Thought Bubble 2024 Comic Convention Programme

Comic Convention Programme

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A welcome from Team Thought Bubble Thanks so much for being here at Thought Bubble 2024! We hope that you have a wonderful time and discover something new from our amazing exhibitors and guests. We want to say a big thank you to our Redshirt volunteers - this convention would not happen without you. And a special thank you to our sponsors and supporters this year:

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Convention Highlights

Convention Highlights Steve Dillon Exhibition All Weekend - Travelling Man Hall Make sure to check out this exhibition of original pieces by the late, great Steve Dillion. Over 50 original pages drawn by Steve, dating back to 1978 when he was just 16 years old. Expect to see artwork created for 2000AD, Judge Dredd, Dr Who, Hellblazer, ABC Warriors, Punisher, Rogue Trooper, Preacher and more! This exhibition was set up and is curated by his family and is currently touring different locations across the UK and Europe to help keep Steve’s legacy alive. There are t-shirts and prints available for purchase, all profits help to keep the exhibition touring for his fans.

Cosplay Parade

2000 AD Talent Search

Both Days - 16:00 onwards Dead Northern Stage - Travelling Man Hall

DSTLRY Hall - Tables A19-21

Whether your cosplay is homemade, store bought or a bit of both, come strut your stuff on the stage as part of the Thought Bubble Cosplay Parade hosted by the amazing Kofi Smiles.

As well as the opportunity to show off your amazing cosplay, everyone taking part will be entered into a raffle to win some incredible prizes from Diamond Comics and Travelling Man! To sign up, all you need to do is head to the Cosplay sign-up desk by the Dead Northern Stage in Travelling Man Hall at 3pm. There you will write down your name and character next to a number.

This number is important as it will be put into the prize draw. Then get ready to parade your cosplay in front of a supportive and excited crowd.

The 2000 AD talent search is BACK at Thought Bubble Comic Convention 2024!

The search for the next generation of talent with the prize of paid work with the comic book 2000 AD! Artists, bring your finished pages to the review session on Saturday 16 November between 12:00-13:00 at the 2000 AD tables.

Writers, visit the 2000 AD tables before 14:00 Saturday 16 November and register your interest by leaving your details! Then come along to the Talent Search Panels.

Not taking part but excited to see the costumes? Gather round the Dead Northern stage at 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday!

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Convention Highlights Bub’s Lounge

Graphic Novel Reading Room

All Weekend - Queen’s Suite

All Weekend - Queen’s Suite Foyer

Graphic novel overload? Superhero fatigue?

Bub’s Lounge is a quiet space where you can take some time out from the busy comic convention halls. Do absolutely nothing if you want, just kick back in a comfy chair and take a breather or pick up some pens and do some drawing yourself. You can also pick up free earplugs to help with sensory overload.

Come and visit the Graphic Novel Reading Room in our Queen’s Suite foyer, where you can take a retreat from the festival and sample hundreds of comics. Rest those tired legs and overstimulated senses, you can read your own loot or choose from the collection of the Reading Room in a chilled environment.

Bub’s Lounge is brought to you by Leeds Specialist Autism Services with sensory equipment provided by Roll Up & Rock.

DSTLRY Thought Bubble Exclusive Travelling Man Hall - Tables E1-10 Time Waits Issue 01 Exclusive Travelling Man cover by Marcus To. Get yours at the Travelling Man tables E1-10, Traveling Man Hall.

Thought Bubble Official T-Shirt 2024 This year’s official Thought Bubble t-shirt is designed by the most excellent Rufus Dayglo for the equally excellent Family Store.

Get yours (available in a couple of colours AND long sleeve) from Family Store, Bubbleboy Hall tables C1&2.

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See Left Bank Leeds website for opening times | Left Bank Leeds, Cardigan Rd, Burley, Leeds LS6 1LJ In partnership with The Lakes Comic Art Festival and the British Council, in the exquisite surrounds of Left Bank Leeds, we are so proud to host this original installation which focuses on the work of twelve Palestinian comic artists. Exploring themes ranging from personal identity to geopolitics, these artists present remarkable perspectives on Palestine.

The clamour of the past decades has tended to obscure the everyday lives and unique creativity of Palestinian comic artists, and ‘Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free’ seeks to reveal these unheard voices and experiences.

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Convention Highlights

Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free

Just around the corner from the convention centre, MOJO is an amazing 3 storey bar with great drinks, great staff, and great music! Downstairs there’s a big dance floor so you can let loose after a busy day at the convention. The first floor has some gaming and chatting spaces and, on the third floor, there’s a bar and roof terrace.

