Just got in from The Emerald City!

Phew! Scott and I are slowing recovering from our epic trip last week to Seattle's Emerald City Comic-Con which was fun and a real inspiration. I wasn't tabling, so was attending purely as a 'punter' for the first time in almost 20 years!

While not 'working' the show felt really strange, particularly on the first day, once we got into our stride and studied the informative programme, Scott and I found ourselves kept occupied throughout the show's 4 days! We wandered about the always interesting show floors, casually exploring the mammoth Artist's Alley and caught several panels amongst many other things. In fact having the (sold out) 4 day pass and not being tied to a table made us really relaxed despite the massive crowds - estimated at 95,000 - so we could see the whole event without constantly dashing around or clock watching and this made for a far more enjoyable experience than normal.

A happy Scott at ECCC18!

I was particularly interested in both comparing how the show had evolved since Dave and I had boldly accepted a last minute table share at ECCC way back in 2010 and also how ReedPop, the event organiser's approached things, being as they've recently bought over the UK's MCM series of events that we regularly table at. A further level of interest was added by our confirmation of our own artist alley table at next month's C2E2 event in Chicago which again is organised by ReedPop, so there was a lot to take in for me at the show. A lot of my questions were in fact addressed in this well timed Forbes magazine article with ECCC's show directors which you may also find interesting?

As the above article clearly indicates and our experience confirmed, thankfully comics remain 'front and centre' of ECCC. From the huge comic publisher booths (Dark Horse, Image, Boom etc etc), the dealers with their eye-popping golden and silver age comics to the sprawling Artist's Alley (500 tables and counting, mixed fairly even between pros and indies) to all the many comic-centric cosplayers, there was no doubt that this was a comics-focused show. It might seem odd to mention this in the context of describing a 'comic-con' but the term has become overused and, particularly in the UK, a 'comic-con' can frequently feature just merchandise stands, fan art and a few D-list celebs with no hint or pretence to showcase actual comics or comic creators so to wander about an event of this size and be surrounded by all things comics was both refreshing and genuinely inspiring!

Yes there was of course merchandise but, with the exception perhaps of Funko, they weren't allowed to dominate and much of the non-comic items were actually grouped together under a 'Homegrown' banner and alley (similar to the UK's MCM Comic Village) to showcase their home made crafts, plushes, t-shirts, models and even on tap crafted beer! Here you could meet and discuss the works with their makers which again felt special compared to hordes of mass produced product.

Hulk guarding the Funko booth!

I mention Funko who's Pop figure collectibles have really exploded these last few years and in some ways are held to be an example of  what's wrong with a 'comic-con' in that they are often seen to dominate the show floors (again particularly in the UK) but you can't deny their popularity and they are, for Seattle, a local business being established in nearby Everett, (yes we did visit Funko HQ after the show, did I mention that Scott is a huge fan!), so in the case of ECCC, I think they can be excused, they had a huge booth with a carefully co-ordinated and ticketed queueing system so as to not interfere too much with their neighbours and they were an important attraction at the show, much in the same way as their near neighbours Weta Workshop (all the way from New Zealand no less!) and Dark Horse Comics etc.

David Tennant & Billie Piper draw a crowd!

Even the actors, another popular attraction, weren't allowed to dominate and had been located across the street in the plush Sheraton hotel where there was a strict 'no photos' policy enforced but it was still a bewildered treat to wander about and see the likes of Christopher Lloyd and sundry Walking Dead, Harry Potter actors with their huge lines of fans waiting patiently for an autograph or photo shoot. David Tennant and Billie Piper appeared to be major draws and had their own signing rooms but we saw them being interviewed back at the conference centre's main theatre auditorium which was packed to the rafters (maybe a 5k+ crowd?) with giant screens and all!

