Comics 2002 UK Festival
CUP KO'D BY COMICS!
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| Plenty of chances to pick up a rare back issue or two, as well as meet many comics creators |
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| Comic fanzines: a rich source
of raw talent on show. |
4 June 2002: Neither hot weather nor World Cup excitement
dampened the enthusiasm of over 3000 comics fans to make this year's
Comics Festival the best ever in Bristol.
Fans of all ages joined more than 250 comics professionals – ranging
from Marvel and Oni Press editor in chiefs and DC Comics and Marvel editors
to numerous smallzine publishers and artists – in a riotous event,
marked by a huge range of signings, portfolio sessions and panels.
Highlights for SF fans included the launch of independent publishers Warpton
Nature's Guard,
tying in with a new CGI animation featuring the voice talents of Warwick
Davis, Jeremy Bulloch, Ethan Phillips and many others. The voice of Thunderbirds Scott
Tracy, Shane Rimmer, was also on hand to promote Graham Bleathman's
upcoming TV21 collection of Thunderbirds comic strips.
The mood was upbeat, reflecting intense interest
in comics as Hollywood continues to pick up superhero and other strip
properties.
There was one shock for regular fans in the Fifth National Comics Awards
– no doubt due to the wide placement of voting forms in various British
comics this year. The Beano ousted chart topping regular 2000AD as favourite
comic – both present and ever. "It just goes to show, a lollipop
every second week gets you the votes," said Beano
editor Euan Kerr.
PICTURES
Jump to: Artists
• General views • Nature's
Guard • Publishers •
Signings • Star
Wars actors
Comics Artists
Charlie Adlard, artist The Establishment,
looks over a portfolio
Indie artist Dom Regan
Storm and Superman artist Liam Sharp
Thrud the Barbarian artist Carl Critchlow and friend.
2000AD artist Pete Doherty and fan Jack Hennessey
Mike Collins
Actor Shane Rimmer - yes, Scott Tracy himself – and cutaways artist
Graham Bleathman
Cover of launch issue at event. Indie publisher
Warpton were also showing a showreel from the new CGI animation show
featuring the voice talents of Bryan Lidiard, Warwick Davis, Jeremy Bulloch,
Ethan Phillips and many others
Nature's Guard creator Jonathan Bryans, voice artist Bryan Lidiard
and Warpton publisher Steve Causer
Jamie S. Rich, Oni Press - first UK appearance
Nick Abadzis, indpendent publisher (Pleebus) and artist
Fanzine publishers aplenty, in all shapes, sizes and hues
2000AD Signing session
Portfolio review: Portfolio sessions offered
artists opportunities for professional feedback.
For tips on portfolio presentation, click
here
Duncan Fegredo and Sean Phillips et al
Boba Fett defects to Warpton's Nature's
Guard universe to kill six foot rabbits
R2-D2 encounters strange lifeforms, otherwise known as fanzine publishers