Things I've Been Up To

Hello Hello

I know – I suck at keeping this updated! But cut me some slack – I haven’t been slacking or anything. I’ve been doing a bunch of things. Here are some words about some of the things I’ve been up to… although my memory is terrible so they may or may not be in chronological order.

Regina Spektor

My pal Tom took me to see Regina Spektor at the Royal Albert Hall! I saw her a long time ago at a tiny place in Camden (Lock 17?) but this was very different. I’m not *that* keen on the latest album compared to songs like Us and The Call… but seeing them live was impressive. I got a bit frustrated with some of the crowd though – we were stood by some people who were trying to have a ‘comedy’ dance-off. And lots of people in the audience (I suspect it was the same three people over and over) kept shouting out “I LOVE YOU!!!!” which is lovely until it doesn’t stop.

Olympics

In return, I took Tom to the OLYMPICS! I don’t know how it has been where you live but London has gone Olympic-crazy! We were warned that using public transport would be a nightmare but the biggest nightmare has actually been trying to get tickets to see anything. However, I was lucky enough to find myself the owner of tickets to go and see Water Polo! I didn’t know anything about Water Polo before but Tom and I headed off to the Olympic Park anyway… where we had an AMAZING TIME!

The atmosphere was brilliant. If all sporting events are like that then I can understand why people go to them. Oh! And so many pin badges! You know how much I love a good pin badge. I was also excited about visiting the giant McDonald’s – I haven’t been to one in years – but the queue was too long. The queues for everything were silly-long. No McDonald’s or Megastore for me :(((

London has been on its best behaviour too - it looks so nice and there's a really pleasant atmosphere... which makes a nice change. 

MCM Manchester

Also, I met up with the lovely Joe, Philippa and Lizz for MCM Manchester! Manchester MCM? Whichever order it goes in, I was there. There were some amazing costumes – here are my favourites! I hope they don’t mind me using these photos…

X-Men were some of the first comics I started reading so I'll always have a soft spot for the main cast. And look! This dude has done a good Cyclops costume! Wolverine and Gambit are quite frequent sights at comic events but I can't remember the last time I saw a Cyclops - and this man was so nice! Good work him!

HOORAY! It's Link! DOUBLE HOORAY! It's Link in a blue tunic, carrying a bomb! Bonus points for those boots - I want to wear those boots as part of my regular wardrobe. HOORAY FOR HIM!

Look at this! The cape! The mark! The silver leggings! It must be Doctor Doom. I've never read many comics where Doctor Doom features but I've always been a fan of the character design. This cosplayer did a great job of putting it all together. I suspect that capes are very on-trend on Latveria right now...

As good as all the other costumes were, none of them came close to this tiny child, dressed as TOBY THE DINOSAUR!!! Woooooooo! I can't even explain how amazing this is. There simply aren't enough exclamation marks in the world. Gah! So. Good. And. Cute.

Other Stuff

As for drawing, if you follow me on Tumblr, Instagram or Facebook then you’ll have seen all the bits and bobs I’ve been drawing. I’ve been posting some odd stuff as I’ve started inking warm-up sketches and just filling up empty spaces with whatever is in my mind. Maybe I’ll post some of my favourites here…

It's a Creepycorn - a scary version of a Caticorn! You'll find out about them VERY SOON!

It's Link from the Legend of Zelda. I wish he was my pal!

 

I have no idea what this is or why I drew it... but here you go!

I think that's enough of a brain-spew for one blog post. Sorry for the lack of them. Remind me to write about On The Download! That's pretty exciting! Oh. And we totally need to talk about the first thirty seconds of this video:

And we definitly need to talk about the second episode of Cornelius and Toots!

But before that, I should go to bed! I hope you're all well though!

MINI POST: MCM Expo

Hello!

Time for a mini blog post about some things! Woo hoo! Hold on tight as I whine and moan about all the things I don’t like.

Oh. Except that this post is about May’s MCM Expo. There will be whining and moaning, but all of that pales into insignificance when I show you this:

Yes – that’s right. It’s Toby cosplay! The first ever…and possibly the last. Eeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

I pretty much exploded! With happiness! Amazing.

The rest of MCM was a blur after that. I met some cool people and I saw some familiar faces but overall, I found the event quite stressful. It is now HUGE and I felt a little overwhelmed. Don’t get me wrong – I’m thrilled to see the Comic Village growing alongside it… but I could have done with a little rest at some point. And maybe some nearby toilets. I was lucky enough to be sharing a table with a friend so we could take it in turns to eat, but the idea of doing it alone makes me sad.

Oh. And I should be at the Manchester MCM in July. Probably.

