Posted in: Comics, Recent Updates | Tagged: Comics, entertainment, MCM Birmingham

Things To Do In Birmingham This Weekend If You Like Comics

Published Mon, 13 Apr 2015 07:00:00 -0500

Last updated Mon, 13 Apr 2015 18:37:22 -0500

By Olly MacNamee

After a bevy of MCM branded conventions here in the Midlands over the last two months, this Saturday April 18^th sees the arrival of the first proper comic focused event of the season, with the launch of independent comic con The Birmingham Comic Convention to be found at Edgbaston's cricket grounds, previously featured here at BC. As a big music fan, I cannot help myself from also mention that this date coincides with Record Store Day too, so no-one can argue that there's nothing to do this weekend, whether in Brum Town or elsewhere in the world. You can support your local comic book creators as well as your independent record store too. Between the two, I've got my hands full so I have left very little time to perfect that cloning technology I've put to one side for far too long. It's lucky I know my local record storeowner, then, isn't it, as this con is not something I would want to miss. And why would I?

With a guest list including Mark Buckingham (Miracleman, Fables), Ian Edginton (2000AD, Kingdom of the Wicked) Phil Winslade (All-Star Western, Convergence: Crime and Punishment) and inker extraordinaire and local boy, Mark Farmer (Captain Britain, The Avengers; you name it, he's done it) it promises to be a first time con with a lot of top division talent on show.

Add to this the partnership with The Midlands' Arts Center (The MAC), just across the way, who will be screening the under-rated Scott Pilgrim vs. The World movie in the evening, as well as a number of panels across two different rooms to include many of the attending guests (for example, Edginton, along with co-conspirators D'Isreali, Mike Carroll and Richard Elson will be discussing the past, present and future of 2000AD, while later that day Buckingham and Farmer and co. will be exploring the evolving role of the superhero in a media landscape fast becoming saturated with the cape and cowl brigade) and you have a very, very full schedule for a first time event. The panels themselves cover a wide range of comic related genres and issues from horror, the lack of female creators in comics, to creating your own comic, all part of a huge schedule that kicks off at 11.00am and finishes with the cosplay competition; more reason for me to perfect my cloning technology sooner rather than later.

Speaking of cosplayers, you are more than encouraged to come down. Cosplayers, with your presence being such an integral part of comic-cons these days, not only can you add a splash of colour to the day, I can imagine, should you wish to venture across the road and into Birmingham's spectacular Cannon Hill Park, you are sure to double up as a walking, talking promotion for the day too. Hmmm, that gives me a good idea for a photoshoot methinks. Anyone up for it, as the park offers an abundance of opportunities for some great photos?

Of course, comic conventions of this nature, I have always found at least, are a great opportunity to take up new and unexpected reading material from independent creators. It has been since writing for Bleeding Cool that I have been introduced to some great new talent (well, new to me, and I am a jaded and aging comic book fan who thought I'd seen it all) such as the wonderful and gregarious Jessica Martin (IT Girl, Vivacity) and the work of Geeky Comics and Time Bomb Comics all in attendance.

And, it would be very churlish of me not to mention that Steve Tanner (Time Bomb Comics) and partner-in-crime, Victor Wright (Geeky Comics) are two of the main organizational driving forces behind the whole jamboree. They sum up for me the nature of these smaller, but far more comic centric events. As with many smaller, independent comic cons in the UK, you find that these are organized with an energy and passion for the medium, it's history and it's future, by fans that put together an immense menu of talent, speakers and peripheral satellite events while juggling full-time jobs too. For example, last Easter weekend saw renowned artist and one of the 75 European Masters of Cartooning of the 20^th Century (French Comics Academy) Hunt Emerson nestling in the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park drawing 'cwazy wabbits' for one and all as part of an Easter Egg Hunt/cross promotion that pleased young and old alike and goes a long way in promoting not only the festival, but also Birmingham itself, which in recent months have come under fire from a prejudice, right-wing media (Muslim Birmingham, anyone?) as well as a prejudice government office too ('Trojan Horses' schools wherein it was falsely claimed hard line Islam is being taught, and all based on a hoax letter, putting 21 schools under immense scrutiny from the government Witch Finder Generals, Ofsted). This is an event that is good then, for Birmingham, for comics, creators big or small, and for fans of all generations too. All I would wish for now is the sun. Hopefully, whichever deity is looking down at us that day is a comic book fan.

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Olly MacNamee teaches English and Media, for his sins, in a school somewhere in Birmingham. You got a comic you want reviewing? Get in touch through Twitter @ollymacnamee or Facebook

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