Leeds Alternative Comics Fair Round Up

Sugar Glider hanging out at LACF4

Last Saturday was the 4th Leeds Alternative Comics Fair, and as usual, it was a boatload of fun, well attended and a really relaxed atmosphere all round. Sales were good, and unusually, Nightbus did really well. Maybe because they were central, maybe because everyone in Leeds has copies of Sugar Glider, maybe because I was doing an offer on them. Anyway, that offer is now on at the online shop. As are any of the comics you may not have picked up at the weekend.

My table at LACF4

The fair is always a really sociable event, but this was my first LACF without my Geordie compatriots, Ben Clark and Andrew Waugh, although Andy did manage to return to the UK via Leeds so was able to pop in to say hello. I was also joined by Paper Jam Comics Collective members Paul, Britt and Lydia. And in keeping with previous events, the punters and the other exhibitors were a delight too. Special mention should go to James 'Couk' Downing, who had the enormous task of sharing a table with me, Dan Berry, who I had some cracking conversations with about paper and John Allison, who lent me his scissors. Kristyna Baczynski was there too, but I only spoke to her briefly, usually because we were both frequently speaking to punters. I suppose that's a good thing really. I also had a brief chat with Adam Cadwell about his new undertaking, Great Beast. If you don't know about it, you really should by now. Thanks as well to hosts Steve and Hugh, once again, gents, you've put on another great show.

Looking forward to LACF5!

Leeds Alternative Comics Fair 4 Update

I proper can't wait for the next LACF. It's next Saturday from 12-5pm at A Nation of Shopkeepers, Leeds and is sure to be the cultural event of the season.

Hugh's Poster

You'd better keep checking the blog for updates on who's coming and what new things they'll have. Exhibitors Kristyna Baczynski and Andy Sykes have new comics and merch, and our gracious hosts, Steve Tillotson and Hugh Raine will be launching new titles too.

Steve's Poster

Exhibitors include John Allison, James ‘Couk’ Downing, Kristyna Baczynski, Adam Cadwell, Andy ‘Hexjibber’ Sykes, Oli East, Dan Berry, Karoline Rerrie and of course, Steve and Hugh

Couk's Poster

I've got new stuff too, but I'm not telling you what it is yet so there. You'll have to make do with my LACF4 poster rounding off this gallery.

My poster

Get yourself down there and buy some comics if you're nearby. Or even if you're not. You know how to work a train station, right?

My LACF4 Poster

I'm really looking forward to the Leeds Alternative Comics Fair. It's one of the besets events in the comics calendar. So much so that more often than not, I repay our esteemed hosts Steve and Hugh with a poster, here it is. Let me know what you think. Se laisser lire les bandes-desinées.

The fourth Leeds Alternative Comics Fair will be held on Saturday 28^th April, at A Nation of Shopkeepers, which has proved itself an ideal venue with its great atmosphere, interesting food menu and a well-stocked bar.

The fair showcases a small, but diverse cross section of comics creators mainly from the North of England. Because there's such an intimate event, you, the punter, can wander around, chat to the creators and really have a good look at everything on offer. So you missed something? Have a drink and come back for more. Don't miss this great opportunity to grab a boatload of comics, zones, books, posters, cards and handmade curios.

Exhibitors at the fair this time include John Allison, Oliver East, James Downing, Kristyna Baczynski, Dan Berry, Adam Cadwell, Karoline Rerrie, Andy ‘Hexjibber’ Sykes, organisers Steve Tillotson and Hugh Raine and my good self. I'm looking forward to meeting up with exhibitors from the last three fair once again and of course, meeting some of the newcomers.

It's free entry and it's on from midday until 5pm. More details can be found at the LACF site http://leedsalternativecomics.wordpress.com, or with a Facebook search for “Leeds Alternative Comics” or you could follow @leedsaltcomics on the Twitter.

The 4th Leeds Alternative Comics Fair

I'll be exhibiting at the 4th Leeds Alternative Comics Fair on the 28th April. I'm really looking forward to meeting up with LACF chums old and new at one of my favourite events in the small press calendar. The list of exhibitors so far can be found here and you can also have a look at Steve and Hugh's super awesome posters. I've done one too, but I won't show you until it's on the LACF site. You'll have to make do with a preview...