Colin meets Onrie on day one of the show

There's a lot more I can say but I've already written a lot so here's a couple of quick shout outs to awesome sales beast Onrie Kompan who we were able to catch up with for dinner along with writer, musician and audio producer Travis Vengroff. Onrie sold an incredible amount of comics at the show as he does almost consistently across the US (check out his blog and youtube channel) so it was great to swap stories and tactics with him, also caught up with Arni from Denmark's comic buddies, Sara Richard, Jarrett Melendez, Ben Templesmith and meet for the first time the likes of Janet (Dapper Men) Lee, Ted (Courtney Crumin) Naifh, Adam Knave, D J Kirkbride and others!

Onrie sold out early Sunday afternoon - an incredible 1,300 comics & graphic novels!

Also of course, Mike Garley and Martin Simmonds from the UK who were tabling in AA for the first time and enjoying the experience and schmoozing. Scott and I joined Mike & Martin for a fun dinner one evening too which was amusing for among other things, the 3 of them all being ID by the barman before being allowed to order alcohol - sadly one of us wasn't ID as considered an old man, guess who :(

I think I've always been a rebel at heart!

Oh and I finally got a chance to have a chat with The Beat's very own Heidi MacDonald after all these years after she moderated one of the excellent panels I attended, see a write-up of which here (of the panel, not my chat!).

Scott meeting top comics writer Brian Michael Bendis after an epic queue!

So as you can tell we very much enjoyed the whole experience which hopefully bodes well for both the UK's MCM shows and our own forthcoming Chicago trip.

2018 Comics Tour Schedule!

Hungry for Comics?

As we gear up for the forthcoming 2018 comic convention season, I thought I'd share a few images and characters that you may meet if you'd like to track me down this coming year, near or far, at a show near you? Watch this space for more comic surprises to come!
 

 

 

Some you win, some Zulus!

Some Zulus! My artwork, Matt Soffe colours from forthcoming graphic novel!

As is traditional today, I've spent a little time reflecting on events in Zululand 139 years ago which, as readers of this blog will be aware, has had rather a profound interest (or is it obsession?) for me for almost as long as I can remember. Much of that time my interest was simply that, an interest stirred by that movie, and a genuine desire to learn more about the military history behind those colourful set-pieces and action scenes. The more I read of course lead to a greater understanding, reaching a pinnacle with my first visit to the South African battlefields themselves with the eminent historian, Ian Knight, who's many books on the subject I've eagerly devoured.

Isandlwana battlefield cairns from 2010

Isandlwana battlefield 2014

Proud & happy Zulu children 2014

That first visit brought me directly into contact with many Zulus themselves and a growing awareness that they viewed the events of 1879 rather differently - a planned Zulu Victory for starters, not just a surprise British defeat -  and also a need to commemorate the occasion as a rare victory against the Europeans colonisation of Africa itself, which is something I guess I'd not really thought about, much to my regret. As they say, history is written by those who won and it is generally that history, that of the victors we learn about ourselves, so - in basic terms - we know that the Anglo-Zulu War was relatively short, (After the Isandlwana defeat, the might of the British Empire was thrown against the Zulus), concluding in the Battle of Ulundi on 4th July 1879 and resulting in the subsequent capture and exile of the Zulu King Cetshwayo.

Ulundi battlefield memorial 2010

After a time and an audience with Queen Victoria at her Osborne House home, Cetshwayo was restored as monarch but to a lessor territorial area and who's powers were severely restricted by the British governors. Not long afterwards Cetshwayo died, possibly poisoned by his rivals, and various periods of unrest followed culminating in the deadly and failed Zulu rebellion of 1906. British interest during this period was of course dominated by clashes with the resident Boer farmers leading to two major wars, setting a template for the World Wars to follow. Zulu influence was further and further eroded during this time, arguably leading to the rise of apartheid so that it's only comparatively recently - post Mandela - that the authentic Zulu voice has again been heard and more importantly listened to again.

King Cetshwayo's remote burial site, deepest Zululand 2014

I know I'm been very, very simplistic in these comments but I mention this really to illustrate that history or rather perceptions of history can continually evolve by those who are or were affected by it. These thoughts came to me during my 2010 and subsequent 2014 trips around Zululand, encountering many locals who, rather than be encumbered by history were very much in the now, enjoying what freedoms are available to them or may be available in the future - Zulus particularly seem a very proud and optimistic bunch!