In other news, I drew this picture of Invincible. But you already knew that if you follow me on Twitter, Tumblr or Facebook. Oh. And Instagram but I have no idea how to link to that...

 

Manchester MCM Expo - Thoughts and Stuff

Hey There

Sorry I’ve been so lame with this blog. And I’m sorry that I started off my blog with an apology – that’s the worst. I’m finding everything a bit of a struggle lately, like I’m drowning in life. Which is a stupid thing to complain about… I guess I just need to sort myself out, find somewhere to live and stop taking my work home with me.

ANYWAYS. The real reason I’m updating the blog is because I went to Manchester MCM last last weekend. It was the first MCM held in Manchester, although you wouldn’t know it from how busy it was. But yes, start at the start, mustn’t get ahead of myself.

So…I took the day off work and took the train up to Manchester by myself…which probably doesn’t sound like a big deal but I normally go with a pal. I didn’t enjoy getting the train by myself and the carriage smelt. Maybe it was the smell of loneliness? Bleurgh.

So there was a train journey and BOOM! I was in Manchester – pretty much the second I’ve ever been for non-work purposes. Exciting! I trudged over to my hotel but I got a little lost which was upsetting. I’m normally quite good with a map so I assume my sense of direction was on holiday. But I found my hotel in the end and was dazzled by the fact that the shower had TWO (2) shower heads! What the cabbage!

The lovely Joe List then whisked me away on an exciting Manchester adventure – for which I am very grateful. The science museum was closing so we had a quick run around that…but the real highlight was a place called Home Sweet Home that served freshly baked cookies with a nice glass of milk! Hello my dream food, get in my mouth! Then I went back to the hotel, did some drawing and slept. Well done me.

Then it was Saturday! Time for MCM Expo. I’ve been to a load of Expos in London so this was the first MCM in Manchester. I wasn’t sure how busy it would be to be honest… But I made my way there with the normal comics and tote bags and things… and there was already a hefty queue! And so many cosplayers! We all know how much I love a good cosplayer so here are some of my favourite costumes:

This guy was Totoro! I asked him to come back (so I could ask him where I could get that costume…) but alas! He didn’t come back so I’ll never know! Still – excellent costume and I suggested he come to the next convention as Snorlax! Who doesn’t love Snorlax?

Now these three Pokemon trainers did a great job! Well, two of them. Poor middle dude! Unless he’s a Pokemon trainer I don’t recognise? It’s possible. Oh! And this Misty was the second Misty I was on that day, although this was the only lady Misty. I believe there’s a photo floating around of the two of them so feel free to email it to me.

Did you ever play Pikmin? I didn’t…but I recognise this costume and it’s a corker! We had an awkward moment where it turns out that talking through a helmet is pretty tricky. But still – ace costume! Well done!

This is a great costume that my pissy phone doesn’t do justice to. So, he’s a smartly dressed dude (who was very nice) but he had these amazing…goat legs! Furry goat legs! That were real and that he was walking around on! Ah! So cool! I want goat legs!

Right. So the event was super busy and I was really pleased for Gary who helped organise the Comic Village. He was really nice, checking up on stall holders throughout the day. On the downside, I’m normally well-prepared for events, bringing sandwiches and food along with me. But I didn’t bring anything this time since I didn’t have a fridge. So obviously, the place to buy food from was a bit lame and I spent the day feeling a bit out of sorts. I’ve learnt my lesson though – ALWAYS bring food and drink.

As always, it was nice to see comics pals – Joe, Lynn and Lizz were all exhibiting too. And afterwards I got to see Jonathan, Felt Mistress and John. YAY! Plus, I met so many new people – and some effing talented ones to boot. I hope that at least some of them enjoy reading the comic and I hope that even more of them want to be pals.

Also, if you’re a new reader and you found your way here through a flyer from MCM Expo Manchester then hello!

Right, bed time. And I need to find somewhere to live. And start eating properly. Maybe that’s why I’m feeling so bleurgh lately?

Oh – and if I haven’t already posted it, this was the soundtrack to that weekend for me:

MCM Expo - October 2010

Oh em gee! I'm sorry it has taken so long - but here it is! My MCM Post! HOORAY!!!

Right. So for the first time, MCM Expo was over three days. I had to ask for the Friday off work but it was totally worth it. In fact, although the Friday was super quiet it was nice to be able to set up in the afternoon and relax a bit. Normally, I'll get there at 8am on the Saturday, set up and then talk, talk, talk. And then collapse. But this Fancy New Friday meant I could set up, have a bit of a chat and not stress out so much. Hooray!

