Carlisle comic convention announced

By John Freeman on June 12, 2012

(with thanks for the heads up of Dave West at AccentUK): Carlisle comic fans have banded together and are planning Carlisle MegaCon, a comics event aimed squarely at giving North West comic fans an event that will be easy to reach without the expense of extensive travel.

The brainchild of artist and writer Owen Michael Johnson, it’s hoped the event will attract writers, artists, and authors and will include workshops, SF and manga attractions, and some cosplay fans.

Taking place on Saturday 18th August, guests include indie publishers AccentUK, whose latest anthology, WesterNoir is already available on iPad via the Lush Comics app.

“It looks to be shaping up into a great opportunity for comic readers in the North West to get a feel for what Cons are all about,” enthuses AccentUK’s Dave West, “and meet some of the creators and publishers face to face.

“I love these smaller events as they are much more informal than events like KAPOW and allow readers and creators more time to chat.”

If you are a comic book creator and want to book a table at Megacon, send an e-mail entitled MEGACON to: – managerATcarlisle.waterstones.com.

• Carlisle MegaCon will take pace on Saturday 18th August at the Richard Rose Academy, Victoria Place, Carlisle, Cumbria. CL1 1NY. Doors Open at 1.00 pm. A Waterstones Carlisle Event, in association with Diamond Comic Distributors. For tickets and enquiries visit the Waterstones Carlisle Scotch Street store or telephone: 01228 542300.

• Carlisle MegaCon Blog: www.carlislemegacon.blogspot.co.uk

• Carlisle Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/megaconcarlisle

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.