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WELCOME
I hope you will join me and enjoy exploring the worlds of comics, graphic novels and manga at the annual Comica Festival and other special Comica events held throughout the year.Paul Gravett, Comica Director
COMICA NEWS
Warren Ellis Comes To Comica Festival 2011
Posted: October 1, 2011
Warren Ellis was a special guest at the very first Comica Festival in 2003, when I interviewed him at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London. Eight years later, Ellis is coming back for an exclusive conversation and Q&A session before the UK premiere screening of Captured Ghosts, a revealing feature-length documentary movie by Patrick Meaney, director of the Grant Morrison documentary Talking With Gods, previewed at last year’s Comica. This special evening event will follow the all-day Comica Comiket independent comics fair in the Great Hall at the Bishopsgate Institute, Liverpool Street, and will start from 7pm, on Saturday November 12th. Ellis rarely makes public appearances so don’t miss this chance to hear one of Britain’s most provocative and innovative comics writers and to be among the first to watch this film about his life and career. Tickets will go on sale shortly. Sign up to the Comica Newsletter to get first notification, as demand is likely to be high. More details…
Tickets: tba
Where: Great Hall, Bishopsgate Institute, Liverpool Street, London
When: Saturday, 12 November at 7pm
Comica Festival 2011
Posted: September 15, 2011
London is home to a wide variety of comics events big and small throughout the year, but since 2003 perhaps the most adventurous and wide-ranging has been Comica, the London International Comics Festival. Comica runs its main season during November and offers further events all year round. Over the years superstar guests have included Alan Moore, Chris Ware, Joann Sfar, Alex Maleev, Charles Burns, Bryan Talbot, Seth, Marjane Satrapi, Ben Templesmith, Dave McKean, Joe Sacco, Lorenzo Mattotti, Adrian Tomine, Posy Simmonds, Kevin O’Neill, Art Spiegelman, Brian Bolland, Gilbert Shelton, Daniel Clowes and James Jean, to namedrop just a few.
Comica 2011 is partnering with British publishing sensation Nobrow Press and opens November 3rd with a launch party for the new incarnation of the biannual Nobrow Journal, now twice the size to include comics by thirty international contributors including Tom Gauld, Kevin Huizenga and Malachi Ward. More details…
Remember, remember, the 5th of November because that Saturday brings the second Comica Symposium: Transitions II. Organised by Tony Venezia, this totally free full-day conference offers the public, profession and academics the opportunity to share their ideas and questions in the growing field of Comics Studies. Speakers include Kent Worcester, Daniel Merlin Goodbrey, Simon Grennan and Karrie Fransman. More details…
This year marks the 5th year of the annual Observer/Jonathan Cape/Comica Graphic Short Story Prize and on Sunday, 7 November we’ll discover this year’s £1,000 winner whose 4-page comic will be printed inside The Observer newspaper and you’ll be able to see an exhibition of the finalists’ entries in the cafe of Foyle’s Bookshop. More details…
Another tradition is Comica Comiket, the festival’s one-day independent comics fair, and on Saturday 12 November, this moves to a much bigger venue, the refurbished Great Hall at Bishopsgate Institute, near Liverpool Street station, where creators, small presses and publishers will be offering their comics and unveiling brand new titles. Throughout the day, top artists will be taking part on stage in the Comica Drawing Parade, making their live artworks projected onto a giant screen. Guest artists already confirmed include Roger Langridge, Luke Pearson, Warren Pleece, James Jarvis and Battle of the Eyes. More details…
Saturday 12 November concludes from 7pm with the unmissable Warren Ellis making a rare public appearance before the UK premiere screening of Patrick Meaney’s documentary Warren Ellis: Captured Ghosts. More details…
