Kieron Gillen, Si Spurrier debate “What Is A Superhero?” at Comica

By John Freeman on October 31, 2013

Art from Young Avengers © Marvel Comics

Supermen and Wonder Women are living amongst us, not only in comics, films, games and television, but as cosplay escapism, alternative personas, communities and lifestyles.

As part of this year’s Comica Festival in London, Alex Fitch will be discussing with comic book writers Kieron Gillen (Iron Man) and Si Spurrier (X-Men: Legacy), joining expert academics and contributors to the new survey What Is A Superhero? from Oxford University Press, Richard Reynolds (Superheroes: A Modern Mythology) and Will Brooker (Batman Unmasked), to analyse the definitions, appeal and relevance of superheroes today.

• What Is A Superhero? 6.15 for 6.30-8.30pm, Friday 1st November Foyles Bookshop, 3rd Floor Gallery, WC2H 0EB. More info at www.comicafestival.com/index.php/festival/festival_detail/what_is_a_superhero

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.