Ahead of Lawless 2025, taking place in Bristol soon, Richard Sheaf catches up with some of the guests at this major event. This time around, it’s Hunt Emerson…
Lawless Comic Convention is a British based not for profit comic convention organised by fans and for fans, with a strong focus on 2000AD. Tickets are available online – they will not be available on the door – so book now
Book links used are to uk.bookshop.org unless otherwise stated
Hunt Emerson is renowned for his work in the British underground comics scene. The creator of memorable characters such as Calculus Cat, his notable works include Phenomenomix and adaptations of classic literature such as Lady Chatterley’s Lover (AmazonUK Affiliate Link) and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Emerson’s distinctive style has garnered international recognition.
You’ve not been to Lawless before – what have you heard about it as convention? What are you expecting?
My friend John McCrea tells me that Lawless is a popular convention, and well attended. I expect it’ll be airless and sweaty – though I may be surprised – and I expect a lot of extraneous noise. I’ve been told it’s geared towards the 2000AD end of comics; i.e. not my scene but I’ll enjoy seeing all the stuff.
How did you go about securing an invitation to Lawless? Did you reach out to Su Hadrell to pitch yourself as an attendee or did she get in touch with you directly?
I can’t remember. I think, on John’s suggestion, I contacted Su.
There’s a strong 2000AD influence at Lawless – were you a 2000AD reader as child? Or did you come to it later in life?
I have never been a 2000AD reader. Obviously I’ve seen copies from time to time, but I’ve never been drawn to adventure and violent comics.
For former 2000AD publisher, Fleetway, you worked on the Dice Man series – are there other strips you’d like to work on?
Dice Man was a one-off, that fitted the satirical nature of the subject. It did, of course, lead on to You Are Maggie Thatcher [AmazonUK Affiliate Link], and gave me the privilege of working with the great Pat Mills.
Are there other guests who you’re particularly looking forward to seeing at Lawless and, if so, why?
It will be good to see Brian Bolland and John Wagner again. Also Doug Braithwaite and John Higgins. And Ian Edginton, and Steve MacManus. It will be interesting to see what the other people do, as I don’t know them.
What can folks expect to find on your Lawless table? Sketches? Prints? Original art? Comics?
I’ll have my books for sale, along with a file of artwork, and some prints. I’ll be happy to do sketches, though previous experience is that I don’t draw the sort of characters people want. I never know what Wolverine or Deadpool or whoever look like – I’ve never watched any Marvel or DC movies.
What projects are you currently working on? Anything that folks might get a sneak peak of at Lawless?
I’m not working on any projects. I have a page in the Beano each week, and one or two pages in Fortean Times each month, but other than that there’s not much happening.
Where can people find you on the internet?
At largecow.com
• Lawless Comic 2025 Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th May 2025, Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Bristol | Tickets are available online – they will not be available on the door – so book now | Web: lawlesscomiccon.co.uk | Facebook | YouTube
• Comics Journal – Hunt Emerson 2022 Interview
• Hunt Emerson books on AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)
• Paul Gravett’s Profile of Hunt Emerson – and Recommended Reading
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Richard Sheaf is a longtime contributor to downthetubes and has written for numerous magazines about British comics.
Categories: British Comics, Comic Creator Interviews, Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Features
Countdown to Lawless 2025: An Interview with Aly Fell 
In His Own Words: Carlos Ezquerra on his Early Judge Dredd designs 
The SEQUENT’ULL Interviews: Jemma Webster-Sharp 
The SEQUENT’ULL Interviews: Lucy Sullivan
Leave a Reply