The con that was on

Birmingham wouldn’t be Birmingham without a comic convention. There were some ugly rumours going around that there wasn’t going to be another convention this year because Millennium Point didn’t offer the space this time.The organisers managed to have the last laugh on their detractors as they staged Birmingham Comic Con 2011, a day and a half convention at the Holiday Inn where a few weeks back it held Auto Assembly.

I got up quite early for this one and although it was a different venue, it filled out with a cavalcade of artists, dealers and cosplayers. I noticed some old faces from other cons. Artist and former interviewee, Des Taylor was there at his stall. I should have picked up his sketch book but there was quite a lot to see and do. I’ll have to get it some point. On the upside I finally got to meet comic legends Alan Davis and Mark Farmer at Friday night’s launch party.

The big casualty was star guest Mark Millar who was struck down with flu, hence his non appearance at the event. But top guests like Chris Sprouse, Doug Braithwaite, Dave Gibbons, Phil Winslade and Ian Churchill were kept busy by sketching and attending panels.

(This is by artist Dave Golding it's Marvel bad guy, the Leader.)

The guys behind the con, James Hodgkins, Andy Baker and Shane Chebsey put on a great show. As usual, I was waiting in line for a sketch, spoke to a sketch hunting father and son duo, I was interviewed, took some pics, and despite being tired, I had a great time at the convention.

I hope there’s going to be one next year.

Posted: 28/8/2011
Categories: Comics / Conventions

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