‘Thought Bubble’ UK Comic Con Update

Thought Bubble, the UK’s newest and greatest comic convention is taking place once again this November. Originally scheduled as a one day event, the convention has grown into a two day comic extravaganza! The one-day convention takes place  at Savilles Hall, near the Royal Armories in Leeds, and the adjoining Alea Casino & Nightclub on Saturday 21st November, with more events scheduled for the 22nd. The Sunday sees a full day of events, including workshops and masterclasses from some of comics greatest artists and writers…

One of the highlights of the weekend for any budding comic artist is the portfolio review from the comic con’s latest guest announcement – Marvel’s Steve Wacker. One of Marvel’s top editors, Wacker will be on hand in the convention hall all morning to scout talent and give advice on portfolios. He will also be hosting a ‘How to Work for Marvel’ masterclass in the Alea screening room, giving advice on what Marvel Comics look for in new talent and how to get your foot in the door.

Other highlights of the Saturday convention include ‘From Paper to Digital’ a panel looking at how art is translated for the screen and the use of concept design with artists/writers Jock, Andy Diggle, Paul Cornell, Adi Granov, Mike Carey, and Jayne Nelson; ‘Do Zombies Read Comics?’ a panel discussion on the popularity of the horror genre in modern comics with guests Charlie Adlard, Ben Templesmith, Antony Johnston, and Dean Phillips; and ‘Mainstream Geek’ a documentary short filmed at last years Thought Bubble, which will be screening in the Alea, featuring Simon Pegg, Mark Millar and Alex Maleev and a host of convention attendees – I’ll be looking for myself in the film, will you?

Sunday at Thought Bubble sees an afternoon of workshops and masterclasses from some of the industries top comic professionals including Andy Diggle (Daredevil, The Losers, Thunderbolts), Barry Kitson (Spiderman, The Order), Peter Doherty (Shaolin Cowboy), Frank Quitely (Batman and Robin). The afternoon kicks of with a double header at Leeds Central Library – writer Andy Diggle hosts ‘The Art of Graphic Novel Writing’, a 90 minute masterclass showing how to break into the comic book industry and how to structure narrative in sequential art. At the same time artist Barry Kitson offers artists of all ages the chance to get feedback on their work in a ‘Comic Portfolio’ workshop.

For wannabe games designers the 3pm ‘Creation of Computer Game Concept Design’ workshop is set to be the inside scoop on what it takes to break into the ever growing field of videogames: including character design and storyboard creation, with Steve Beaumont, a freelance Storyboard Artist and Character Development Artist for the Film, TV and Gaming industries. The real high point of Sunday’s events is the ‘Frank Quitely Art Masterclass’. Quitely, one of the world’s most respected comic book artists, offers attendees a special inside look at his art. Best known for his work on Grant Morrison’s New X-Men, We3, and Batman and Robin. Talking to Peter Doherty, Quitely will reveal the creative process he employs in what is set to be a fascinating masterclass.

Places at the masterclasses and workshops are limited, and therefore must be booked in advance. To book your place email thoughtbubblefestival@gmail.com. And to see the full weekend line-up check out the official Thought Bubble website: www.thoughtbubblefestival.co.uk