Ian Knight and reader inside Ulundi battlefield memorial 2014

I know that Ian Knight and many other scholars have regretted the relative lack and brevity of first-hand Zulu accounts of the 1879 war compared to the almost numerous European accounts which of course can lead to a certain bias, which Mr Knight and others have done well to counter to provide as balanced a view as they can of the events which fascinate us so.

Zulu veteran from the 2016 re-enactment

Since 1999, there have been annual re-enactments at Isandlwana which modern Zulu Kings and dignitaries have attended, bringing a fresh modern interest in the conflict among the Zulu people who themselves can 'reclaim' their own history and bring the events of 1879 to a fresh perspective. This year has been no different and I've already seen a couple of contemporary reports of the 2018 anniversary which show that interest continues to grow and this surely can only be a good thing in terms of commemorating the ultimate sacrifices that so many made and allowing both countries and its people come to terms with a troubled past.

Keeping the throne warm for the King 2014

As for me, well despite my reading and learning, I'm not qualified enough to speak of the politics of the time or of now other than to try and show an equal balance between both sides in my own interpretations of this period of history. The expanded story Pointy Heads attempts to do this in my much promised forthcoming graphic novel of the Zulu Wars which is inching towards completion!

Zulu children from Pointy Heads, my art Matt Soffe colours

LIFE SUPPORT!

Life Support is a wonderful idea to raise funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland - the charity CHAS. It's the brainchild of Colin Maxwell, a Fife based comic creator who before Christmas made a request for comic creators to donate Sci-Fi themed strips and pin-ups to form a comic to be launched at Edinburgh's Capital Sci-Fi event in early February, which is also an important fundraiser for CHAS.

Many creators answered the call and I wanted to contribute but not having any existing 'Sci-Fi' themed material to hand quickly wrote a hopefully fun one-page comic strip which I drew over the festive period, completing in the New Year to get 2018 off to a creative start!

I won't reveal my finished strip but show instead a panel's progress from 'BOOM from the ROOM!', my wee homage to the Tin Tin & Oor Wullie strips of my youth!

Pencils

Inks & pencils (Uncleaned)

Cleaned Inks

Finished Lettered Version (Scots edition!)

I submitted the above finished black & white version but wondered how it would look in colour so turned to Matt Soffe, who has done an amazing job on several of my Moments of Adventure strips (and forthcoming ZULU!), who once again did a splendid job!

Matt's fantastic colours!

Complete coloured & lettered version

You can support the project and guarantee yourself a copy of the finished comic by backing the current Kickstarter campaign to cover printing costs here or at its launch in Edinburgh on 3rd & 4th February.You'll have to wait a little longer to see the full coloured version of my strip which may well be included in one of my future projects 😉

Celebrating Bowie!

Welcome to 2018 which has already delivered a couple of positives and a memorable highlight in yesterday evening's wonderful celebration of David Bowie's music. Coming only a few days after the respective anniversaries of Bowie's birthday and loss, this was both a timely reminder of his musically legacy and a damn great night out in the January chill air!

The Manchester gig was the third date of a 2018 world tour Celebrating Bowie's music produced by guitarist and performer Angelo Bundini and featuring former Bowie band stalwarts including Adrian Belew, Gerry Leonard, Carmine Rojos and the legendary Mike Garson! In addition to Adrian Belew, lead vocals were provided by 3 - new to me - names, Joe Sumner (of Flight Plan band & son of Sting!), Paul Dempsey (of Australian band Something for Kate) and Angelo Moore (of Fishbone band).

The vocalists took turns singing the classic songs as the incredible band kept the powerful rhythms going, changing key and moods to fit the tracks. Surprisingly this musical merry-go-round worked incredibly well with each amazing track surpassed by the next, as musicians and singers swapped places, waited in the side wings and ably supporting each other.

