Bristol Comics Expo

[Dandontdare]

Had  a great time, spent too much and drank too much. In fact, I overdid it so much on Friday I was semi-hungover and a bit out of sorts for the rest of the weekend, and didn't attend half the events I was planning to (apologies to Richmond for not making it to his Sunday 4pm panel as promised - a difficult time to get bums on seats, but I was wiped out by then, I could've found work as a life model for the next big zombie comic). Not helped by the fact that my B&B was over a pub and takeaway in the gay village part of town, so very little sleep even at 5am when the clubs were chucking out.

Met loads of boarders old and new, but also missed quite a few, which was a shame (and spoke to one or two whose names I didn't catch - I'm hoping for lots of captioned photos so I can play "Oh THAT's who that guy was...!"). Saw some shots from the last Minty shoot, with Commando Forces giving it 110% as ever.

The 2000ad panel was interesting, at least the few bits I could actually hear from the back (Al Ewing basically - he's a man who knows how to project!). I think Molch-R mentioned they were going to award THREE Krill Tro Thargos later in the year to fans who've gone above and boyond the call of duty, and his sample (made from melted down droids with a bit of sticky tape on to cover up the name) looked impressive.

Stacey's "small press superhero" panel was a lot of fun, (and a capacity crowd) although at times it became a group therapy session for emotionally damaged creators. And crivvens , did she look glam in her posh frock on Saturday night! Eurovison proved surprisingly popular (I blame Lady Festina), but as folks have said, bar prices in the Ramada were extortionate - there were many hipflasks and handbag-bottles about, but they'll still make a huge profit from overpriced mixers.

Hardly took any photos, but I'll post a few later.

Oh, and I must confirm that Mike Carrol's sparkly Batman top makes him look 100% heterosexual. Honest.

[mygrimmbrother]

Redondo + Future Shock = solid gold! Great news.

Sounds like I missed a good 'un, at least as far as the socialising went. Make sure y'all build up some stamina between now and Birmingham 

[TordelBack]

... unless it's absolutely necessary I will never again use that horrible airline!

Oh you'll be back.  We all go back, and O'Leary knows it.

[Emperor]

Thanks to everyone for the tip off about the 2000AD sketch book, I had missed it despite it being here:
http://shop.2000adonline.com/products/the_2000_ad_official_art_droid_sketchbook

Had a weird dream last night that Bisley was some hulk-type creature on a rampage... I don't think that's a million miles from reality.

I (and I think Molch-R) were standing a little to close to someone with a tray of drinks when Bisley rampaged into them. He was last seen being herded into a lift by Bluemeanie and Iz - presumably in their new role as Hulkbusters (presumably somewhere in the basement they have special reinforced restraints bonded into the hotel's foundations where they keep him overnight).

And to all Small Press/Creator Owned (I went to the panel) folks! You've paid for the table, you've lugged the produce across the country, you've lovingly set it out, why not engage with the public in an attempt to sell what you've put so much effort into?

I can't think I encountered that, but it might be I didn't really give them a chance. As I follow the news on British small press and independent comics I was already aware of most of the comics I bought (the weekend partly involved picking up all the things I've meant to buy for years), so that gave me a foot in the door conversation wise and so I was able to talk at them for a while - I feel especially sorry for Andy Winters and everyone at Self Made Hero for starters. That said, a lot of people did try and engage passersby like myself with the various offers

But I was busy trying to engage my sellers! It was my first so I think I was guilty of not being forceful enough. But I did chat to everyone who was browsing!

You also tried to sell a copy of Dr WTF to someone buying the Dogbreath with James' Sun and Moon cover, it's all about spotting your angle.

[Emperor]

Another regret:

• No DarkJimbo - CFM and I will be working to rectify that next year (even if it involves a sack and some chloroform - and that is just for me, once I'm properly giddy we'll bundle him into the boot of a car).

I met the fucking Emperor yo!

And I met Stacey fucking Whittle!!

I learned that Rob Williams has the cold dead eyes of a serial killer (alledgedly)

He also had the cold, hard cash of the Eurovision Song Contest sweepstake (oddly it was somehow my idea in the first place, but I blame Lady F's Derren Brown-style mindbending).