This MCM was a bit of a big deal in my head since, as well as being my third (!?) time there, it was also a year on since I met the lovely Lizz Lunney. Our tables were back-to-back at the MCM Expo in October 2009, so it was lovely to be just one table down from her this time. The only thing separating us was Philippa Rice. Oh! And Lizz was sharing a table with Joe List too! It was nice to have those guys next door. It also meant that I could have more of a look around than usual.

OK. So Friday was quiet. We had some food in the evening and then I went home. On the DLR! If you've never been on the DLR, it's like what would happen if someone with a rubbish imagination was in charge of designing the future.



I spent Saturday dressed as a Generic Hogwart's Student. I was going to be Harry Potter but I didn't want to dye my hair. Or do the scar. Or be Harry Potter I suppose. Anyways, the journey to the Excel Centre was a bit of a hassle since everybody was heading there. But I got there and commenced with Operation: Flyer! Which is to say, my main priority for the entire three days was to give out as many of my flyers as possible. It turned into a bit of an obsession to be honest and I apologise to the tables nearby who may have found it a bit annoying. But I would have given out their flyers if they'd have asked!

Saturday was obviously much busier than Friday. I think something like 45,000 people came to MCM across the three days - and it really felt like that on Saturday. It was nice to see familiar faces and I was mega happy when people said they'd got stuff last time or seen the website. Two people even did that dance routine! Well done everyone! And thanks for coming to visit.

Saturday also saw the start of the wrestling and the infamous Japanese drumming. I didn't catch much of the wrestling but the drumming was impossible to miss since it was so loud. I didn't mind it too much but sometimes I just wanted them to play some Lady Gaga. Or even some Beyonce. Ho hum.

It was really nice to see so many familiar faces from comic-making. I was proud to wear my Team Bing badge! I got to say hello to Warwick J. Cadwell who was a table away! Howard was debuting The Lengths! Edward Ross was sharing a table with Luke Pearson! Graham wore a dressing gown. David O'Connell came to say hello! Marc Ellerby and Adam Cadwell were opposite me. I was planning on going through everyone but I can't be arsed. In conclusion - there were lots of interesting comic-making people there. Check them out. Yeah!

Saturday evening was spent with some lovely folk at the nearby Chinese food place. I'm a mega fussy eater but I found some nice food and I even used chopsticks! Yes! In your face!

Then it was Sunday and after not enough sleep, I was back at the Excel Centre. Sunday wasn't as busy as Saturday but I still tried to give out as many flyers as possible. Lots of people from Saturday were there but in different costumes. I admire how prepared they are to be able to sort out more than one costume. I had trouble getting my own costume together and that was just normal clothes. Goodness knows how you make three different robot costumes in time...

So Sunday ended and I said goodbye to people and went home to sleep. The End! Except I just want to say thanks to everyone involved in organising the whole thing. It's a lot of comic people to organise and I have no idea how difficult it must be to sort out. But they did it and they did it brilliantly!

Also, serious thanks to everyone who came to visit my table. I know I'm not a big name but I'm still working hard. And hopefully I'll have new comics for the next MCM! And hopefully you'll come along to check them out!

IN OTHER NEWS: I wasn't the only one in costume for the event so I'm going to close this blog post with some of the amazing costumes! Prepare yourself!

This guy was around on the Friday (I can tell because the background shows a bunch of empty tables) and dressed as Kick Ass. I haven't read or watched Kick Ass - but this guy's costume was amazing. What was even better though was the fact that he had two perfect Kick Ass poses. When I asked to take his picture, he immediately assumed his first pose. Then he asked if I wanted a different pose - which is the one in this photo. That's brilliant forward-planning if you ask me.

There was also this guy who was cosplaying as Juggernaut from the (pretty rubbish) X-Men film. At first I thought he was that guy from He-Man. You know - the one that rammed stuff with his head? Rammer? Rambo? Mr. Ram? But on closer inspection, he was totally Juggernaut. And he made his costume himself! That's super impressive! Like the Kick Ass guy, he didn't need to be asked to pose - he just went for it. I think we can agree that a good pose can make a good cosplayer great. We should all work out what our poses are...




Next up, here are some wizards! Not just any wizards though - it's Lizz and Philippa! With matching cloaks, hats and knitted beards! I don't really need to say much about how brilliant their costumes are. Because you can see it with your own eyes!

And on that note! Roll on the next MCM Expo!

MCM Expo - Cosplayers!

Oh! I forgot to talk about some of the awesome costumes at MCM Expo... so here are some of my favourites.

Check them out! We know how much I la la love the Scooby Gang - and these four are dressed as them! YEAH! I saw Fred walking about at first and yelled at him to bring the rest of the gang over - which he did later on. Thanks Fred!

I don't need to go on about Scott Pilgrim do I? Ramona gets bonus points for the hammer. I really like that hammer.