From opening track, The Next Day's The Stars (Are Out Tonight) to of course the final strains of Heroes, the energy never relented and Karen and I, like so many others in the capacity audience danced the night away. The almost odd thing perhaps was that our enjoyment of the music and the moment was matched by the joy shared amongst the band as they smiled, encouraged and congratulated each other, it was a very special experience.

There were many highlights but the fairly early in the set performances of Joe Sumner singing Life On Mars, Angelo Moore's Ziggy Stardust and a very, very emotional Rock 'n' Roll Suicide by Paul Dempsey set the scene for a glorious evening. The set was interspersed with short chats and anecdote's of Bowie's long time cherished pianist Mike Garson which added to the credibility of the evening. Everything that followed was a highlight from perhaps lesser known tracks such as Stay, D.J, Little Wonder to sing a-along anthems as Ashes To Ashes,  Rebel Rebel, Let's Dance and a mesmerising Space Oddity.

 

A stand out performance of Hunky Dory's Quicksand by Angelo Moore included a crowd walk thru and stage dive which only cemented the occasion as memorable and respectful tribute to the great man himself. You could feel the emotion of the crowd as with the band we celebrated the music of a legend still dancing to Bowie's music even as the house lights came on. This was no tribute act but a genuine celebration of a legend's music by musicians and fans who were there the first time, embracing the occasion of shared memories and enjoyment.
 

Photos by Karen with the gig's face book page having even more to offer including further personal comments and if you're still not convinced check out the tour's official trailers here;   

And the previous evening's London gig highlights here!

2017 Comic Highlights

As we approach the end of the year I sometimes cast an eye backwards at what I've particularly enjoyed in the world of comics away from the convention circuit and actually, although there's been lots of great stuff out there, I've generally failed to keep up with it or at least make a dent in my reading pile, such is the life when you're being a busy bee yourself.

Here though are a couple of enjoyable graphic novels which stood out for me this year.

The Marquis of Anon - Isle of Brac & The Black Virgin

 

Although a long time BD fan I'd not come across this series until the always reliable Zainab Akhtar mentioned it on her blog a couple of years ago ahead of its English language release through those fine folks at Cinebooks. Well I picked up the first couple at last year's Thought Bubble Festival and completed the 5 issue set (so far) at this year's event. I've only read the first two so far but they don't disappoint with their mystery, charm and real sense of peril to make for a thrilling read!

Delilah Dirk and The Turkish Lieutenant

I'd actually been looking for this for years without realising it had finally come out! There had been a really enjoyable Delilah Dirk one shot comic years ago by the talented Tony Cliff and his blog had teased the forthcoming release of a longer form graphic novel but last time i checked it had only come out in France. So I had a pleasant surprise when browsing the English language shelf at Fantask during our Copenhagen trip earlier this year to find not one but two graphic novel collections - yay!

The other is called Delilah Dirk and the King's Shilling which I've not yet read but the first one - The Turkish Lieutenant is an enjoyable historical fiction romp with a little steampunk, humour and good ol' honest adventure making for a great read. Annoyingly on catching up with Tony Cliff's blog I discovered that he had made a very rare UK appearance the year before at Thought Bubble in a hall next to Accent UK but I totalled missed him! Ah well maybe next time!

Lady Mechanika 

I'd been aware of the Lady Mechanika comic series from writer & artist Joe Benitez for a little while but it was only this year that I picked up the first couple of collected volumes, recently finishing the first. This really follows our own recent 'discovery' of steampunk which is having quite an influence on our approach to not only comic events but comic making - more to come!

I was more than happy to immerse myself in the world of Lady Mechanika and enjoyable it was with good portions of mystery, action and suspense. The story in this first volume was perhaps more of a 'set-up' of her world and the players in it and for my tastes was a little unsubtle in places, lacking a little of the charm that we have experienced ourselves in the steampunk community and the art, while accomplished was a little too 'cheesecake' and stylish for me, but then I am British and blush easily!

There were a couple of others I enjoyed but the above are the ones that probably made the most impression this year and may influence or inspire my own comics storytelling!