Thought Bubble Festival 2016 Guide by Thought Bubble Comic Art Festival

The Tenth Leeds Comic Art Festival 1-6 November 2016 With a massive two-day comic con

w w w . th o ught bubblefe st ival.c om

over 3 huge halls 5-6 November

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

FREE GUIDE

COMIXOLOGY

Welcome to the 10th annual Thought Bubble Festival! decade! Ten whole years of sharing our love of comics and graphic novels with you all! Since Lisa Wood (also known as artist Tula Lotay) started Thought Bubble in 2007 in the basement of Leeds Town Hall, the festival has grown into something bigger and better than we ever dreamed!

and runners-up from our comic art competitions. All profits from the sale of the anthology are going to the children’s charity Barnardo’s. As ever, it was put together with the endless support of Comicraft and Image Comics, and every single piece of work was donated free of charge by the creators. What heroes!

This year, we’ve got some of our awesome regular events such as the Young People’s Comic Awards, our mega book crossing where we deliver stacks of free comics to local libraries, our academic conference Comics Forum, and of course our huge two-day convention at Leeds Dock. There’s a whole lot of great new things going on too! Like a month-long exhibition of artwork from THE WICKED + THE DIVINE by Jamie McKelvie and Kieron Gillen, our second exhibition run in partnership with the wonderful Gallery at Munro House. Leeds Central Library are hosting a talk about the amazing array of political cartoons they’ve unearthed. We’re continuing to celebrate the diversity of comics with a Mental Healththemed comics and zines workshop run by Una and Arts & Minds, and we’re expanding on the Rainbow Age book club collection - our LGBTQ* event run in partnership with Leeds Library and Information Services and Travelling Man. Worldrenowned storyteller Ben Haggarty will be wowing school groups with his magical Kavad, and Leeds College of Art’s Creative Networks are hosting an event with the one and only Mike Mignola who’ll be chatting about his life and work.

Our centrepiece event as always is the Thought Bubble comic convention which will take place over two days on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th November in three of Leeds’ largest exhibition halls - New Dock Hall, Royal Armouries Hall, and the specially-constructed comiXology Marquee. In Royal Armouries Hall, you’ll find a new Drop In and Draw area for kids and families run by the fabulous Team Ketchup. We’ve curated an incredible lineup of independent artists, retailers, publishers and international guests, whose work shows the true diversity of comic book and graphic novel storytelling. Over 10 years the festival has been supported by a huge range of partners and sponsors from funding organisations and colleges to retailers and hotels. This year, as we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we’re delighted to welcome comiXology on board as a major leading sponsor. Their amazing support has helped us to grow the festival and we look forward to seeing the relationship flourish! Check out the special comiXology exhibition hall as part of the festival convention. We also want to say the biggest of thank yous to you, our super Thought Bubble attendees, for making this whole decade an absolute joy from start to finish. Every year it somehow manages to get more special, and a total pleasure to bring to you! Whether you’re a curious first-time visitor, a cosplay enthusiast or a comics connoisseur, we look forward to welcoming you to our biggest and best festival to date.

We’re so proud of our Thought Bubble Anthology Collection, available now in all good comics shops, celebrating 10 years of Thought Bubble. This collection is in a graphic novel format, and is a collection of the last five years’ anthologies. It’s jam-packed full of amazing art and stories by world-class artists and writers, alongside winners

thought bubble 2016 is brought to you by

FESTIVAL EXCLUSIVES

Tickets for our comic convention are £18 for a day pass, £29 for a weekend pass, £16 for a cosplay day pass and Breeze-card Holders. Advance tickets for our comic convention are £16* for a day pass, £26* for a weekend pass

MIKE MIGNOLA PRINT ‘THE LEEDS BLACK PRINCE’ The incomparable Mike Mignola has created an exclusive print for Travelling Man based on the Black Prince statue in City Square! The print will be available exclusively at the signing at Travelling Man Manchester store on 29th October, and from the Travelling Man tables (109-124 in the comiXology marquee) at the convention weekend.

Under 12s get in for free with a ticketholding parent/guardian. Free to over 65s with a valid form of photo ID. *subject to booking fee

For full ticket details, please visit www.thoughtbubblefestival.com/ information/tickets • Look for the Festival Timetable at the centre of this brochure to help you plan your activities during Thought Bubble.

ILLUSTRATED MIND THOUGHT BUBBLE T-SHIRT We are very pleased to have worked with the awesome Illustrated Mind again this year for our exclusive Thought Bubble tee. This year they’ve collaborated with Andrew MacLean, creator of Head Lopper (Image) and Apocalyptigirl (Dark Horse). Look out for all our volunteers who’ll be modelling a red version for you, and if you’d like to have one for yourself, they will be on sale at the Illustrated Mind stand (table 82 in New Dock Hall)!

• The awesome Biserka Stringer Horne has given us this lovely character to indicate events that are suitable for families and young people. Our children’s workshops, and family area at this year’s convention, have been made possible by an incredibly generous sponsorship from Charlie Adlard. Thank you, Charlie! • If you see a volunteer in a red Thought Bubble t-shirt at one of our events, they are there to help you, so if you have any issues, please let them know. If you’d like to let our volunteers know how great they are for lending their time freely to help make Thought Bubble possible, please do – they all rock!

THOUGHT BUBBLE EXCLUSIVE BOOK LAUNCHES - explore a world of amazing new books, and discover new favourites to take home! Scan this picture with your smartphone for info on titles making their debut at this year’s Thought Bubble Comic Con, or visit www. thoughtbubblefestival.com/ debuting-books

• If you have any feedback to offer us, please get in touch! We’re always looking to make sure that Thought Bubble grows in the right direction – please direct correspondence to thoughtbubbleinfo@gmail.com

PHOTOS TAKEN AT THOUGHT BUBBLE FESTIVAL EVENTS MAY BE USED FOR MARKETING AND PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES.

Special thanks this year to our retail partners who have kindly sponsored the following guests:

2016’s CONVENTION EXHIBITORS- for a full list of this year’s convention exhibitors, attending from all around the UK and beyond, please visit w ww.thoughtbubblefestival.com/exhibitors

ALL ARTWORK IS COPYRIGHT THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS, EXCEPT WHERE INDICATED. CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT, FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT WWW. THOUGHTBUBBLEFESTIVAL.COM

THOUGHT BUBBLE MID-CON PARTY This year’s mid-convention party will be at the dazzling Trinity Kitchen from 19:00 on Sat 5 Nov until 01:00 Sunday morning! If you missed out on a party ticket this year, you may still be able to attend. Any unwanted tickets/returns will be available on the door on the evening of the party. Tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, priced at £6 with cash sales only.

Mike Mignola Babs Tarr

Faith Erin Hicks

T H IS YEAR ’ S GU ESTS AND P R OFES S I ONA L S John Allison Kris Anka Mahmud Asrar Paul Azaceta Robert Ball Andy Belanger Jordie Bellaire Bengal Lee Bermejo Dan Berry Fernando Blanco Philip Bond Shelly Bond Adam Brockbank Box Brown Keith Burns Jonathan Burton Neill Cameron Laurence Campbell Cecil Castellucci Becky Cloonan Jorge Coelho Boo Cook Paul Cornell D’Israeli Fernando Dagnino Simon Davis Jon Davis-Hunt Al Davison Robert Deas Nico Delort Michael Dialynas

Andy Diggle Glyn Dillon Steve Dillon Peter Doherty Paul Duffield Ian Edginton Neil Edwards Tom Eglington Marc Ellerby Gary Erskine Etherington Brothers Al Ewing Duncan Fegredo Matt Ferguson Jacky Fleming Brenden Fletcher Tess Fowler Genevieve FT Antonio Fuso Simon Gane Lee Garbett Kieron Gillen Alise Gluškova Sarah Graley Adi Granov Ben Haggarty Stephanie Hans Erica Henderson Faith Erin Hicks David Hine Nic Ter Horst ILYA

Frazer Irving JAKe Warwick JohnsonCadwell Antony Johnston Aimée de Jongh Shaky Kane Ian Kennedy Kim Jung Gi Ilias Kyriazis Marc Laming Roger Langridge David Leach Jeff Lemire Emi Lenox Tula Lotay Andrew MacLean John McCrea Jamie McKelvie Ollie Masters Mike Mignola Mondo Stephen Mooney Leah Moore Tom Muller Adam Murphy Ryan North Gary Northfield Dean Ormston Alex Paknadel Yanick Paquette Luke Pearson

Sean Phillips Raid71 John Reppion Vanesa R. Del Rey Philippa Rice Matthew Rosenberg Simon Roy Alison Sampson Declan Shalvey Dave Shelton Tom Sidell Simon Spurrier Eric Stephenson Fiona Stephenson Cameron Stewart Babs Tarr Dave Taylor Matt Taylor Sally Jane Thompson James Turner Emma Vieceli Kevin Wada John Wagner Kev Walker Christian Ward Dan Watters John Watson Claire Wendling Caspar Wijngaard Andrew Wildman Rob Williams

Thought Bubble would not be possible without the generous support of Travelling Man – the UK’s friendliest independent comics and games shops.

KRIS ANKA

MIKE

MIGNOLA i s an American comic book creator, perhaps best known as the award-winning writer/artist of Hellboy... now celebrating its 22nd Anniversary! He was also visual consultant to director Guillermo del Toro on Blade 2 and both Hellboy films.

is a Los Angeles-born artist whose work for Marvel Comics can be seen on titles such as Uncanny X-Men, All-New X-Factor, Wolverines, and Ms. Marvel.

PAUL

AZACETA is a New Jersey based comic book artist. He’s worked on two creator-owned books with Mark Sable, Grounded and Graveyard of Empires, before taking on his first ongoing horror book, Outcast, with Robert Kirkman from Image Comics.

R Y A N NORTH is

STEPHANIE HANS is a French

a Canadian comic book creator, who is the mastermind behind the webcomic Dinosaur Comics, wrote the Eisner and Harvey award-winning Adventure Time comic series, and writes THE Unbeatable Squirrel Girl for Marvel Comics.

illustrator, whoh as worked for a number of publishers including Marvel (Guardians of the Galaxy), BOOM (Clockwork Angels and Suicide Risk), Dark Horse (Kull and Tomb Raider), DYNAMITE (Damsels: Mermaids) and IDW (Womanthology).

BABS

TARR grew up in Charleston, SC. She attended the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD where she received her BFA in Illustration. Her work will soon be seen in the upcoming Image comics series Motor Crush.

ERICA

HENDERSON is an illustrator and comic book creator who graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design, and since has taken the comic book world by storm with her work on such titles as Unbeatable Squirrel Girl for Marvel Comics, and Jughead for Archie Comics.

