The Lakes International Comic Art Festival (14th -16th October 2016) has announced full details of its Family Zone events, most of them free for comic fans – of all ages – which include an exclusive book launch for a new English language edition of a best-selling French comic album – and what promises to be a barnstorming final for the weekend from the Etherington Brothers.
The Family Zone offers a huge range of drop-in activities, alongside a series of fantastic workshops for kids and teenagers. A large number of dedicated comic creators are part of the “Zone”, including Orson and Geoffrey (ZEEL) Coupland, Robert Deas, Paul Harrison-Davies, Ilya, Marc Jackson, Jack Knight, Joe Matthews of Funny Monster Comics, Graham Pearce (creator of Sgt Mike Battle), Sloth Comics, Aidan Saunders, Jordan Vigay and Tim Perkins of Wizard’s Keep.
Plus there’s the chance to enjoy free workshops with the likes of Sally Kindberg and, on an exclusive visit from the United States, Steve and Luke McGarry.
Create your own comic adventure with friends and family! Walk the plank with playful pirates; master your despicable drawing skills and learn how to draw magnificent Minions; explore the universe and beyond in your very own space adventure story; let your imagination run wild to create the wildest mash-up creatures you can think of!
On offer are workshops, shows and activities aimed at all levels and ages, from pre-school to teens, from absolute beginners to experienced comics makers who want to develop key skills. There’s everything from learning how to draw basic characters using simple shapes to more advanced character clinics where you’ll learn how to match features to character types.
And for storytellers who want to make comics but don’t want to draw, there is plenty to choose from. Create digital comics using pictures made out of cloth, paper, toys, junk, costumes, mannequins – and each other! Or you can learn how to build worlds and bring your characters to life by working with an artist.
Most events are free, although workshops on Sunday at The Brewery have a nominal charge. Kendal Library workshops are ticketed – bookings must be made through The Brewery Box Office – but free.
Festival Exclusive: The Carrot to the Stars Book launch
The Family Zone will also be host to the official global English language launch of The Carrot to the Stars (La carotte aux étoiles), a very special book that’s created a storm in France, which the Lakes Festival team have been working hard to translate and produce in English in time for this year’s event.
“Not only have we managed to pull it off, but we are also proud to announce that its artist Riff Reb’s is joining us especially to launch the new edition with its publishing Director, Pascal Meriaux, who also organises the Amiens Comics Festival,” says festival Director Julie Tait.
“It’s a funny, moral tale for eight to 14 year-olds, with a unique graphic style.”
Hosted by Dr Mel Gibson, be introduced to a very special rabbit scientist and the art of making comics from one of France’s most acclaimed creators.
Festival Finale: The Etherington Brothers
The Festival also rounds off this year with a family-friendly appearance by the anarchic Etherington Brothers, the creative team behind “Long Gone Don” and “The Dangerous Adventures of Von Doogan” for The Phoenix but whose credits include Transformers and Star Wars for Titan Comics.
Tickets for this event cost just £4 for under 18s, £8 adults. More details and booking information here.
So – let your imagination run wild in the Family Zone this October and create your own comic adventure!
• More about the Family Zone here
• The Lakes International Comic Art Festival “Family Zone” is sponsored by the Westmorland Shopping Centre, with additional support from Cumbria County Council South Lakeland Local Area Committee
• Tickets for the main events at this year’s Lakes International Comic Art Festival are on sale now
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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.
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