my Bristol Expo wrap-up I'll post a couple of the sketches I was lucky enough to pick up and talk about some of the creators that I met.

Footnotes
Fantasy Events UK - organisers of the Bristol Expo - have announced that next years event will take place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May at the same venues, while later this year they are organising the Comic Expo Exeter at the Southgate Mercure Hotel in Exeter city centre on Sunday 19 September.

Photographs featured in this post are courtesy of Simon Breeze and are used with his permission.

Bristol International Comic and Small Press Expo

Tickets for this years Bristol International Comic and Small Press Expo are selling well - currently three quarters of the tickets have been sold - suggesting that once again if you don't order your tickets in advance you're going to miss out.

I've been going to the Bristol Expo for a few years now and every year it just seems to get better: the quality of the creators and exhibitors grows every year - as has the free goodie bag! - and I'm particularly looking forward to attending some of the panels over the weekend that have been announced by Geek Syndicate

Saturday 22 May
1115 Attack of the Alien Asparagus
1200 Com.X
1245 Chris Claremont
1345 Pat Mills
1445 The Losers
1545 DC Universe

Sunday 23 May
1130 The Eagle Awards … and Beyond
1200 MMMS the Next Generation?
1245 Claremont & Davis
1345 Vertigo
1445 2000AD

This years Exeter Comic Expo - from the same organisers as the Bristol event - was a great success with a number of visitors reporting that it was the best ever and I'm expecting more of the same at the Bristol International Comic and Small Press Expo - keep checking their website for more announcements.

Bristol International Comic and Small Press Expo
Ramada Bristol City Hotel and The Mercure Hotel
Saturday 22 May and Sunday 23 May 2010

Exeter Comic Expo 2010 / Bristol International Comic and Small Press Expo 2010

One of the highlights of my 'comic year' over recent years has been the annual Comic Expo held in Bristol during the month of May. This week I've received news from Mike Allwood, Producer of the Bristol International Comic Expo, relating to this years event along with news of the Exeter Comic Expo taking place next month.

Exeter first ...The Exeter Comic Expo takes place at the Southgate Mercure Hotel in Exeter, Devon, on Saturday 13 February 2010.

Special Guest at the event is David Lloyd (V for Vendetta, Slaìne, Hellblazer), Mike Ploog (Man Thing, Monster of Frankenstein, Planet of the Apes) is Guest of Honour along with David Hine (X-Men, Brave and the Bold, Arkham Asylum, Spawn), Lee Garbett (2000AD, Midnighter, Dreamwar, Batgirl), Jock (2000AD, The Losers), Rob Williams (2000AD, Star Wars: Rebellion, Wolverine), Shaky Kane (Deadline, 2000AD) and E.J. Tett (The Kingdom of Malinas, Casting Shadows)

Some of the UK’s finest dealers will be attending the event which will also feature Manga and Small Press Spotlight.

Doors open at 11am, entry is just £2 for adults and, while stocks last, visitors will receive a FREE Ace Comics goodie bag.

More details are available at the Fantasy Events UK website.


Moving on to Bristol, the Bristol International Comic & Small Press Expo takes place at the Ramada Plaza and Mercure Hotels in Bristol, Avon, on Saturday 22 May and Sunday 23 May 2010.

Guest of Honour at the event is Chris Claremont (Uncanny X-Men, Fantastic Four) along with an international line-up of first UK appearances for Phil Noto (Batgirl), Ramon Bachs (Red Robin), Jesus Saiz (The Brave and the Bold) and Daniel Acuna (X-Men Legacy).

If bought before 31 January 2010 ticket prices have been frozen at last years prices - just £7 for a day or £12 for the weekend for adults. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

As with the Exeter event, some of the UK’s finest dealers will be attending and contributing to some great Expo exclusives including another great - FREE - goodie bag for ticket holders!

I thought that last year the change of venue (from the exhibition hall at Temple Meads Railway Station to the city centre hotels) worked well and, looking at the guests and dealers already confirmed, this years event is shaping-up to be even better.

Again, more details are available at the Fantasy Events UK website.


Two great events taking place in South West England - see you there!