Essential Chill at ICE 2014!
Written by: Neil Patel
Mr. Quirke!
The first thing that went through my head on a rainy Saturday morning whilst queuing outside for Birmingham Ice Comic Con was that the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman was behind me or well at least a reasonable look alike.
Aside from being just a con, the show also hosted the prestigious “Comics Uncovered” where leading comic creators such as Hinterkind writer Ian Edginton offered career advice to anyone who wanted to break into the elusive comic industry. The one day convention was held on three floors at the Cannon Studio right in the heart of Birmingham’s bustling city centre.
Apart from talks from industry professionals a smaller con allows the independent and small press exhibitors to shine through such as local writer Steven Quirke who created the alternate reality series 'The Gee Bees' alongside artist Kel Winser. “It’s been good, obviously a brand new convention in my hometown. It’s a proper comic book convention, I’ve chatted with people, it’s been good to see my comic book family as it were, and I’ve been able to launch my brand new book to the public.” Said Steven.
Aside from being just a con, the show also hosted the prestigious “Comics Uncovered” where leading comic creators such as Hinterkind writer Ian Edginton offered career advice to anyone who wanted to break into the elusive comic industry. The one day convention was held on three floors at the Cannon Studio right in the heart of Birmingham’s bustling city centre.
Apart from talks from industry professionals a smaller con allows the independent and small press exhibitors to shine through such as local writer Steven Quirke who created the alternate reality series 'The Gee Bees' alongside artist Kel Winser. “It’s been good, obviously a brand new convention in my hometown. It’s a proper comic book convention, I’ve chatted with people, it’s been good to see my comic book family as it were, and I’ve been able to launch my brand new book to the public.” Said Steven.
The con attracted 2000AD alumni Dylan Teague, Ben Oliver, and David Roach, and along with Vertigo artist and local around these parts, Phil Winslade. For 'Winter Soldier' artist Roland Boschi, this was his first time at a UK convention and was clearly having a good time sketching and signing for fans at ICE. But for many convention goers who travelled from other parts of the country they came to see one of the legends of the independent scene, 'Nexus' artist Steve Rude whilst drawing for fans there he spoke about being in Brum as we’d say here and the convention itself,
“Birmingham reminds me of back home in Wisconsin, the weather’s the same but the difference here is old world architecture and there’s a lot of new buildings. I walked around with my camera that I took pictures of tons and tons of stuff with, you’ve also got these areas like the Bullring. It’s easy access for people to find, they’ve spent millions of dollars into the city to bring it up to date and renovate it, people who care about their cities do things like that."
“I like ICE because it’s small and if I get a chance I’ll walk around, I’ll get a chance to say hi to everyone, I know Shane Chebsey the guy in charge of the show has put a lot into it. My panel started at noon today but it went into 2:00 but it was a lot of co-ordination, lighting, chairs, and the live model for my panel. But they did a super job, they were there for the entire time and it wasn’t an easy thing to do.“
“Birmingham reminds me of back home in Wisconsin, the weather’s the same but the difference here is old world architecture and there’s a lot of new buildings. I walked around with my camera that I took pictures of tons and tons of stuff with, you’ve also got these areas like the Bullring. It’s easy access for people to find, they’ve spent millions of dollars into the city to bring it up to date and renovate it, people who care about their cities do things like that."
“I like ICE because it’s small and if I get a chance I’ll walk around, I’ll get a chance to say hi to everyone, I know Shane Chebsey the guy in charge of the show has put a lot into it. My panel started at noon today but it went into 2:00 but it was a lot of co-ordination, lighting, chairs, and the live model for my panel. But they did a super job, they were there for the entire time and it wasn’t an easy thing to do.“
My love of cons actually started in Birmingham when I attended BICS (Birmingham International Comics Show) in 2006. Back then I didn’t care about meeting artists, getting any expensive commissions, except just for getting back issues.
Things changed the following year, well I got a few sketches from a few artists but from there on in it began. I just spent a lot of money this year on an expensive commission, possibly the most I’ll ever spend at things like these.
Cons in the U.S are now the norm ranging from San Diego to a con in Oklahoma, the same kind of thing is happening here from London to Nottingham. For me I’m just glad to see a convention back near where I live and I’m relieved that I don’t have to take two trains and then unload at a hotel.
Already plans are afoot for another ICE event next year with Valiant co founder Bob Layton planned to make an appearance alongside Walking Dead artist Charlie Adlard.
Editor's Note: Well that's a wrap folks! Did you happen to attend this year's ICE event? If so, what were your thoughts on the event? Do be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments below!
Things changed the following year, well I got a few sketches from a few artists but from there on in it began. I just spent a lot of money this year on an expensive commission, possibly the most I’ll ever spend at things like these.
Cons in the U.S are now the norm ranging from San Diego to a con in Oklahoma, the same kind of thing is happening here from London to Nottingham. For me I’m just glad to see a convention back near where I live and I’m relieved that I don’t have to take two trains and then unload at a hotel.
Already plans are afoot for another ICE event next year with Valiant co founder Bob Layton planned to make an appearance alongside Walking Dead artist Charlie Adlard.
Editor's Note: Well that's a wrap folks! Did you happen to attend this year's ICE event? If so, what were your thoughts on the event? Do be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments below!