MCM London Beckons!

A welcome return this weekend to MCM Comic-Con in London where again I'll be in the heart of Artist Alley, Booth F-08. My show profile page is here :) 

The show has evolved a lot since we first exhibited with the original Comic Village morphing into Artist Alley but is still true to its roots of spotlighting artists and creators who bring life to so much which has become popular culture alongside independent makers like me. The quality and diversity of talent on display is continually changing and always inspiring to attendees and 'ol timers alike!

If you're around, please have a good wander around Artist Alley and I'm sure you'll find something you like and if you see me, please say hi :)

New Artist's Edition Incoming!!

Well I did say that when things go quiet here, it means I'm busy and so it is! The first fruits of my labours have arrived, a fresh batch of my Moments of Adventure Artist's Pencil Edition (or A.P.E for short!).

These are limited edition collections of the pencil pages that go into many of my historical adventure comics in the Moments series and are hopefully both interesting and perhaps inspiring to those wanting to see more of the process of how comics are created? 

In any case, getting ready for my first event of the year, (yes I need to update my diary list, I have 5 or 6 confirmed now, starting this week!), I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was down to the last few copies of the second (blue logo) printing, so quickly arranged for a third with a nice green logo this time.

They promptly arrived and I'm busy getting them signed and added to those collectors packs I make up with the Moments comics, prints and watercolour sketch which prove popular at the events I do. I best get cracking then as its a big week with a few other deliveries expected.......

Floating High on a Thought Bubble!

Well, that was fun! My first Thought Bubble Comic Art Festival since 2018 (and its subsequent move to Harrogate), was simply amazing! Thank you to the organisers, volunteers, fellow exhibitors, creators and everyone I met, chatted to or waved at, you all helped make for a wonderful experience.

Although I'm a show veteran now and, (pre-2018), a Thought Bubble regular, I was feeling a little anxious about this one, being as it had been a four-year break, was, to me, a new location and the first time I was 'flying solo' at the UK's largest and best comics focused event. However, with Scott by my side, (when not attending the retailer special events) and a warm reception from everyone I encountered, I was soon at ease and once again blown away by the sheer creative endeavour on display!

I saw so many familiar faces that I hadn't seen for so long and who don't attend the other events I do, that I spent much of the first day just smiling, chatting and waving at folks from behind my table - don't worry I won't attempt to name them all, but if you were among them thank you and sorry for those I missed. With some 400+ tables and exhibitors and guests, its near neigh impossible to see everyone you want, let alone have a decent look round the three, (yes three!) massive halls themselves.  

The prolific Colin Maxwell 
with a couple of his latest
published Commando titles!

It really was incredible to see the rich diversity of creative talents on display with a warm inclusive atmosphere throughout, it really felt like something special, which of course it was and I appreciated being back and part of it.

Of course, working the show, I only saw a small part of it and heavy Friday traffic meant I missed the launch of the Ian Kennedy Art exhibition which I was planning to see, and finding somewhere to eat in the evenings proved challenging. However, I was able to chat with members of Ian's family and the team who had put on his exhibition, which runs to January and may then re-locate elsewhere, so I should be able to visit at a later date, so didn't spoil an otherwise excellent weekend.

The Red Guard - not a lobster as
I mistakenly called her!

Sale wise, I did better than I expected, given the economics and size of the event, not record sales like I experienced at this year's MCM and Asylum Steampunk events but comfortably my best ever Thought Bubble tally so I'm very pleased. There were some lovely comments about my work, art style and enthusiasm for my next project, which is all very encouraging in the scheme of things so I'm rather upbeat about my comics future at the moment.

A fun pair who recognised me
from the Asylum Festival!

On my little sorties from the table, I also managed to buy or receive a rather decent haul of comic goodies - photo to follow - so I've plenty to keep me quiet in the months ahead, albeit I still missed out on getting everything I'd planned to.

So there we go, didn't get to take many photos or get to the epic mid-show party but I greatly enjoyed the event itself and the company of those I met, chatted and dined with, thanks to all and hope to see you next time!

MCM a Smash!

Wow that was something! When you've been doing events for a long time, it's easy to take them for granted in a way but in this new 'living with covid' world, there's been a certain joy in returning to things and enjoying yourselves again. This was certainly the case with last weekend's London MCM Comic-Con event which, like it's earlier spring show, was a blast!

These fine Father Ted folks kept me chuckling for ages! 

I've not heard any official figures, but it felt even busier that the May event, which itself was a record breaker, with huge crowds and increased footfall in our Artist Alley area, meaning good to great sales for most people. Without my new graphic novel, I didn't quite match May's record-breaking tally, but came close to it, so very pleased.

Scott enjoying his break from selling comics at his shop!

Having Scott, (returning to his first MCM since 2019), really helped so I had some company and assistance at the table which makes a difference. That said, I still didn't wander around the show much, other than my favourite TinTin pop-up shop, so didn't really see the event itself or everyone that I would've liked to have caught up with.

There was near constant browsers and conversations at the table and selling out of the little watercolour sketches I do with the Moments packs, meant I had to work hard to quickly prepare more, some to customer order! All great stuff and it's nice to be popular!

Howard & Vicky smashing it!

As always there was some great cosplay and where I could, I got a few snaps, thanks to all for obliging and posing, particularly long-time readers Howard and Vicky who were cosplaying for the first time and did a great job! There was a real friendly vibe at the show despite the crowds with folks really enjoying themselves.

Arthur & The Tick

The Fat Controller

We stayed over Sunday as well to give ourselves a wee break and easier journey home which we needed after a fun and successful weekend, already looking forward to next year, fingers-crossed, when I'll make sure I have some new material and plenty of art prepared!

London Colin!

 

A hectic wee time recently with some time away and a lovely happy event :) I've also had some IT issues so this coming w/e's return to MCM Comic-Con in London has crept up on me a little so currently getting prepared.

The London show has become a firm favourite and a great chance to catch up with readers, reach a new audience and be inspired by the many other artists and creators out there.

If you're around, please come and say 'hi' in Artist Alley where you'll find me in Booth G-9 :) 

A return to London!

As hinted at last time, this season's events calendar is finally getting going and I'm delighted to confirm my return to London this 27th to 29th May as part of MCM's Artist Alley!

MCM London is usually one of the UK's biggest pop culture events attracting massive crowds pre-covid and it's hoped that May will see its 'full-size' return after it's successful (and safe) scaled back event last October. 

October '21's table layout, may look very different in May!

I understand that Artist Alley applications were oversubscribed and some familiar faces have missed out which is a real shame but shows the breadth of talented comic creators and artists out there so hopefully you're in line for a treat if you're able to attend to see what new artistic delights await you!.

Ticket applications and guest announcements can be found at MCM's website.