Thought Bubble 2020 (https://www.thoughtbubblefestival.com/)
This year the gig will be 14th & 15th November, and staying in Harrogate!
First wave of guests announced, including Joe Hill.
How was the new location last year? I missed going to a con last years and always loved Thought Bubble in Leeds. Trouble in now in a conference centre in Harrogate it just feels like any other event to me? Though those who were there last year may feel otherwise?
It definitely felt different (unsurprisingly)
As far as I could work out there was just the one entrance/exit (at least that I saw) which made nipping in and out more effort than in Leeds.
Venue itself is of the big sports hall type (or three connected ones for the main con)
I didn't get the chance to go to any panels, so can't comment on those - Harrogate itself was a lot quieter than Leeds.
I still miss the Royal Armouries, but there wasn't the problem with bag checks and big gaps between venues that Leeds City Centre had.
My main complaint was that the PA was pretty hard to hear.
There was a PA?
Yeah, the PA was not brilliant.
I found the new venue ace. We were in the 'middle' hall, so had a colossal throughput of attendees heading to and from places.
Harrogate itself was grand, too.
I've already booked the hotel for the weekend to get a decent price.
I've booked myself into the Old Swan again.
filippo
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 24 January, 2020, 08:43:03 AM
I've already booked the hotel for the weekend to get a decent price.
Leonia and I have been debating whether to go this year -- we've never been to Thought Bubble before -- but if you're going to be there, we're definitely going!
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 24 January, 2020, 08:43:03 AM
I found the new venue ace. We were in the 'middle' hall, so had a colossal throughput of attendees heading to and from places.
Harrogate itself was grand, too.
I've been to a couple of the Leeds ones in years gone by and always found it a bit bewildering with stuff spread out all over the place, but Harrogate was engagingly compact with agreeable boozers and restaurants within very short walking distance of the convention and stuffed to the rafters with friendly comics folks.
Pub find of the weekend went to Pete Wells, who managed to find one whose food offering consisted entirely of pies, pasties and sausage rolls — basically a Greggs that served beer. :-)
Quote from: Mike Carroll on 24 January, 2020, 02:37:55 PM
Leonia and I have been debating whether to go this year -- we've never been to Thought Bubble before -- but if you're going to be there, we're definitely going!
I've been telling the organisers to ask you over for the last three years, so this is wonderful news. Myself and Izzy will be there from the Friday to the Sunday.
Yeah, I really enjoyed it (my first TB) and plan to be back for more this year. Panels I attended were great fun too.
Train journey from Calhab was a bit of a faff but meant I could also drink in the aforementioned Greggs with Beer.
Applications for 2020 are open:
https://www.thoughtbubblefestival.com/exhibit (https://www.thoughtbubblefestival.com/exhibit)
I enjoyed the one I attended in Leeds, need to looks at the diary now!
Any hotel recommendations: near by? Cheap? by a Greggs? decent spoon policy in the bar?
I went through booking.com but I think that pretty much anywhere in Harrogate is within walking distance of the gig.
I've booked at the St George, just across the road.
Quote from: Proudhuff on 28 January, 2020, 10:53:11 AM
Any hotel recommendations: near by? Cheap? by a Greggs? decent spoon policy in the bar?
DON'T.
TOUCH.
THE.
SPOON!
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 28 January, 2020, 11:30:27 AM
I went through booking.com but I think that pretty much anywhere in Harrogate is within walking distance of the gig.
I've booked at the St George, just across the road.
Cheers Bolt, never been to Harrogate, but half an hour from York sounds doable.
I'll take my own spoon :-X
And I'm in! :D
have booked a hotel and will shortly get my ticket. Will bring a chum, so may not be available for all spoon twisting related activities...
Silly question, but does anyone if this is still likely to be on?
Especially considering the Nightingale hospital is in there at the moment....
Quote from: Large48 on 09 May, 2020, 04:48:45 PM
Silly question, but does anyone if this is still likely to be on?
Especially considering the Nightingale hospital is in there at the moment....
They sent an email out to exhibitors a few weeks ago saying the plan is still for it to go ahead but, if not, they have an alternative plan in place that will involve rescheduling.
Personally, I'll be surprised if it goes ahead. It will probably be able to by then but I'm not sure how many people would be willing to go to an event that size come November.
Quote from: MacabreMagpie on 11 May, 2020, 07:47:29 AM
Personally, I'll be surprised if it goes ahead. It will probably be able to by then but I'm not sure how many people would be willing to go to an event that size come November.
