Had an absolute blast at the Anglo-Zulu War, Clash of Empires exhibition which still runs to 31st July and well worth a trip if you can. I'll try and write more when time allows but my two visits so far have both been great particularly the 3 day symposium, informative, interesting and fun, catching up with old and new friends alike, even Lady M enjoyed it!
Thanks to all who came and attended my presentation on the 'Water Cart Rescue' comics inspiration and development. I was a tad nervous beforehand with the calibre of earlier presenters and the audience including sundry Professors, Authors, Historians, Military Officers, Serviceman and lots of enthusiastic history and movie fans but talking about my two main passions, Comics n Zulus, soon relaxed me and thankfully, my talk was well received with some great comments afterwards and a nice spike in comics sold, thank you all very much.
All the talks have been filmed and will I understand, be made available on the exhibition's own youtube channel in due course, keep checking it here.
Special thanks to John Freeman of comics news site, Down The Tubes, who gave the exhibition and me a wee plug ahead of my talk, much appreciated!
In the meantime, the hardworking and enthusiastic, Chris Parkinson zipped around doing a few 'on the hoof' interviews for his own excellent Redcoat History channel, which you can find here, including the one above with Tim of the Die-Hards, running through the soldier's campaign kit. Very informative and of course, the Die-Hards themselves have been a constant source of inspiration, support and friendship in my own comic endeavours!
Well this was fun, please check out the excellent job, Chris Parkinson has done of our wee interview chatting about my Zulu Wars comic :)
And don't forget that the Clash of Empires Anglo-Zulu War exhibition is now in full swing and is really excellent, if you have any interest in the period or just want to see things you wouldn't normally encounter and chat to folk who are passionate about the history, you don't want to miss out!
Aha, coming round quicker than a fast approaching Zulu impi is the much anticipated Anglo-Zulu War Exhibition, 'Clash of Empires' which opens tomorrow at the Spear Museum of The Royal Philatelic Society in London!
This has been a long road and a real labour of love for everyone involved, but with challenges overcome promises to be very special with the largest public display of artifacts from the period in living memory.
Much more to follow including the special symposium on the middle weekend with loads of authoritative speakers including yours truly making a presentation on my Zulu Wars Comic!
In the meantime, you can find out more and order tickets on their website here , see the youtube channel here and more including a short interview with co-curator, Alex Haimann, at the always excellent Redcoat History channel here
Really looking forward to seeing everything and catching up with many old friends not seen since my last trip to Kwa-Zulu Natal, including this fine looking fellow!
USUTHU!
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 :)
That was a fun day! Thanks to Scott of Scott's Pop's & Comics for hosting last Saturday's annual Free Comic Book Day, ('FCBD') at his shop in Warrington Market. This was his 3rd time and delayed a week from the official worldwide FCBD and possibly the smoothest and best so far? It's always hard to judge from behind the table but there was a steady stream of fans, browsers and visitors which certainly seemed to keep all us artists busy, so quite happy.
While the shop opens at 9am, the artist's event was supposed to be a shorter 11 - 4pm day, but most turned up and 'opened' their tables and sketchbooks earlier, some staying a little later too, ensuring that all those patient attendees got to see and chat with everyone they wanted. This made for a really enjoyable steady day with a great atmosphere of artists, fans and newcomers chatting about comics and all related pop culture, making new friends and discoveries along the way.
Sincere thanks to all who came along, supporting Scott, the event and the artists and thanks to all for participating, assisting or spreading word, helping its success - see you next year!
Here's a few snaps Scott took of the day of the happy and busy artists - Rachael Smith was also there but manged to escape the lens!
Delighted to be returning to Scott's shop tomorrow as part of his great line-up of comic artists's for this year's Free Comic Book Day - delayed by a week to avoid the coronation clash.
This will be Scott's third event, (showing how quickly time flies), and one that previously has been a joyful celebration of comics, mainstream and independent, putting the spotlight on local creators who are involved in comic making across the genres whether humour, autobiographical, fantasy, historical or adventure. Showing the diversity and versatility of the comics medium.
