Comic Expo 2009: Smaller is Beautiful

By John Freeman on May 16, 2009

Following up on our publication of Kev Sutherland’s take on this year’s Bristol Comic Expo, which has generated plenty of comment here, on my Facebook page and in the original Quality Communications forum where the former convention organiser posted his views, we’ve now published David Baillie‘s report on the event on the main downthetubes site.

“Even if you weren’t there, you’ve probably heard by now that due to the knock on effects of the global credit crunchie this year’s Bristol Comics Expo was a slightly reduced affair, he notes. “This might seem a shame, especially given that this was the event’s tenth birthday, but I’m here to tell you that smaller is sometimes better.”

David opines that the success of any mainstream comics event can be judged by how well it performs in seven specific criteria including a good mix of events, social networking and, of course, comics!

• Read David’s report here on downthetubes

• You can comment on this article by clicking the “Comment” button below or joining in with the chat on the downthetubes forum (membership required)

• The next Comic Expo will take place 22 – 23rd May 2010 at both the Ramada and Mecure hotels, Bristol
• Official Web Site

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.