Thought Bubble has exclusive access from 19:00 - midnight, from then on the bar will open to the public until very late!

Mid-Con Party presented by Tiny Onion 19:00 - Midnight - MOJO, Harrogate Tiny Onion and Thought Bubble invite you to our BRAND NEW venue for 2024’s Mid-Con Party, MOJO Harrogate!

We’re expecting it to be busy, so get down early.

The party is FREE to all ticket holders, exhibitors and guests, just show your wristband or lanyard on the door!

Over 18s only.

See you there!

Thought Bubble Merch Table | Travelling Man Hall - Table B1 Fancy buying some of the coolest merch around? Head to Travelling Man Hall for prints of this year’s festival image, totes, badges, stickers and more, all made by your favourite comic convention!

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Mercer Art Gallery Exhibitions Secrets of The Majestic - Exhibition Launch All Weekend & ongoing - 15 November to 31 March 2025 | 9.30 to 5pm Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th | The Mercer Art Gallery, 31 Swan Rd, Harrogate HG1 2SA “Dare you enter... the toilets?”

Regular Thought Bubble party attendees will be familiar with the toilets of the Majestic Hotel - an opulent porcelain palace of gilded splendour.

SECRETS OF THE MAJESTIC (debuting at Thought Bubble 2024) is a new anthology of short comics from a range of creators across the small press and indie scene, exploring this wondrous space and seeking to answer one burning question... Why are they like that?!

The exhibition will run throughout the convention weekend and will be at The Mercer until Spring 2025.

Join us for an exhibition of pages and pin-ups from the anthology and historical material provided by the hotel, as together we try to uncover the Secrets of the Majestic.

Adrift on a Painted Sea by Tim Bird and Sue Bird - Exhibition All Weekend & ongoing - 15 November to 31 March 2025 | 9.30 to 5pm Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th | The Mercer Art Gallery, 31 Swan Rd, Harrogate HG1 2SA Adrift on a Painted Sea by Tim Bird is a beautiful and profound graphic novel that explores family, loss, and art through the author’s relationship with his mother, Sue Bird, who painted as a hobby throughout her life. The exhibition displays a range of paintings by Sue Bird, alongside some artwork from the graphic novel, written by her son Tim after her death to celebrate her art and life.

Sue Bird was always painting: botanical art, landscapes, still lifes, and especially the sea. She took classes, kept countless sketchbooks, and filled the house with art. From their neighborhood to their family trips to the North Yorkshire coast, all the moments of her life were memorialized in her artwork. Throughout her life, she never sold a piece -- she gave art to family and friends and shared her work online, but never received wider recognition for her work. The new graphic novel by her son, Tim Bird, Adrift on a Painted Sea, explores their family life and her creative explorations through a mix of her paintings and Tim’s comics, depicting their relationship and her 6

life from teenagehood to her struggle with cancer at the height of the covid pandemic.

After her death, this graphic novel and exhibition at last showcases her work.

As well as paintings by Sue Bird and artwork from the graphic novel, there will also be a display of sketches and sketchbooks.

The exhibition will run throughout the convention weekend and will be at The Mercer until Spring 2025.

= this stage has headphones

The Best Thing I Read All Year 11:00-12:00 - Panel Room 1 - Queen’s Suite

Saturday

Saturday

Not sure where to start your Thought Bubble weekend? Join Josh Hicks, Ed Pinsent, Lily Blakely, Imogen Mangle with host Tom Oldham of Breakdown Press and Gosh!

Comics to discover the hidden gems and best of the year’s comics that you should be reading, then head into the convention hall to track them down!

7+ Poetry Comics Workshop 11:00-12:00 - Workshop - Queen’s Suite Do you love poems AND comic books? Find out what happens when you mix the two together in this exciting one-hour workshop!

See some fun examples and start making your very own poetry comics, with poet and comic book writer Chrissy Williams! Ideal for all ages from 7+.

(Art by Tom Humberstone.)

If you build it, will they come?

11:30-12:30 - Panel Room 2 - Queen’s Suite In comics, as in most things, success is likely to rest on an unpredictable combination of talent, hard work and luck. Or maybe, it’s just hustle.

Sticking your neck out, asking for what you want, following your creative instincts down strange rabbit holes and dragging your audience kicking and screaming along with you. Jenny Robins is joined by Sabba Khan, Alex Norris, Karrie Fransman, and Candice Purwin; creative powerhouses sharing their thoughts on gaming the system, rewriting the rulebook, unexpected sources of funding and places to publish, and how to hustle your way into making the art that speaks to your soul.

