Listen To Comic Con Organiser Olly MacNamee Interviewed On The ‘HeathTalk Podcast’
“HeathTalk is a weekly podcast about life in Kings Heath, Birmingham, UK. We dig into the conversations happening in the local community, cover what’s on this week, and interview the people and businesses that make the area tick. Hosted by Chris Smith (technologymadesimple.co.uk) and Chris Crouch (infinitybrewing.uk). Your weekly guide to what’s on, what’s up, and who’s who in Kings Heath, Birmingham, UK — local voices, local stories, local events.“
I’d like to thank Chris Smith and Chris Crouch, the two presenters of the HeathTalk Podcast, for featuring me on this week’s edition. We chat about the comic con (obviously) as well as the origins of High Vis Festival – approaching nearly ten years now – and much more. Give it a listen, and given them a follow.
Live Charity Art Auction – Your Chance To Win Original Comic Book Art, Signed Graphic Novels And More
Last year we planned an art auction that sadly did not take place, probably because I didn’t advertise it. So, I’m not making the same mistake twice.
Starting at 4 pm in All-Saints Church, you can get to bid on some great items, donated by many of last year’s guests, with all proceeds going to the Kings Heath Food Bank.
You can get a list of all the items on our official Charity Art Auction page here. Just don’t forget to bring your wallets and help a good cause in the local community.
Kings Heath Comic Con Workshop Schedule Revealed
We pride ourselves on the variety we have to offer to guests of all ages. And this year is no different, with three workshops on offer throughout the day, all to be found in the auspicious All-Saints Church, which can fit up to 300 people. Just like last year we will have three very different workshops that you can read up on on our What’s On page here.
We have Marc Jackson (organiser of Macc Power comic con in Macclesfield), The Beano’s Laura Howell, returning with her highly enjoyable comic book workshop and JAke Detonator, who will be teaching you “How To Draw Star Wars”.
We have a HUGE Guest Announcement For You
I can’t quite believe this myself, but we have landed one of the biggest names in comics. A creator who hasn’t done a comic book convention since 2018 and has graciously accepted our invitation to Kings Heath Comic Con. After such a successful first year show, we wanted to make the second year something equally as special. And we think we’ve done that. Not only in the calibre of guests we’ve got – some returning faces and some new – as well as the three free workshops we’re putting on, and, of course, the return of everyone’s favourites, the 501st Legion UK Garrison, but now with our final guest announcement. Watch the video, and all will be revealed. For comic book fans around the UK, you do not want to miss this one! Who knows when this person will do another convention again? And we are very privileged to have him at our show. A convention, lest you forget, that puts the focus on comics and a family-friendly day out. And all for FREE! Beat that for battling the cost of living crisis, Andy Burnham.
And it’s a Wrap!
What a day! Judging by the number of positive social media posts I’ve seen, I think we did well. And there’s already talk of doing it all again next year. But for now, enjoy this small selection of photos taken on the day by Mitch Schofield. Trust me, there’s more. Lots more.
And now a round-up of a good deal more photos in one nifty video. Why not grab yourself a cuppa and enjoy reliving the day below?
Sorry.. Is The Hardest Word
Yup, we’re sorry to announce that Paul Goodenough and Martin Simmonds have had to pull out of the comic con for personal reasons.
We also have to say that Dead Pixels have had to pull out. But with the weather on our side, comic book creators such as Judge Dredd co-creator, John Wagner, coming and Cosmic Rays playing a charity gig in aid of the Kings Heath Food Bank, plus comic book workshops, a HUGE comic book charity auction and more, there’s still a lot to do.
Grab A Wrist Band, Grab A Discount
We will have two information stations on Saturday June 21st, in case anyone needs directions, a map, schedules or anything else we can help with. The first is at the entrance to Zone A, situated at the All Saints Community Centre, and will be open from 10am. The second will be found on York Road just outside The Hare and Hounds’s stables. That opens at 12pm.
If you ask for a wristband band at either of these information stations, you can get discounts on your drinks at Fletchers, food at The Hare and Hounds and desserts at Sweet Coffee Shop. You can also pick up a map with schedules for all the workshops, anime films, an other events happening.
One such new event is a Drink and Draw at The Hop and Scotch, starting at 2pm. Why not take the load off your feet and recreate your favourite 2000 AD character on blank 2000 AD covers while watching Richie The Caterpillar craete an original piece of canvas art live. Plus you can take in the 2000 AD mural take shape just across the road. And… that takes us full circle.
Well, quite a bit as we ramp up for High Vis Comic Con. As well as our comic book guests and indie comic creators, we have the makings of an iconic mural celebrating 2000 AD from some of Birmingham’s talented street artists. After all, it wouldn’t be a High Vis event without street art. Furthermore, what better way to pay tribute to the galaxy’s greatest comic and honour one of our star guests, the co-creator of Judge Dredd, John Wagner?
Artwork by Title
As well as this multiple-artist collaboration by Brum artists Title, Ginger Dan,and i.create.not.destroy, we have the Welsh wonder, Art of Sok and all the way from Brighton, the legendary SNUB 23, painting one of his unmistakable, grandiose and gorgeous robot creations.
Add to this the addition of local legend and High Vis Drink & Ink Finalist 2024, Liskbot, with an art station and free sticker packs. For those quick enough to grab these limited edition packs. He’ll also be selling his art and art prints just outside All Saints Community Centre, where you’ll find the Quantum Indie Comics Traders Room as well as guest Charlie Adlard, Sonia Leong, Laura Howell, Kev F Sutherland, Hunt Emerson and actor Nick Owenfold.
Oh, and joining in on the madness is Tat Vision bringing his quirky, comedic style to proceedings with a drop-in superhero mask-making workshop from 12pm – 3pm.
We couldn’t be any happier with the way things are shaping up, but the most important thing is, I hope anyone coming has a good time, but do, please, stay hydrated and wear your sunblock.
High Vis Celebrates 2000 AD With A New Mural
That’s right, folks, we may be putting on our first comic con, but we will never forget where we’ve come from. And so, as part of a packed convention already, we will have SNUB 23, Title, i.am.sprite, Art of Sok, icreatenotdestroy and Ginger Dan painting fan-favourite characters from 2000 AD. We won’t reveal who these characters are, you’ll just have to check out the work as it develops over the weekend.
SNUB 23icreatenotdestroyArt of SokArt of SokTitleGinger Dan
And if you do find yourselves wandering down Institute Road in Kings Heath to find this new public art, take a break and enjoy the free Drink and Draw running all afternoon at The Hop and Scotch.
