
Expect to find creatives, comic book creators and comic sellers at Birmingham’s free admission High Vis Comic Con on Saturday 21st June 2025, an all-new, Family Friendly Con, in Kings Heath.
This new, free and inclusive event will include panels, workshops and more, situated across the various bars, eateries and independent businesses in the heart of one of Britain’s most vibrant and creative communities.
Announced guest creators at the ticketed event at the Hare and Hounds include writer John Wagner, co-creator of Judge Dredd), Charlie Adlard, artist on The Walking Dead), Laura Howell (The Beano) and Martin Simmonds (The Department of Truth, soon to be adapted for television), cartoonist and writer, Hunt Emerson; writer Al Ewing (2000AD, Venom, Metamorpho: The Element Man), and artist Phil Winslade (2000AD’s Lawless), with more to be announced.




Offering a very different experience to your regular con, the organisers tell us High Vis Comic Con will offer a unique day out for fans, families and more, marking the return of a major comic event to the city where British comics fandom first gathered in the 1960s.
Back in 1968, Birmingham was the first place in the UK to hold a convention focussed solely on comics. A small yet historically significant event that would spawn a cavalcade of similar events across Britain and the globe. Now, the High Vis Street Art Festival, known for its spectacular annual street art festivals for nearly eight years running, is proud to announce it’s bringing comic cons back to Brum.
Expect to see the special comic book guests scattered across many of the much-loved independent businesses, family-friendly bars, eateries and other venues. It will offer families, comic book fans and the curious the chance to catch some of comics’ biggest creators in person, while encouraging them to seek out their favourite creators and enjoying Kings Heath and all it has to offer at the same time.
As well as a star line-up of comic book creators, the convention will include free panels and free workshops for kids – learn how to create your own comic strip with the Beano’s Laura Howell – not to mention an after-party.
Oh, and the organisers haven’t forgotten about the graffiti either. One of the many unique aspects of a High Vis event con is the inclusion of live street art from some of the many Birmingham street artists, who have helped establish High Vis Festival as Birmingham’s only street art and graffiti festival for seven years running.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do,” says organiser and High Vis Festival Co-Director, Olly MacNamee. “It was the initial reason for becoming a part of High Vis originally. They wanted a comic book guy, and I was their man.
“Being passionate about comics and having visited many cons over the years, I’ve surprisingly got to know quite a few creators – and personal heroes of mine – over the years. Creators kind enough to be this year’s special guest.
“Mixing my passion for graffiti and comics was a long-held dream. And now, thanks to the help of so many Kings Heath businesses, bars and bookshops – to name just a few places you’ll find our guests – it’s become a reality. A free comic con, right on Birmingham’s doorstep
“This could be the start of something significant, something for the fans and open to all. We couldn’t be happier with our inaugural guest list. We have Charlie Adlard in one of his rare UK convention appearances, as well as Martin Simmonds, artist of one of the hottest comic book properties of the moment as well as the legend that is John Wagner, the co-creator of Judge Dredd.


“But, this con – much like our recent annual street art festival, also held in Kings Heath – is part of a much more ambitious plan. With brilliant events like Joe Lycett’s PRIDE Queens Heath, the monthly Farmers Market and Artisan Market and Kings Heath Street Festival already happening, we want to build on that success and encourage more visual artists to visit the area, mingle and collaborate. We want Kings Heath to be a hot spot for the usual arts.”
Community partners in this new, free event, include Birmingham City Council, the Enterprise Action Zone, MIA Properties, Enjoy Kings Heath, The Station pub, The Hare and Hounds, the Heath Book Shop, graffiti artist.com and friends at Bishop Challoner Catholic College and Sixth Form.
Buckle up and mark your diaries: High Vis Comic Con is very much on the way!
• High Vis Comic Con, Saturday 21st June 2025, the Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath, Birmingham | Free | For announcements and breaking news follow High Vis Comic Con on Instagram or Facebook at High Vis Festival
- 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: Art and Illustration, British Comics, Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Other Worlds