2000AD’s John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra headline first Preston Comic Con

By John Freeman on August 7, 2014

Lancashire city Preston will host its first ever major comic con event, Preston Comic Con, on Saturday 25th October, a one day event Preston’s Guild Hall, with comic artist Carlos Ezquerra and 2000AD writer John Wagner heading up the guest list.

Preston-based artist Nick Brokenshire (whose credits include Amelia Cole for IDW) is also on the initial line-up, along with portrait artist Wayne Ashworth. Film and media guests announced so far include actors Spencer Wilding (Guardians of the Galaxy, Batman Begins) and Michael Henbury (Return of the Jedi, Labyrinth).

There will be a variety of stalls selling merchandise and collectibles, along with actors from film and stage available for autographs and photos. Local comic creators will also have stalls at the event including cartoonist Dave Windett.

• Preston Comic Con Saturday 25th October 2014, Preston Guild Hall. More info: www.prestoncomiccon.co.uk or via Facebook or follow the event on Twitter. Tickets £6 (Early Bird entry from 09.30am £10). Doors open 10.30am and the event will run to 5.00pm. If you wish to book a stall or have media enquiries please email the organisers at prestoncomicconATgmail.com.

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.