K E V I N WADA was

FA I T H ERIN HICKS

i s a Canadian writer and artist. She worked in the animation industry for several years before transitioning into writing and drawing comics full time in 2008. Her current project is THE Nameless City, a three book series with First Second Books.

born in the greater Los Angeles area and went to college at California College of the Arts in San Francisco, and has gone on to do comics illustration work for Marvel, DC, Image, Boom!, Valiant and more.

KIM JUNG GI

is a Korean artist born in 1975 in Goyang-Si in the province of Kyongki-Do (South Korea). At 19, he entered the Fine Arts School and majored in “Art & Design”. When he’s not working for a Korean company in advertising or managing AniChanga, his drawing school in Seoul, he’s travelling the world to meet his fans and get inspiration!

Each year Travelling Man donate both their office space, and the time of their employees, to help with the logistics of the festival. We’d like to say a big THANK YOU to all their staff for helping us both during the festival and in the run-up to each Thought Bubble. For more information on Travelling Man, please visit travellingman.com or pop into their flagship store in Leeds, at 32 Central Road, LS1 6DE

All Travelling Man events at this year’s festival are marked with this handy icon!

2016 HIGHLIGHTED GUESTS

CLAIRE WENDLING

is a French comics author, who won the “Artist of the Future” prize at the Angoulême International Comics Festival while still in the School of the Fine Arts of Angoulême. Since then she had had books published by Delcourt and Humanoids, and produced designs for Warner Bros’ Quest for Camelot and the video game Alone in the Dark IV.

The 2016 Thought Bubble Festival image is by the wonderful Emmeline Pidgen.

Festival duration Events 2 / Exhibition / Thought Bubble Comic Art Competition Entries 2016

1 / Live Event / Thought Bubble Anthology Collection - 10 Years of Comics From Mon 5 Oct, Comic Shops Worldwide, opening times vary, suitable for mature readers, £8.99/$9.99 (prices may vary) In celebration of Thought Bubble’s tenth birthday, 2016 sees the publication of our first ever collected edition of the Thought Bubble Comics Anthology! Available 5 October, from all good comic shops and digitally through comiXology, this collection brings together the previous five issues of the Thought Bubble Comic Anthology, presented in traditional American graphic novel format, and comprising over 130 pages of stories from the best creators in the comics community. We’re also very pleased to present a selection of winning entries from 2010-2014’s Thought Bubble Comic Art competitions as part of this collection, and would like to thank everyone who has entered over the years! For more information, please go to thoughtbubblefestival.com/ anthology-2016

Mon 24 Oct – Sun 6 Nov, Leeds Central Library, Room 700 (1st Floor), opening times vary, All ages, Free Pop by Leeds Central Library to view all the wonderful entries from the Thought Bubble Comic Art Competition in a brand new digital exhibition! Winners of the competition will be announced at the Thought Bubble comic convention on Sun 6 Nov, and will have their work featured in 2017’s Thought Bubble Anthology, but you can preview all the stories we’ve received before the judges present their final decision! For full details of this year’s entries and how to get involved with 2017’s competition, go to http://thoughtbubblefestival.com/ events/comicartcompetition/

4 / Exhibition / Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and Thought Bubble Present Animate Europe Thur 27 Oct - Mon 16 Jan 2017, Staircase Gallery, Leeds Town Hall, The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AD, Opening Times Vary, All Ages, Free What will Europe, what will the European Union look like in 50,100, 250 years? That is what the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, asked graphic novelists and comic artists from all over the world, as part of the second round of our Animate Europe International Comics Competition. In their stories, the artists provide a lot of food for thought and debate, ranging from depictions of social or economic hardship to the role of community and cultural heritage.

3 / Exhibition / Unstable Molecules by Gramsch Tues 25 Oct to Sun 20 Nov, Nation of Shopkeepers’ Window of Opportunity (outside, opposite Leeds Cathedral), 29 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AG, All Ages, Free Local artist/geek Gramsch returns to the city centre’s finest drinking establishments with another exhibition of his abstracted superhero paintings. From 25th October, and for the duration of the festival, Nation of Shopkeepers’ Window of Opportunity plays host to Gramsch’s geometric reinterpretations of otherwise memorable colour/shape combinations.

5 / Exhibition / The Gallery at Munro House & Thought Bubble Present...THE WICKED + THE DIVINE Tues 1 Nov – Wed 30 Nov, The Gallery at Munro House, Corner of York St/Duke Street, Leeds, LS9 8AG, 08:00-18:00 Monday to Friday, 10:00-18:00 Saturdays, Closed Sundays (but will be open on Sun 6 Nov), All ages, Free Every ninety years, twelve gods incarnate as humans. They are loved. They are hated. In two years, they are dead. Welcome to THE WICKED + THE DIVINE, where gods are the ultimate pop stars. But

remember: just because you’re immortal, doesn’t mean you’re going to live forever. We are so proud to be partnering up with The Gallery at Munro House for a second time, to host an exhibition of THE WICKED + THE DIVINE by artist Jamie McKelvie and writer Kieron Gillen. The ground-breaking, multiple Eisner award nominated, contemporary fantasy comic book series has been a huge breakout hit, and has been optioned for TV. First published by Image Comics in 2014, it remains one of their most popular series over two years later. Alongside images from THE WICKED + THE DIVINE will be pieces from McKelvie and Gillen’s cult favourite Phonogram series.

6 / Exhibition / Leeds College of Art BA Illustration - Travelling Man Exhibition Tues 1 Nov - Wed 30 Nov, Travelling Man, 32 Central Road, Leeds, LS1 6DE, 10:00-18:00 Monday to Sunday (11:00 - 17:00 Sundays), Free, All ages Do art students like comics? Of course they do! Third year students from the exciting new Illustration degree at Leeds College of Art exhibit a series of prints made in response to their love for comics & pop culture. The exhibiting artists have been drawing, painting, printing and making non-stop for the last two years and are excited about this opportunity to exhibit their talents as part of the Thought Bubble festival. Prints will be editioned and available to buy. Presented in association with Travelling Man

7 / Exhibition / Prints of Eternia at Colours May Vary Tues 1 Nov to Wed 30 Nov, Colours May Vary, Munro House, Duke St, Leeds LS9 8AG, 10:00-18:00 MonSat, 12:00-17:00 Sun, All ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Please note: Thought Bubble does not control event content, Free

Prints of Eternia is a colourful and exciting project that brings together established and upcoming artists to celebrate HE-MAN, the much loved 80s action-packed cartoon series. Artists from different backgrounds and practices were tasked with creating one piece using HE-MAN as inspiration. The results are as varied as the characters in the show! All the work produced will be exhibited for the whole month of November at Colours May Vary, Leeds, coinciding with the Thought Bubble comic art festival. Artists who ‘have the power’ include Jack Teagle. Peter Lloyd. Billy Mather. ZEEL, Lord Hurk, Lucy Irving, Laetitia Bocquet, Anthony Atkinson, Drew Millward, Patrick R Allan, Adam Moore and Print Wagon.

8 / Live Event / 2000 AD Art Challenge 2016 / Deadline 5 Nov Competition Entries must be submitted in person at Thought Bubble’s Convention, Sat 5 Nov, at the 2000 AD table in the comiXology Marquee. A convention pass will be needed to gain entry Want to be the next great artist to draw Judge Dredd? Then take this opportunity to have your art seen by one of the world’s bestknown publishers by entering the 2000 AD Art Challenge! To enter the challenge, draw your version of a set Terror Tale script (available at thoughtbubblefestival. com/events/2000adcompetitions/), bring it to the portfolio session on the Saturday of Thought Bubble, and you could wind up winning paid work at 2000 AD! Join previous winners Tom Foster, Daniel Dwyer, Will Morris, and Joe Palmer, who have all gone on to appear in their pages! The six best efforts chosen will then go before the searing eyes of some of the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic’s greatest talents at a panel on the Sunday, with the art droids doling out advice to budding artists before choosing their favourite to win! Please note: you’ll need a valid Thought Bubble Comic Con ticket to enter, and places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. The art challenge is open only to

pages based on the script provided. Full details on the venue and timings of the competition can be found as part of the full programme below.

9 / Live Event / 2000 AD Writing Competition 2016 / Deadline 5 Nov Competition Entries must be presented in person at Thought Bubble’s Convention, Sat 5 Nov, 12:00-12:50, Bury Theatre. So you want to write for 2000 AD? Bravo, Earthlet – but dare you put your idea to the test in the Theatre of Thrills? Future Shocks have not only been a staple of 2000 AD since 1977 but have forged some of its greatest writing talents, including Alan Moore and Grant Morrison! Writers are being invited to pitch their ideas for a brand new Future Shock to a panel of our top script droids on the Saturday at Thought Bubble – but they have just two minutes to make their case! Can you condense your idea, plot, and characters for a selfcontained, four-page short story with a twist ending down into just 120 seconds? And in front of an audience? And convince some of our best writers that it’s a winner? Only the bold shall be victorious! The clock is ticking! Can you make your pitch and write your way into a job with 2000 AD? Get writing and make sure you’re first in line to appear – it’s first come, first served! Only our panel can decide whether your idea is worthy of the Mighty Tharg’s attention – the prize is getting paid to have your winning script turned into a Future Shock in the pages of the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic, like last year’s winner Rory McConville! Full details on the venue and timings of the competition can be found as part of the full programme below.

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THOUGHT BUBBLE

2016

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FESTIVAL FRINGE EVENTS: Thursday 27th October

for all kinds of comics goodness with its awesome vibe and friendly staff. Working with Thought Bubble since the very beginning, each year we host amazing events with some of the greatest names in comics. This year is no exception! In Manchester we have the huge honour of hosting a signing with comics legend Mike Mignola! It would be an understatement to say that we are incredibly excited about this event and it provides a rare opportunity to meet the creator of Hellboy. Without a doubt, this one is going to be amazing! Mike Mignola’s ‘The Leeds Black Prince’ print, exclusive to Travelling Man and Thought Bubble Festival, will be available at this event. Please visit travellingman.com for more information.

10 / Live Event / Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and Thought Bubble Present Animate Europe Exhibition Launch Thur 27 Oct, Staircase Gallery, Leeds Town Hall, The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AD, 17:00-20:00, All Ages, Free Come along to the Staircase Gallery at Leeds Town Hall for the launch of the Animate Europe exhibition. What will Europe, what will the European Union look like in 50,100, 250 years? That is what the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, asked graphic novelists and comic artists from all over the world, as part of the second round of our Animate Europe International Comics Competition. In their stories, the artists provide a lot of food for thought and debate, ranging from depictions of social or economic hardship to the role of community and cultural heritage. For more information, and to sign up for the launch event, please email arts@leeds.gov.uk.