Leeds Alt Comics Fair, Thought Bubble and Canny Comic Con

October, November and December were fun months due to each one taking in a comics event and inviting us along for the jaunt.


First up was the 3rd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair, an event that has cemented itself as one of my favourites because it's in a pub. It's also an intimate affair, deftly organised by Hugh 'Shug' Raine and Steve Tillotson. LACF offers a diverse cross section of the UK small press scene, based mainly in the north, but with guests from much further afield too. As a result, there's something for everyone and a chance to speak to all of the exhibitors, something that's just not possible at the bigger events. I was sharing a table with Andy Waugh and we had a lovely time in spite of freakishly high temperatures and sunny conditions keeping punters away from the venue. You can check out Hugh's photos from the event here.

This little Susie made her first appearance at LACF, and proved to be the most popular thing at the table. As I'm sure you'll remember, it was made by my sister from another mister, Scarlet Pyjamas for my birthday way back in May. Someone suggested, in jest or in a stroke of genius perhaps, that she should come free, Beano-style, with a copy of the comic. As only one is in existence, that may be a bit of a bother...


Back in Leeds for Thought Bubble in November, it was the festival's first outing as a two-dayer. I was going for the weekend, sharing with Andy on Saturday and Helen Entwisle on the Sunday. We had a great one, and struck a nice balance between good sales and meeting comics mates new and old. My Sugar Glider co-creator, Daniel Clifford was also at TB, launching his new venture, Art Heroes, which you should check out. Here's a photo of mine and Andy's work entertaining the troops.

The last event of the year was a new one, the Canny Comic Con is the first comics event that has taken place in Newcastle in over fifteen years, it is the only major comics event in the gap between Inverness and Leeds and it was an absolute pleasure to be at Newcastle City Library to sell our wares. There was an electric atmosphere, with a crowd representing a range of ages and backgrounds. For me it's always a pleasure to sell stuff in Newcastle as that's where all or most of my work is set. Newcastle is essential to Sugar Glider, so it makes sense to get into the Toon and talk to its denizens about their superhero. It wasn't intentional, but our latest title, Sugar Glider Stories 2, even has the new City Library on the front cover! If you want to see what it all looked like, head over here. If you want to hear some interviews with exhibitors and guests head over here. Sales on the day were excellent, but more importantly, we got the chance to speak to returning Sugar Glider fans. Thanks for taking the time to stop by guys! Also a massive thank you to Alex and Stace who organised this wondrous day is such an effortless manner. I'll leave you with a photo of me and Andy at our table.

All in all, it was a great run of events to finish up the year. Three very different cons, but all were essential and I left them all with a great buzz for making comics and I'm looking forward to the next event in 2012.


Hopefully see you then.

2nd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair Aftermath

@GB_COMICS Well that was mint. #LACF2

I think that sums things up the weekend's events rather succinctly. The Leeds Alternative Comics Fair is fast becoming my favourite comics event for a number of important reasons: the vibe is relaxed, the fellow exhibitors are jolly pleasant people and the punters are good crack too. The event is small and that just adds to the intimate atmosphere.

This was the first comics fair that Andrew Waugh and I have ever attended where there was no stress, panic or heart attacks during setting up. We were kindly offered sharesies with Dr Geoff Banyard of Fetishman comics fame, and we were flanked by printmaker Helen Entwisle on our left. Thanks for the great company guys! It's always a pleasure to see Kristyna Baczynski, Adam Cadwell, Gareth Brookes and organisers Steve Tillotson and Hugh 'Shug' Raine. Lest we forget new chum John Allison and PJCC legend Ben Clark.

Andy had a successful day, selling out of his latest acclaimed title, Hermit and his B-sides and rarities comic, Blether. Our joint effort, Show & Tell also sold well, as did Sugar Glider (only one left of the first printing!) and Sugar Glider Stories, which seems to have gone down equally well with small press and mainstream readers.

Pictures of the event and our remarkably blue table can be seen here.

2nd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair

The 2nd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair is just around the corner, so I offered to do a poster as a cheers me dears to Steve and Hugh for putting on the bestest show in the small press comics calendar. The fair takes place in Leeds on Saturday 19th March. See you there!

