Independent comic creators, small press publishers, retailers and internationally renowned guests will come together for Comics Assemble, a new democratic comic convention held on Saturday, 15th August 2026 at The G1 Centre in Gloucester.
Unlike traditional comic conventions, Creators Assemble is built around the creators themselves. Exhibitors not only showcase their work but also actively help shape the event, voting on polices, layout, and other key aspects. The convention is designed to give creators real ownership and influence, making it a community-driven celebration of comics and comic art.
The event focuses and independent creators, while also welcoming internationally recognized talent, offering attendees a diverse experience across the world of comics. Exhibitors receive a table for £100, which includes 10 free tickets they can sell or give away, to friends and family, giving them a tangible stake in the success of the convention.
The first international guest has now been announced as Canadian writer Jim Zub, currently wowing Conan fans with his fresh take on the iconic barbarian at Titan Comics.
“Creators Assemble is about putting creators at the heart of the convention experience,” says Shane Chebsey, Event Director. “It’s a space for collaboration, creativity, and community. We want to celebrate independent comics while giving everyone involved a real voice in shaping the event.”
Tickets are now available, and exhibitors are encouraged to register early to secure their table and participate in shaping the inaugural event.
Comics Assemble is a democratic comic convention celebrating small press and independent creators alongside internationally recognized guests. It is designed to foster collaboration, community, and creative ownership, offering exhibitors a voice in how the convention is run.It is run by long time convention organiser Shane Chebsey and promises to shake up the convention scene with its new approach to building and promoting an event.
• Comics Assemble is online at comicsassemble.net
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John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as 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.
Categories: British Comics, Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events
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