Saturday 29th October 11 / Live Event / Travelling Man Signing Tour: Mike Mignola in Manchester Sat 29 Oct, 4 Dale St, Manchester M1 1JW, 14:00-16:00, All Ages, Free Now in its 25th year,Travelling Man has firmly established itself as the place to go in the North of England

with a magical pencil key. Create your own comic strip and see your own imagination come to life.

13 / Live Event / The Rainbow Age: LGBTQ* Comic-book Club Tues 1 Nov, The Portal at Leeds Central Library, 17:00-19:00, 16+, Free Join us for a celebration of LGBTQ* comics & creators with an informal book club evening! Bring along your favourite LGBTQ* comics, or come and discover something new from our collection, kindly supplied by Travelling Man. Meet like-minded fans and make new friends over comics. After our previous Rainbow Age events, Travelling Man donated all the books to Leeds Libraries to create a completely unique collection for the whole of Leeds to enjoy; the first of its kind in the country. This year, they’ll be adding to the collection with some incredible new LGBTQ* comics from 2016. All are welcome, so come along for a relaxed atmosphere and to read some amazing, lifechanging comics! Presented in association with Travelling Man.

14 / Live Event / Leeds College of Art BA Illustration - Travelling Man Exhibition Launch Party

Tuesday 1st November

12 / Workshop / 4 Panel Strip Workshop with Doctor Simpo Tues 1 Nov, Horsforth Library, 10:00-12:00, Selected Schools Only, Free Calling all budding drawers, writers and comic creatives - this one’s for you…pop along to Doctor Simpo’s Ideas Lab and see how you too can extract your own imagination and unlock a previously unknown talent

Tues 1 Nov, Travelling Man, 32 Central Road, Leeds, LS1 6DE, 18:00-19:00, All Ages, Free Do art students like comics? Of course they do! Third year students from the exciting new Illustration degree at Leeds College of Art exhibit a series of prints made in response to their love for comics & pop culture. The exhibiting artists have been drawing, painting, printing and making non-stop for the last two years and are excited about this opportunity to exhibit their talents as part of the Thought Bubble festival. Prints will be editioned and available to buy. Join us for the launch of this amazing exhibition, which will be on display until [DATE]! Presented in association with Travelling Man.

Wednesday 2nd November

15 / Live Event / The Iron Man Kavad Performance Storytelling by Ben Haggarty Weds 2 Nov, Children’s Library at Leeds Central Library, Calverley St, Leeds, LS1 3AB. 10:30-11:30, Selected Schools Only, Free Three sons, a cruel king, a mysterious princess and something that lives in the swamp! World-renowned performance storyteller, Ben Haggarty has a giant box painted with pictures from an ancient Romanian gypsy fairytale. Doors open, panels slide and sections unfold to reveal a richly-layered narrative gem. Let him lure you into a fullblooded, romper-stomper fairytale, complete with epic transformations, magic, and adventure. Having been trained in mime, and in theatre direction at East 15, and apprenticed as an imagemaker with Welfare State, Ben is one of the world’s leading contemporary storytellers, renowned for his passionate and physical performances. He tours widely, has been a guest artist in over one hundred International Storytelling Festivals in 25 countries and since 2001 has been the official storyteller with Yo Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble. Ben is a much sought after teacher and director of storytellers and artistic director of the legendary Crick Crack Club. He is Honorary Professor of Storytelling at the Arts University of Berlin (UDK). His graphic novel, ‘MeZolith’ is published by Archaia-BOOM! www.benhaggarty.com

16 / Workshop / Character Design Workshop with Doctor Simpo Weds 2 Nov, Bradford Library, 13:15-14:45, Selected Schools Only, Free Come along and enter the slightly strange and eye-poppingly bonkers world of the creative mind of an

unsung hero of underground kids comix; Doctor Simpo, join him in his Ideas Lab where he will help you to create your own characters and invent facts about them. He will aid you in drawing these up into some highly detailed and possibly colourful Blue Print style posters for your bedroom wall, you will learn a whole range of inking techniques and different drawing styles. Plus you’ll get a Free comic!

17 / Live Event / The Iron Man Kavad Performance Storytelling by Ben Haggarty Weds 2 Nov, Children’s Library at Leeds Central Library, Calverley St, Leeds, LS1 3AB. 14:00-15:00, Selected Schools Only, Free Three sons, a cruel king, a mysterious princess and something that lives in the swamp! World-renowned performance storyteller, Ben Haggarty has a giant box painted with pictures from an ancient Romanian gypsy fairytale. Doors open, panels slide and sections unfold to reveal a richly-layered narrative gem. Let him lure you into a fullblooded, romper-stomper fairytale, complete with epic transformations, magic, and adventure. Having been trained in mime, and in theatre direction at East 15, and apprenticed as an imagemaker with Welfare State, Ben is one of the world’s leading contemporary storytellers, renowned for his passionate and physical performances. He tours widely, has been a guest artist in over one hundred International Storytelling Festivals in 25 countries and since 2001 has been the official storyteller with Yo Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble. Ben is a much sought after teacher and director of storytellers and artistic director of the legendary Crick Crack Club. He is Honorary Professor of Storytelling at the Arts University of Berlin (UDK). His graphic novel, ‘MeZolith’ is published by Archaia-BOOM! www.benhaggarty.com

18 / Live Event / Political Cartoons Collection - Talk at Leeds Central Library Wed 2 Nov, The Portal at Leeds

Central Library (2nd floor), Calverley St, Leeds LS1 3AB, 14:0015:00, All Ages, Free Join Librarian and Urban Historian Antony Ramm at Leeds Central Library for an illuminating exploration of their Political Cartoons Collection, which offers a fascinating look at caricature and controversy in the politics of 19t h-century Leeds focusing on three key elections – 1868, 1874 and 1880. This talk will give you the keys to unlock the satire behind the themes, issues and personalities depicted in a Collection comprising more than 200 individual images. Antony will also take a look at the occasionallymysterious artists and publishers behind these cartoons, asking who the intended audience was and what affect these sometimesshocking images actually had on the election process. Pieces from the political cartoon collection will be on display in room 700 from 24th October to 6th November.

19 / Live Event / Comics & Mental Health: zine-making workshop with Una Weds 2 Nov, Room 2 at The Carriageworks Theatre, The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD, 18:00-20:30, Ages 11+, Free On Sanity, a free comics creation workshop for adults and older children hosted by Una, artist/ author of Becoming/Unbecoming and Tom Bailey, freelance illustrator and well-being worker with A rts and Minds. Join the artists to draw and write comics based on a first person perspective of mental health and recovery. There will be fun drawing activities and creative writing.

Leeds College of Art is celebrating 170 years of delivering art education in an independent art school environment with award winning facilities.

Thursday 3rd November

Visit us on an open day to find out more!

COMICS FORUM 2016 20 / Live Event / Comics Forum Academic Conference Day 1

Undergraduate Saturday 19 November 2016, 10am -3pm Wednesday 7 December 2016, 10am -3pm Wednesday 14 June 2017, 10am - 3pm For details of our further education and postgraduate open days and to book your place on any of our open days please visit our website at:

www.leeds-art.ac.uk/open-days Image: Aghnia Mardiyah BA (Hons) Illustration

Thur 3 Nov, Leeds Library Exhibition Space, 09:00 – 16:45, recommended for 16+ (some talks unsuitable for under 18s) Genre has played an active role in shaping our understanding of comics, be it as a term to describe the medium itself, or the stories that they tell. Comics may support and adhere to the conventions, styles, and effects of a given genre, or they might redefine and challenge its definitions and boundaries through their form and content. Comics Forum 2016, the eighth event in the annual conference series, will consider a wide range of subjects relating to comics and genre. Tickets are priced as follows: • 1 day (3rd or 4th November): £12 • 2 days (3rd and 4th November): £24 • 4 days (2 day Comics Forum pass + 2 day Thought Bubble pass): £48 (this is a saving of £5 on the cost of the tickets if bought separately) Please visit comicsforum.org for full details and to book tickets.

art by Noelle Stevenson

OPEN DAYS 16/17

There will also be a slide show and a short talk about the O n Sanity project that took place in Leeds throughout July 2016, from which emerged a new comic book by Una, On Sanity:One Day In Two Lives and an anthology zine, We All Start At The Beginning. On Sanity is a creative project about illness and recovery in mental health, devised by the Yorkshire based comics creator Una, author/ artist of the novel-length comic Becoming/Unbecoming (2015) Myriad Editions and On Sanity: One Day In Two Lives (2016) Selfpublished, supported by Arts Council England. To book a place, please email una. comics@yahoo.co.uk In partnership with Arts and Minds Leeds. Supported by Arts Council England

21 / Live Event / Travelling Man Signing Tour: Ryan North, Babs Tarr, Cameron Stewart and Brenden Fletcher in Newcastle Thur 3 Nov, 43 Grainger St, City Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5JE, 16:30-18:30, All Ages, Free Now in its 25th year,Travelling Man has firmly established itself as the place to go in the North of England for all kinds of comics goodness with its awesome vibe and friendly staff. Working with Thought Bubble since the very beginning, each year we host amazing events with some of the greatest names in comics. This year is no exception! Our Newcastle store will play host to Ryan North, creator of the massively successful Romeo And/ Or Juliet and writer on Marvel’s Unbeatable Squirrel Girl; and Babs Tarr, Cameron Stewart and Brenden Fletcher, the creative team behind the hugely exciting forthcoming Image title Motor Crush! Please visit travellingman.com for more information.

9AQ, 17:45-20:00, All Ages, Free (£5 deposit required, booking essential) Join us for an evening where Mike Mignola will discuss his work and career with fellow writer/ creator Richard S t a r k i n g s followed by an audience Q&A. Mignola is perhaps best known as the award-winning creator, writer and artist of HELLBOY - now celebrating its 22nd Anniversary. He was also visual consultant to director Guillermo del Toro on both Hellboy and Hellboy 2: The Golden Army films. He also co-authored (with Christopher Golden) 2 novels - BALTIMORE, or, The Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire, Joe Golem and the Drowning City. Booking is essential as places are limited so please book a ticket at mikemignolacnindustry.eventbrite. co.uk. Please note the start time of 5.45pm is for drinks prior to when the talk starts at 6.30pm in the lecture theatre. Please note that the £5 fee is refundable if you attend the event. The amount will be transferred back into your account the day after the event. There is an option to donate your deposit for the future support of Leeds College of Art when you reserve your place.

23 / Live Event / Thought Bubble + Gosh! Comics Present...Jeff Lemire Signing 22 / Live Event / Creative Networks from Leeds College of Art and Thought Bubble Present...Mike Mignola in Conversation Thurs 3 Nov, Leeds College of Art, Blenheim Walk, Leeds, LS2

Thursday 3rd November, Gosh! Comics, Berwick Street, Soho, London, W1F 0DR, 18:00-19:00. All Ages, Free Jeff Lemire returns to London signs copies of Sweet Tooth, Black Hammer and more, exclusively at Gosh Comics in Soho.