2000 AD: The Galaxy’s Greatest Panel 11:30- 12:30 - Dead Northern Stage - Travelling Man Hall 2000 AD: The Galaxy’s Greatest Panel 2000 AD crashes Thought Bubble once more with a truly intergalactic panel; announcements will be made and secrets will be revealed! Join a panel with Mick McMahon, Sinu Senan, Mike Carroll, Chiara Mestieri and Silvia Califano as they discuss their work for The Galaxy’s Greatest Comic - as well as comics including Battle Action, Misty, Scream and much more!”

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Saturday DSTLRY Presents: The Art of the Cover 12:15-13:15 - Panel Room 1 - Queen’s Suite The most striking comic covers condense entire plotlines and pages into one iconic image. Using an oversized magazine format with covers the wrap from front to back, DSTLRY has assembled a host of the most talented, trailblazing artists to prove that sometimes you can judge a book by its cover. Join Emma Rios, Jock, Sweeney Boo, Tula Lotay and Dani as they discuss the art of crafting covers. Moderated by DSTLRY Founding Editor Will Dennis.

14+

ACID BOX - Telling a New Story Workshop 12:15-13:15 - Workshop - Queen’s Suite This session could change how you think about storytelling forever (maybe)!!

Comics Creators Sara Kenney (writer), Katie West (editor) & Sofie Dodgson (colourist) will talk through the classic “Hero’s Journey” story structure and how and why they used alternative models in their own new comic, ACID BOX; a time travel adventure through 1990s rave culture.

Then you’ll have a go at structuring your own story using Heroine’s Journey, Collective Journey or Science of Storytelling. There’ll be some colouring too, if that’s more your thing! Free Vicks inhaler for every participant.

Supported by Arts Council England, Creative Scotland, Royal Society of Chemistry, Science & Technology Facilities Council. 14+ content covers the use of drugs in culture.

Credit: Shazleen Khan

told, more diversity in the people telling them and the people represented in them. In this panel we will be discussing what inspires creators to share their stories, their experience of instant response from fans and readers, as well as coming to terms with the wider impact of representing Muslims in this medium, given the current socio-political climate.

Muslim Representation in Comics 12:45-13:45 - Panel Room 2 - Queen’s Suite Over the past few years there has been a notable shift in the representation of Muslims in popular culture, and the medium of comics is no different. There are more stories being 8

Hosted by PhD Candidate Meher Shiblee, whose research focus is 21st Century Muslim Superheroines and Issues of Representation in Comics, who is joined by comic creators Shazleen Khan, Sabba Khan, Ahmed Raafat and Ny Ali.

= this stage has headphones

13:30-14:30 - Panel Room 1 - Queen’s Suite

Saturday

Chip Zdarsky Spotlight What connects Howard the Duck to Sex Criminals? It’s Chip Zdarsky, of course! Join us for this spotlight on Zdarsky and his comics career; one which encompasses the biggest names in the comics world, a heap of creator-owned work, a shelf-load of awards and the title of “Bad ass dude!!”, by some guy on reddit. Hosted by award winning journalist and presenter, Kofi Smiles.

ALL ABOUT PRINTING! 13:30-14:30 - Workshop - Queen’s Suite Ever wanted to print your work but not sure where to start? Join PRINT.WORK and their technical team for an informative, Jargon free, overview and Q&A covering everything you need to know about printing!

From preparing files to print, getting colours right, laying out zines to choosing the best paper type. We will be covering all aspects of the print process, sharing some fantastic insight into professional printing with handy tips and tricks to get the best out of your project.

We’ll be taking your questions along the way so whether you are a print novice or a pro in search of great friendly advice, we’re looking forward to welcoming you!

SILENCE! To Astonish 14:00-15:00 - Panel Room 2 - Queen’s Suite In a dark dark town there was a dark dark street. And in the dark dark street there was a dark dark house. And in the dark dark house there were some dark dark stairs. And down the dark dark stairs there was a dark dark cellar. And in the dark dark cellar, three idiots lived. Gary Lactus and The Beast Must Die (SILENCE!) and Al Kennedy (House to Astonish) once again bring you an hour that’s hysterical in every sense, as Chrissy Williams, Ram V, David Brothers and Stephanie Phillips face odd questions, inexplicable challenges and unexpected guests as comicdom’s most pointless and shambolic panel show returns for a ninth year of what many are literally calling SILENCE! to Astonish

Transmedia: Storytelling Across Film, Game and Comic 14:00-15:00 - Dead Northern Stage - Travelling Man Hall Telling stories across different media gives fans the chance to really get to know their favourite characters; dig into their lives and see the world develop further than ever possible in a single film, tv show or game. Film and Media Lecturer, Miriam Kent, hosts comic creators Simon Furman, Emma Vieceli, Declan Shalvey and Abby Bulmer to discuss their experiences in creating comics of recognisable characters, the excitement of shaping their lore and the responsibility to the fans.