As well as exhibitions, talks and graphic novel launches at the Nobrow Gallery, Orbital Comics Gallery, Gosh! Comics, The Cartoon Museum and elsewhere, other highlights include a star-studded Comica Club Night of music, comics and performance drawing at The Book Club on November 15th, and an evening at the British Museum on November 25th to release their first ever manga publication. Discover Comica 2011’s complete programme here…
Comica Conversation: Anders Nilsen & Tom Gauld
Posted: September 14, 2011
The amazing graphic novelist, Anders Nilsen, the US author of Big Questions, finally complete and in one volume from Drawn & Quarterly, has kindly agreed to have a special one-off Comica Conversation with his friend and fellow comics creator Tom Gauld. This is a free event but seating will be limited so it’s first come, first served. More details…
Tickets: Free
Where: Orbital Comics, 8 Great Newport St, London WC2H 7JA
When: Wednesday, October 19, 2011 - 7-pm to 8pm
Helsinki Festival Celebrates British Comics
Posted: September 14, 2011
Britain is the guest country at the Helsinki Comics Festival from September 16th to 18th. As part of this, Comica Festival is originating an exhibition Great British Comics Now spotlighting the festival’s special guests, Bryan & Mary Talbot and Warren Pleece, as well as other contemporary UK creators. The exhibition is curated and designed by Paul Gravett and Peter Stanbury, co-authors of Great British Comics (Aurum Press, 2006), and will be touring to other international comics festivals, starting in November at Comica Festival in London and then in December at Strip Turnhout in Turnhout, Belgium, with the support of the British Council.
With hundreds of talents to choose from, these are the sixteen contemporary comics creators who have been selected to have their work represented in the exhibition in Helsinki in this special year celebrating the centenary of Finnish comics: Adam Brockbank (MeZolith), Darryl Cunningham (Psychiatric Tales), Hunt Emerson (Ancient Mariner), Garen Ewing (The Rainbow Orchid), Paul Grist (Jack Staff), Dave McKean (The Savage), Jon McNaught (Pebble Island), Kevin O’Neill (League of Extraordinary Gentlemen), Luke Pearson (Hildafolk), Woodrow Phoenix (Horse Drawn), Warren Pleece (The Great Unwashed), Frank Quitely (We3), Paul Rainey (There’s No Time Life The Present), Posy Simmonds (Gemma Bovery), Bryan Talbot (Grandville) and Mary Talbot (Dotter of Her Father’s Eyes).
As well as a programme of individual presentations and interviews and a group panel discussion on British comics, including the invited guests and Sam Arthur from Nobrow, there will also be a chance to see the Grant Morrison documentary film Talking with Gods, directed by Patrick Meaney, getting its Finnish premiere.
Comics & Conflicts: Garth Ennis Interview
Posted: September 1, 2011
Alex Fitch talks to award winning writer Garth Ennis about his interest in the war comics genre, from the backdrop of conflict in his debut strip Troubled Souls to his exploration of wars throughout the 20th Century and beyond in his series War Stories and Battlefields. Alex and Garth also discuss his past and forthcoming projects for Avatar, Dynamite and Marvel Comics and there are questions from the audience on the subjects of putting his stories into context for younger readers and the use of drones on the battlefield. This interview was recorded live at the Imperial War Museum, London as part of the Comics & Conflicts Festival, August 20th, 2011. First broadcast 5pm, Thursday September 1st on Resonance 104.4 FM (London), streamed at Resonance FM and extended (70 min) podcast after broadcast at Panel Borders.
BD & Comics Passion Weekend
Posted: August 23, 2011
From Friday, October 7th to Sunday, October 9th 2011, the Institut Français in association with Comica Festival will hold the first of its annual BD & Comics Passion weekends! The graphic novel medium has grown over the years to become an increasingly important force in popular culture, dominating the film landscape and coming into its own as an explosive new literary genre. To celebrate this, as well as explore accepted ideas about the genre, we’ve invited some of the most celebrated British and French authors to join us here in London to discuss their work and share their love of graphic novels.
