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Margate Comic Art Festival guest list offers seaside treat for comic and genre movie fans

By John Freeman on March 7, 2018

The line-up for the first ever Margate Comic Art Festival, coming in April, features a fine mix of both international and British comic creators, as well actors from Star Wars, the Harry Potter films, Captain America and Thor: The Dark World – as well as a host of colourful cosplayers.

Taking place over the weekend of 14th – 15th April 2018 at Margate Winter Gardens, Margate Comic Art Festival celebrates and highlights the creative people working in the comic industry today, many of whom actually live in the local area as well as guests from further afield.

Stephen B Scott

The line-up includes American comic artist Stephen B Scott, who has worked for many of the major publishers including DC Comics and Dark Horse Comics, British comic writers Dan Abnett (2000AD, Aquaman, Guardians of the Galaxy), Simon Furman (Transformers), Kieron Gillen (Wicked + Divine) and legendary artist John Bolton – to name just a few.

As well as a plethora of stalls selling comics and other merchandise the event boasts a full two day schedule of inspiring and entertaining talks, workshops and exclusive panels and interviews featuring the guest writers and artists.

Kieron Gillin. Photo © Luigi Novi / Wikimedia Commons

Attending fans will be able to meet their heroes one to one and walk away with signed comics, artist sketches plus collectibles and rarities galore.

There’s also a cosplay competiton, fun attractions for kids and an opportunity to take part in a Jedi Fight Training session with guest actor Andrew Lawden, who was Liam Neeson’s body double for Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

• To find out more, or to book tickets visit the Smallzone Events website at: www.thecomicsshow.co.uk

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.