The fourth annual Leamington Comic Convention is fast approaching, taking place on Saturday 14th April at All Saints Parish Chuch, Leamington Spa.
This is a convention that makes comics its central focus and there’s a huge line up of guests It includes Marvel and 2000AD’s own Al Ewing, Surface Tension creator Jason Gunn, Sarah Grayley from Rick and Morty – as well as a host of other comics creators and indie and small press comics sellers.
downthetubes contributor Tony Esmond going to be there with fellow Awesome Podcast team members Vince Hunt and Dan Butcher and they’ll have Issue One of the Awesome Comics anthology for sale along with some exclusive prints by Black Panther artist Ed Traquino.
They’ll be doing a live pod on the day – and would welcome any questions you might have in advance.
“We’ll be joined by Jason Gunn and be chatting about creating your own comic and the pitfalls you might face,” Tony tells us. “I’ll be trying my best not to swear.
“There might also be the odd prize up for grabs on the day.

John Wagner
“I’m also pleased as punch to brag that at 11.00am I’ll be interviewing the mighty John Wagner of 2000AD, Judge Dredd, Batman, Rok of the Reds, Strontium Dog, Boba Fett, Star Wars comics fame. He’ll be releasing the trade of Rok at the event and signing copies.
“This is an ace collection of a comic that successfully mixes sci-fi, alien invasion, humour and football all in one gorgeous romp that is brilliantly drawn by Dan Cornwell. I’ve already read it and shall be double dipping on the collection as soon as I arrive.
“I’ve got loads of questions to ask John about his days at the Prog as well as how he found working for DC and Marvel. And why he chose to go another route with his new mini series Rok.
“Anyone who has heard John interviewed before will know that he’s honest, straightforward, funny and really interesting. Should be ruddy great!”
Awesome Comics Podcast favourite Darrell Thorpe will be running a kids workshop and encouraging them to create their own comics characters.
• Here’s the full schedule so you don’t miss out on any of the day’s events | Find Leamington Comic Con on Facebook | Follow on Twitter @LeamComicCon
• Buy Tickets here on Eventbrite
- About the Author
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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