I certainly have no intention of going to any event involving a large number of people in a confined space for the rest of the year.
Aren't they doing something online now? Unbelievably I'm attached to a con that's convinced it'll still be happening in September. I have some very serious doubts. (Even though con looks amazing)
Just ask Boris, I'm sure he'll have thought it through....
Quote from: pauljholden on 11 May, 2020, 06:04:20 PM
Aren't they doing something online now? Unbelievably I'm attached to a con that's convinced it'll still be happening in September. I have some very serious doubts. (Even though con looks amazing)
Are they really convinced it'll be happening, or do they have to say that otherwise they'll lose their insurance cover? I know in some countries if they cancel it themselves then all liabilities are theirs but if the government causes it to be cancelled then they don't go bankrupt.
Quote from: Proudhuff on 12 May, 2020, 05:19:06 PM
Just ask Boris, I'm sure he'll have thought it through....
Well look he's sorted out tennis, golf and fishing already for us, we'll just have to wait patiently until 'being a nerd' gets to the top of his to do list. Its a long list and will probably have to take its place below philandering and illegal arms deals to Saudi Arabi...
...
QuoteTyrone, you know how much I love watching you work. But I've got my country's 500th anniversary to plan, my wedding to arrange, my wife to murder, and Guilder to frame for it. I'm swamped.
apart for Thought Bubble, would the art & pitch comp go ahead???
Well miffed this morning here in FQP con-apts. The hotel I'd booked for myself and Nano-bolt has up and cancelled the weekend. Leaving me wondering whether or not to book at another venue.
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 19 June, 2020, 08:21:57 AM
Well miffed this morning here in FQP con-apts. The hotel I'd booked for myself and Nano-bolt has up and cancelled the weekend. Leaving me wondering whether or not to book at another venue.
Im sort of hoping my hotel does the same as its non-refundable if I cancel it... 😂
Yeah, from talking to other creators I'm sure sure how many people will be comfortable attending. I don't expect I'll be there, though still have a few months to cancel my table so can wait and see how things go
You'd suspect if it did go ahead it would be a very changed event - though who knows with the government determined to get the economy going?
Heck by November we may even have a contact tracker up and running... maybe...
Bloody bloody bloody hell.
https://www.thoughtbubblefestival.com/announcement (https://www.thoughtbubblefestival.com/announcement)
I'm not surprised, but I am genuinely saddened by this - 2020 just got that bit worse.
Its not much of a surprise alas. Has this just been annouced as I didn't notice it when I pottered across this morning off the back of your post?
Yeah - I've just had the email from them. The team at TB have asked if this could be actively shared.
I'm not really surprised (in fact, I thought this had already happened) - I can't see myself going to any cons gigs or festivals this year even if the rules allow them.
Shame though - just looking forward to Lawless and TB 2021
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 19 June, 2020, 08:35:43 AM
You'd suspect if it did go ahead it would be a very changed event - though who knows with the government determined to get the economy going?
Heck by November we may even have a contact tracker up and running... maybe...
not looking likely
Well, If Covid hadn't happened I'd be on the road now to Thought Bubble 2020.
Nano-Bolt would have been starting her fourth year on team red-shirt and I would have been looking forward to meeting friends, many of whom I only see at this event. Heck, this year we were looking forward to spending quality time with Mr Mike Carroll and his lovely wife.
Here's to Thought Bubble - the finest convention in the country, and here's to next year!
Thought about thought bubble, changed my mind,
Then thought some more.
Hard work all this thinking.. Usually find drinking, helps to stop the thinking.
Keep on Drokking..
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 13 November, 2020, 06:44:13 PM
Well, If Covid hadn't happened I'd be on the road now to Thought Bubble 2020.
Nano-Bolt would have been starting her fourth year on team red-shirt and I would have been looking forward to meeting friends, many of whom I only see at this event. Heck, this year we were looking forward to spending quality time with Mr Mike Carroll and his lovely wife.
Here's to Thought Bubble - the finest convention in the country, and here's to next year!
So sad reading that...
Quote from: Proudhuff on 14 July, 2021, 01:08:54 PM
So sad reading that...
The very last emails I exchanged with Dave ended with us promising to meet up at Thought Bubble if it went ahead this year. Dammit, Dave.
