Outside of bigger comic publishers such as Marvel and DC in the USor Titan and Rebellion in the UK, what are the realities of actually creating comics as an independent publisher?
The question will be explored at ‘The Comics Summit‘, taking place in July in Birmingham, a brand-new event set up by creators, for creators, that will examine the joys and pitfalls of making comics on an independent level for professionals and amateurs alike.
Jon Lock, of the Cheltenham-based Big Punch Studios, which publishes well-known independent titles Afterlife Inc., 7STRING and Extraversal, has organised the event to address the challenges affecting an often under-represented industry.
“The Comics Summit is an opportunity for creators to come together, outside of a convention setting to share ideas, tips and tricks and to start a discussion about our community,” he explains. “We hope that the Comics Summit will be a chance for creators to talk in a relaxed setting and share good practice so that we can better do the things we love.”
The Summit will be held at Comics Uncovered, a not-for-profit event for aspiring and professional comic creators, featuring seminars, workshops and masterclasses from top creators at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre on 7-8 July.
• For more information, visit https://comicssummit. wordpress.com
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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.
Categories: British Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events
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