Over the course of three days, enthusiasts and beginners alike are invited to participate in this exciting array of events, with acclaimed authors and artists such as Dave Gibbons (Watchmen), China Miéville (Kraken), Audrey Niffenegger (The Time Traveler’s Wife), Bryan Talbot (Grandville), Yves Sente and André Juillard (Blake & Mortimer), Jean-Claude Mézières (Valérian & Laureline), Benoît Sokal (Canardo), Catel & Bocquet (Kiki de Montparnasse), Bastien Vivès (The Taste of Chlorine), Oscar Zárate (A Small Killing), Asterix translator Anthea Bell, comics guru Paul Gravett (1001 Comics You Must Read Before You Die) and more!
There is something for everyone here: a drawing duel between Jean-Claude Mézières and Dave Gibbons, talks (Bryan Talbot on the tradition of animals in comic books, Paul Gravett on the geniuses of the medium, China Miéville on his love for comics, Audrey Niffenegger on her passion for Aubrey Beardsley), a masterclass by Alan Moore collaborator Oscar Zárate (A Small Killing) on making a 4-page graphic short story about London, and a conversation with Yves Sente and André Juillard about the making of the popular series Blake & Mortimer! We will also host a drawing session starring the rising star of French graphic novels, Bastien Vivès, a translation workshop given by the famous translator of Astérix, Anthea Bell, and live drawing events with Sokal and Catel & Bocquet. In addition, visitors will also be invited to celebrate their favorite character during our costume party! More names to be announced.
For the full programme (posted 1st September) and booking see www.institut-francais.org.uk (Tel: 0207 073 1350). Early reservations recommended.
Tickets: Each event £8 (Concessions £5)
Where: Institut Français, 17 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2DT
When: Friday 7 to Sunday 9, October, 2011
Comics & Conflicts
Posted: July 19, 2011
Comics & Conflicts is a two day event held at the Imperial War Museum in London, comprising of an academic conference on Friday 19 August and an activities day giving you the chance to meet comic artists on Saturday 20 August. The conference and artist events are only suitable for ages 16+ (unless otherwise stated) and all children under the age of 18 must attend with a supervising adult. To book tickets online for the conference and all the separate artist events, please visit the Imperial War Museum’s site.
Comics & Conflicts Conference
A conference exploring the ways in which comics around the world represent and articulate the experience and impact of war and conflict. Topics to be covered include the impact of 9/11, the relationship between the image and reality of war. Established and up and coming comics artists are also participating. Speakers include Pat Mills, legendary creator of Charley’s War; multiple Eisner winner Garth Ennis discussing his Battlefields series; and Martin Barker and Roger Sabin who’ll be talking about the depiction of war in the Guardian’s comic strip Doonesbury. Tickets to the Comics & Conflicts Conference includes tea & coffee, entrance to the exhibition and the ‘In Conversation With Pat Mills’ event. See the full Conference Programme here.
Tickets: £30, Students £15
When: Friday, 19 August 2011 - 10am to 5.30pm
In Conversation With Pat Mills
Author Pat Mills has been a pioneer and major contributor to British comics since the 1970s. He co-created Battle Picture Weekly in 1975 and returned to the title in 1979 to write the ground-breaking serialised strip of Charley’s War. Pat will be talking about the creation of Charley’s War and the research that he and the late illustrator Joe Colquhoun undertook throughout the run of the comic.
Tickets: £6 (free to Comic & Conflicts Conference ticket-holders)
When: Friday, 19 August 2011 - 4.20pm to 5.20pm
David Collier: The Artist Goes (Back) To War
Celebrated Canadian artist David Collier was inspired to become a cartoonist by Robert Crumb, who published his first comic. He is the author and illustrator of Chimo, which depicts his decision to re-enlist in the Canadian army and go through basic training again at age 40. David has been creating since his first tenure in the army, when he drew strips and discovered his talent for the biathlon in which he has competed nationally. There will be a signing after this event.
