MCM Expo organisers have announced a host of initiatives to ensure that their shows, which include a wide range of comics offerings, are bigger, better and more fun than ever, starting with the next London MCM Expo at Excel in October.

Not only will the London MCM Expo now run over three days (29th-31st October), but October’s show will play host to the inaugural MCM Awards, where the movies, videogames, television programmes, anime, manga, comics and novels voted as the year’s best by the online Expo community will be publicly recognised.

London MCM Expo will also see the launch of the new Totally Cosplay zone; a dedicated area devoted to everything cosplay, including competitions, panels, workshops and a dedicated stage. As well as the much-loved Cosplay Masquerade, October’s show will host the finals of EuroCosplay 2010, where heat winners will compete for the ultimate cosplay crown.

The organisers have also announced steps to make the MCM Events even more accessible for the ever-growing MCM community. October’s London MCM Expo will feature the MCM Fringe Festival, giving our community the chance to promote meetings, gatherings, photo shoots, games and any fun activity for people to join. In addition, today sees the launch of new streamlined event websites to provide Expo visitors with improved news and information on upcoming events.

Last but by no means least, July 2011 will see a new MCM Expo for the North of England. Taking place on 30th July 2011 at Manchester Central, formerly known as G-MEX – an award-winning venue in the heart of the city – the Manchester MCM Expo will give visitors the chance to meet their favourite movie stars, TV personalities and sporting heroes; play the latest videogames; check out a host of memorabilia stalls and exhibitors and enjoy a wide range of attractions including Totally Cosplay and the Manga Art Competition.

• For London MCM Expo information, visit the new website at: www.londonexpo.com

• For Manchester MCM Expo information, visit our new website at: www.manchestermcmexpo.com

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.

Categories: Events

Tags: Cosplay, Events British Comics, Events Manchester, MCM Expo