16 December 2010 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Girls Comics: Pat Mills & Jenny McDade

In the UK mainstream female comics (Jackie, Misty, Tammy etc) once outsold male comics by at least a ratio of 2 to 1. Before creating the weekly boys’ comics Battle, Action, 2000AD and Starlord, Pat Mills began his career writing scripts for IPC’s weekly girls comics. Jenny McDade was a writer for much-loved UK weekly girls’ comics of the Seventies. Both writers will be discussing the world of girls’ comics and offering an insight into why female comics dropped off the radar in Britain and the efforts that are being made to bring them back.
These efforts include a talent search by new London-based illustration agency Pickled Ink to find an upcoming student or recent graduate illustrator to work with Jenny McDade on an innovative graphic novel project aimed mainly at a female readership entitled Party Girls, as well as winning £1,000 and and representation at Pickled ink. This week Pat, Jenny and the other judges announced that they have selected the winning artist as Fay Dalton.
Fay Dalton explains about her work: “As an illustrator my objective is simplicity with strengths in a unique perspective, sensitivity to form, line and intrinsic sense of colour. Recently graduating from Portsmouth University with a first class degree in Illustration I am now a London based illustrator. As well as being inspired by a wide range of artists and illustrators like Gerald Scarfe, James Jean and Cindy Sherman, I am also inspired by fashion. I enjoy illustrating current social issues such as celebrity culture and plastic surgery but I also enjoy illustrating for children’s books, and character designs. I often illustrate serious subjects with a lampoon twist, however I approach my subjects with an open mind. Usually I start my sketches in pencil or ink then I transfer into Photoshop for further reworking and colour edition.”
Fay Dalton will be joining Pat Mills and Jenny McDade at this special Comica Festival event.
All are welcome, no booking or RSVP required and admission is free.
4 December 2010 Noon-5pm
David Burcham: Alien Ink

Real teenagers with real issues form the heart and soul of Channel 4’s straight-talking online serial off the streets of Camden. Each weekly webisode lets readers interact with the highly individual cast based around trendy tattoo parlour Alien Ink. Creator David Bircham invites you to spend the afternoon at an invitation only event, which will feature exclusive unseen art from the online Alien Ink comic. Do not miss this opportunity to mingle with the rising talent of the UK, experience talks and attend a comic masterclass. This event is free, but you must RSVP: either call/text - 07950 101 607 or email: edd [at] pressureblog [dot] com. More details…
A free event but booking required
Book here
2 December 6.30-9.30pm
Launch Party: Gonzo

Publisher SelfMadeHero is having a party and you’re invited to celebrate the launch of Gonzo: A Graphic Biography Of Hunter S. Thompson by Will Bingley and Anthony Hope-Smith.
“If you’re going to be crazy, you have to get paid for it or else you’re going to be locked up.”
Over the course of Hunter S. Thompson’s extraordinary life he was publically branded a bum, a vandal, a thief, a liar, an addict, a freak and a psychopath. Some of these were true. Yet, even when compared to the most significant figures of the 20th century, his legacy remains a brilliantly vital force. This is his story - the story of a troubled kid who went on to become an international icon, a story that plumbs the darkest depths of American society and charts the now-legendary adventures that birthed Gonzo journalism and a lifestyle beyond imagination.
A free event, but RSVP essential to douglas@selfmadehero.com or tel 020 7487 4395
24 November 6.30-8.30pm
Comica Argentina Night: Carlos Nine & Thomas Dassance

In an introductory illustrated talk, Thomas Dassance, director of the Vinetas Sueltas Comics Festival in Buenos Aires, will reveal the rich traditions and vital current scene of comics in Argentina. Then, making his first appearance in London, the brilliant Argentinian artist, writer, designer, sculptor and animator Carlos Nine will discuss his fascinating life and prolific career with Argentinian cartoonist Sylvia Libedinsky and Comica Festival director Paul Gravett, co-curators of the Comica Argentina exhibition earlier this year. Nine’s first graphic novel translated into English, the third volume of Sfar & Trondheim’s Dungeon Monstres series entitled Heartbreaker, is being published this month by NBM.
tickets £4 - booking required
book tickets here
23 November 7.00-9.00pm
Louis Wain: The Man Who Drew Cats