Tickets: £6
When: Saturday, 20 August - 10.30am to 11.30am
Artists & Publishers Discussion 1: Trauma & Conflict
Danish artist Mikkel Sommer, writer and illustrator of Obsolete, hauntingly evoking the impact of war on two US soldiers about to return home, is joined by Adrian Searle, the publisher of Dougie’s War, and artist Dave Turbitt. Dougie’s War explores the PTS of a soldier returning to the UK from Afghanistan. There will be a signing after this event. Chair: Paul Gravett.
Tickets: £6
When: Saturday, 20 August - 11.30am to 12.20pm
David Collier: Comic-Making Masterclass
David Collier may very well be the only cartoonist to have had the unlikely experience of serving in the Canadian Army. At least, he says, “the pay was good.” His first comic strip was published in 1986 in the Robert Crumb-edited magazine Weirdo, and throughout the years, his work has appeared in numerous comic anthologies, including Drawn & Quarterly, The Comics Journal and Zero Zero. Here he shares some of his comic making expertise in a hands-on workshop.
Tickets: £6
When: Saturday, 20 August - Noon to 2pm
Artists & Publishers Discussion 2: The Personal & The Political
Artist Francesca Cassavetti, has republished her mother’s wartime diary as a comic. Eileen Cassavetti will be joining her daughter on stage. They will also be joined by Sean Duffield, enterprising publisher of War: The Human Cost and contributing artists Dan Locke and Ben Naylor. There will be a signing after this event. Chair: Alex Fitch.
Tickets: £6
When: Saturday, 20 August - 2pm to 2.50pm
In Conversation With Garth Ennis
Belfast-born Garth Ennis has been a major contributor to British and American comic books since 1989 following the publication of his strip Troubled Souls about the conflict in 1980s Ireland. A rare opportunity to meet the author of Unknown Soldier, War Is Hell, Enemy Ace, War Stories and Battlefields. There will be a signing after this event.
Tickets: £6
When: Saturday, 20 August - 3pm to 4pm
Film & Discussion: Comics Go To War
This fascinating documentary directed by Mark Daniels looks at the work of artist who are either born into conflict, or engage with it as journalists. Artists whose work is discussed include Joe Sacco, author of two books about the Middle East (Palestine, Footsteps In Gaza) and several from the former Yugoslavia. Greg Cook documented his experiences in Iraq. Keiji Nakazawa was a young boy when an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, an experience he depicts in his celebrated manga Hadashi no Gen (Barefoot Gen). Zeina Abirached’s comic Le Jeu des Hirondelles describes her childhood during the civil war in Lebanon. In her award-winning Persepolis Marjane Satrapi gives compelling insights into life in Iran before, during and after the Islamic Revolution.
Tickets: A free event
When: Saturday, 20 August - 4.30pm to 5.45pm
Graphic Short Story Prize 2011
Posted: July 10, 2011
For its fifth year, The Observer/Cape/Comica Graphic Short Story Prize has just been announced, inviting UK residents to submit a four-page comic on any theme, with the winner receiving £1,000 (the runner-up £250) and getting their story published in The Observer Review and on the Guardian and Vintage websites. This Prize has really galvanised the creative comics scene in this country, stimulating more people to try their hand at sequential art to express themselves. It has also led to several fresh British voices having their debut graphic novels published by Jonathan Cape.
Regular jury members Observer literary critic Rachel Cooke, Random House Creative Director Suzanne Dean, Cape publisher Dan Franklin, and me, Paul Gravett, Comica Festival director, are joined this year by the pioneer of UK graphic novels Bryan Talbot, of Luther Arkwright, Alice In Sunderland and Grandville fame, and David Nicholls, acclaimed author of One Day and a writer for film, television and theatre.
You can see the stories of previous winners and entrants here and listen to my conversation with Stephen Collins, winner of last year’s Prize here. The winner and runner-up will be announced as part of this November’s Comica Festival and we’re hoping to exhibit both stories and some of those by shortlisted finalists as well. Further details to follow.