Hahahahahahaha! After the October MCM Expo, I wrote about the costumes I wanted to see - one of those being Professor Layton. As if by magic - look! It's Professor Layton and Luke! I think they've got it!

My final photo is of King from Tekken! I'm not a Tekken fan and I thought he was Vega from Street Fighter (he wasn't wearing his cat head at the time). He made the costume himself and I think Lizz was particularly impressed with his pants.

MCM Expo - A Very Long Blog

I should start off by saying that this has been one of the most draining months that I’ve endured for quite some time. This weekend was the pinnacle of it all and therefore pretty gruelling…but in a good (and slightly weird) way.

That’s because this weekend was the MCM Expo!

I’ve done a few events in my time but they’ve all been pretty low-key – a craft fayre here, a small press thing there. The UK Web and Comix Thing is probably as big as I get. So the Expo was a real eye opener. Talk about baptism by fire…and then talk about a bumload of cosplaying, Para Para dancing and hugging. Free hugging. Instigated by signs. Between strangers. Strangers that hug. For free...

So, I took the usual suitcase full of stuff to the event: comics, comics, comics. However, I tried some new and exciting stuff this time! For a start, all the printing was done by the Fallen Angel Media people, which meant that things looked pretty fancy and I had some thermal bound volumes as well as the regular stuff. I also made up packs of badges which were cute. There were felt owls too! And – the biggest leap for me – acrylic brooches! Also - People I Know #9!!!

So the last month/six months have seen me spend all my free time making some sort of item to sell. Obviously, nothing came together until hours before the event. They comics and badges arrived about 12 hours before I had to be there!

The ExCel Centre is huge and in the middle of nowhere. I don’t really know many people in the comic scene but I was lucky enough to bump into Howard on the DLR so I wasn’t too nervous – just sleepy since it was early on a Saturday morning and I’d been up late. I had to get about four (4!) different trains to get to the ExCel Centre and there were cosplayers on each and everyone of them. This should have made me immune to getting slack-jawed about it all later but oh no! I spent most of the weekend gawping at all sorts of ninjas, furries and zombie schoolgirls…

NOTE: Spotify is playing me an advert for the Conservative Party!?!

So yes. Cosplaying. Wow. I’ve never been in such a high concentration of lycra and swords in all my life. There were some incredible outfits – an eight foot ogre, an army of stormtroopers, Link from the Legend of Zelda! Siryn from X-Factor! A nice guy named Sam who wasn’t in costume but I’m putting him in anyway. I think my dream as a maker-of-comics is that one day I will go to an event and see someone cosplaying one of my characters. That would be awesome (and a little spooky). Imagine a room full of tearful dinosaurs, ninja toast and an inky squid schoolgirl!

Obviously some of the costumes were of people I didn’t know (Axis Powers Hetalia?) but seemed fun. Some were a little spooky. Some…well…wow…I would never have the courage to go anywhere as Slave Girl Princess Leia. But still, the effort that people put in was amazing. Special mention to the boy/girl Where’s Wallys. Good work guys! Oh and Cat Mage too!

BUT! There were quite a lot of costumes I was expecting to see and I saw NONE OF THEM! Why was this? Where were they? Here is a list of what I should have seen in picture form. If you were there and saw one of these costumes then let me know. Better yet – if you have a picture then I will give you a prize!

EDIT: Please add the following to the list:
Vampires
Werewolves
Ghosts
Greek myths

NOTE: I saw a Star Trek Furry – as in a furry wearing a Star Trek uniform. I texted my friend:

ME: Just saw a Star Trek furry…

FRIEND: Do you mean a Tribble?

ME: No. A fox in uniform

So yeah. The people were nice. I tried to convince the nicest ones to send me nice emails. Fingers crossed. Speaking of nice people – Howard and Philip were also selling things there. I was sat behind two girls who also turned out to be nice. One was called Lizz and one was called Bryony. Oh – and there was Fran next to me! Those girls were lovely. Thanks lovely girls!

What else?

Behind the Comic Village there was a stage with Japanese drumming and some Para Para dancing. I had my back to the whole thing but I could certainly hear it. Ouch and also wow. Wouch?

Also, on Saturday evening I went to a leaving party for a friend who is moving to San Francisco with his wife. I hope he has a nice time.

I’m really tired now and I need some sleep. I’m sure there are other things to write about…but I can do it tomorrow.

Thanks to everyone that came to talk to me and to everyone that organized the event. Here’s hoping that People I Know starts going places…

Stay out of trouble

TWx

EDIT: I just got this photo from the girl portion of boy/girl Where's Wally. It is amazing! All the kudos goes to them for making something so brilliant