Dundee-based comics publisher DC Thomson and Beano Studios are adept at promoting Beano in the national media, the result a steady growth in sale over the past few years. They’ve run some high profile promotional events too, at the South Bank in London, for example, and St. Pancreas station, too, for example, and their annual Christmas fun in Fleet Street.
But like other publishers, they have scaled back direct promotion to comics fans, although not completely, supporting events such as the Lakes International Comic Art Festival and Thought Bubble with promotional materials. So it’s great news that the company will have a presence at the first Comics Salopia, the international, free entry Festival in Shrewsbury in June.
The iconic publisher will be bringing the mischief and fun of Beano to Comics Salopia, joining the event’s other partner, Redan Publishing, in making the free Kids Zone at the Library the go to destination for younger readers.
“We are delighted to welcome the man behind the Beano, Editor John Anderson, to the festival as he takes the lead on a series of events across the town,” says Festival Director Shane Chebsey.
“These include free kids workshops at the Library with ‘Dennis’ artist Nigel Parkinson and ‘Minnie The Minx’ artist Laura Howell.”

Nigel Parkinson

Laura Howell
For older fans, John will also be hosting an exclusive panel at the Guidhall featuring four Beano legends, including Lew Stringer and Hunt Emerson.
“Not only that,” Shane continues, “but as part of our Talent Development Programme at the Guildhall, for those super fan ticket holders with aspirations of drawing cartoons for a living, there will also be an opportunity for one to one portfolio reviews with the Beano Editor.”
Comics Salopia is a huge international, free entry festival taking over the entire town of Shrewsbury over 1st – 2nd June, celebrating the medium of comic art in all of it’s forms with some of the biggest names in comic art attending… speaking and drawing at an extensive range of fun, inclusive and inspiring events for all of the family.
Venues include the Castle Grounds, the Dana Prison, Shrewsbury University and the Museum and Art Gallery, which is hosting an incredible exhibition by local superstar artist Charlie Adlard of Walking Dead Fame.
Visitors can also enjoy film screenings, Jedi fight training, face painting, a small press comics market in the square, an interactive Judge Dredd event, live music, boat trips, a Zombie Walk, a Cosplay competition and live art events all weekend plus lots lots more!
• For all the lowdown and latest news about Comics Salopia visit comicssalopia.com
Any parents wishing to find out more about the Comic Salopia Kids Zone events at the Library and at Button & Bear, should email info@comicssalopia.com
There’s also still time for kids to enter our local comic art competition organised by our sponsors Lanyon & Bowdler, but hurry, the closing date is 31st April 2019. Or, ask at your school about entering!
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
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.
Categories: downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events