Image © Bryan Talbot and Lakes International Comic Art Festival

Seven Stories – the institution whose mission is to collect, champion and celebrate its children’s literature – has announced two events presented by publisher and comics expert Paul Gravett in April.

Both tie in with their excellent, ongoing “Comics” exhibition.

Paul Gravett: 21st Century Comics: Infinite Canvases

6.00 – 6.45pm 27th April 2018

Comics are being dramatically transformed in our new century. Graphic novels are addressing a huge range of subjects and genres, expanding into autobiography and documentary journalism. Manga from Japan and other Asian comics are influencing Western artists, introducing new storytelling and illustration techniques. Webcomics and other digital forms are liberating the medium from the printed page itself.

Paul Gravett guides you through these exciting developments in the reinvention of comics.

A 45 minute illustrated lecture for adults and young adults. £5 per person (all tickets). No Visitor Centre admission required

• More information here on the Seven Stories web site

Image © Matthew Loux & The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund

Paul Gravett: The Pleasures of Reading Comics

11.00 – 11.45 28th April 2018

In pictures and often with words, balloons and sound effects, the medium of comics is full of invention from page to page, from panel to panel.  From an early age, characters and stories can both enchant and educate us, helping us to develop our verbal and visual literacy.

Explore the diversity and originality of comics and discover their many forms and innovations with historian, curator and life-long comics-reader Paul Gravett.

A 45 minute event for all the family. £3 per person (all tickets). No Visitor Centre admission required.

• More information here on the Seven Stories web site

Seven Stories is the National Centre for Children’s Books. There is always lots to do – with unique exhibitions, engaging storytellers, visiting authors and fun activities for all ages.

• Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books, 30 Lime Street, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ | Web: sevenstories.org.uk | Tel: 0300 330 1095 ext 300 | Email: info@sevenstories.org.uk

With thanks to Jeremy Briggs

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: downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events

Tags: Creating Comics, downthetubes News, Paul Gravett, Seven Stories