Canterbury’s The Beaney is the latest venue to host Comics: Explore and Create Comic Art, a family-friendly touring exhibition from Seven Stories, exploring the wonderful world of comics next month.

Opening at The Beaney during February half term, Comics: Explore and Create Comic Art is an interactive exhibition from Seven Stories, launched back in 2017 and previously run at venues such as The Dick Institute in Kilmarnock and Dorset County Museum.

Featuring artworks loaned by collector Peter Hansen, it offers a chance for comic fans of all ages to discover an eclectic mix of original and iconic comic art, alongside work by current children’s comic creators.

Miracleman Art in the Comics: Explore and Create Comic Art at Seven Stories exhibition. Photo: Peter Hansen

Frankie Stein cover art by Robert Nixon. Photo: Peter Hansen

The display will feature influential British comic icons such as Desperate Dan and Dennis the Menace just as they were drawn in the 1940s and 50s, alongside old friends Oor Wullie, Minnie the Minx and Roy of the Rovers.

Other famous characters include Captain America, Wonder Woman, Superman and The Incredible Hulk as drawn by Ian Churchill, the British artist and producer of comics for America’s two largest comic publishers – Marvel and DC comics.

The interactive exhibition will also offer fans the chance to create their very own settings, characters and stories using playful props and costumes.

“This is a fantastic exhibition” enthuses Chairman of the council’s Community Committee, Councillor Neil Baker, “that not only allows visitors to explore the history of comic classics like Dennis the Menace and Desperate Dan, but also offers a chance for fans of all ages to discover how modern day artists are producing the classics of tomorrow.”

The Beaney is also offering three relaxed sessions aimed at visitors who prefer a quiet and calm experience. These are ideal for people who would benefit from a more relaxed atmosphere, including those with an autism spectrum condition, learning disability, or communication and sensory disorder.

Two sessions are on Tuesday 11th February (9.00am to 11.00am, and 11.00am to 1.00pm) with the third on Tuesday 18th February (9.00am to 11.00am). The prices are the same and spaces can be booked online at thebeaney.co.uk/comics.

Monday 10th February is an exclusive day for schools only. Any interested schools should email learning@canterbury.gov.uk to find out more.

• Comics: Explore and Create Comic Art Saturday 8th February to Sunday 23 February 2020, The Beaney, 18 High Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2RA. Entrance costs £5 and booking is required | Web: thebeaney.co.uk/comics

With thanks to Lew Stringer for the alert!

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.

Categories: downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Exhibitions

Tags: Comics: Explore and Create Comic Art, downthetubes News, Peter Hansen, Seven Stories, The Beaney