Leam Comic Con returns next month

By John Freeman on September 9, 2019

Five is the magic number for Leamington Spa’s comic book convention, Leam Comic Con, as the independently run show gears up for its fifth annual show to take place on Saturday 5th of October at All Saints Parish Church.

The comics-focused show, which promotes independent creators and publishers alongside mainstream guests, has been keeping comic con about comics since it burst unexpectedly onto the convention scene in 2014, and will again offer attendees the chance to meet writers and artists for 2000AD, Hellblazer, Lucifer, Comics Laureate Hannah Berry and more.

Show Creator, Dan Mallier, said: “Leam Comic Con continues to champion comics, creativity and community, but none of it would have been possible without our early supporters who crowdfunded the show into existence.”

Meet two of the creators of Rok of The Reds

Guests this year include comic-book legends Jamie Delano (Hellblazer, 2000AD, Doctor Who) and John Wagner (Judge Dredd, Strontium Dog, Robo-Hunter, A History of Violence and Rok of The Reds and the sequel, Rok the God) Mike Carey (Hellblazer, Lucifer, X-Men, 2000AD), Kev Hopgood (Zoids, 2000AD, Action Force and co-creator of characters War Machine and HulkBuster), Dan Cornwell (2000AD, Rok of The Reds, Rok the God), The Etherington Brothers (How To Think When You Draw, The Phoenix Comic), The Awesome Comics Podcast team and current Comics Laureate, Hannah Berry.

The origin of Leam Comic Con began when 74 comic book fans donated £1,796 to fund the first show, which was later acknowledged as a local cultural asset winning the ‘Outstanding Achievement’ accolade at the 2015 Leamington Business Awards.

Hannah Berry the UK’s current and first Comics Laureate will also be in attendance. The job is described as an “ambassadorial and educational role” for the comic genre, intended to raise awareness of the impact comics can have on literacy and creativity.

For the last five years, Leam Comic Con has delivered a unique, fun-filled day for comic-book fans and families. More than 4,500 people have attended a show and its organisers have given away 5,000+ comics to inspire a new generation of comic fans.

While big names in the comic book industry help attract crowds, Leam Comic Con continues to support independent creators and publishers, giving them an affordable platform to raise the profile of their work with 80% of tables reserved for ‘small press’.

Mr Mallier added: “We’ve seen over 20 small press comics launched at our shows. There’s no room for egos. Whether you’re a well-known name or indie creator, it’s your talent and approachable manner that ultimately depicts your success at our show.”

Leam Comic Con is a family-friendly show with its organisers choosing not to charge parents for tickets for children under the age of 13. Over the past five years 1,500 free Children’s tickets have been snapped up so young ones can enjoy the show, creative workshops and meet superheroes without breaking the bank of mum and dad.

Doors for the 2019 show will open at 10.00am for advance ticket holders. The general public can pay on the door from 11:00am with last admission at 4:00pm before the doors close at 5:00pm. Adult tickets cost £8 in advance. Children under 13 are free with a paying adult. Concessions are charged at £5 and registered carers are free.

If you want to help Leam Comic Con remain a permanent fixture in the convention calendar, please support the show by buying an advance ticket and telling others about the event.

• For more information and tickets visit www.leamcomiccon.co.uk | Facebook Event Page

About the Author
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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.

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