Thought Bubble 2013
Thought Bubble is an annual convention held each year at the Leeds Royal Armoury for a week in November. It offers eclectic tables from independent artists, to both large and small publishers, larger names like Forbidden Planet and Travelling man and a variety of guest speakers at panel discussions.
^^^ (Photo credit)
Being a large convention, it took a fair amount of time to get around every table over the weekend that I went, but there is always something new to read beyond the sometimes repetitive titles churned out by larger publishers such as DC and Marvel.
Below is a sample of some titles I personally found excellent, in terms of art, plot and all of the creators were absolutely stellar individuals who took the time to answer questions and sign my own volumes.~
Links:
Improper Books (Publishers of "Porcelain" and "Knight and Dragon")
The Lengths
Dangerine
"Porcelain" and "Knight and Dragon"
Porcelain was a title that I gained knowledge about during last year's free comic book day event and I knew that I had to own it. As the tagline suggests, it weaves a macabre but inspired modern fairy tale set in alternative Victorian universe. Paired with pristine line work and subtle colouring, the story really does stand out against the conventions of more generic titles and plots.
I was lucky enough to find its creators at the convention and discussed both the story and art techniques with them. I unfortunately didn't have my copy for signing, but I did pick up free preview of Chris Wildgoose's "Briar" and another book from Improper aimed at younger audiences called Knight and Dragon.
The story structure is a mystery upon your first thumb through the pages, but it becomes apparent after reading the instructions. It works like a 'Choose-your-own-adventure' book, but the story you read depends on which character you choose, represented by a different coloured circle. The beautiful thing about this particular structure however is that each story overlaps seamlessly into each other character's and it essentially gives you six books in one.
The Lengths
I remember seeing this book in its infancy when I first started University and went to the Alternative Comic Book convention down at the Nation of Shopkeepers. I was intrigued by the previews but the artist, Howard Hardiman, had sold his last copy. I ran into him again at MCM london last year, but didn't have enough money to buy each individual volume. Thankfully, Hardiman was at this year's Thought Bubble, and his works had finally been compiled into one volume.
The series apparently began as a third year illustration project, investigating the world of male prostitution. The story is told from the view of Eddie, a 24 year old art school drop out. This in and of itself isn't too strange... Until you realize that everyone in this book is a breed of dog that reflects their personality. The art is a striking black and white with gritty but appropriate line work and deep shadow. The splash pages are exactly that, and draw the eye chaotically through its fluid exposition.
Dangerine
This was a unknown title for me, but the creator James Lawrence had an electric presence and gave me a free sketch for purchasing both volumes. Besides, his synopsis had me sold anyway:
A Super senshi inspired adventure where the protagonist gains all the powers of an orange during a villainous gene splicing experiment.
It really does pay to display the right level of enthusiasm to prospective reasons, and offering free things doesn't hurt either if you costs you very little to create them.
On a side note this was the first year I'd ever dabbled in Cosplaying. There were a fair few unanticipated elements, but it challenged my sourcing and prop making skills, forced me to learn how to sew, re-acquainted me with both acrylic paints and plaster sculpting to make the Staff. I also learned a lot about stage make up and how to contour to create masculine characteristics on a female face. It must have been effective because people kept stopping me for pictures and loved my prop. (I'm the one on the right.)
All in all, a fruitful and enjoyable convention. I can't wait to see what 2014 brings.
