Stories

James Hodgkins

For more than 20 years, James Hodgkins, 43, has worked as a graphic designer, with a client list including DC Comics, Marvel, Warner Bros and Lucasfilm.

In 2006 James, a lifelong comic fan, decided to organise a comic book convention at Birmingham's Custard Factory, offering enthusiasts and industry insiders a chance to converge under one roof.

"It just all came together," he says. "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.

4-5th October 2008

"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."

Annual attraction

Now an annual attraction, the Birmingham International Comics Show brings together artists, illustrators, editors, fans and memorabilia sellers from around Europe for a whole weekend.

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

Fans last year - courtesy Richard Bruton

"This year is our third one and is the biggest in the UK," says James. "We expect up to 4,000 people to come from all around the country. It's a nice coincidence really. The very first comic book convention in the UK was actually held in Birmingham in 1968 so it's also an anniversary.

"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."

Comic history

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

Traditionally marketed at young teens, publishers have produced offshoots aimed at children and as well as adults: some light and comedic; others dark and brooding.

Birmingham international comics show 07

Whatever the target demographic or visual style though, comic books have always followed the adventures of fictional characters in make-believe words, generally focusing on the good vs. evil conflict and often containing overt political, cultural and even religious subtexts.

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

"They're fantasy adventures," says James. "Every generation discovers them and in some way relates to the characters and the situations. 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.

"Look at the phenomenon of the new 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."

The Joker in The Dark Knight

All genres

James – who also worked as a production illustrator on 2005's Batman Begins - is keen to emphasise that super heroes only form a small part of the International Comic Show.

"We are focused on all genres of comics – not just the sci-fi and Spiderman stuff. We have representatives from the Beano, Dandy and Toxic. There is crossover of course but these are largely the more family themed comics. Also Japanese comics – known as manga - are very well represented at the show. Manga titles have seen huge sales increases in recent years."

A line-up of guests from the comic world will be on hand too, signing autographs, answering questions and mingling with fans.

2007 show - courtesy Richard Bruton

Amongst them are John Cassaday of X-Men fame, Dave Gibbons - who'll be launching a companion book to the Watchmen graphic novel – and David Lloyd, creator of 'V' for Vendetta.

New talent

There is also a treat for budding artists dreaming of working in the comic book industry: 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.

"A lot of new talent is discovered at conventions like these that happen the word 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."

Various comic characters

The Birmingham International Comic Show takes place at the Think Tank at Millennium Point on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October 2008.

Ticket prices vary from £5 -£35, 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.

For more information, visit: www.thecomicsshow.co.uk