Inkblot, an indie comics festival comes to Manchester this Saturday

By John Freeman on February 22, 2024

Inkblot, an indie comics festival, lands at the St Thomas Centre in Manchester this Saturday, 24th February 2024. The team behind the event describe it as an occasion “where creativity and originality come together under one roof”, offering a day full of comics, art, prints, and more.

We’ve only belatedly learned of this event, sponsored by Lazarus Comics and Meraki Comics, but this year’s exhibitor lineup includes Andy Williams, aka Andy the Illustrator, event organiser and creator of Lost Legends of Lazarus, Chris Askham, Blackwells Manchester, Luke Michael Copsey, writer and illustrator Andy J. Clarke, freelance Illustrator and concept artist Emilymeganxart, artist and storyteller Raluca Farcas, author AK Faulkner, author Matt Gantry, artist Hana Abstracts, the Manchester independent bookshop, cafe and events space House of Book and Friends, Nottingham-based comic publisher and global small press retailer Koguchi Press, Tim Kong, artist Sophie Lou, Mizer, Jenny Mure, artist Nona, Northwich Comic & Film Festival, Emily Omerod, Ewan Power (Power Comics), Regal, AP Spinks, the team behind Tallewellyn Comics, creators of Tempus Clade, and artist and illustrator Kevin Wells.

There are some fantastic manga-inspired artists in the lineup, well worth checking out via the links above.

“Our goal is to provide a platform for talented indie artists to showcase their amazing work while keeping costs low for both exhibitors and attendees,” say the team behind this event, which offers bargain price entry of £3 advance tickets, £3.50 on the door, noting the rising costs of event admissions on the event’s web page. “We’ve taken great care to calculate our expenses to ensure that everyone can have a fantastic experience without breaking the bank.

“We believe that art should be accessible to everyone, and we’re thrilled to work together to make that happen. Our passion lies in the world of old school storytelling and indie artists and comics, and we’re excited to help you discover stories and comics you might not have known before. So why not take a break from the everyday Marvel fest and dive into something new with us at the InkBlot Independent Creators Expo?”

• InkBlot 2024 Saturday 24th February 2024, St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green N, Manchester M12 6FZ | Advance Tickets £3 | Tickets on the door £3.50 | More information and advance tickets here | Instagram

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.