Thought Bubble have now dropped Frank Miller from attending this year after several other guests decided to boycott the event due to his anti-muslim comments
https://www.comicon.com/2021/07/28/frank-miller-cancelled-and-no-longer-coming-to-thought-bubble/
Arguably the greatest living comic creator...kicked out of a comic convention.
You couldn't make it up.
Quote from: Link Prime on 29 July, 2021, 09:59:43 PM
Arguably the greatest living comic creator...kicked out of a comic convention.
You couldn't make it up.
There are many, many different ways of looking at this and this is one of the extremes of that spectrum.
I've not read Holy Terror and have no intention of doing so and therefore need to be a little careful about what I say in direct relation to that. What I state here is therefore a reflection on some of the things I have read rather than person reflection. The other end of the spectrum is.
Once great comic artist / writer who hasn't produced anything good in years has withdrawn (been asked to withdraw?) from comic con on the basis that other folks attending choose not to attend if he was due to vile anti-islamic book he produced, for which he has never properly apologised and which he still allows to be sold.
There will be a LOT of views inbetween.
Quote from: Link Prime on 29 July, 2021, 09:59:43 PM
Arguably the greatest living comic creator...kicked out of a comic convention.
Some muslim attendees expressed concern about not only Miller's virulently anti-Islamic work, but more importantly, that they were uncomfortable about the kind of crowd he might draw given the nature of that work. One person who expressed this view was then hounded off Twitter by a torrent of racist abuse, which kind of illustrates the point.
It's possible to appreciate the work of The Smiths and still not want to invite Morrisey to your party because he's a racist bellend these days. Same thing.
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 30 July, 2021, 07:02:52 AM
kind of crowd he might draw
Comics fans?
Frank Miller fans? Bizarre viewpoint, I gotta say.
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 30 July, 2021, 06:51:28 AM
There will be a LOT of views inbetween.
I'd consider myself an even handed individual, so looked into the topic a bit more this morning over a bowl of Cheerios. Quite an unpleasant breakfast.
My concluding and intractable take - it's all a load of utter, utter nonsense.
Quote from: Link Prime on 30 July, 2021, 09:13:12 AM
Comics fans? Frank Miller fans? Bizarre viewpoint, I gotta say.
No.
Obviously. The kind of far right arsehole he courted with his Holy Terror schtick and then subsequent pronouncements on wishy-washy leftists and what he'd like to do to them.
I'm sure
you're not worried about what about that kind of person would do to
you, but I'm assuming you're in line with this forum's overwhelming demographic: white, midde-aged men. If not, I apologise but if so, just try to imagine what it feels like to be in a minority in the current political climate, and then add in attending a con where the main attraction is a comic creator who's made himself a lightning rod for all kinds of far right whackjobs.
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 30 July, 2021, 10:40:41 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 30 July, 2021, 09:13:12 AM
Comics fans? Frank Miller fans? Bizarre viewpoint, I gotta say.
No. Obviously.
What's obvious, to me, would be the assumption that 99.99% of genre fans queuing up for the rare chance to meet Frank Miller in a comic convention would be perfectly well adjusted "normal" people of all backgrounds, only interested in meeting a literal icon of the medium.
The 0.01% chance of some bellend being a bellend would likely have the same prospect of occurring in your local Tesco.
I'm talking about the real world here, where decorum and law are generally respected publicly, not referring to the kind of cowardly guff that's spouted online.
As an aside, the proportion of Miller fans who have purchased or even read 'Holy Terror' (I haven't personally, so can't pass comment) could probably be considered a rounding error.
Feel free to disagree of course, but I'll stand by my opinion on this one - the entire subject is utter nonsense.
Quote from: Link Prime on 30 July, 2021, 04:28:22 PM
What's obvious, to me, would be the assumption that 99.99% of genre fans ... would be perfectly well adjusted "normal" people...
(https://media2.giphy.com/media/LGnMrMYRI2jHW/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e473u650alttijr0cyv09sy9w8vjai926t3xculr3wd&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
Quote from: Link Prime on 30 July, 2021, 04:28:22 PM
Feel free to disagree of course, but I'll stand by my opinion on this one - the entire subject is utter nonsense.
I love the way you snipped the rest of my post to avoid having to respond to my main point about having some empathy with people whose experience is likely very different to yours.
Your Tesco analogy is utterly flawed as well. It's not like "you might run into a racist down at Tesco", it's, say, "would you, as a visibly non-'English' person feel comfortable going to your local Tesco on the day that they're having Nigel Farage signing his latest book there?"
