Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/584253
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 11 OCTOBER 2015 40 This Week Malta Comic Con announces its first guests RELOCATING from St James Cavalier to nearby Valletta venue at Magazino Hall, this year's edi- tion of the Malta Comic Con can announce its initial spate of inter- national guests, as well as show off their custom-crafted poster. The convention, organised by Wicked Comics, is dedicated to the art of the comic book and its many associated sub cultures – such as gaming and cosplay – and will be taking place on December 5 and 6 at the Magazino Hall, Val- letta Waterfront from 10:00 to 18:00 on the first day and 11:00 to 19:00 on the second day. Wicked Comics announced their first spate of guests this week – with many more soon-to- be-announced guests on the way. Among them is returning guest Jon Haward (Tales of the Bud- dha before he got Enlightened), who also designed the Con's Star Wars-themed poster; British art- ist Simon Davis (Sinister Dexter), France-based illustrator Sabine Rich (Lady Mechanika) and writ- er, editor and creative consultant John Freeman (Doctor Who). The creators will be joined by other counterparts during the two-day convention – with both Maltese and international writers, artists and editors displaying and selling their wares while meeting fans. When asked about being invited as a guest to the Malta Comic Con, John Freeman said, "I'm both de- lighted and honoured to have been asked to this year's Malta Con. I know many of the past guests pro- fessionally and they've all raved about the event, the organisation and friendliness of attendees." "Plus, I'm always interested in finding out more about comics and creators beyond Britain and this event provides a perfect op- portunity to do that," Freeman added. This sentiment was shared by Sabine Rich who said she was "glad to be invited to the Malta Comic Con" and that she was looking forward to meeting or- ganisers and fans. Wicked Comics are also pleased to unveil the official Malta Comic Con 2015 poster, and thank Jon Haward, Nigel Dobbyn and Ken- neth Micallef who respectively illustrated, coloured and lettered the Star Wars themed poster. "Besides being an incredibly tal- ented artist, Jon Haward is also an amazing person, and we feel privi- leged that he not only accepted our invitation to return to our convention but also took it upon himself to design our poster," said Wicked Comics co-founder Chris Le Galle. Haward responded by stating "Looking forward to the Malta Comic Con one of the best con- ventions I attend, great crew and great fans!" Wicked Comics' Pres- ident Fabio Agius concluded with "We're also excited to welcome Davies, Rich and Freeman and cannot help but feel proud that they're bringing their unique and distinctive talents to our show." British artists, editor and France-based illustrator among the first-announced guests at Malta Comic Con 2015 Jon Haward Over the years Jon Haward has worked on many icons such as Spi- derman, Judge Dredd, Dan Dare, Macbeth, War- hammer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Shinobi and Mutant Chronicles amongst others. During the past two years Jon has been passing his knowledge to the next generation of artists by mentoring students in colleges and universities as well as providing home tutoring. He also co-created and is currently working on new material for the critically acclaimed Tales of the Buddha Before He Got En- lightened, which consists of adult hu- mour strips collected and published in trade paperback format by Canadian publisher Renegade Arts Entertain- ment. Macbeth, War- hammer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Simon Davis Simon Davis began working in com- ics in the early 90s, mainly for the Brit- ish comic book insti- tution 2000 AD. Among the many characters that he has drawn for them, he is probably best known for his work on Sinister Dexter with Dan Abnett, Stone Island, and Ampney Crucis Investigates with Ian Edginton, and Black Siddha and Slaine with Pat Mills. He is currently knee-deep in blood, iron and paint com- pleting Psychopomp, the third instalment of Slaine: The Bru- tania Chronicles. Simon Davis began working in com- the many characters that he has drawn for Sabine Rich A self-taught art- ist Sabine grew up all over the world. She began her professional career in comics with Rothic as colour- ist for Ancient Dreams, and has since worked on a l l Rothic products. Theory of Magic is a world of fairies which she pencils, colours and co- designs. Since her launch with Rothic in 2011 she has worked with Blue Rainbow, Aspen; Zenescope; Lady Death Universe; and Lady Mechanika. Amongst other things at the Malta Comic Con 2015 Sabine Rich will be promoting her latest book 'Sirens of Art' a 48 pages of full colour A4 sized art book featuring a collec- tion of her best work ranging from covers, commissions and personal creations illus- trated in an assortment of pencils, watercol- ours, copics and digital mediums. with Rothic as colour- ist for Ancient Dreams, and has since worked on a l l John Freeman John Freeman is a writer, editor and creative con- sultant based in Lan- caster, England. By day, he is currently editor for ROK Comics part of ROK Global, currently, publishing a number of audio comics for mobile devices (Apple and Android) includ- ing Team M.O.B.I.L.E. and The Beatles Story, the latter drawn by Arthur Ranson and first published in the British weekly Look-In in the 1980s. By night, he is editor of downthetubes.net, a web site devoted to British Comics news and features web site that began back in 1999. He also works as a specialist PR advisor and copywriter for organisations such as the Lakes International Comic Art Festival (16-18 October) and Lancaster Comics Day (Sunday 5 June 2016). He is currently writing the online SF adventure strip Crucible and working as cre- ative consultant on the new Dan Dare audio drama series in pre-production from B7 Media, as well as scripting new adventures for a famous British national news- paper strip comic character that should launch in October or November 2015. ROK Comics part of ROK Global, currently, publishing a number of audio comics for mobile devices (Apple and Android) includ- More details can be found on www.maltacomic-con.com and all an announcements can be followed on the Malta Comic Con Facebook page: http://tinyurl.com/otagwwq