Leeds Alternative Comics Fair Round Up

If you haven't seen the abundance of reports on the Leeds Alt Comics Fair, then this is no different. Except probably not as well written.

I took the train down from the Toon with my esteemed colleague and associate Mr Andrew Waugh, and we met up with the Newcastle Comics scene's benevolent estranged uncle, Ben Clark.

Here's Ben at 12:09, shortly after ordering the first pint of the day. Yeah, that's right, we were selling comics in a bar, and Nation of Shopkeepers was a truly welcoming host, with plenty of space for our wares and fine eats and drinks. I stuck with tea. Earl Grey. Hot.

So good, I was mooved to have an udder.

Our hosts were Hugh 'Shug' Raine and Steve Tillotson, who were kind enough to hand pick the creme de la small press. Andy, Ben and I were proper chuffed to be invited and showered Steve and Hugh with plaudits during the course of the afternoon. Here's Hugh directing punters to his stand.

Our table was next to the highly talented Kristyna Baczynski who makes highly delightful comics, prints, illustratins and ephemera. I also had a chat with Manchester's comics Tsar, Adam Cadwell and the supercool Gareth Van Brookes, who's new comic had everyone in tears. Of joy. Presumably.

This was as perfect a comics fair as there can be, mint hosts, good crack from the punters, pleasant table neighbours, and we actually sold stuff at a small event. If anyone wants to know, the Paper Jam Comics Collective's latest anthology Art... and that was the most popular of our offerings. Thanks for keeping it small press, Leeds! See you at Thought Bubble.

Leeds Alternative Comics Fair

I'll be in Leeds to flog some comics at an event helmed by Steve Tillotson of Banal Pig fame and Hugh 'Shug' Raine, who you may know from Reet! comics. It all looks like rip-roaring fun, all the details are on the posters by Stevo (below), and Shug (further below). If you want details about the exhibitors and further info about the fair, the blog is here and the twitter is @leedsaltcomics.

24 Minute Comic, Banal Pig Funnies and Dostoyevsky's House

So it's been pretty lean on the old art front of late, doing as I have about 12 panels worth of work in 3 months. Nightbus is looking at a Jan/Feb release date, and we've already had much in the way of encouragement, enthusiasm and abuse from the fanbase.

In terms of stuff that I have done, every fortnight, we get together for the Newcastle Comics Forum, and of occasion, break out the pens and the stopwatch, and do a 24 Minute Comic. If anyone thinks that sounds familiar, but just can't place it, go here. I'll be waiting.

Gareth Brookes suggested doing a 24 Second Comic. He's mad as a chip, I'd never find the time for it...

Our version demands two words chosen at random in order to get the creative juices stifled, this week, it was ASBO and Sponge, and here is the comic...



I also did a guest strip on Steve Tillotson's rather lovely Banal Pig Funnies blog. I now hold the provisional title of second best guest strip after the formidable Oliver East.



And finally, Cai Nyahoe is an artist, bon vivant and one man opera star. Now he has a blog.



Have a splendid Christmas.

Gallery Glue

...is a splendid independent gallery in Heaton, Newcastle. A while ago I was asked to join in with a group exhibition called Publish! it's all centred around artists who work with or make books. It opened on Friday gone. But don't worry, the show is still on for another four weeks I believe. There's also a load of events going on such as book binding, poetry reading and acoustic sets in the gallery. There's photos of the opening on flickr.

My stuff's near the start, but go through all of it, there's some awe inspiring stuff there, not least of which is Mr Ben Jeans Houghton's Memory Map which is an obscenly big map of Newcastle drawn from memory.

There hasn't been much in the way of posts of late, for I have moved house and the internet just arrived today. Nightbus 3 was put out in town last week and I'll put it online at some point soon. Steve Tillotson's blog is looking most colourful right now. Why don't you go over there?

Zine Arcade

My esteemed colleague, comics pimp and fellow Morrinov connoisseur, Mr Jack Fallows was interviewed at Zine Arcade the other day, you should go there. Stevo and Jess Bradley, our contemporaries in Bristol's small press underworld are also given a mention.

Hazah!