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Just Paper and Ink exhibition opens in Hull, in run up to local comic con

By John Freeman on July 5, 2023

A comics-centred exhibition, Just Paper and Ink is currently running at The Space, a pop-up space within the Prospect Centre Shopping Centre in Hull, curated by comic creators Sean Azzopardi and Gareth Sleightholme.

Aligning with Hull Comic Con on Saturday 15th July, the exhibition includes comic pages and framed works, and aims to demonstrate comics created by a variety of cartoonists, with a strong presence of local creators.

Alongside the comic art are a number of educational visuals, references and quotes, that aim to give the most casual of visitor a gentle introduction to the magnificent world of comics.

Concept artist and comic creator Gareth Sleightholme will be in residence for the duration of the exhibition, working on his own comics and is happy to talk about the work on display to Prospect Centre visitors, also the location of Hull’s Forbidden Planet store.

Just Paper & Ink Exhibition 2023 - The Space, Prospect Centre, Hull — *Some of the art on display as part of Just Paper & Ink, and Gareth Sleighthome at work*

“It’s already creating a buzz, visitors have been commenting on how great it is,” Sean tells downthetubes. “We can’t disagree!”

“It’s great seeing people taking notes, and social media links to follow creators, an asking interesting questions about the work,” says Gareth, “and asking about the process of making comics.”

• Just Paper and Ink runs until 22nd July 2023 at The Space, Prospect Shopping Centre, Brook Street, Kingston-upon-Hull HU2 8PP | Exhibition information at instagram.com/Hull.comics

Exhibitors: Ian Ashcroft, Sean Azzopardi, Gareth Brookes, Mike Donaldson, Ella Dorton, Michelle Freeman, Sarah Gordon, Sally-Anne Hickman, Gareth Hopkins, Jake Machen, Shane Melisse, Douglas Noble, Paul Rainey, Abbie Rial, Gareth Sleightholme, Mark Stafford, Damian Street, Olivia Sullivan, Bob Turner, Dan White, Lilly Williams

• Hull Comic Con 2023 takes place from 10.00am – 5.00pm Saturday 15th July 2023 at Princes Quay, Waterhouse Lane, Hull | Web: hullcomiccon.com

Now in its eighth year, Hull’s biggest family comic con event is back at a brand new city centre location, offering comics, cosplay, traders, props, a range of guests – including comic creators, and more.

Comic guests include Lee Bradley, Dave Hingley, Nigel Parkinson and Gareth Sleightholme.

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.