Vinnie & Roger. Creators of the brilliant Harker detective comic.

A few weekends ago saw us visiting the Expo as punters for the first time. It didn’t feel as strange as I thought it might and I thoroughly enjoyed the freedom! We arrived Friday night to stay with friend, and Midwinter Comics Retreat Organiser, Debra. Then fellow Caption organisers Damian and Jenni, and Jenni’s partner Richard arrived for an evening of food, wine and chatter. A great start to the weekend.

David Goodman

Dave Hitchcock & new comic Madam Samurai

It was refreshing to be able to amble into the convention after the start time, instead of rushing in early to set-up a table, and take our time wandering around. We made a flying visit to the Ramada to pick up tickets and whizz around the very, very warm dealers rooms. Then it was over to the Mercure for about fours hours of small press perusing. Chatted to lots and lots of small pressers, from old friends to new faces. All the while pimping Mad Science Caption of course!

The only downside of not having a table was missing seeing people who would normally find us, and not being able to sit down! By the end of the day our legs were about ready to fall off. So it was back to Deb’s for Doctor Who and a super curry at a nearby restaurant. We were too tired to journey back in for the inevitable crush at the Ramada bar, so sorry if we missed seeing you there.

Karen Rubins & Willie Hewes

Peet! Clack

Sunday continued in the same vein with a leisurely start and a slower wander around the Ramada and Mecure. We had good intentions about going to panels and talks, but you know what they say about good intentions…

Andrew Cheverton. Writer of West.

Tim Keable. Artist of West.

Paul Rainey. Creator of Book of Lists & There's no time like the present.

Andy Radbourne of Britforce.

Terry Martin of Murky Depths.

Cliondhna Lyons & Friend

Now we just have a massive pile comics to read and review! Though I also succumbed to a very cute bag sporting a skull motif and some green alien earrings. Some of the familiar faces were missing this year at Bristol so we’re hoping to catch-up with more people at Caption or Birmingham. Really ought to make a start on that pile of comics….

Large amounts of swag...

Loki sniffs out some of the cool new comics we picked up at the Bristol Comics Expo…. or perhaps he just wants to eat them?

The Witch and other tales of the supernatural

By Willie Hewes, Karen Rubins & Gwen Korsten.

Details at http://www.itchpublishing.com/

Always nice to see collections by female creators, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Interesting and fun tales of the supernatural with manga overtones. Enjoyed all three stories but my favourite was probably Shinagami, which I defy you not to laugh at.

The Art of Cake Diving

By Cliodhna

More details at http://www.ztoical.com/

The title says it all. A wonderful piece of whimsy with evocative art, and generally a lovely object to own.

There’s No Time Like the Present: Part 7

By Paul Rainey

More details at http://www.tntltp.com/

Great to see a new episode in this comic soap starring characters that draw you in, and surreal moments that keep you reading. If you’re not already following it, why not? Check out the first 39 pages for free on Paul’s website.