Many people have broken into the comic industry after attending the Birmingham event Comics Uncovered, which returns to the city this July. But breaking in is just part of the journey to a successful career in comics.

“What Happens Next” is the question that the event’s latest confirmed guest speaker, artist Ian Richardson, (2000AD, Zenescope) will be answering for artists at this year’s Conference.

“Ian will be giving his talk on both days to ensure everyone gets a chance to attend it,” says event organiser Shane Chebsey, “between their portfolio reviews with DC Comics and Dark Horse Comics.”

Ian Richardson is a local Birmingham comic book artist and illustrator, whose CV includes working for publishers such as Dark Horse Comics, Zenescope, 2000AD, Marvel UK, Image Comics, G.I. Joe Collectors Magazine and many others.

He’s currently working on cover art for many different series at Zenescope Entertainment, plus all art for the soon to be released series The Unthinkables from Guardian Knight/Antarctic Press.

You can find Ian’s art featured within many series such as Red Agent and Grimm’s Fairy Tales from Zenescope Entertainment, “Judge Dredd” and “Sinister Dexter” in 2000AD and Judge Dredd Megazine, Halo from Dark Horse Comics, and Noble Causes from Image Comics.

Other speakers at this event, aimed at aspiring and professional comic creators include Jim Chadwick, Senior Editor at DC Comics; artist John McCrea, who’s well known and highly respected for his work training new creators; Chris Warner, and Senior Editor at Dark Horse Comics.

• Comics Uncovered 7th – 8th July Birmingham Conference and Exhibition Centre, Hill Street, Birmingham. Secure your place at the conference at: www.comicsuncovered.co.uk

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. Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Star Trek Explorer (previously known as Star Trek 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: Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events

Tags: Chris Warner, Comics Uncovered, downthetubes News, Ian Richardson, Jim Chadwick, JOHN n McCrea, Shane Chebsey