But, no, if you want to tell muslim attendees that they're being silly about voicing concern over the highest profile guest at a con being someone who's voiced virulently anti-Islamic sentiment (and a whole lot of other very right wing stuff into the bargain)... you go right ahead.
Quote from: Link Prime on 29 July, 2021, 09:59:43 PM
Arguably the greatest living comic creator...kicked out of a comic convention.
You couldn't make it up.
I'd just like to confirm, in case anyone was worried by this post, that Alan Moore is still alive.
I repeat:
Send for the Ale-Wing Droid... ;)
(As a stand-in and nothing to do with the discussion above)
I've been able to enjoy The Dark Knight Returns, Elektra: Assassin and Give Me Liberty - each when they were originally published, but I'm not going to spend any new money on Frank Miller's output unless he makes a robust apology for what he's already admitted was out of line. Anyone can make a mistake, but when they effectively stand by it - what are people to think of them?
His peers have said they don't want to share a platform with him. That's not anyone's fault but his own.
---
I noticed a thematically linked news story today about a famous actor stating that they've stopped using a homophobic slur after it was explained to them why it was problematic. A lot of the response has been along the lines of "he should have known!", but I figure - c'mon - you have to let people change for the better, otherwise what are we doing?
A quick q to any TB veterans - is there a recommendation for somewhere to stay?
I'd like to attend Thought Bubble 2021 but hotels I've looked at seem to be crazily expensive, possibly because they're all booked up by other comic geeks. If not I'm sure I can sort it out, just thought it worth asking.
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 02 September, 2021, 02:48:57 PM
A quick q to any TB veterans - is there a recommendation for somewhere to stay?
I'd like to attend Thought Bubble 2021 but hotels I've looked at seem to be crazily expensive, possibly because they're all booked up by other comic geeks. If not I'm sure I can sort it out, just thought it worth asking.
Oh wow glad you pointed that out. I haven't got off my arse to sort this but can see that was a mistake. There are still place in a Premiere Inn 2 miles from the convention centre for about £80. Anything in the centre of is looking like double that... hmmm have to put my thinking cap on this one...
Don't forget to get tickets as well.....
Easily done!!!
Oh no, now I am competing with Colin for hotel space!
I'll have a look and if I find something dude, I'll let you know.
Really wasn't sure if I'd be going this year, what with Covid and Dave's passing, or if it'd even be on, but I've been nowhere for 18months so I'm in.
Train, tickets and hotel booked - best I could find was £99 p/n 10 min walk from the centre. See youse bastards in the pub Friday night!
I'm booked up Hotel and tickets, need to get sorting out the train now I have my senior rail card :)
Thought things were a bit 2k light, but there seems to be a steady growing stable of droids, even one or two Yanks worth visiting. Shaping up nicely, still will be so strange without Dave at his table.
Barring something really horrendous happening with the covid numbers or a horrific new variant, I should be at TB this year. Not in any official droid-y capacity, just wandering around as a punter. If you spot an ageing goth in big boots and a black hat, that'll almost certainly be me.
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 27 September, 2021, 01:12:17 PM
Barring something really horrendous happening with the covid numbers or a horrific new variant, I should be at TB this year. Not in any official droid-y capacity, just wandering around as a punter. If you spot an ageing goth in big boots and a black hat, that'll almost certainly be me.
Free Hugs this year?
Quote from: Proudhuff on 29 September, 2021, 12:28:32 PM
Free Hugs this year?
Two metres, mofo! Possible polite handshakes for the double-vaccinated.
Sat down and locked BnB, Trains, and con tickets in in one go. £190 all in is actually incredibly cheap and I'm super excited to see the TB crew again after far too many years having to sit it out.
Two more days lads....
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 27 September, 2021, 01:12:17 PM
Barring something really horrendous happening with the covid numbers or a horrific new variant, I should be at TB this year. Not in any official droid-y capacity, just wandering around as a punter. If you spot an ageing goth in big boots and a black hat, that'll almost certainly be me.
"If you spot an ageing goth in big boots and a black hat, that'll almost certainly be me." not sure that's going to narrow it down much with the 2K crew..... :-)
Quote from: Large48 on 11 November, 2021, 01:53:48 PM
"If you spot an ageing goth in big boots and a black hat, that'll almost certainly be me." not sure that's going to narrow it down much with the 2K crew..... :-)
Oh, trust me — I am officially the Gothest Man In Comics™. My hat is blacker and my boots bigger than any of the pretenders to the crown. :-)
Well I enjoyed that. Sad that there was no 2000ad official presence though.