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Saturday Arts Council England and Comics Cultural Impact Collective talk Comics Funding 14:45-15:45 - Workshop - Queen’s Suite

Join CCIC crew - Hannah Berry, Karrie Fransman, Rhiannon Griffiths, Sara Kenney, Myfanwy Tristram & Zara Slattery along with Pete Stones, Relationship Manager for Literature at Arts Council England, to discuss.

Comics in France are celebrated as the ‘9th Art’ and we all know about Japan’s multi-billionpound Manga industry. In the UK our artform reaches mass and diverse audiences (47% of under 18s and 33% of over 18s). So, how might we support individuals and organisations in the UK to access cultural funding?

Sketching Spotlight 14:45-16:15 - Panel Room 1 - Queen’s Suite Sketching Spotlight is Thought Bubble’s live drawing panel! Artists create work that is projected on the big screen for you to see, while host, the award winning comics editor Will Dennis, chats to them about technique, influence, and the good and bad of making comics!

This session’s artists are: Marcus To, Danny Earls, Elsa Charretier and Werther Dell’Edera.

2000 AD - Writer Talent Search 15:15-16:15 - Panel Room 2 - Queen’s Suite Join aspiring comic writers as they make their pitch to 2000 AD. The prize: paid work with the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic! Each hopeful has just two minutes to convince a panel of top comics talent that their idea for a Future Shock is worthy of being published in the legendary comic book!

The Frights and Delights of Queer Horror Comics 16:30-17:30 - Panel Room 1 - Queen’s Suite From Bride of Frankenstein to The Babadook, horror has long been beloved by the Queer community. Join creators Tini Howard, Claudia Aguirre, E.M Carroll, John Dunning and James Tynion IV as they chat about their favorite media and their own works of queer horror.

Moderated by Jazzlyn Stone (Tiny Onion).

In Stars and Shadows: Folklore and Mythology in Comics 16:30-17:30 - Panel Room 2 - Queen’s Suite Folklore laid the foundations of oral storytelling; for centuries tales of tradition, magic, myth and legend were passed village to village, generation to generation, culture to culture. Fascinating Folklore author John Reppion hosts B. Mure, Kieron Gillen and Juni Ba who have turned this practice to comics pages and created stories of intrigue and fantasy.

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Saturday

a WWkly magazine for 7–14 year olds that’s packed with incredible comics, puules and drawing guides.

Plus, a brand-new comic by Jamie Smart every wwk!

GET 6 ISSUES FOR £1

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At A Glance Saturday 16th November

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The Best Thing I Read All Year

11:00-12:00

Panel Room 1, Queen's Suite

Poetry Comics Workshop

11:00-12:00

Workshop, Queen's Suite

FUNNY FORCE - Let's Draw!

11:00-12:00

Kids' Workshop, Bubbleboy Hall

Doctor Simpo presents Collaborative Comix Jam for Kids!

12:00-16:00

Kids' Zone, Bubbleboy Hall

If you build it, will they come?

11:30-12:30

Panel Room 2, Queen's Suite

DSTLRY Presents: The Art of the Cover

12:15-13:15

Panel Room 1, Queen's Suite

ACID BOX - Telling a New Story Workshop

12:15-13:15

Workshop, Queen's Suite

The Phoenix Presents: Comic Making with Neill Cameron

12:30-13:30

Kids' Workshop, Bubbleboy Hall

Muslim Representation in Comics

12:45-13:45

Panel Room 2, Queen's Suite

Chip Zdarsky Spotlight

13:30-14:30

Panel Room 1, Queen's Suite

ALL ABOUT PRINTING!

13:30-14:30

Workshop, Queen's Suite

SILENCE! To Astonish

14:00-15:00

Panel Room 2, Queen's Suite

Transmedia: Storytelling Across Film, Game and Comics

14:00-15:00

Dead Northern Stage, Travelling Man Hall

Let's Draw Manga Characters!

