John Wagner at Lawgiver 2014.

Award-winning comic-book convention – Leam Comic Con – returns on Saturday 14th April 2018 – and will bring comic-book royalty to the town.

Each year, the independently-run convention has upped its game and delivered a unique and fun-filled day for comic-book fans and families. This year, the convention has secured two huge names from the comic-book industry to attend – John Wagner an American-born, British comics writer best known for co-creating the iconic 2000AD character, Judge Dredd and Al Ewing, writer for both 2000AD and Marvel.

John has specially chosen to launch the collection of his latest project, Rok of The Reds, published by BHP Comics, at the show, giving Leam Comic Con 2018 attendees the chance to purchase copies (while stocks last) before it officially hits the shelves on Monday 16th April.

For those of you who haven’t seen our previous mentions for this, or numerous reviews praising it, Rok of The Reds is a story about football – the beautiful game – and aliens, written by John and Batman and Lobo favourite, Alan Grant and beautifully illustrated by Dan Cornwell and Abby Bulmer.

Aliens? Yes! It’s about the meeting of mighty extra-terrestrial Rok of Arkady and bad boy footballer Kyle Dixon.  When these two come together, it all kicks off – with explosive consequences…

Al Ewing began his career writing “Future Shocks” stories 2000AD and eventually moved on to regular stints on “Judge Dredd”. He wrote the Mighty Avengers and Loki: Agent of Asgard, and has more recently written New Avengers, U.S. Avengers, The Ultimates and Rocket and Royals for Marvel Comics.

“We’re beyond excited about returning to the Town and very proud of our 2018 line-up,” enthuses Dan Mallier, event co-organiser.

“Leam Comic Con is about keeping comic conventions about comics and this year we have everything from comic-book royalty to an unbelievably talented array of small press creators showcasing their work.”

Set up by husband and wife team Dan and Lisa-Marie Mallier, Leam Comic Con began its journey in February 2014, following a successful crowd funding campaign. The mission was to deliver a small, but perfectly formed convention focused on comic-books, giving attendees and the people of Leamington Spa the opportunity to engage with national and local comic-book writers, illustrators and traders of pop-culture memorabilia.

As well as attracting big name guests, the convention works hard to provide a platform for small press publishers to showcase their work.

In 2015 Leam Comic Con was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award by Leamington Business Awards, acknowledging the event and its organisers put on something truly unique and special for the Town, which attracted visitors from all over the UK.

This year’s event will once again host a Cosplay Competition to find the best dressed adult (over 16) and child (16 and under) with a chance to win a Leam Comic Con trophy. Children under 13 are still free to attend with a paying adult and can take advantage of free colouring-in stations and workshops with comic-book artists.

Al Ewing

• Leamington Comic Con Saturday 14th April 2018, All Saints Parish Church, Leamington Spa. Doors open at 10.00am for advance ticket holders and the general-public can pay on the door from 11:00am. Last admission is 4:00pm with the doors closing at 5.00pm. Tickets cost £8 for adults, £6 for concessions and are free for children under 13.

• Tickets are sale online until 13th April 2018. Kids under 13 still go free! For more information and tickets visit www.spatowncomics.co.uk/leamcomiccon | Facebook |Twitter @leamcomiccon | Instagram @leamcomiccon

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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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Categories: downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events

Tags: Al Ewing, downthetubes News, John Wagner, Leam Comic Con, Leamington Spa