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9th Annual Glasgow Comic Con 2019 Review

On Saturday the 29th June, I was lucky enough to go along to the 9th Annual Glasgow Comic Con at The Royal Concert Hall Glasgow for a day of panels, signings, competitions, cosplay and entertainment.

For the 9th year, the team behind the event had really pulled out all the stops as far as the line up of guests was concerned. There was top tier talent invited, and it was quite a line up including Chip Zdarsky, Al Ewing, Frank Quitely, Ian Kennedy, Brian Stelfreeze, Dan Mc Daid and Tanya Roberts, to name just a few. The independent creators were lined up and down the foyers, and for fans of art and comics, there was an incredible amount of talent and product to peruse.

Of course there was a traders hall too, and though I always moan that I would prefer more back issue stands at these shows, there was plenty of graphic novels and memorabilia on display for the thousands of people that attended.

It would seem that the organisers hit it lucky with the weather this year too; despite high temperatures, it poured and thundered in Glasgow all afternoon, and surely this would have helped the passing trade.

The main stage hosted 8 different panels, including a spotlight on Zdarsky and The Life Of Brian Stelfreeze. One of the highlights, for me anyway, was watching the incredible Mr Stelfreeze look through a young girls artwork, then give her advice on how she could improve. Mr Stelfreeze took a lot of time to talk with the budding artist, offering praise and constructive criticism, as well as showing her how he pencils figures in a certain way. It was wonderful to see a legendary comic artist such as him, spend so much time with a young artist just starting to find her own style, and I’m sure it was something she will always remember.

I was also lucky enough to talk with Chip Zdarsky himself, and hopefully we will have some footage of the conversation to share with you soon. The current writer of Spider-Man and Daredevil, Zdarsky’s table was constantly busy, but like a true pro he was polite, engaging and had time for all his fans.

Glasgow is always a great city for Cosplayers, and there was plenty of amazing costumes on show. I must admit, my favourite was Thor from Avengers Endgame, an inspired piece of cosplay if ever I have seen one! There was also an excellent Spawn, and the creator stood outside the venue on the stairs of The Royal Concert Hall, draped in a flowing red cape, facing the hundreds of shoppers in Glasgow’s Buchanon Street, many of whom stopped to look and take photos.

Inside the venue, there was also plenty for younger convention goers to do in the Kids Comic Zone. Workshops included learn to draw Star Wars with Tanya Roberts, and how to make your own mini comic.

All in all this was a fantastic day and there was a great atmosphere all around.
the high level of guests,and the range of activities made this a great day out for fans of all ages, and this con seems to go from strength to strength. Roll on July 4th 2020 for the big tenth anniversary event, I certainly hope to be there!

Interviews:
1) Chip Zdarsky

2) David Lucarelli

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