14:00-15:00

Kids' Workshop, Bubbleboy Hall

The Phoenix Presents: Rob Deas Signing

14:00-15:00

Bubbleboy Hall - Tables F1-3

Arts Council England and Comics Cultural Impact Collective talk Comics Funding

14:45-15:45

Workshop, Queen's Suite

Sketching Spotlight

14:45-16:15

Panel Room 1, Queen's Suite

The Phoenix Presents: Neill Cameron Signing

15:00-16:30

Bubbleboy Hall - Tables F1-3

2000 AD - Writer Talent Search

15:15-16:15

Panel Room 2, Queen's Suite

Screen Printing with Sean Azzopardi

15:30-16:30

Kids' Workshop, Bubbleboy Hall

Cosplay Parade

16:00 onwards

Dead Northern Stage, Travelling Man Hall

The Frights and Delights of Queer Horror Comics

16:30-17:30

Panel Room 1, Queen's Suite

In Stars and Shadows: Folklore and Mythology in Comics

16:30-17:30

Panel Room 2, Queen's Suite

Sunday 17th November The Phoenix Presents: Sam Davies Signing

10:00-11:00

Bubbleboy Hall - Tables F1-3

Crowdfunding Indie Comics, Fireside Chat

11:00-12:00

Workshop, Queen's Suite

Make a Graphic Novel with Edward Ross

11:00-12:00

Kids' Workshop, Bubbleboy Hall

Tini Howard and Sweeney Boo In Conversation

11:15-12:15

Panel Room 1, Queen's Suite

Akira Toriyama's Legacy

11:30-12:30

Dead Northern Stage, Travelling Man Hall

The Joy of Children's Comics

11:30-12:30

Panel Room 2, Queen's Suite

Creative and Critical Responses to Comics and AI”

12:15-13:15

Workshop, Queen's Suite

The Funnies

12:30-13:30

Panel Room 1, Queen's Suite

Let's Draw Manga Characters!

12:30-13:30

Kids' Workshop, Bubbleboy Hall

Christian Ward and James Tynion IV Fireside

12:45-13:45

Dead Northern Stage, Travelling Man Hall

Small Press Take Over!

12:45-13:45

Panel Room 2, Queen's Suite

Handle with Care: A Workshop on "Soft" Stories and Compassion

14:00-15:00

Dead Northern Stage, Travelling Man Hall

Sketching Spotlight

13:45-15:15

Panel Room 1, Queen's Suite

2000 AD - Artist Talent Search

14:00-15:00

Panel Room 2, Queen's Suite

The Phoenix Presents: Drawing Magical Creatures with Sam Davies

14:00-15:00

Kids' Workshop, Bubbleboy Hall

Between the Sheets - Erotica Comics

15:30-16:30

Panel Room 1, Queen's Suite

Monster Portraiture

15:30-16:30

Panel Room 2, Queen's Suite

Create Your Own Comic Story with mayamada

15:30-16:30

Kids' Workshop, Bubbleboy Hall

Cosplay Parade

16:00 onwards

Dead Northern Stage, Travelling Man Hall

Information is subject to change. This information is correct at time of going to print.

Sunday Crowdfunding Indie Comics 11:00-12:00 - Workshop - Queen’s Suite The world of indie comics encompasses more than just your local area. You can reach readers from all over the world, while funding your projects, using crowdfunding tools like Kickstarter.

Yet, doing so isn’t always as simple as it seems. Join Adriano Ariganello, Crowdfunder and Kickstarter Backer Favourite, for an overview of how to plan your campaign, hit your goals, find your audience, and roll your crowdfunding success into future projects.

Tini Howard and Sweeney Boo In Conversation 11:15-12:15 - Panel Room 1 - Queen’s Suite Tini Howard started her comic writing career over 10 years ago, ticking off some of the most recognisable comics along the way. Sweeney Boo is an artist and writer who’s created her own graphic novels, alongside illustrating huge stand-out titles. Now their excellence has combined to create Harley Quinn, and they sit down with comics journalist Alex Fitch to talk about creating, collaborating and the journey so far.

Akira Toriyama’s Legacy Credit: Crom

11:30- 12:30 - Dead Northern Stage - Travelling Man Hall

The Joy of Children’s Comics 11:30-12:30 - Panel Room 2 - Queen’s Suite Children’s Comics are topping the charts, they’re flying off the shelves, they’re filling the libraries! Creating for children is joyous and we are here to celebrate that. Hosted by Children and Young People’s Librarian Matthew Stoppard with Laura Howell, Neill Cameron, Bernard Mensah and Sam Davies talking about their personal reasons for creating stories and art for little minds.

