Kapow Comic Convention Review

• 18th Apr 2011

The minute the words Kapow! Comic Con entered my universe I knew I had to be there. The geeky, comic book fan-girl in me was thrilled to be at the inaugural Kapow! event. Established by sisters Lucy and Sarah Unwin (yes, surprise, surprise, a pair of girls started this) they’ve managed to bring the US convention experience to the UK. Drawing attention to some of the biggest names in comics, movies, TV and games, the weekend was overrun with A-listers of the comic world holding Q&A sessions and making some big announcements.

The Business Design Centre in Islington was jam-packed with booths filled with the latest comics, memorabilia and artists sitting drawing away feverishly. Everything was covered by the stands, from Western comics from the likes of DC and Marvel, a small section for with anime and manga for Eastern comic lovers and everything in between. This was the opportunity that small independent comic makers had been waiting for; their chance to showcase themselves up against the big boys.

It wasn’t just comics though; the IGN Arena was filled with consoles and two areas, each devoted to a specific game. I finally got a chance to play on Nintendo’s new 3DS and was blown away by its usability. Having heard only negative reviews about this console I couldn’t help but disagree. I could see that with extended use it could be a bit headache inducing but that’s precisely why there’s an option to turn the 3D functionality off. The best part of the 3DS though is the augmented reality games you can play on it. This is what it was made for and it pulls it off superbly.

There were also several Q&A sessions throughout the day involving idols from their respective fields. It included the stars of BBC’s Merlin, DC Superstars creators and even a game show hosted by Jonathan Ross. I managed to catch a Q&A session with one quarter of the comedy team behind The League of Gentlemen and Doctor Who writer, Mark Gatiss. All the questions were fired from an audience of his beloved fans and he answered them with both wit and flair. He made jokes as quickly as they came to him and everyone left in agreement (even if they don’t say it out loud) that it was well worth the 45 minute queue.

Impressively, two new Guinness World Records were set over the weekend. Comic book artists from across the industry came together to achieve new records for the fastest production of a comic-book (11 hours 19 mins 38 sec) and most contributors to a comic-book (62). The book in question was Superior. Brilliant talent including Kick Ass creator Mark Millar, iconic Marvel artist John Romita Jr and cult hero Frank Quietly, who came up with the story concept, script and dialogue whilst illustrating and lettering all the panels in one day. ‘This is normally at least four weeks work and has be done in the space of a single day’ explained Millar, who has written on all of Marvel’s major titles.

The comic book will be printed and distributed through Marvel’s Icon imprint, with all royalties being donated to Yorkhill Children’s Foundation. Shona Cardle, Chief Executive of the Foundation said, ‘Children in hospital love to read comic books to while away the hours on the wards and we’re sure that this new comic will be a hit with the young patients at Yorkhill Hospital’. Yorkhill provides enhanced medical equipment and resources which benefit sick children and babies who are treated at Yorkhill Hospital and within NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. These can include innovative medical equipment, improvements in child and family facilities and paediatric research and training. A great cause being supported by a great project.

The icing on the cake for me was meeting one of my idols, comedian, director, TV and radio presenter and one half of Adam and Joe, Joe Cornish. All in all it was a fantastic experience and an absolute runaway success. With film studios and exhibitors already lining up to book for Kapow! 2012, it seems it’s going to become a must attend event in any comic lover’s diary. Until then my Clint Magazine subscription will just have to keep me going.

Laura Johnson

Photos: Steven Hurst