Martin Simmonds, John Pearson and P M Buchan will also be holding free workshops and talks for members of the public and Leeds College of Art students to discuss their careers and bridging the gap between comics and fine art. For more information visit www. hereticscomic.com

teaming up with Diamond Comics, Travelling Man, and Viz Media to give away Free all-ages graphic novels and comics to everyone! Just pop into one on the libraries listed below on Friday 4th November, and help us to achieve our aim to get everyone reading more! Libraries taking part are: A rmley; Bolling Hall; Baildon; Burley; Bingley; Clayton; City; Dewsbury Road; Eccleshill; Holme Wood; Keighley; Laisterdyke; Leeds Central; Manningham; Menston; Moor Allerton; Shipley; Silsden; Thornbury; Ilkley; Wetherby; Wibsey; Wyke and Yeadon. Just pop along to any of the libraries participating, and pick-up some great comics for free, to take home and read, or give to a friend! Presented in association with Diamond Comics and Travelling Man.

H C R ME Friday 4th November

24 / Live Event / Pints and Pencils

Thur 3 Nov, Nation of Shopkeepers, 29 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AG, 2000-late, 18+ (please bring a valid form of photo ID), Free Proudly presented by Travelling Man and the Leeds University Comic Society, Pints and Pencils is the social drawing competition with plenty of prizes, laughs and drinks. Artistic ability is not required to win top prizes and drawing equipment will be provided! Also premiering tonight is the new comics creating and writing event Paper Jam! Come on down for a preview of this new ongoing social event for Leeds’ professional and amateur comics creators - a great resource for people looking to break into the small press world. Presented in association with Travelling Man.

25 / Exhibition / Assembly House and 44FLOOD present HERETICS: An exhibition of folk-horror art inspired by the upcoming 44FLOOD series Thurs 3 Nov to Sun 6 Nov, Lady Beck Studios, Unit 22, 64-76 Mabgate, Leeds, LS9 7DZ, 17002100 Thurs & Fri, 1300-1600 Sat & Sun, All Ages but please note: Thought Bubble does not control event content, Free 44FLOOD and Assembly House are partnering with Lady Beck to host an exhibition of dark art by Leeds College of Art and Plymouth College of Art contemporary crafts and fine art students and graduates, alongside original artwork from the upcoming 44FLOOD folkhorror series HERETICS by Martin Simmonds and P M Buchan. Contributing artists include contemporary dark bohemian jewellery artist Stevie-Leigh Smith and award-winning metalsmith Luke Axworthy, plus international comic artists Martin Simmonds (Titan Comics: Death Sentence), Ben Templesmith (IDW: 30 Days of Night), Caspar Wijngaard (Image Comics: LIMBO) and John Pearson (Beast Wagon).

COMICS FORUM 2016

26 / Live Event / Comics Forum Academic Conference Day 2

Fri 4 Nov, Leeds Library Exhibition Space, 09:00 – 16:45, recommended for 16+ (some talks unsuitable for under 18s) Genre has played an active role in shaping our understanding of comics, be it as a ter m to describe the medium itself, or the stories that they tell. Comics may support and adhere to the conventions, styles, and effects of a given genre, or they might redefine and challenge its definitions and boundaries through their form and content. Comics Forum 2016, the eighth event in the annual conference series, will consider a wide range of subjects relating to comics and genre. Tickets are priced as follows: • 1 day (3rd or 4th November): £12 • 2 days (3rd and 4th November): £24 • 4 days (2 day Comics Forum pass + 2 day Thought Bubble pass): £48 (this is a saving of £5 on the cost of the tickets if bought separately) Please visit comicsforum.org for full details and to book tickets.

27 / Live Event / Thought Bubble Book Crossing 2016 Fri 4 Nov, Various libraries across Yorkshire (please see below for details), from 10:00, All Ages, Free Thought Bubble is once again

28 / Live Event / Young People’s Comic Award 2016

Fri 4 Nov, Lord Mayor’s Banquet Hall, Calverley St, Leeds, LS1 1U, 13:3015:00, selected schools only, Free The Young People’s Comic Award celebrates and promotes the very best in British comics aimed at, and suitable for, a young audience. It is a category of the British Comic Awards, run in association with Leeds Library and Information Service, and is voted for by hundreds of young people from reading groups across the country. This is a special prize-giving ceremony attended by the young judges, the nominees and special guest speakers. Please visit britishcomicawards. com for full details.

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29 / Workshop / Design Your Own... with Gary Erskine

We are so proud to be partnering up with The Gallery at Munro House for a second time, to host an exhibition of THE WICKED + THE DIVINE by artist Jamie McKelvie and writer Kieron Gillen. The ground-breaking, multiple Eisner award nominated, contemporary fantasy comic book series has been a huge breakout hit, and has been optioned for TV. First published by Image Comics in 2014, it remains one of their most popular series over two years later. Alongside images from THE WICKED + THE DIVINE will be pieces from McKelvie and Gillen’s cult favourite Phonogram series.

Fri 4 Nov, Morley Library, 13:30-14:30, Selected Schools, Free Join Marvel and DC Comics artist Gary Erskine for a Design Your Own... workshop. The single session will give you the tips and creative building blocks needed to design your own character during the class and beyond! Is it going to be a hero or villain? Monster or alien? Or the Next Big Comic Movie character? Discover what your imagination can create with just a few short lessons and only a pen and paper. Who knows where it will lead? Work with friends to create your own stories and characters and be part of a larger world!

31 / Live Event / Travelling Man Signing Tour: John Wagner in Leeds

30 / Live Event / Travelling Man Signing Tour: Jeff Lemire, Dean Ormston, Mahmud Asrar & Paul Azaceta in York Fri 4 Nov, 74 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF, 16:30-18:30, All Ages, Free Now in its 25th year,Travelling Man has firmly established itself as the place to go in the North of England for all kinds of comics goodness with its awesome vibe and friendly staff. Working with Thought Bubble since the very beginning, each year we host amazing events with some of the greatest names in comics. This year is no exception! Our incredible new, bigger and improved York branch will provide the host venue for our signing with the colossal lineup of Jeff Lemire, Dean Ormston, Mahmud Asrar and Paul Azaceta. With so much amazing artistic talent in one place, this is an event not to be missed! Please visit travellingman.com for more information.

Fri 4 Nov, 32 Central Road, Leeds LS1 6DE, 16:30-18:30, All Ages, Free Now in its 25th year,Travelling Man has firmly established itself as the place to go in the North of England for all kinds of comics goodness with its awesome vibe and friendly staff. Working with Thought Bubble since the very beginning, each year we host amazing events with some of the greatest names in comics. This year is no exception! Our Leeds branch will be hosting a signing with John Wagner, creator of Strontium Dog, Robo Hunter and of course the iconic, legendary, Judge Dredd! This is without doubt one of the most exciting signings we have ever had the pleasure to hold! Please visit travellingman.com for more information.

32 / Live Event / The Gallery at Munro House & Thought Bubble Present... THE WICKED + THE DIVINE Exhibition Launch Fri 4 Nov, The Gallery at Munro House, Corner of York St/Duke Street, Leeds, LS9 8AG, from 18:00, Free Join us at The Gallery at Munro House for the exhibition launch of THE WICKED + THE DIVINE. Every ninety years, twelve gods incarnate as humans. They are loved. They are hated. In two years, they are dead. Welcome to THE WICKED + THE DIVINE, where gods are the ultimate pop stars. But remember: just because you’re immortal, doesn’t mean you’re going to live forever.

33 / Live Event / Thought Bubble Pre-Convention Reception at Fire Lake Grill House and Cocktail Bar, Radisson Blu Leeds Fri 4 Nov, Radisson Blu, 1 The Light, The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 8TL, 19:00 until late, Free, 18+, Fire Lake Grill House will be serving food from 18:00-22:00 A chance for guests, exhibitors and attendees to relax and chat in the lovely surroundings of the Radisson Blu before our huge comic convention starts on Saturday!

THOUGHT BUBBLE OVERVIEW please s ee l is t in g s f o r m o r e de tai ls FESTIVAL DURATION EVENTS 1 / Live Event / Thought Bubble Anthology Collection - 10 Years of Comics From Mon 5 Oct, Comic Shops Worldwide, opening times vary, suitable for mature readers, £8.99/$9.99 (prices may vary) 2 / Exhibition / Thought Bubble Comic Art Competition Entries 2016 Mon 24 Oct – Sun 6 Nov, Room 700, Leeds Central Library, All ages, Free 3 / Exhibition / Unstable Molecules by Gramsch Tues 25 Oct to Sun 20 Nov, Nation of Shopkeepers’ Window of Opportunity, All Ages, Free 4 / Exhibition / Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and Thought Bubble Present Animate Europe Thur 27 Oct - Mon 16 Jan 2017, Staircase Gallery, All Ages, Free 5 / Exhibition / The Gallery at Munro House & Thought Bubble Present...THE WICKED + THE DIVINE Tues 1 Nov – Wed 30 Nov, The Gallery at Munro House, All ages, Free 6 / Exhibition / Leeds College of Art BA Illustration - Travelling Man Exhibition Tues 1 Nov - Wed 30 Nov, Travelling Man, Leeds, All ages, Free 7 / Exhibition / Prints of Eternia at Colours May Vary Tues 1 Nov to Wed 30 Nov, Colours May Vary, Munro House, All ages, Free 8 / Live Event / 2000 AD Art Challenge 2016 / Deadline 5 Nov Competition Entries must be submitted in person to the 2000AD table in the comiXology Marquee at Thought Bubble’s comic con, Sat 5 Nov 9 / Live Event / 2000 AD Writing Competition 2016 / Deadline 5 Nov Competition Entries must be presented in person at Thought Bubble’s comic con, Sat 5 Nov, 12:00-12:50, Bury Theatre.

