Break into ICE this weekend in Birmingham!

By John Freeman on September 8, 2016

ICE – the International Comic Expo – returns to Birmingham for its third year this weekend (10th -11th September 2016).

We’ve already mentioned a couple of the exclusive comic launches at this great event, and once again the UK’s Second City plays host to some of the biggest stars of the comics book world.

Artists and writers behind famous comic properties such The Walking Dead, Suicide Squad, Hellboy, The X-Men, Batman, Judge Dredd, and Spider-Man, to name just a few, will be attending ICE 2016, which is happening at The Studio Venue in Birmingham City Centre this Saturday.

There is also a full program of special events going in at the expo all day including a special reveal of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back producer Gary Kurtz‘s new series The Chimeran, as we reported yesterday.

The whole creative team will be attending, including Kurtz himself, and they will be signing books and posters following the exclusive presentation.

The truly International events welcome guest from as far a field as America, Spain and Italy as well as some of the most respected British and Irish creators including Beano artist Lew Stinger from up the road in Nuneaton, Lancaster-based Green Arrow and Daredevil writer Andy Diggle and Batman and Moon Kinight artist Declan Shalvey from Ireland.

Of course, no convention is complete without a wide selection of dealers selling rare back issues along with the hottest new comics and merchandise, plus the cosplayers are sure to also be out in force brightening the September streets of Birmingham with their amazing costumes and outfits, often hand crafted form scratch.

There really is something for everyone at ICE and from the curious Marvel film fan to the devoted comics connoisseur and everyone in between.

This very limited edition print by Staz Johnson will be on sale at ICE this weekend

Staz Johnson’s art for his limited edition print will be included in the charity auction in aid of Beanstalk

The event also includes a charity auction of comic art and collectables in aid of Beanstalk, the national literacy charity that recruits, vets, trains and supports volunteers to work in primary schools with children who have fallen behind with their reading.

Then on Sunday the serious side of the event happens: Comics Uncovered.

This is a conference devoted to those looking to find a career in comics and features over a dozen inspiring and engaging seminars, workshops and panels hosted by some of the biggest names in comics.

It is attended by some of the biggest comic companies including US publishers Dark Horse Comics and Aftershock Comics and European publishers Humanoids, who will all be carrying out one to one portfolio reviews with aspiring creators throughout the day.

It’s all rounded off by a relaxed party at the end of the day were attendees and guests get to mingle and chill out at the venue’s stunning roof garden atrium bar.

In two words: Comics Heaven.

• A full day early bird pass from 10am to 5.30pm costs £12 with discounts for students and free entry for children. VIP Tickets including an after show party and entry to the Sunday events are also available.

• To book tickets, apply for press passes or to find out more about the International Comic Expo visit the website at: www.thecomicsshow.co.uk

• ICE is sponsored by CBCS. To find out more about the top comics grading company CBCS go to: www.cbcscomics.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.