You’ve got about three months, till 14 October 2011, to send in your entry. Entry forms with the full rules and conditions can be downloaded here and you can see how your story will be laid out in The Observer here.
Best of luck to everyone who enters and be sure to send to me a weblink if you also post your entry online so that it can be listed on this website.
Comics & Conflicts: Mills, Ennis, Collier, Sommer & More
Posted: July 4, 2011
On Friday August 19th and Saturday August 20th 2011, the prestigious Imperial War Museum in London is hosting its first ever Conference and Activity Programme devoted entirely to representations of war in comics, strips and graphic novels, entitled Comics and Conflicts, in association with Comica Festival, Panel Borders on Resonance FM and Roehampton University.
The conference will be held on the Friday, 10am to 6pm, opening with experts Martin Barker and Roger Sabin examining Garry Trudeau’s portrayals of injured American soldiers returning home in his Guardian strip Doonesbury. After this will be two parallel sessions of presentations of fascinating papers, one on ‘Representing Trauma’, the other on ‘Ethnicity, Nationalism and Representation’. Lunch will be followed by superstar scribe Garth Ennis chairing four papers on ‘The Image and Reality of War’, and then two more parallel sessions, before a special ‘In Conversation’ from 4pm with celebrated British comics writer Pat Mills, with special emphasis on his remarkable collaboration with the late Joe Colqhoun on the First World War comics serial Charley’s War. Pat will be signing the new Titan Books compilations and original artwork will be on display in the foyer. There will also be prints on show from other related titles in the Cinema. You can come for just Pat’s chat of course for £6, but why not make a whole day of it? You can book all-inclusive Friday tickets here, which cost £30 or only £15 for students, and that includes the Pat Mills event.
The format changes for Saturday with a Programme of public activities talks, panels, workshops, signings and a film screening, all bookable separately. The morning kicks off at 10.30 with our special Canadian guest David Collier, whose latest graphic memoir Chimo recounts his experiences re-enlisting and joining the Canadian War Artists Programme. There will be two panel discussions as well with acclaimed, up-and-coming comics creators. First up, Mikkel Sommer from Denmark, whose powerful debut Obsolete was released from Nobrow, and Adrian Searle and Dave Turbitt, publisher and artist of the moving Dougie’s War, talk about their explorations of the aftereffects of warfare on veterans returning from Afghanistan. The second panel invites Eileen Cassavetti, whose daughter Francesca Cassavetti has published her revealing illustrated war-time diary, entitled ‘Phlilp and Helena’, and Sean Duffield, comic artist, editor and publisher of the 260-page anthology War: The Human Cost. He’ll be joined by some of the 67 contributors from 19 countries including Daniel Locke and Ben Naylor.
Reinhard Kleist: Castro
Posted: June 18, 2011
In October 1958, Karl Mertens, a young journalist, arrives in Havana, Cuba. Having read an interview with Fidel Castro in the New York Times, he sets out on behalf of a German newspaper to meet and interview the young leader. When he arrives, he finds himself in a country plunged into revolution. Quickly he becomes involved in its events. From the viewpoint of this young journalist, Castro presents a detailed look at the life and the political motivations of the Cuban ‘Máximo Lider’ Fidel Castro, from his childhood up until the present day.
Publisher SelfMadeHero invites you to celebrate the publication of the graphic biography Castro by Reinhard Kleist. Come and meet the author at the Folyles bookshop in Charing Cross Road, London, where Reinhard Kleist will be in conversation with Comica Festival director, Paul Gravett. Reinhard will sketch and dedicate copies of Castro and an exclusive print will be provided free with each copy purchased. Cuban refreshments will be served at the reception. More details…
Tickets: Free, but RSVP essential to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Where: Foyles Gallery, Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0EB
When: Monday, July 4, 2011 - 6.30pm to 8.30pm
