Stories

Angel - part of BICS 2009

Also known also as 'BICS', the British International Comics Show brings together artists, illustrators, editors, fans and memorabilia sellers from around the world for a whole weekend.

From The Beano to Superman, Watchmen to Japanese Manga; practically every comic series ever published will be represented with displays, stalls and exhibitions dotted around the Think Tank at Millennium Point.

James Hodgkins

Organiser James Hodgkins, a graphic designer who worked on Hollywood blockbuster Batman Begins in 2005, says:

"It's getting pretty hectic at the moment! We drew 4,000 people last year and advance ticket sales are up this year which is very exciting. This year is our fourth one and is the biggest in the UK.

"Nowadays, a lot of these types of shows happen in London. For us though Birmingham was the only option. It's centralised so everyone can get here relatively easily."

BICS began in 2006 when James and two other like-minded comic fans held their first convention at Birmingham's Custard Factory.

3rd - 4th October 2009

"It just all came together," he remembers. "There were three of us behind it. Myself, Andy Baker - who's a fellow illustrator - and publisher Shane Chebsey. We all work in the industry, are all from in-and-around Birmingham and are all big fans.

"The event was a big success but we knew we had to move out of The Custard Factory – which is a great venue – simply because demand was too high. The following year in 2007 we moved to the Think Tank at Millennium Point and have been there every year since."

This year

The 2009 event will feature a huge range of guests from the comic world, signing autographs, answering questions and mingling with fans.

Among them are Marvel and DC artist Pasqual Ferry, of Iron Man and Fantastic Four fame. Stephen Mooney, acclaimed artist on the hit series of IDW comics featuring Angel, will also be on hand to meet fans and sign autographs.

Celebrated at BICS 2009

Other highlights include: a special exhibition featuring fine art that has been inspired by comic books; a live podcast celebrating 70 years of Marvel comics and a special look at the appeal of foreign language works translated for the English speaking market.

The Think Tank's IMAX cinema will also be screening Watchmen, Star Trek and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen for fans eager to experience the power of the IMAX screen.

In what could be a key opportunity for aspiring artists though, editors from top comic book brands will be on hand giving portfolio feedback and offering advice. Pitching sessions also may give aspiring fantasy writers that big break and it is not unheard of for publishers to 'sign up' new talent they meet at BICS.

"A lot of new talent is discovered at conventions like these that happen the world over," says James. "It's a great way for artists to have their work seen personally by some very influential editors. The industry survives on new talent and opportunities like this are ideal."

New exhibition display

Enduring appeal

What is considered to be he 'first' comic book format was introduced to America in 1934. Since then, the US has evolved into the world's leading producer, with Britain and Japan close seconds in terms of quantity of titles

From Dennis The Menace to Sin City, comics have endured across generations. Why?

"They're fantasy adventures," explains James. "Every generation discovers them and in some way relates to the characters and the situations. Look at the phenomenon of the last Batman film, The Dark Knight. The fundamentals of the character were the same in the 1960s; the world he lives in now has changed dramatically.

"When you look back and study comic book history, you realise that the characters may stay the same but the worlds that they live in have changed dramatically."

Pasqual Ferry art

The British International Comic Show takes place at the Think Tank at Millennium Point on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October 2009.

Ticket prices vary from £6 -£45, depending on the size of you group and whether you plan to attend for just one day or the whole weekend. You can pay on the door.

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