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Review: Thought Bubble 2019

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

The UK is in constant flux at the moment.  If it is isn’t the political faux pas or the will they or won’t they of Brexit, it seems that there is very little consistency in the country.  That is until November when the largest UK art festival and comic con returns for it’s twelfth year.  Increasing its reach across Yorkshire, the mighty Thought Bubble, running from 4th November to 10th November, exceeds its Leeds home to roost its guests, exhibits , comic professionals, cosplayers and of course fans a in new venue in Harrogate!  To mark the occasion, Image Comics have helped produce an anthology capturing the very eclectic  essence of comic book art.

The book is a collection of talent from writers such as Becky Cloonan, Gerry Duggan, Brenden Fletcher, Abigail Jill Harding, Lee Garbett, Ben Goldsmith, Jock, Kim-Joy, Tula Lotay, Mildred Louis, Mick Mahon, Luke Pearson and artists including Becky Cloonan, Gerry Duggan, Brenden Fletcher, Abigail Jill Harding, Lee Garbett, Ben Goldsmith, Jock, Kim-Joy, Tula Lotay, Mildred Louis, Mick Mahon, Luke Pearson.  That’s not even counting letterers such as Richard Starkings whose work you can see on the new The Batman’s Grave book.

Between all involved, the book covers the most idiosyncratic writing and art that flies in the face of the contention that comics are only about  superheroes.  As many of you know, the truth is that comics as a medium have the power to inspire any age group, any gender, non binary or sexuality.  Art has the power to be inclusive and the organisers at Thought Bubble are well aware of the power of this much maligned hobby that we love, for the most part.

Name recognition goes a long way; this years festival features top tier talent, as featured within the anthology.  Further, perhaps recognising the impact comics can have on children, all profits from this book will be going to support for the UK children’s charity Barnados.

Having been at last years Though Bubble, I am glad for the venue change, mainly due to Leeds terrible parking system.  This year, a new venue, great guests and a hotel stay should make this festival even better, for me at least.  This collection is a great way to get into the swing of it all.  Buy the book, take it along to the big day and maybe you can grab a couple of signatures!

Thought Bubble Art Festival runs 4th Nov-10th Nov, with 9th & 10th Nov serving as the comic con.  For ticket information please click here

For information on the support offered by Barnados please click here

Overall – 5 Stars

Created by;
Published by; Image Comics

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes
I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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