FRINGE EVENTS 10 / Live Event / Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and Thought Bubble Present Animate Europe - Exhibition Launch Thur 27 Oct, Staircase Gallery, Leeds Town Hall, 17:00-20:00, All Ages, Free 11 / Live Event / Travelling Man Signing Tour: Mike Mignola in Manchester Sat 29 Oct, Travelling Man Manchester, 14:00-16:00, All Ages, Free

TUESDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 12 / Workshop / 4 Panel Strip Workshop with Doctor Simpo Tues 1 Nov, Horsforth Library, 10:00-12:00, Selected Schools Only, Free 13 / Live Event / The Rainbow Age: LGBTQ* Comic-book Club Tues 1 Nov, The Portal at Leeds Central Library, 17:00-19:00, Ages 16+, Free 14 / Live Event / Leeds College of Art BA Illustration - Travelling Man Exhibition Launch Party Tues 1 Nov, Travelling Man Leeds, 18:0019:00, All Ages, Free

WEDNESDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 15 / Live Event / The Iron Man Kavad Performance Storytelling by Ben Haggarty Weds 2 Nov, Children’s Library at Leeds Central Library, 10:30-11:30, Selected Schools Only, Free 16 / Workshop / Character Design Workshop with Doctor Simpo Weds 2 Nov, Bradford Library, 13:15-14:45, Selected Schools Only, Free 17 / Live Event / The Iron Man Kavad Performance Storytelling by Ben Haggarty Weds 2 Nov, Children’s Library at Leeds Central Library, 14:00-15:00, Selected Schools Only, Free 18 / Live Event / Political Cartoons Collection - Talk at Leeds Central Library Wed 2 Nov, The Portal at Leeds Central Library, 14:00-15:00, All Ages, Free 19 / Live Event / Comics & Mental Health: zine-making workshop with Una Weds 2 Nov, Room 2 at The Carriageworks Theatre, 18:00-20:30, Ages 11+, Free

free events

THURSDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 20 / Live Event / Comics Forum Academic Conference Day 1 Thur 3 Nov, Leeds Library Exhibition Space, 09:00–16:45, recommended for 16+ (some talks unsuitable for under 18s) 21 / Live Event / Travelling Man Signing Tour: Ryan North, Babs Tarr, Cameron Stewart and Brenden Fletcher in Newcastle Thur 3 Nov, Travelling Man Newcastle, 16:3018:30, All Ages, Free 22 / Live Event / Creative Networks from Leeds College of Art and Thought Bubble Present...Mike Mignola in Conversation Thurs 3 Nov, Leeds College of Art, 17:4520:00, All Ages, Free (£5 deposit required, booking essential) 23 / Live Event / Thought Bubble + Gosh! Comics Present...Jeff Lemire Signing Thurs 3 Nov, Gosh! Comics, London, 18:0019:00, All Ages, Free 24 / Live Event / Pints and Pencils Thur 3 Nov, Nation of Shopkeepers, 2000late, 18+ (please bring a valid form of photo ID), Free 25 / Exhibition / Assembly House and 44FLOOD present HERETICS: An exhibition of folk-horror art inspired by the upcoming 44FLOOD series Thurs 3 Nov to Sun 6 Nov, Lady Beck Studios, Times Vary, All Ages but please note: Thought Bubble does not control event content, Free

FRIDAY 4TH NOVEMBER 26 / Live Event / Comics Forum Academic Conference Day 2 Fri 4 Nov, Leeds Library Exhibition Space, 09:00 – 16:45, recommended for 16+ (some talks unsuitable for under 18s) 27 / Live Event / Thought Bubble Book Crossing 2016 Fri 4 Nov, Various libraries across Yorkshire (please see listing for details), from 10:00, All Ages, Free 28 / Live Event / Young People’s Comic Award 2016 Fri 4 Nov, Lord Mayor’s Banquet Hall, Leeds, 13:30-15:00, Selected Schools Only, Free 29 / Workshop / Design Your Own... with Gary Erskine Fri 4 Nov, Morley Library, 13:30-14:30, Selected Schools Only, Free 30 / Live Event / Travelling Man Signing Tour: Jeff Lemire, Dean Ormston, Mahmud Asrar & Paul Azaceta in York Fri 4 Nov, Travelling Man York, 16:30-18:30, All Ages, Free 31 / Live Event / Travelling Man Signing Tour: John Wagner in Leeds Fri 4 Nov, 32 Central Road, Leeds LS1 6DE, 16:30-18:30, All Ages, Free 32 / Live Event / The Gallery at Munro House & Thought Bubble Present...THE WICKED + THE DIVINE Exhibition Launch Fri 4 Nov, The Gallery at Munro House, from 18:00, Free 33 / Live Event / Thought Bubble PreConvention Reception at Fire Lake Grill House and Cocktail Bar, Radisson Blu Leeds Fri 4 Nov, Radisson Blu, Leeds,19:00 until late, Free, 18+, Fire Lake Grill House will be serving food from 18:00-22:00

screenings

young peoples activities

38 / Live Event / Heroes and Villains with Team Ketchup Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov, Drop in and Draw Tables 58-62 Royal Armouries Hall, 10:00-17:00, All Ages 39 / Live Event / Comic Jam with Team Ketchup Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov, Drop in and Draw Tables 58-62 Royal Armouries Hall, 10:00-17:00, All Ages 40 / Live Event / Abnormal Animal Competition with Doctor Simpo Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov, Doctor Simpo’s (9) table in Royal Armouries Hall, 10:00-17:00, All Ages 41 / Live Event / Alien in the Outfield’s Major League Alien Baseball Tryouts! Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov, Alien in the Outfield’s table (63) in Royal Armouries Hall, 10:0017:00, All Ages

SATURDAY 5TH NOVEMBER

Entry to these events is included in the price of your convention pass 42 / Panel / Sound & Vision Sat 5 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),10.50-11.40, All Ages 43 / Live Event / Kim Jung Gi Sat 5 Nov, New Dock Hall Foyer, 13:00-14:00, All Ages 44 / Panel / Gosh! Comics presents The Best Thing I’ve Read All Year Sat 5 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor),11.00-11.50, All Ages 45 / Live Event / Portfolio Reviews with Shelly Bond Sat 5 Nov, Venue TBC, 11:00-13:00, All Ages 46 / Panel / From ZERO to SUPER HERO Sat 5 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),11.10-12.00, All Ages 47 / Live Event / SILENCE! To Astonish! Sat 5 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),11.50-12.40, All Ages 48 / Live Event / 2000 AD Writing Competition 2016 Sat 5 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor),12.00-12.50, All Ages 49 / Panel / Tetris: The Games People Play, with Box Brown Sat 5 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),12.10-13.00, All Ages 50 / Panel / The Secret Loves of Geek Girls Sat 5 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),12.50-13.40, All Ages 51 / Live Event / Sketching Spotlight Sat 5 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor),13.00-14.30, All Ages 52 / Panel / Leeds College of Art presents Go Go Go! Sat 5 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),13.10-14.00, All Ages 53 / Panel / Laydeez Do Comics Presents... Sat 5 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),13.50-14.40, All Ages 54 / Panel / BREAK IT DOWN: Breakdown Press 2016 Sat 5 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),14.10-15.00, All Ages

comic con events

Included with the price of a con ticket

SUNDAY 6TH NOVEMBER

Entry to these events is included in the price of your convention pass 63 / Live Event / Portfolio Viewings with Doctor Simpo Sun 6 Nov, Doctor Simpo’s table (9) in Royal Armouries Hall, 10:00-17:00, All Ages 64 / Live Event / TB Comic Art Competition Prize-Giving Ceremony Sun 6 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor),10.20-10.45, All Ages 65 / Live Event / Creating Worlds Sun 6 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor),11.00-11.50, All Ages 66 / Screening / Eschaton Sun 6 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),11.00-11.35, Ages 12A 67 / Live Event / Portfolio Reviews with Shelly Bond Sun 6 Nov, Venue TBC, 13:00-15:00, All Ages 68 / Panel / How To Make It Make Money Sun 6 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),11.10-12.00, All Ages 69 / Screening / Search & Destroy: A Strontium Dog Fan-Film Sun 6 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),11.45-12.00, Ages 12A 70 / Panel / Decompressed: The Wicked + The Divine Sun 6 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor),12.00-12.50, All Ages 71 / Live Event / 2000 AD Portfolio Competition Judging Sun 6 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),12.10-13.00, All Ages 72 / Screening / The Image Revolution Sun 6 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),12.30-13.50, All Ages 73 / Live Event / Kim Jung Gi Sun 6 Nov, New Dock Hall Foyer, 13:00-14:00, All Ages 74 / Live Event / Sketching Spotlight Sun 6 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor), 13.00-14.30, All Ages 75 / Live Event / Judgement Day Sun 6 Nov, The Amphitheatre, Outside the Hall of Steel, Royal Armouries (First Floor), 13:00-13:20, All Ages, Free 76 / Panel / Unbeatable! Squirrel Girl x Thought Bubble Sun 6 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),13.10-14.00, All Ages 77 / Screening / Eschaton Sun 6 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),14.00-14.35, Ages 12A 78 / Live Event / Comics in Conversation: John Wagner Sun 6 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),14.10-15.00, All Ages

55 / Live Event / Comics In Conversation: Mike Mignola Sat 5 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor),14.40-15.30, All Ages

79 / Live Event / Film Weapon Handling Session Sun 6 Nov, Education Room 1, Royal Armouries, 14.30-15.15, Limited to 24 places, please sign up for this event at Royal Armouries Reception, 14+ only

56 / Panel / From Stands to Screen Sat 5 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),14.50-15.40, All Ages

80 / Live Event / Cosplay Masquerade Sun 6 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor), 14.40-1700, All Ages

34 / Live Event / Team Ketchup Present... Drop In and Draw Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov, Tables 58-62 Royal Armouries Hall, 10:00-17:00, All Ages

57 / Live Event / Upside Comics presents Blam! Zap! Kapow! Comics for Beginners! Sat 5 Nov, Bubs Lounge, Tower Gallery, Third Floor, 1500-1630, Age 8+

81 / Screening / Search & Destroy: A Strontium Dog Fan-Film Sun 6 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),14.45-15.00, Ages 12A

35 / Live Event / Royal Armouries Museum and Thought Bubble Present Bub’s Lounge Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov, Tower Gallery, Third Floor, 10:00-17:00, All Ages

58 / Panel / Comics For EVERYONE! Sat 5 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),15.10-16.00, All Ages

82 / Live Event / Upside Comics presents Blam! Zap! Kapow! Comics for Beginners! Sun 6 Nov, Bubs Lounge, Tower Gallery, 1500-1630, Age 8+

CONVENTION DURATION EVENTS Entry to these events is included in the price of your convention pass

36 / Live Event / Post-It Comics Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov, New Dock Hall Foyer, 10:00-17:00, All Ages 37 / Live Event / Thought Bubble Book Launches 2016 Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov, New Dock Hall, Royal Armouries Hall, comiXology Marquee, 10:0017:00, All Ages, prices vary depending on publication

59 / Panel / I is for Innovation: The Creators of Image Comics Sat 5 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor),15.40-16.30, All Ages 60 / Panel / The Rainbow Age presents Queer Comics Today Sat 5 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),15.50-16.40, All Ages 61 / Panel / 39 Years of 2000 AD Sat 5 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),16.10-17.00, All Ages

C O R R E C T AT T I M E O F G O I N G TO P R I N T . F O R U P - T O - D A T E I N F O R M A T I O N , P L E A S E V I S I T W W W . T H O U G H T B U B B L E F E S T I VA L . C O M

83 / Panel / #ArtCred Sun 6 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),15.10-16.00, All Ages 84 / Screening / Neil Gaiman: Dream Dangerously Sun 6 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),15.30-17.00, Ages 12A

FRINGE EVENT - MONDAY 7TH NOVEMBER 85 / Live Event / Thought Bubble + Gosh! Comics Present...Faith Erin Hicks Signing Mon 7 Nov, Gosh! Comics, London, 18:0019:00, All Ages, Free

CONVENTION EVENTS WONDER WHERE

THE DARK KNIGHT SHOPS?

