GOT A GIANT-SIZE BAND-THING COMING YOUR WAY!

By Paul Birch on Sep 28, 08 07:07 PM

THE BIRMINGHAM International Comics Show (BICS) takes place on the weekend of 4-5th October, and those who have pre-booked their tickets are again invited to attend the show's launch party on the Friday beforehand.

The launch party is a time of enormous fun where comic fans get the opportunity to mingle with the show's many star guests in less formal surroundings. A buffet is being put on courtesy of Infinity & Beyond and live music will performed by individuals involved within the comics industry.

This year sees the welcome return of internationally celebrated cartoonist Hunt Emerson and his band. Hunt (noted for strips within The Beano and books like Casanova's Last Stand) told me people were asking if they had CDs for sale after last year's show, their popularity thus ensuring the reason why they have been requested back.

DC Comics editor Michael Wright will also be putting in another stage appearance, this time as part of a duo for a more intimate set.

A new addition to the launch party's attractions is what could be the one and only appearance of the Giant-Sized Band-Thing. This four piece has been put together at the last minute but promises surprises and fun to ensure they deliver a great party atmosphere.

Giant-Sized Band-Thing features Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead, Green Lantern/Green Arrow) on drums, Paul H Birch (Dead Ahead, Gumby Comics) on bass, Liam Sharp (Gears of War, Testament) on lead vocals, with Phil Winslade (The Brave & The Bold, Daredevil) on lead guitar.

Giant-Sized Band-Thing's appearance at the launch party has been sponsored by their wives... Who have let them out to play for the night!

The art featured within this item is another Speech Balloons exclusive. It was produced but not used by Liam during his own run on the Marvel comic Man-Thing, from which the band partly derived its name.

The BICS launch party will again take place at Bennetts Wine Bar (up Bennetts Hill, off New Street). For details regarding entry to the event you are advised to visit the convention's official website.

Further Information:

For more about the Birmingham International Comics Show (BICS) visit: www.thecomicsshow.co.uk

For more about Charlie Adlard visit: www.charlieadlard.com and for a recent interview: www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=16494

For comics involving Paul H Birch visit: www.gumbycomics.com and see the previous Speech Balloons entry on Dead Ahead.

For more about Liam Sharp visit: www.liamsharp.deviantart.com, www.machivariuspoint.weebly.com and www.mamtor.com

To view Phil Winslade art visit:
http://comicartcommunity.com/gallery/categories.php?cat_id=198 and for a previous interview visit:
www.manwithoutfear.com/interviews/ddINTERVIEW.shtml?id=Winslade