GLASGOW COMIC CON

COMICS TRIP

Now in its fth year, Glasgow Comic Con brings together artists, authors, publishers and sellers in a celebratory showcase of graphic novels, comic art

and writing. Rowena McIntosh caught up with festival director Sha Nazir

to pore over some must-see artists and events

NIGEL PARKINSON AND NIKA NARTOVA Parkinson is the artist responsible for drawing iconic Beano characters Dennis the Menace, Gnasher and Minnie the Minx, while Nartova is their colourist. The pair will be hosting an all-ages comic talk as well as ‘how to draw’ sessions on Dennis, Gnasher and Minnie. SHA SAYS: ‘It’s really good to get them because it’s only the fourth ever convention they’ve done, and he’s been drawing Dennis and Gnasher for 25 years now.’

JOHN WAGNER Wagner is the co-creator of Judge Dredd, who celebrated his 35th birthday in 2012. As well as nearly four decades in print, the 2000 AD character has appeared twice on the big screen portrayed by Sylvester Stallone in 1995 and Karl Urban in 2012. Wagner’s list of creations also include Strontium Dog, Button Man, Robo-Hunter and Chopper. SHA SAYS: ‘John is a legend of comics, a game changer with his contribution to British comics. We’re very pleased to have John reunite with Alan Grant to work on a new book for BHP Comics.’ HUNT EMERSON A veteran of the comic art scene, Emerson has drawn for titles including The Adventures of Mr Spoonbiscuit, Thunderdogs and Firkin. He currently draws Little Plum for the Beano. SHA SAYS: ‘He’s a really amazing cartoonist. Coming from an indie background, he’s produced a broad range of work from adult comics in the early years of his career to making amazing graphic novels.’

MARK MILLAR A local writer from Coatbridge, Millar is in the higher echelons of the comics industry. This is in part due to the fact that several of his creations have made the leap from page to big screen with feature film adaptations including Kick-Ass, Wanted and The Kingsman: The Secret Service. His success has earned him the very prestigious-sounding role of Fox Movies Superhero Consultant. Millar visits Glasgow for a talk. SHA SAYS: ‘Mark is also working with us on his Millar World exhibition at the Glasgow Print Studio. It’s called Comic Art: Millar World and Beyond, and some of the top artists in the world have contributed to it.’ THE BIG COMIC DRAW Held in the CCA Intermedia Gallery (Wed 1–Sun 5 Jul), Glasgow Comic Con invites you to create your own strip, comic page or poster art using the alphabet as inspiration. Illustrator Clare Forrest hosts the space, and over the weekend, 14 artists (including Karrie Fransman and Iain Laurie) will draw with people in slots. SHA SAYS: ‘As people start contributing and making their art, we’ll start pinning it to the wall in alphabetical order, adding to what will be a giant comic book.’

Glasgow Comic Con, various venues, Sat 4 & Sun 5 Jul.

38 THE LIST 4 Jun–3 Sep 2015

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