Lawless convention goes virtual in May 2021, 2022 dates announced

By John Freeman on December 11, 2020

The team behind the popular 2000AD and Judge Dredd-inspired Lawless event have announced they’ve abandoned plans for a physical event next May, but are planning a virtual event instead.

Writing on the Lawless Facebook group, Su Hadrell says the team can’t see the government allowing gatherings of more than 300 people in May, “and there’s quite a large consensus among both guests and traders/small press that they’re not comfortable with attending such shows either.

“As this is around the time I need to start organising and booking things, I’m calling it ahead of the game now and postponing,” Su continues.

“I’m sorry to do this – it sucks immeasurably and I know how much everyone has been wanted to see each other.”

Despite this grim news, which is an indication of how the pandemic will continue to impact the comics community into 2021, there will be an online Lawless event in place of the “normal” physical event.

Lawless: The Bunker will take place on Saturday 16th May and Su hopes regular attendees will “hide away with us for some podcasts, youTube panels, Twitch streaming, competitions and quizzes in the Lawless Plague-Free-Bunker online.

“Lots of ideas and plans afoot, so hopefully will be able to make announcements over the next few months.”

There’s some better news, if a ling way off in the delivery. Lawless 2022 will be a two-day event, taking place Saturday 28th – Sunday 29th May 2022.

“We’re expanding to a two day show over the weekend at the Doubletree by Hilton, Bristol,” Su confirms. “2021 room bookings can be rebooked for 2022, just call up the hotel and they’ll sort.

“We’re going bigger than ever,” Su continues, “expanding our guest list, working with up and coming comics like The77, bringing in more small press, and hoping you guys will be there every step of the way.

“An online Lawless is a new venture, but hopefully it’s a good excuse to keep us all in touch, and spend some time with our amazing creators.

“Lawless 2022 is going to be insane…”

• For more about Lawless: The Bunker join the event’s Facebook group

John Freeman

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.