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Comic Book Workshops continue in Hartlepool with Blast! Comic creator Kirsty Stebbings

By John Freeman on June 13, 2025

Are you a budding comic creator who lives in the Hartlepool area? Then you might be interested in diving into the world of comics with workshops organised by the Hartlepool Community Hubs, the next led by Blast! Comic creator, Kirsty Stebbings.

Hartlepool was, of course, once home to Reg Smythe, creator of the world famous comic character Andy Capp, still published in the Daily Mirror and syndicated globally today.

The town’s next Comic Book Workshop with Kirsty takes place this weekend on Saturday 14 June, for aspiring creators aged 18+, at Community Hub Central. Book online here – only 20 spaces available – or in person at your local Hartlepool library.

Learn how to create a character and structure your story for a comic with this creative short course. You will learn about all the different features of a comic as well as different drawing styles.

“Whether you’re a beginner or looking to grow your skills, our workshops offer something for everyone.” The organisers say. “Learn from experienced artists, create your own comic strips, and meet fellow comic lovers!”

Kirsty Stebbings AKA xbleaxhx is a Teesside based cartoonist, specialising in drawing chavs and 2000s nostalgia. She is a MA Comics and Graphic Novels Graduate and creator of Blast! Comic, a one person adult humour comic. Her work is inspired by Viz, Buster, Ed Eddy n Eddy, and other cartoons. She also is a proud chicken owner which she loves to draw and create merchendise for.

Hartlepool Community Hubs is also hosting a series of Zine Making Workshops in various libraries. The next takes place at Throston Grange Library on Monday 14th July between 2.00pm and 4.30pm.Unleash your inner author and creativity. Visit Throston Grange Library or online at hartlepool.gov.uk/hubevents to find out more.

• Comic Book Workshop For ages 18+ 10.30 – 12 noon Saturday 14th June 2025, Community Hub Central, York Road Hartlepool TS26 9DE | Book online | Limited spots available | Hartlepool Community Hubs

Sign up using the link above or at your local community hub / library. Venue details available at hartlepool.gov.uk/communityhubs

About the Author
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John Freeman

John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.

He’s the writer of comics such as 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.