S AT U R DAY

5 t h

5 th & 6 th November One wonder-filled weekend of treats, beats, live entertainment and the switch-on of Europe’s biggest Christmas Kissing Tree. Oh, and the Dark Knight’s iconic ride!

S UNDAY

6 t h

NO V E M B E R

Entry to convention events included in the price of the convention pass £18 per day, or £29 for a weekend pass; under 12s enter for free with an accompanying ticket holding parent/guardian. Over 65s free with a valid form of photo ID expert artist, come along and Drop in and Draw at the family area in Royal Armouries Hall throughout the weekend. Everyone welcome!

35 / Live Event / Royal Armouries Museum and Thought Bubble Present Bub’s Lounge 34 / Live Event / Team Ketchup Present... Drop In and Draw

SEE THE 1 9 8 9 R E P L I C A B AT W H E E L S AT

proudly presented by

Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov, Tables 58-62 Royal Armouries Hall, 10:00-17:00, All Ages, Free for under 12s but an accompanying ticket-holding adult must be present, Over 65s free with a valid form of photo ID Team Ketchup started out as a reading group for the British Comic Awards Young People’s Choice, and are based at and supported by Skipton Library. The team were so inspired by Sarah McIntyre at their first trip to the awards in Leeds that they were determined to selfpublish an anthology and exhibit at Thought Bubble themselves the following year. They put in successful funding bids, and in 2014 Volume 1 of Pink Fluffy Ketchup Covered Flower Ponies was ready to go, with 15 contributing kids, volunteer editor Jody Lawson, and some pretty exhausted parents! The team have gone from strength to strength, running workshops for hundreds of people in Skipton, sometimes with professional creators like Neill Cameron and Dan White, or run by the 32 Ketchups themselves! Now in their 3rd appearance at Thought Bubble, and with community awards trophies and 6 issues under their belt, Team Ketchup are proud to present the Drop in and Draw at Thought Bubble 2016. Whatever your style, be it stick men or

Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov, Tower Gallery, Third Floor, (accessed by Lift and stairs via the Tournament Gallery), 10:00-17:00, All Ages, Free for under 12s but an accompanying ticket-holding adult must be present, Over 65s free with a valid form of photo ID Graphic novel overload? Superhero fatigue? With Thought Bubble getting bigger every year, we created Bub’s Lounge - a quiet, calm area to escape the crowds and take some time away from the bustling convention halls. Bub’s Lounge is a space where you can do absolutely nothing if you want to - just kick back in a comfy beanbag and soak up the atmosphere or maybe pick up some pens and do some drawing yourself. Stop by and relax a while. This year, we’ve teamed up with Specialist Autism Services to make the space really exceptional. There’ll be projections of their artwork, an exhibition by their Bradford Monday art group from their comic ‘ Operation uprising: The Unlikely Heroes’ which we’ll add your art to throughout the weekend, and space to draw on an art wall. Specialist Autism Services will also be exhibiting under the name ‘Aut Bubble’ at table 5 in Royal Armouries Hall.

36 / Live Event / Post-It Comics Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov, New Dock Hall Foyer, 10:0017:00, All Ages, Free for under 12s but an accompanying ticket-holding adult must be present, Over 65s free with a valid form of photo ID So you say you can’t draw, but you’re happy to doodle on a postit, and another one, and here’s some more. You, my friend, have just made a comic strip. Post-it Comics, anyone can do it, so come and create, just don’t tell me that you can’t draw!

37 / Live Event / Thought Bubble Book Launches 2016 Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov, New Dock Hall, Royal Armouries Hall, TB Marquee, 10:00-17:00, All Ages, prices vary depending on publication 2015’s Thought Bubble convention sawover 100 books making their debut, and this year we’re hoping to see even more! Scan this picture with your smartphone for info on titles making their debut at this year’s Thought Bubble Comic Con, or visit www.thoughtbubblefestival.com/ debuting-books

38 / Live Event / Heroes and Villains with Team Ketchup Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov, Drop in and Draw Tables 58-62 Royal Armouries Hall, 10:00-17:00, All Ages, Free for under 12s but an accompanying ticket-holding adult must be present, Over 65s free with a valid form of photo ID

Teenagers and kids from the award-winning Team Ketchup will be on hand to help you get started in creating your own characters. It doesn’t matter if they’re a hero or a villain, knowing stuff about them will help you tell their story. Make a missing or wanted poster, or even a collector card showing their strengths and abilities, and draw us a Mug Shot for the doodle wall too.

39 / Live Event / Comic Jam with Team Ketchup Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov, Drop in and Draw Tables 58-62 Royal Armouries Hall, 10:00-17:00, All Ages, Free for under 12s but an accompanying ticket-holding adult must be present, Over 65s free with a valid form of photo ID Ready to have a go at collaborative storytelling? Team Ketchup’s biggest comic jam was with 300 people. Join the team in a comic jam and see where the story goes, you can never predict the ending! Just grab a pencil and paper and they’ll show you how.

40 / Live Event / Abnormal Animal Competition with Doctor Simpo Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov, Doctor Simpo’s (9) table in Royal Armouries Hall, 10:00-17:00, All Ages, Free for under 12s but an accompanying ticket-holding adult must be present, Over 65s free with a valid form of photo ID Pop over and meet Joe or Jack and find out what they have been up to this year as young budding comic book creatives, and why not enter their Abnormal Animal picture competition and win some BIG BIG PRIZES! Other underground kids comix are also available.

41 / Live Event / Alien in the Outfield’s Major League Alien Baseball Tryouts! Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov, Alien in the

Outfield’s table (63) in Royal Armouries Hall, 10:00-17:00, All Ages, Free for under 12s but an accompanying ticket-holding adult must be present, Over 65s free with a valid form of photo ID Join Jack and Mat from Alien in the Outfield for a cosmic sports drawing adventure! Draw your own alien baseball team and enter an interplanetary tournament.

Saturday 5th November Only Convention Events

42 / Panel / Sound & Vision Sat 5 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),10.50-11.40, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content What makes comics and pop music such great cultural bedfellows? How do you depict music in a visual medium? Why would you even try? Who’s better, the Archies or Gorillaz? Join Julia Scheele and Ricky Miller (Metroland), Sammy Borras (Giant Rhinos in Space), John Riordan and Dan Cox (Hitsville UK) and Kieron Gillen (Phonogram) as they discuss WHEN COMICS GO POP! Expect harmony, dissonance, and perhaps some singing?

Hosted by Mindless One and half of Silence! podcast Dan White (AKA The Beast Must Die) 43 / Live Event / Kim Jung Gi Sat 5 Nov, New Dock Hall Foyer, 13:00-14:00, All Ages, Free for under 12s but an accompanying ticket-holding adult must be present, Over 65s free with a valid form of photo ID The incredible K o r e a n cartoonist and performance artist Kim Jung Gi will be live drawing in New Dock Hall foyer. He is a master of his craft, renowned for his ability to draw from memory on a huge scale, with no photographic reference. It’s a wonder to behold!

44 / Panel / Gosh! Comics presents The Best Thing I’ve Read All Year Sat 5 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor),11.00-11.50, free entry with [day]/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content Join our panel to discover the hidden gems and best of the year’s comics that you should be reading, then head into the convention hall to track them down! With speakers: Hannah Chapman, Sarah Graley, Claire Napier, and Andy Oliver. Hosted by: Tom Oldham of Gosh! Comics / Breakdown Press.

45 / Live Event / Portfolio Reviews with Shelly Bond Sat 5 Nov, Venue TBC, 11:00-13:00, All Ages, Free with Saturday/ Weekend convention pass, free for under-12s, but an accompanying ticket-holding adult must be

present, Over 65s free with a valid form of photo ID This year we are delighted to announce that Former Executive of DC/Vertigo Shelly Bond willbe reviewing portfolios at Thought Bubble! Because of time constraints, the format for reviews will be as follows: your pitch must be emailed in advance, and if you’re selected, you’ll be called back for a full review. Please submit your portfolio to portfolioreviews@ thoughtbubblefestival.com by 5pm, Friday 28 October. If you’re selected for a full review then a time slot and venue location will be emailed to you prior to the convention.

Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content Hope Nicholson, Cara Ellison, and Katie West, creators behind The Secret Loves of Geek Girls, talk about small press publishing, freelancing, game development, the comics industry and of course love and romance.

guests, questions, answers, singing, games and a general loss of dignity all round.

48 / Live Event / 2000 AD Writing Competition 2016

46 / Panel / From ZERO to SUPER HERO Sat 5 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),11.10-12.00, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content Join Eisner and Harvey Award nominated graphic designer Tom Muller as he takes you behind the scenes of comic book design — ink splatters and mould spores included! Discover how he navigates the comics landscape from ZERO to SUICIDE SQUAD, DRIFTER to DIVINITY, UNFOLLOW to MOTOR CRUSH, and much more! Late nights! Too much coffee! And a cameo by Hugh Jackman (kind of)!

52 / Panel / Leeds College of Art presents Go Go Go!

shall be victorious! The clock is ticking! Can you make your pitch and write your way into a job with 2000 AD? Get writing and make sure you’re first in line to appear – it’s first come, first served! Only our panel can decide whether your idea is worthy of the Mighty Tharg’s attention – the prize is getting paid to have your winning script turned into a Future Shock in the pages of the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic! Please note: pitches will only be accepted for the Future Shocks story series.

Sat 5 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor),12.00-12.50, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content So you want to write for 2000 AD? Bravo, Earthlet – but dare you put your idea to the test in the Theatre of Thrills? Future Shocks have not only been a staple of 2000 AD since 1977 but have forged some of its greatest writing talents, including Alan Moore and Grant Morrison! Writers are being invited to pitch their ideas for a brand new Future Shock to a panel of our top script droids on the Saturday at Thought Bubble – but they have just two minutes to make their case! Can you condense your idea, plot, and characters for a self-contained, four-page short story with a twist ending down into just 120 seconds? And in front of an audience? And convince some of our best writers that it’s a winner? Only the bold

47 / Live Event / SILENCE! To Astonish! Sat 5 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),11.50-12.40, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content SILENCE! teams up with House To Astonish to bring you a live crossover podcast. Expect special

49 / Panel / Tetris: The Games People Play, with Box Brown Sat 5 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),12.10-13.00, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content It is, perhaps, the perfect video game. Simple yet addictive, Tetris delivers an irresistible, unending puzzle that has players hooked. Play it long enough and you’ll see those geometric shapes in your dreams. In 1984, Russian software developer Alexey Pajitnov created Tetris in his spare time. When the game emerged from behind the Iron Curtain, it was an instant hit. Nintendo, Atari, Sega – game developers big and small all wanted Tetris. A bidding war was sparked, followed by clandestine trips to Moscow, backroom deals, innumerable miscommunications and outright theft. New York Times-bestselling graphic novelist Box Brown, author of Tetris: The Games People Play (SelfMadeHero), gives the scoop on one of gaming’s most intriguing tales.