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Credit:Laura Howell

What was the Dragon Ball creator’s impact on comics and culture?

Find out with David Brothers, Hamish Steele, Crom, Gary Moloney and host JV Chamary. Hint: it’s over 9000.

= this stage has headphones

Sunday

Creative and Critical Responses to Comics and AI 12:15-13:15 - Workshop - Queen’s Suite Dr Miriam Kent leads this interactive workshop providing an exploratory space for comics creators to contribute to a critical dialogue about the ongoing impact of AI on the comics industry. The workshop takes as its starting point the validity of emotional responses to AI technology and will explore these through creative methods. While celebrating creative labour in the comics industry, we will address the ethical and commercial challenges posed by AI technologies. Participants are invited to reflect on the relationship between comics and AI, explore solutions to ongoing problems with copyright and authorship, and collectively envision a future where creativity thrives. It will include creative exercises to foster a sense of hope and explore ways to advocate for the value of creativity in comics.

No AI tools will be used. All comics creators (including but not limited to writers and artists) are welcome.

Dr Miriam Kent is a Lecturer in Film and Media at the University of Leeds.

This is a limited capacity workshop, please sign up in advance: https://tinyurl.com/4ycwmraf

The Funnies 12:30-13:30 - Panel Room 1 - Queen’s Suite Short comic strips have transcended newspaper pages! Cartoonist Amy Noseworthy hosts JL Westover, Sarah Graley, and Alex Norris to talk about their silly, weird comics; the inspiration, meanings and the art of cramming an entire gag and a whole lot of emotion into just a few tiny panels.

Christian Ward and James Tynion IV Fireside 12:45 - 13:45 - Dead Northern Stage - Travelling Man Hall James Tynion is the founder of groundbreaking production house Tiny Onion and co-creator of critically acclaimed comic book bestsellers including Something is Killing the Children, The Department of Truth & The Nice House on the Lake.

Christian Ward is an outstanding artist and writer known for Batman: City of Madness, Invisible Kingdom, Blood Stained Teeth and many covers for DC Comics, BOOM, and Image Comics. Together they’ve mastered the modern horror genre.

Join them by the campfire for a haunting chat about all things creepy in comics, hosted by Jazzlyn Stone.

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Sunday Small Press Take Over!

12:45-13:45 - Panel Room 2 - Queen’s Suite Small Press Comics are the foundation of our comics community. In this panel we’ll talk about where Small Press came from and where it’s going, with those who publish it.

Hosted by cartoonist Mama Lips, with LA-based Silver Sprocket founder Avi Ehrlich, the founder of North Carolina publisher Black Josei Press Jamila Rowser, and Tom Oldham the Editor in Chief of London based Breakdown Press.

Handle with Care: A Workshop on “Soft” Stories and Compassion 13:30-14:30 - Workshop - Queen’s Suite Do you create “soft” comics or work that leans toward empathy and gentler storytelling? If so, please join us.

In this workshop, we’ll explore compassionate imagery, informed by psychology, and consider how this could be used to shape socially conscious comics. We’re inviting guests and comic makers from the convention to share work that fits the theme of gentle comics and will look to explore the inspirations and origins of their approaches.

Whether you want to participate in the discussion or watch and listen, you’re welcome.

Credit: Kate Broughton

Feel free to bring examples of work that fit this theme either made by yourself or others and let’s have an open chat about the role of compassion in comics today. Plus, we’ll engage in some simple creative exercises to explore making new comics together. This workshop is a pilot workshop for a PhD project on illustration and compassion

by Beth Duggleby. It aims to gather informal insights, create conversation and build a network of people interested in the subject.

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Sketching Spotlight 13:45-15:15 - Panel Room 1 - Queen’s Suite Sketching Spotlight is Thought Bubble’s live drawing panel! Artists will create work that is projected on the big screen for you to see, while host, comics journalist Alex Fitch, chats to them about technique, influence, and the good and bad of making comics! This session’s artists are: Ahmed Raafat, Emma Ríos, Steven Appleby and E.M. Carroll.

Sunday

2000 AD - Artist Talent Search 14:00-15:00 - Panel Room 2 - Queen’s Suite Join aspiring comic artists as they submit their work to the scrutiny of 2000 AD, with the prize being paid work with the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic! Watch a panel of top comics talent give their judgement on each contender, with the ultimate prize of the opportunity to work alongside comic book legends.

