The biggest celebration of comic books and graphic novels in the UK returns to Leeds this November, as Thought Bubble presents its most exciting programme to date! Celebrating its 5th year, the festival has been extended over a week from 14th – 20th November 2011 with a jam-packed programme of events.

The centrepiece to this year’s festival is a massive two day comic book convention which will take place on Saturday19 and Sunday 20 November in Leeds’ largest exhibition spaces, Saviles Hall and Royal Armouries Hall. The convention is now the largest in the UK, and welcomes some of the biggest names in comics to Leeds, including Tim Sale, an Eisner Award winning artist whose work, including concept drawings for the TV show Heroes, has received widespread acclaim; and Adam Hughes, one of the most respected artists currently working in the medium and responsible for the most popular and well loved DC comic book covers. The weekend long convention will also be attended by hundreds of exhibitors, who will be turning out in force for this year's event; from brilliant small press artists and writers, to major UK retailers offering something for comic book fans, all spread across three hundred tables in two halls.

The festival and comic book convention will also feature a dizzying array of workshops, masterclasses and panel discussions which will take place in venues surrounding the two exhibition halls. Special events include Leeds Graphic Novel Awards and the annual cosplay competition, where hundreds of participants attend the convention as their favourite comic book, anime and manga heroes. Aspiring artists and writers in our region are also encouraged to bring along their art portfolios as representatives from Marvel comics, Self Made Hero and Nobrow will be on hand to give advice, and be on the look-out for the next big thing in comics!

The full programme can be viewed online at http://www.thoughtbubblefestival.com

Entry to the convention costs just £18 for a two day pass, £10 for a day pass, £7 for cosplayers and under 12's get in for free! Tickets are on sale now and  can be purchased online at www.thoughtbubblefestival.comor in person or by phone at the City Centre Box Office in Leeds on Millennium Square, tel: 0113 2243801. 

Northern Sequential Arts Competition – entries now being accepted

Following its introduction in 2010 the 2nd Northern Sequential Arts Competition is now open for entries. The Competition is a new annual prize which is open to all artists and writers living in the UK. To enter, budding artists and writers need to create their very own one page comic book story. There’s no theme and the story can be about anything you like from a new superhero adventure to a story about a life experience – it’s totally up to you! We’re looking for interesting and fresh ideas and you don’t have to be the best illustrator in the world to get involved.

Once again, all entries will be judged by an industry panel, in 2010 entries were judged by 2000 AD Editor Matt Smith, Imagine FX Editor Claire Howlett and Marvel’s Spider-Man Editor Steve Wacker.

The winners will get to see their stories printed alongside the work of established artists and writers in a special Thought Bubble anthology published by Image Comics which will also be distributed worldwide in 2012 alongside the work of established artists and writers. 

The competition is split into two age groups, 12 -17 and 18 +, full details on how to enter can be found at www.thoughtbubblefestival.comThe deadline for entries is 31October 2011.

2000 AD Portfolio Competition

2000 AD to hold there first talent scout for years at the Thought Bubble Festival.

Thought Bubble and 2000 AD team up to offer budding artists a chance to get their artwork critiqued with this fantastic 2000 AD portfolio competition! To enter all you need to do is view the free sample script via www.thoughtbubblefestival.comand draw your own version of it. Then just bring your completed artwork along to the Saturday portfolio sessions being held at the 2000 AD stall as part of the Thought Bubble comic book convention. The six best efforts chosen by Tharg himself will then go before the searing eyes of the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic! The competition is open to all ages so why not check out the script and have a go!

Thought Bubble Anthology

The world’s first ever festival comic to be published by a major American publisher.

We are delighted to announce that Thought Bubble has produced its very own comic book anthology which will be published worldwide by Image Comics in November 2011. As well as featuring the work of our 6 winning entrants from our first Northern Sequential Arts Competition in 2011 the publication also includes original work from leading international artists and writers including Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead), Duncan Fegredo (Hellboy), Andy Diggle (The Losers), Antony Johnston (Daredevil) and Mike Carey (Lucifer). Our very first anthology also features a Lovecraft story specially adapted by horror film legend Stuart Gordon of Re-Animator fame; The Hound is also beautifully illustrated by a new and emerging British comic book artist Tula Lotay. Look out for this very special first edition of the Thought Bubble anthology in a comic book store near you this November!

A PDF of the Image Comics Thought Bubble Anthology can be sent on request.

Please email thoughtbubblefestival@gmail.com

Thought Bubble is supported by Arts Council England

Leading partners are; Travelling Man, Marriott Hotel Leeds, Diamond Comics and Royal Armouries International