I had wondered that, a shame but as they've been a pillar of the event since pretty much day one i'd be surprised if its a forever change.
Fingers crossed the toothy crew will return next year.
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 11 November, 2021, 01:58:11 PM
Oh, trust me — I am officially the Gothest Man In Comics™. My hat is blacker and my boots bigger than any of the pretenders to the crown. :-)
Got some work to do this morning, but I should get back to the con around lunchtime. Spent some very pleasant time with our very own Dandontdare and Hawkmumbler yesterday, but if any of you are there this afternoon and you do clock me, please say hello. Here's a photo of me and Firefly/Dega artist Dan McDaid for identification purposes. :-)
(https://i.imgur.com/1QA4dGn.jpg)
My best purchase of the weekend:
(https://i.imgur.com/NrGzpfQ.jpg)
TB was definitely back on full, if perhaps a little bit muted, lot of familiar faces missing and as mentioned, zero Rebellion presence (apart from the beer of course). Still great to catch up with Jim, Hawkmumbler, Crazyfoxmachine & the Boyles. Had a brief chat with Guy and said hello to Eamonn as we passed crossing the street in opposite directions, but I never found him again. Won some lovely Fiends of the Eastern Front pages in the Doodles for Dave raffle (there were sooooo many sketches)
Quote from: Dandontdare on 14 November, 2021, 10:58:16 PMStill great to catch up with Jim, Hawkmumbler, Crazyfoxmachine & the Boyles.
It was. Thanks for being such great company, DDD. I wander round these things wracked with imposter syndrome and it's only being able to sit with folks like you and have a pint that makes me want to go. Hopefully, I'll see you at some point next year. Lawless, maybe...? :-)
Quote from: Dandontdare on 14 November, 2021, 10:58:16 PM
My best purchase of the weekend:
(https://i.imgur.com/NrGzpfQ.jpg)
I've ordered some of this online, is it any good?
Ah man, it'll feel like sacrilege sticking those cans in the recycling...
Quote from: pauljholden on 22 November, 2021, 02:30:09 PM
Ah man, it'll feel like sacrilege sticking those cans in the recycling...
PJ - the label is designed to be removed and stuck in a book. It sort of peels of and you keep it with all the others.
It's pretty slick. So no Jock in the bin.
Not tried them yet - planning to drink one and keep one (until the next time it's midnight on Friday and I want just one more beer..).
The can definitely would not be recycled - was thinking of filling it with sand or plaster and keeping it on my shelf, but I didn't know the labels were peelable.
Quote from: matty_ae on 22 November, 2021, 04:32:37 PM
Quote from: pauljholden on 22 November, 2021, 02:30:09 PM
Ah man, it'll feel like sacrilege sticking those cans in the recycling...
PJ - the label is designed to be removed and stuck in a book. It sort of peels of and you keep it with all the others.
It's pretty slick. So no Jock in the bin.
oh that's awesome then!
Quote from: Dandontdare on 14 November, 2021, 10:58:16 PM
My best purchase of the weekend:
(https://i.imgur.com/NrGzpfQ.jpg)
I've ordered a couple of these after reading they're peelable ... two of my favourite things together!!!
I'm glad I don't collect beer cans after going on thjeir website!!
.. and the bad news is it is now sold out
(https://i.imgur.com/Ms2Epo2m.jpg)
Sorry, that must have been me!!! :'(
Don't recall sharing my haul, as vein as it is, behold the might...
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FEFlFMRXMAoDGTB?format=jpg&name=small)
I letter approximately one out of every three comics published in any given month* — how the HELL did you not buy any of my books, man?!
*This statistic may be entirely invented. You statutory rights are not affected.
If its any solace at all, I bought the collected GIANT DAYS vol. 1 and 2 in the last few weeks?
:) :) :)
Quote from: Hawkmumbler on 11 December, 2021, 09:07:06 PM
If its any solace at all, I bought the collected GIANT DAYS vol. 1 and 2 in the last few weeks?
Good man! Even if I hadn't worked on it, I'd still put Giant Days up as a strong contender for Best Comic Ever. :-)
I hope you enjoy it.