The life and work of the Edwardian cat artist Louis Wain, whose obsession drove him into the madhouse, is being explored by writer and broadcaster David Quantick and artist Savage Pencil in their serialised biography for Alan Moore’s Dodgem Logic magazine. Quantick and Pencil discuss their fascination with Wain and their approach to comics in an illustrated presentation. The evening also marks the publication from The London Print Studio of a set of four signed, limited-edition silkscreens by Savage Pencil inspired by Wain’s cats.
Tickets £4 - booking required
book tickets here
AN EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED ...most definitely
17 November 7.00-9.00pm
John Hicklenton: From 2000AD to 100 Months

‘To me, Johnny Hicklenton is the Jimi Hendrix of British comics.’- Pat Mills
2000AD writer Pat Mills, documentary film director Adam Levis and artist friend Clint Langley celebrate the late John Hicklenton's life, career and crowning masterwork 100 Months, an apocalyptic parable of environmental devastation drawn and written in foreknowledge of his own impending death. The evening includes a discussion, extracts from the Here's Johnny documentary movie and the publication of an exclusive limited edition print from London Print Studio.
‘I was lucky enough to have Johnny Hicklenton draw my first published story, and I knew from the start that his was a unique and powerful vision. 100 MONTHS is a heartbreaking final vision: one man going head to head with death, and with Death, and with life. I felt lucky to be allowed to read it and fortunate that Johnny made it for us before he left. It lingers and it haunts, and, ultimately, affirms.’ - NEIL GAIMAN
For fans of 2000AD and Judge Dredd, cartoonist Johnny Hicklenton needs no introduction. He was one of Britain’s greatest comic book artists, famous for the brutal, visceral draughtsmanship he brought to his craft. Published on 18 November, 100 MONTHS is Johnny’s final graphic novel, a fantastically dark, apocalyptic fable, warning that we only have only 100 months left to save the planet. Johnny took his own life with the assistance of Dignitas in Switzerland on 19 March 2010 following a heroic ten-year struggle with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. This event celebrates his life and his uniquely dark and powerful vision, with fellow cartoonists Pat Mills and Clint Langley and Adam Lavis of Animal Monday, director of the film ‘Here’s Johnny’ winner of two Grierson awards for best documentary.
100 MONTHS is published by Cutting Edge, hardback £19.99
A free event but booking essential. please email with 'RSVP' in the header
15 November 6.30-8pm
Graphic Vision: Ho Che Anderson

The African-Canadian author Ho Che Anderson makes a rare visit to London to discuss the genesis and success of King, his graphic biography of Martin Luther King Jr, and his wide-ranging adult graphic novels from I Want To Be Your Dog to Scream Queen. Hosted by comic artist Paul Peart-Smith, author of online serial One Plus One at Act-i-vate. With generous support from AltCon, the new adult comics convention November 4-14 in Malmö, Sweden.
Tickets £4 - booking required
book tickets here
6 November 4.30-5.30pm
Comics Of The Living Dead: Charlie Adlard

Meet the British artist behind the hugely popular zombie comic series The Walking Dead, now adapted into a hit TV serial. Charlie Adlard will be in conversation with Alex Fitch, host of Panel Borders on Resonance FM and a selection of Adlard’s original art is on show at the That’s Novel exhibition.
Tickets £4 - booking required
book tickets here
6 November 2.30-3.30pm
Frames of Mind: Brick and Darryll Cunningham

What role can comics play in mental illness? A conversation between Brick, author of Depresso, and Darryl Cunningham, author of Psychiatric Tales, about their moving (semi-) autobiographical graphic novels dealing with depression and other issues and how creating these comics has helped both themselves and others.
Tickets £4 - booking required
book tickets here
Past family workshop events
Trick or Treat! 30th October 2010 3-5pm Transform yourself into your Halloween character of choice with a beginners class in face painting. Bring a friend and feel free to come in costume! Suitable for children of 4-10 years old.
SockPuppets for Story Time! 18th September 2010 3-5pm Help us create an assortment of sock monsters that will turn our story time into theatre time! Please remember to bring a sense of adventure and a parent with (very) basic sewing skills! Suitable for children of 4-10 years old.
Sceenprinting for wee ones! 21st August 2010 3-5pm Create your own colourful poster on the theme of summer to take away with you. Please remember sun hats and smiles must be worn at all times! Suitable for children of 4-10 years old.
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