18+ Between the Sheets - Erotica Comics

Credit: Becky Cloonan and Tula Lotay

15:30-16:30 - Panel Room 1 - Queen’s Suite Erotica comics are truly back on the (top) shelf.

They bring us █████, ████ ███ and ███████.

And that one time when ██ ████ █████, wow!!

Tula Lotay, Becky Cloonan and Luana Vecchio are hosted by Laura Jones in this spicy comics chat. Strictly over 18s only.

Monster Portraiture 15:30-16:30 - Panel Room 2 - Queen’s Suite

Credit: E.M. Carroll

The monster has been a staple figure in story telling since its conception. But the monster is no longer just a creature of the night, an alien invader, a neighbour with a dark secret, or a being of cold corporate creation. The monster has become us.

In this panel hosted by Blake Sampson, E.M. Carroll, Zoe Thorogood and Rachael Smith discuss ideas around ‘monster portraiture’, the act of exploring the self and its deep facets by using monstrous figures to represent aspects of ourselves which we can bicker and fight with. But importantly, how graphic novels in particular are spearheading this evolution in one of the core pieces of storytelling, the monster and its effect.

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Kids’ Zone: Bubbleboy Hall All weekend - Drop in and play!

Come and hang out in Roll Up & Rock’s activity dome, with plenty of free fun stuff for all ages, with activity trays, badge making, face painting & mask masking.

We’ve got loads of kids’ workshops lined up with our friends from the Phoenix, and plenty of chance to get stuck in to making, drawing and printing all things comics! And festival favourite Doctor Simpo will have some drop-in activities for all ages.

e n o Z ’ s Kid

There’s kids’ zone is chock full of family-friendly exhibitors selling their all-ages comics! Be sure to check them out.

Turbo Typing All Weekend Kids’ Zone - Bubbleboy Hall

5+

How fast are your fingers? – Dr Emily Williams, University of Leeds Play on our Turbo Typing arcade machine and find out! Tap or type your way to victory and join our leaderboard. Compete against your family and friends! Ages 5+.

This activity is supported by Be Curious, connecting you with research from the University of Leeds. Through hands-on activities and engaging events, Be Curious shares new discoveries and how they impact your daily life. Whether you want to explore new ideas, or are just curious about the world, Be Curious invites you to learn and discover together.

The Phoenix All Weekend Kids’ Zone - Bubbleboy Hall Head to The Phoenix tables over the weekend for artist workshops, guest signings and loads of fun for all ages.

Meet Neill Cameron, creator of Mega Robo Bros and Donut Squad, Sam Davies, creator of Tooth and Claw Academy for Magical Creatures, and Rob Deas, creator of Fawn, and artist behind The Skills Hub.

Kids’ Zone:

Look for the big tent in Bubbleboy Hall!

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12:00-16:00 - Both days Kids’ Zone - Bubbleboy Hall “Calling all Bought Thubblers...young - old borrowed - new!!!

Fancy drawing a panel for the 2nd edition of Bought Thubble Comix Jam brought to you

by Doctor Simpo and chums?

Kids’ Zone: Bubbleboy Hall

Doctor Simpo presents Collaborative Comix Jam for Kids!

Did you take part in edition 1 last year?

If the answer to either of these 2 questions is YES, then please come on down the Kids’ Zone and find Doctor Simpo to take part in drawing a panel for this giant Comix Jam and grab a free copy of Bought Thubble issue 1 (if you took part in last year’s please head over and get your copy before 3pm on Saturday so we can give the rest of the limited run of Risograph printed zines away to new Bought Thubblers!).

Saturday - Signings The Phoenix Presents: Rob Deas Signing 14:00-15:00 Bubbleboy Hall - Tables F1-3 Come to The Phoenix Tables to meet Rob Deas, creator of Fawn and artist behind The Skills Hub.

The Phoenix Presents: Neill Cameron Signing 15:00-16:30 Bubbleboy Hall - Tables F1-3 Come to The Phoenix Tables to meet Neill Cameron, creator of Mega Robo Bros and Donut Squad.

Sunday - Signings The Phoenix Presents: Sam Davies Signing 10:00-11:00 Bubbleboy Hall - Tables F1-3 Come to The Phoenix Tables to meet Sam Davies, creator of Tooth and Claw Academy for Magical Creatures.

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Kids’ Zone: Bubbleboy Hall Saturday - Kids’ Workshop FUNNY FORCE - Let’s Draw!

