Comic Book Guy: The Comic Con(ish)
Edinburgh is often known as a culture hub throughout Europe, and the world-famous Festival surely is a pinpoint on any events organisation’s map. So why then does it constantly lose outside of festival time to Glasgow? It’s no secret that your average tourist may not know the capital of Scotland, and that one city clearly out ranks the other in size. But as we enter the summer season of fairs, fates and other fun things, Edinburgh seems slightly lacking in its own all-things-comic-book celebration. The showing at the Edinburgh Book Festival is decidedly slimmer than usual and, as London competes with San Diego for Comic Con jollies, it’s Glasgow that gets to host Collectormania in August, Edinburgh was likely full.
It’s good to see independent people taking matters into their own hands as, in conjunction with Oxfam’s Bookfest, Saturday 17 July sees the Oxfam Comic 2010 event in Edinburgh. The concept is more focused on the grass roots of the industry, as their slogan indicates: “Have you ever wondered what steps a comic goes through before it hits shelves? At the Oxfam Comic Event 2010, we follow a comic from original conception to final publication, via writing, art and editing. Our panel of professionals from the world of comics will talk us through the various stages, and will also answer questions”. Guest include: Join Gordon Rennie (2000ad), Frank Quitely (All Star Superman), David Bishop (2000ad), Ferg Handley (Marvel UK), John Ross (Doctor Who Adventures), Gordon Tait and Morris Heggie (DC Thomson) all for a lively chat, compered by UK comics legend John McShane. There will also be a stall selling comics and related merchandise, all profits of which go to Oxfam.
The event takes place on at the McDonald Road Library in Edinburgh. Doors open at 12pm. Tickets cost £3 and are available from the Morningside Oxfam Bookshop, or on the door. Who needs San Diego and the Hollywood interlopers when you can get some face time with the guys on the front line? And hey, this is for charity.