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Zoom Rockman announced as latest Lakes International Comic Art Festival patron

By John Freeman on January 15, 2018

Zoom Rockman

The Lakes International Comic Art Festival has announced its latest patron is cartoonist Zoom Rockman, who sprang to comics fame at a young age with his work for the humour weekly, Beano.

Zoom Rockman is a British artist/ satirist whose comic strip, Skanky Pigeon first appeared in the Beano when he was 12 years old. Age 16, he became the youngest cartoonist in Private Eye magazine history.

Described as “a rising star with edgy wit and genuine cultural awareness well beyond his years”, London’s Evening Standard named Zoom as one of the most inﬂuential Londoners under 25. His award winning comic, The Zoom! has attracted wide critical acclaim for its funny and irreverent critique of urban life and developed a cult following.

“Results Day”, one of Zoom’s cartoons for Private Eye

Caricatures by Zoom Rockman

Zoom’s often humorous art offers a unique, insightful take on the everyday grime and energy of London and has become increasingly collectible. His solo exhibition at The Hospital Club, Covent Garden was a sell-out event.

Zoom is Young Ambassador for the world’s biggest arts charity, The Big Draw. He is passionate about promoting the importance of creativity in all school subjects and has been invited to speak about this at the House of Commons, advertising industry events and Art galleries across the UK.

One of Zoom’s “urban landscape” works, both draft and final

‘I’m really happy to become a patron for LICAF because it’s my favourite cartoon festival and I look forward to it all year long,” says Zoom. “They always have fantastic events, exhibitions and guest speakers. You get to meet really interesting people from the cartoon community and everyone is really friendly.

“I also like how all the buildings on the high street are so old and a bit lob sided. The town hall where the comics get sold has loads of character and the Brewery Arts Centre is a brilliant venue. The Kendal Mint Cake and the Fresh air are a plus, too!’

Zoom joins the Festival’s other Patrons – artist Bryan Talbot, artist Sean Phillips, writer Mary Talbot, artist and writer Emma Vieceli and Stephen L. Holland, owner of the award-winning independent comic shop Page 45 in Nottingham – all bringing their various and diverse talents to lend support and advice to the organisation’s planning, direction and long terms expansion plans.

Former patrons include top French artist Boulet, who the Festival would like to thank for his generous support.

• The Lakes International Comic Art Festival returns for its annual weekend 12th – 14th October 2018, with other events and projects also happening through the year. Web: www.comicartfestival.com

• Zoom Rockman is online at www.thezoom.co.uk | Follow Zoom Rockman on Twitter @The_ZoomComic

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.