11:00-12:00 - Kids’ Workshop - Bubbleboy Hall Join cartoonist Marc Jackson (BEANO, THE PHOENIX, HEY KIDS COMICS, and GOOF) in creating the FUNNY FORCE! Why draw a serious super-hero, when you can create a ridiculous one?!? Who will you create to join ONE LONG ARM MAN! MUSCLE MOOSE! BARB-ZOOKA! and FART-O! on their semi-epic quest to sillliness!

The Phoenix Presents: Comic Making with Neill Cameron 12:30-13:30 - Kids’ Workshop - Bubbleboy Hall Calling all kids who want to discover the secrets behind comic making! Join Neill Cameron in a very special workshop hosted by The Phoenix comic. Learn how to draw awesome characters, from robots to donuts – and pick up loads of his top drawing skills and tips along the way. Neill wrote and drew the #1 best-selling Mega Robo Bros series and is the creator of the hilarious Donut Squad.

Let’s Draw Manga Characters!

14:00-15:00 - Kids’ Workshop - Bubbleboy Hall

Credit

: Neill

Came

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Join the award-winning Manga artist and CBBC Britain’s Best Young Artist judge Sonia Leong and try drawing your own original Manga-style characters starting with simple shapes and guidelines. Learn how to nail the look with shiny eyes and stylish hair and how to draw faces in different angles, then get those full body proportions right so that you can try putting them in cool poses!

Screen Printing with Sean Azzopardi 15:30-16:30 - Kids’ Workshop - Bubbleboy Hall Join Sean Azzopardi for a fun screen printing experience. Sean will talk about the screenprinting process, then you can pull a print of one the Donut Squad characters created by Neill Cameron, take it home for free and hang it on your wall!

Sean Azzopardi is a Hull based cartoonist and printmaker.

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Sunday - Kids’ Workshop Make a Graphic Novel with Edward Ross 11:00-12:00 - Kids’ Workshop - Bubbleboy Hall Get started making your own comics with Edward Ross and become a certified Graphic Novel Builder! Learn top tips for designing memorable characters, creating the fantastic worlds they live in, and coming up with stories you’ll love to tell.

Kids’ Zone: Bubbleboy Hall

Look for the big tent!

Let’s Draw Manga Characters!

12:30-13:30 - Kids’ Workshop - Bubbleboy Hall Join the award-winning Manga artist and CBBC Britain’s Best Young Artist judge Sonia Leong and try drawing your own original Manga-style characters starting with simple shapes and guidelines.

Learn how to nail the look with shiny eyes and stylish hair and how to draw faces in different angles, then get those full body proportions right so that you can try putting them in cool poses!

The Phoenix Presents: Drawing Magical Creatures with Sam Davies 14:00-15:00 - Kids’ Workshop - Bubbleboy Hall Ever wondered what it would be like to attend a school of magical creatures? Which magical spells would you like to master? Draw along with Sam Davies from The Phoenix comic, creator of Tooth and Claw Academy for Magical Creatures! Join Sam as she takes you through the stages of creating some of her beloved characters from one of The Phoenix comics’ most mystical stories.

Create Your Own Comic Story with mayamada 15:30-16:30 - Kids’ Workshop - Bubbleboy Hall Budding creators are invited to this amazing Thought Bubble opportunity; to discover how to create your own comic story with the UK manga brand mayamada!

In this open workshop session led by mayamada co-founder Nigel Twumasi, you will get to grips with the ins and outs of great storytelling, before developing your own comic story ideas and characters in a fun and inclusive environment.

Whether you draw, write, or can do both, get involved to pick up invaluable insight and the tools you’ll need to begin your very own comic journey!

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Guest signing schedule Guest signings are in Bubbleboy Hall

Saturday Time

Table 1

Table 2

Table 3

10:45 - 12:15

Jamila Rowser

Claudia Aguirre

E.M. Carroll

14:00 - 15:30 16:00 - 17:30

Comixology Originals Signing - Free Print from each creator Helen Mullane, Greg Lockard, Tula Lotay, Michael Conrad Charlie Adlard

Ram V

Sunday Time

Table 1

Table 2

Table 3

10:45 - 12:15

Jamila Rowser

Claudia Aguirre

E.M. Carroll

14:00 - 15:30 16:00 - 17:30

Comixology Originals Signing - Free Print from each creator Helen Mullane, Greg Lockard, Tula Lotay, Michael Conrad Charlie Adlard

Ram V

Information is subject to change. This information is correct at time of going to print.

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