50 / Panel / The Secret Loves of Geek Girls Sat 5 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),12.50-13.40, free entry with

Sat 5 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),13.10-14.00, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content How to build m o m e n t u m and keep it going within your creative practice. This diverse panel of speakers will be discussing the importance of building momentum in their practice and keeping it going. How to self initiate a project? What keeps you motivated? How to stay focused? Where does the buzz come from? What is flow? Procrastination avoidance! We’ll be talking about building confidence, learning through doing and the benefits of collaboration and communities of practice. Join us for some inspiring advice and maybe a bit of perspective on how to keeping going and the joy of finding your flow!

53 / Panel / Laydeez Do Comics Presents...

51 / Live Event / Sketching Spotlight Sat 5 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor),13.00-14.30, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content Come along to our sketching spotlight to see some of the finest artists currently working in the industry drawing live on stage and taking you through their creative process. Feel free to drop-in and out of the session at your leisure. All sketches produced will be auctioned off for the Barnardo’s charity after the festival. Featuring guest artists: Jonathan Edwards, Stephanie Hans, Erica Henderson, and Phillip Bond. Hosted by Peter Doherty.

Sat 5 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),13.50-14.40, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content Four creators talking about their recent books and the use of comics to tell stories from fiction to graphic memoir. Rachael Ball – author of The Inflatable Woman, Henny Beaumont – author of Hole in the Heart, Jade Sarson author of- For the Love of God, Marie! and Una- author of Becoming Unbecoming. Chaired by Lou Crosby – Seeing Poetry, and Co-ordinator of Laydeez do Comics, Leeds

54 / Panel / BREAK IT DOWN: Breakdown Press 2016 Sat 5 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),14.10-15.00, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content Tom Oldham, editor of Breakdown Press and cartoonist Lando, the lizard brain behind Decadence Comics, will be discussing the challenges of independent comics publishing in the late 2010’s and the

feats of psychic mental stamina required to overcome them. They’ll also be treating you all to previews of their future books, surfacing in 2017 including the new collection from Shaky Kane!

55 / Live Event / Comics In Conversation: Mike Mignola Sat 5 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor),14.40-15.30, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content This year we are absolutely delighted to be welcoming the award-winning creator of Hellboy (and its spin-off titles BPRD, Lobster Johnson, Abe Sapien, and Witchfinder) and The Amazing Screw-On Head to Thought Bubble, and are very pleased to present this special Comics in Conversation event, where Mike Mignola will be discussing his career with journalist and PR-Coordinator for Rebellion Mike Molcher.

56 / Panel / From Stands to Screen Sat 5 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),14.50-15.40, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content Our annual talk on the transition of comics to the big & small screens, with the creators who have worked on transferring stories from paper to celluloid, or vice versa! An engaging discussion on the ongoing evolution of comics onscreen, and the titles (and creators) that have inspired this revolution. Speakers include Paul Azaceta who’s work on the comic Outcast with Robert Kirkman of Walking Dead

tee for 2016

FA S H I O N A B LY D E P LY O Y E D

Proud once again to be the ofﬁcial

the_ill__mind theill_mind theillustratedmind .com

fame has just been translated to TV. Adam Brockbank concept artist on Captain America, Harry Potter and Star Wars to name just a few. Andy Diggle writer of comic to screen adaptations such as The Losers and Arrow. Steve Dillon co-creator and producer of Preacher which has just been adapted for TV by Seth Rogen, and Glyn Dillon, one of the main concept artists on Star Wars Force Awakens and Rogue One . Hosted by Chris Hewitt, News Editor for Empire Magazine.

57 / Live Event / Upside Comics presents Blam! Zap! Kapow! Comics for Beginners!

F I N D U S AT TA B L E 8 2 NEW DOCK HALL

E X C L U S I V E I L L U S T R AT I O N

THE I L L U S T R AT E D M I N D

Sat 5 Nov, Bubs Lounge, Tower Gallery, Third Floor, (accessed by Lift and stairs via the Tournament Gallery), 1500-1630, Free with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, free for under-12s, but an accompanying ticket-holding adult must be present, Age 8+ A comics workshop for children. Learn how to construct a simple story structure, discover the different ways to use the comics medium, and create your own onepage comic strip. Full of games, guidance and fun ways to generate original ideas, this is a great introduction to creating comics for children aged 8-12. Brought to you by Steven Silverwood and Tom Eglington (2000AD writer on Judge Dredd, Blunt and Outlier).

58 / Panel / Comics For EVERYONE! Sat 5 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),15.10-16.00, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content We here at Thought Bubble believe that comics should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their age, and that great kids comics should be read by everyone! So if you’re a young comic fan, or one who never grew up, and want to hear about some great

stories to read, please come along and get the low-down from some of the best creators out there! With speakers Ben Haggarty, Faith Erin Hicks, Ryan North,and Paul Duffield. Hosted by Cecil Castellucci.

59 / Panel / I is for Innovation: The Creators of Image Comics Sat 5 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor),15.40-16.30, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content Some of Image Comics’ best and brightest creators make their home in the United Kingdom, and many more are coming to the UK for this year’s Thought Bubble! Join them for a wide-ranging discussion about creative freedom in the new age of comics independence and their exciting new projects at Image Comics. With speakers Brenden Fletcher, Kieron Gillen,Emi Lenox,Declan Shalvey,and Babs Tarr. Hosted by Publisher of Image Comics, Eric Stephenson.

60 / Panel / The Rainbow Age presents Queer Comics Today Sat 5 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),15.50-16.40, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content LGBTQ comics, with its storied history of over four decades, have never been more vibrant than they are today. A true renaissance of queer stories is taking place as fans increasingly demand more material that speaks to them and represents the genuine diversity in which we all live. Join us for a lively discussion with these fabulous and talented creators while we delve into the importance of representation on the page and within the industry, the art and business of comics, and the complexities of LGBTQIA identity. With speakers Tab Kimpton, Greg Lockhard, Julia Scheele, and Hamish Steele. Hosted by Joe Glass.

61 / Panel / 39 Years of 2000 AD Sat 5 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor), 16.1017.00, free entry with Saturday/ Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content Come along and celebrate the past year of the galaxy’s greatest comic with some of the mighty Tharg’s best art and script droids, as well as a look ahead to what the future has in store. Guaranteed to be zarjaz! With speakers: Boo Cook, Ian Edginton, Leah Moore, John Reppion, Keith Richardson, and John Wagner. Hosted by Iz McAuliffe and Stacey Whittle. Boo Cook, Ian Edginton, Leah Moore, John Reppion, and more TBC.

62 / Live Event / Mid-Con Party at Trinity Kitchen Sat 5 Nov, Trinity Kitchen, Trinity Leeds, 27 Albion St, Leeds LS1 5ER, from 19:00-01:00, strictly 18+, please bring a valid form of photo ID and your online ticket to gain entry 2016’s party marks at the mid-point of the convention weekend, with this year’s shindig taking place at the awesome Trinity Kitchen! The perfect way to unwind after a hectic day on the con floor. There’ll be a wide range of gourmet and street food vendors to choose from, and we’ll have the drinks and music flowing until late, so help us celebrate another Thought Bubble in style, with Team Thought Bubble (and special guest) DJs spinning tunes until the early hours. We strongly recommend buying tickets in advance, as space is strictly limited, and you’ll need both your party ticket and a weekend wristband, exhibitor wristband, or guest pass to gain entry. Please bear in mind that numbers are always very limited for this event, and tickets are likely to sell out quickly. We will have a very limitednumber available on the door on the evening of the event (for £6 cash sales only), but these will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, and we don’t want to have to turn people away at the door! This event is strictly over 18s only, so please bring photo ID along with your ticket and wristband/pass.

Sunday 6th November Only Convention events

panel content This year we’ve brought some of the best creators in comics to Leeds, so why not come along for what’s sure to be a fascinating panel talk on the reality of inventing worlds for creator owned projects, as well as inhabiting those of comics’ hottest licensed properties. With speakers Cecil Castellucci, Simon Roy,Cameron Stewart, Becky Cloonan,and Jeff Lemire. Hosted by Steve Morris.

63 / Live Event / Portfolio Viewings with Doctor Simpo Sun 6 Nov, Doctor Simpo’s table (9) in Royal Armouries Hall, 10:00-17:00, All Ages, Free for under 12s but an accompanying ticket-holding adult must be present, Over 65s free with a valid form of photo ID Come along to Doctor Simpo’s stall at this year’s amazeballs festival and find out where you can study Sequential Narrative (Character Design, Comics, Storyboarding Techniques, Animatics and Animation) in Kirklees @ BTEC level. Bring along your portfolio of ideas to show him as well. Also whilst you are at the stall why not pick up a free copy of some of the present students work.

64 / Live Event / TB Comic Art Competition Prize-Giving Ceremony Sun 6 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor),10.20-10.45, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content This year saw the seventh Thought Bubble Comic Art Competition take place in association with Travelling Man Comic Shops. Entry was open to creators from the UK, who were asked to produce a single-page A3 story, with work accepted in two categories – 12-17 year olds and over-18s. We’ll be announcing the winners live on stage – and they’ll get to see their work published in 2017’s Thought Bubble Anthology from Image Comics!

65 / Live Event / Creating Worlds Sun 6 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor),11.00-11.50, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control

of DC/Vertigo Shelly Bond will be reviewing portfolios at Thought Bubble! Because of time constraints, the format for reviews will be as follows: your pitch must be emailed in advance, and if you’re selected, you’ll be called back for a full review. Please submit your portfolio to portfolioreviews@ thoughtbubblefestival.com by 5pm, Friday 28 October. If you’re selected for a full review then a time slot and venue location will be emailed to you prior to the convention.

68 / Panel / How To Make It Make Money

66 / Screening / Eschaton Sun 6 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),11.00-11.35, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, Limited space available, so please arrive early, please note: Thought Bubble does not control film content, this screening is recommended for ages 12A Eschaton is the name of the spaceship that is taking human consciousness to the far reaches of a dying universe. The purpose of this voyage is to deconstruct the fear of infinity. Inspired by the science fiction novels ‘Tau-zero’ and ‘Star maker’, Eschaton is an alchemistic journey that explores the connection between the human element and the quantum symmetry of the universe. Concept-Director: Stathis Tsemberlidis. Sound: Panos Alexiadis.