Lew Stringer's report:

http://lewstringer.blogspot.com/2011/05/another-enjoyable-expo-in-bristol.html

[Graham Pearce]

Stacey's "small press superhero" panel was a lot of fun, (and a capacity crowd) although at times it became a group therapy session for emotionally damaged creators.

"Hello, my name is Graham and I am a small press creator"..

[Trout]

Mr Rennie was pointed out to me but I knew I was just going to be embarrassing about my love for White Trash so I bottled it.

That's a terrible shame. Next time, make sure you go into full hero worship mode and get him to sign your testicles.

Gordon loves comic fans.

- Trout

[Emperor]

And one of the first things that happened when I turned up was that I was given this:

http://crazyfoxmachine.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d3cwibn

Other weekend highlights include finding Greg Staples little sketchpad (and yes I returned it to him as soon as someone was able to identify the artist). Earlier, also in the bar, I had the pleasure of watching him drawing an A4 Judge Death - it was awfully impressive and if the guy who asked him to do it is around do post a scan.

[Emperor]

I sold a good few of my comic ZOOAD! which I am quite chuffed with as it wasn't revealed until saturday morning.

I don't know where the Dave and CrazyFoxMachine roadshow will next be turning up, but be sure to get a copy from him. Once Bolt told me he opened the comic and instantly had to shut it again because it was so wrong (I believe he'd stumbled across Nikolai Trousersnake) it was guaranteed to be the first thing I read when I had the chance and it didn't disappoint. Also be sure to remind him that it is customary for people with 2000AD fanzines to send a copy to Tharg.

Ian Culbard who is a gent and no mistake.

He was indeed. He did a lovely sketch in the Lovecraft anthology I bought there and the Mountains of Madness book I'd bought previously. I'll try to get some photos of those later.

due to meeting the Emperor again I can now read his posts and hear how he's say the words, too!

Loudly and a lot.

Nick Dyer was at the FQP/Zarjaz table for both days sketching, nay illustrating for all who asked. What a man!

Be sure to post them up as there were some real beauties.

[Bolt-01]

Please remember- the Trout is Evil-

But very funny, too. Nice to have you around oh Rancid Regent...

[Kerrin]

Here's the fantastic Fatty sketch that Nick Dyer did for me. Such a nice guy but way too hard on himself, Nick, you're bloody good mate!





My phone photo doesn't really do it justice to be honest.

[Kerrin]

We seem to have two Bristol threads so I'll post this here as well. Brilliant Fatty sketch from the magnificent Nick Dyer...





Chuffed to bits with that. Nick was doing some phenomenal sketches and I saw a superb Johnny Alpha and the beginnings of a Hammerstein too. Post them up peoples!

[davethomson]

Also be sure to remind him that it is customary for people with 2000AD fanzines to send a copy to Tharg.

Thanks for reminding me, Emperor. I'll dig up an address and send a few Thargs way. I'm planning on uploading the whole thing online at some point so everyone can enjoy my rather savage parody.

I'm glad that it was well received, there is so much in 2000AD ripe for parody that I had to leave tonnes of stuff out due to the breakneck pace the whole thing was put together in. Might have to make another one, unless Thargs lawyerbots pay me a visit with their blowtorches and claw hammers!

Crazyfoxmachine got some awesome sketches, especially from Kev Crossley. I hope he uploads some of them!

Also, I must remember to thank Mike Carrol for making that lovely Judge Dredd font which I used and shamefully forget to credit him for. Thanks, Mike!

[Proudhuff]

And as nobody else has, can I start off the round of applause for the true star of Saturday night... Whittles cleavage   

Photos damn it, photos! 

[Dandontdare]

Stacey's "small press superhero" panel was a lot of fun, (and a capacity crowd) although at times it became a group therapy session for emotionally damaged creators.

"Hello, my name is Graham and I am a small press creator"..

Forgot to mention, Graham kindly signd a copy of his comic for my workmate (the real) Mike Battle - I gave it him today and he's dead chuffed. he's going to take it home for his dad too, as he's called Mike Battle too!

And I'm enjoying the collected boomk too!