67 / Live Event / Portfolio Reviews with Shelly Bond Sun 6 Nov, Venue TBC, 13:00-15:00, Free with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, free for under12s, but an accompanying ticketholding adult must be present, All Ages This year we are delighted to announce that Former Executive

Sun 6 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),11.10-12.00, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content Dan Berry, cartoonist, lecturer, and host of the podcast Make It Then Tell Everybody talks with guests including Lucy Bellwood and Box Brown about the challenges facing comic artists trying to make a living at drawing comics. How do you make this make money? Our guests lay out all their secrets.

69 / Screening / Search & Destroy: A Strontium Dog Fan-Film Sun 6 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),11.45-12.00, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, Limited space available, so please arrive early, please note:

SIGNING: FIND BOX BROWN AT THE SELFMADEHERO STAND 90-92, NEW DOCK HALL RRP £12.99

•

Paperback w/ flaps

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Thought Bubble does not control film content, this screening is recommended for ages 12A From the creators of Judge Minty, a Judge Dredd fan film. This project is a not-for-profit fan film based on the 2000AD story - Strontium Dog. Based on the work of Carlos Ezquerra, John Wagner and Alan Grant. STRONTIUM DOGTM REBELLION A/S, ©REBELLION A/S, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This project is a NOT FOR PROFIT fan film based on the 2000 AD story, Strontium Dog. The makers of this film have no association with Rebellion or 2000 AD.

joining the likes of Dave Gibbons, Jock, Mick McMahon, Brian Bolland and Mark Buckingham! This year we have the ultimate prize – the winner of the portfolio session will get the chance to illustrate a Future Shock in 2000 AD! Join the ranks of the biggest names in British comic books by getting a paid strip from Tharg the Mighty! Come along and see which of the portfolio review entries wins this amazing prize as Tharg’s art droids provide live critique on the best of the comics submitted!

73 / Live Event / Kim Jung Gi Sun 6 Nov, New Dock Hall Foyer, 13:00-14:00, All Ages, Free for under 12s but an accompanying ticket-holding adult must be present, Over 65s free with a valid form of photo ID The incredible Korean cartoonist and performance artist Kim Jung Gi will be live drawing in New Dock Hall foyer. He is a master of his craft, renowned for his ability to draw from m e m o r y on a huge scale, with no photographic reference. It’s a wonder to behold!

74 / Live Event / Sketching Spotlight

70 / Panel / Decompressed: The Wicked + The Divine Sun 6 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor),12.00-12.50, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content Is there more to life than being really, really, really ridiculously good looking? If there is, The Wicked + The Divine will never know. Join Kieron Gillen talking to Jamie McKelvie, Kevin Wada, and Stephanie Hans as they talk about creating really, really, really ridiculously good looking comics.

71 / Live Event / 2000 AD Portfolio Competition Judging Sun 6 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),12.10-13.00, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content Many have tried to make it into the hallowed pages of the Galaxy’s Greatest comic, most have failed, but the winner of this year’s 2000 AD portfolio competition will be

72 / Screening / The Image Revolution Sun 6 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),12.30-13.50, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, Limited space available, so please arrive early, please note: Thought Bubble does not control film content, this screening is recommended for ages 12A 20 years ago, a group of artists left Marvel Comics to create their own company... a company that continues to influence mainstream comics and culture to this day. Image Comics was more than just a publisher. It was a response to years of creator mistreatment, and it changed comics forever. The Image Revolution tells the story of Image Comics, from its founders’ work at Marvel, through Image’s early days, the ups and downs of the ’90s, and the publisher’s new generation of properties like The Walking Dead. Director: Patrick Meaney.

Sun 6 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor), 13.0014.30, free entry with Saturday/ Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content Come along to our sketching spotlight to see some of the finest artists currently working in the industry drawing live on stage and taking you through their creative process. Feel free to drop-in and out of the session at your leisure. All sketches produced will be auctioned off for the Barnardo’s charity after the festival. Featuring guest artists Mahmud Asrar, Warwick Johnson Cadwell, Mike Mignola, Faith Erin Hicks.

75 / Live Event / Judgement Day Sun 6 Nov, The Amphitheatre, Outside the Hall of Steel, Royal Armouries (First Floor), 13:0013:20, All Ages, Free In the ‘Cursed Earth’ the legendary law enforcer JUDGE DREDD tracks down an old adversary – it’s sure to end with all guns blazing! (Warning: loud & sustained gunfire)

Come and join our expert curators for a presentation on fantasy and SF weapons used in blockbuster and cult films, including Aliens and the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. The session will also give you the chance to handle the objects and learn more about the fascinating world of movie, graphic novel and video game arms and armour. This activity is part of the Royal Armouries’ Collecting Cultures project, kindly supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. photo by An Englishman in San Diego

Inspired by the science fiction novels ‘Tau-zero’ and ‘Star maker’, Eschaton is an alchemistic journey that explores the connection between the human element and the quantum symmetry of the universe. Concept-Director: Stathis Tsemberlidis. Sound: Panos Alexiadis.

76 / Panel / Unbeatable! Squirrel Girl x Thought Bubble Sun 6 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),13.10-14.00, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content Kicks butts, eats nuts! Doreen Green, aka Squirrel Girl, has battled, and defeated, a veritable who’s who of Marvel’s villains - from Galactus to Dr Viktor von Doom - all while majoring in computer science at Empire State University. This year, Thought Bubble is very pleased to be welcoming Squirrel Girl’s writer, Ryan North, and artist, Erica Henderson, to the festival, and we’re delighted to be able to have official King of Thought BubbleTM John Allison sitting down with them to talk about Marvel’s Sciuridae superhero.

77 / Screening / Eschaton Sun 6 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),14.00-14.35, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, Limited space available, so please arrive early, please note: Thought Bubble does not control film content, this screening is recommended for ages 12A Eschaton is the name of the spaceship that is taking human consciousness to the far reaches of a dying universe. The purpose of this voyage is to deconstruct the fear of infinity.

78 / Live Event / Comics in Conversation: John Wagner Sun 6 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),14.10-15.00, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content John Wagner has created some of the most iconic and enduring characters in comics, including Judge Dredd and Strontium Dog Johnny Alpha, and has had his work adapted for screen multiple times, most recently with 2012’s hit Dredd. During his career, John has written for some of comics’ biggest properties, and we are pleased to be able to welcome him to this year’s Thought Bubble, and invite you all to join us as he discusses his work with journalist, and PR-Coordinator for Rebellion, Mike Molcher.

79 / Live Event / Film Weapon Handling Session Sun 6 Nov, Education Room 1, Royal Armouries,14.30-15.15, Limited to 24 places, please sign up for this event at Royal Armouries Reception, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, 14+ only, please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content

80 / Live Event / Cosplay Masquerade Sun 6 Nov, Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries (Ground Floor), 14.401700, free entry with Saturday/ Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content Thought Bubble’s massive cosplay event is back! Whether you’re in costume or not, come along and experience a cavalcade of crazy characters as we decide who’s best dressed enough to impress our judges! Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, along with a judges’ choice award. Costumes must be hand-made, or altered by at least 50% to have a chance of winning the competition, but all cosplayers are welcome to attend the masquerade.

81 / Screening / Search & Destroy: A Strontium Dog Fan-Film Sun 6 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),14.45-15.00, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, Limited space available, so please arrive early, please note: Thought Bubble does not control film content, this screening is recommended for ages 12A From the creators of Judge Minty, a Judge Dredd fan film. This project is a not-for-profit fan film based on

the 2000AD story - Strontium Dog. Based on the work of Carlos Ezquerra, John Wagner and Alan Grant. STRONTIUM DOGTM REBELLION A/S, ©REBELLION A/S, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This project is a NOT FOR PROFIT fan film based on the 2000 AD story, Strontium Dog. The makers of this film have no association with Rebellion or 2000 AD.

83 / Panel / #ArtCred Sun 6 Nov, News Room, Royal Armouries (Fourth Floor),15.10-16.00, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, All Ages, but please note: Thought Bubble does not control panel content Comics are a visual medium, yet those responsible for creating the images are often ignored as creators of the work. In the #Artcred panel, join Becky Cloonan, Faith Erin Hicks, Vanesa Del Rey and Antony Johnston as they discuss how the lack of Artist Credit has become so prevalent the harmful effects it leads to and how we can work to address the problem. Hosted by Declan Shalvey.

pass, Limited space available, so please arrive early, please note: Thought Bubble does not control film content, this screening is recommended for ages 12A Neil Gaiman is one of the most beloved storytellers in the world today, a medium-jumping legend who opened a new era of comics with Sandman, scared a generation of young readers with Coraline and The Graveyard Book, and has thrilled his fans with years of live readings and signings. Recently, Neil embarked on his final signing tour, one last chance to talk to the fans who love his work and show his appreciation for their years of support. Now you’re along for the ride! The film offers unprecedented access to Neil, chronicling his journey from myth-loving child to one of the most popular writers in the world. In addition to Neil, the film also features Amanda Palmer, George RR Martin, Grant Morrison, Bill Hader, Wil Wheaton, Michael Sheen, Karen Berger, and many more. Director: Patrick Meaney.

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82 / Live Event / Upside Comics presents Blam! Zap! Kapow! Comics for Beginners! Sun 6 Nov, Bubs Lounge, Tower Gallery, Third Floor, (accessed by Lift and stairs via the Tournament Gallery), 1500-1630, Free with Saturday/Weekend convention pass, free for under-12s, but an accompanying ticket-holding adult must be present, Age 8+ A comics workshop for children. Learn how to construct a simple story structure, discover the different ways to use the comics medium, and create your own onepage comic strip. Full of games, guidance and fun ways to generate original ideas, this is a great introduction to creating comics for children aged 8-12. Brought to you by Steven Silverwood and Tom Eglington (2000AD writer on Judge Dredd, Blunt and Outlier).

85 / Live Event / Thought Bubble + Gosh! Comics Present...Faith Erin Hicks Signing

84 / Screening / Neil Gaiman: Dream Dangerously Sun 6 Nov, Cinema of War, Royal Armouries (Second Floor),15.30-17.00, free entry with Saturday/Weekend convention

proud sponsors of thought bubble

Mon 7 Nov, Gosh! Comics, Berwick Street, Soho, London, W1F 0DR, 18:00-19:00, All Ages, Free The creator behind Nameless City, Friends with Boys and Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong comes to London for an exclusive signing at Gosh! Comics.

1991

comics & games Travelling Man 32 Central Road Leeds LS1 6DE

Travelling Man 54 Goodramgate York YO1 7LF

Travelling Man 43 Grainger Street Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 5JE

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