BICS and pieces - the Birmingham International Comics Show
"Frank Miller is bat s**t crazy"
That was the opening gambit from Tony Lee as he constructed a sophisticated case for Miller's Batman:Year One to be considered the greatest graphic novel of all time.
The audience eventually, and perhaps not surprisingly voted The Watchmen the World's Greatest Graphic Novel from a shortlist of 16. Akira came second.
There were spirited arguments for such gems as Alice In Sunderland, Maus, From Hell and Dark Knight Returns - but ultimately Lee 'Budgie Barnett's case that "It's Watchmen, it's Alan Moore, it's Dave Gibbons" won the day.
Credit to Tony Lee again for his passionate case for Laika, the story of the Russian dog sent into space in the 1950s, describing it as something of an emotional rollercoaster to strike a chord with pet owners. "You're all heartless b*****ds," he cried when Laika was trumped.
The flip-chart event saw Mark Buckingham, Staz Johnson, Doug Braithwaite and a surprise last minute stand-in Shane Oakley open the theatre events in style.
Those who could take their eyes off the able assistant in the figure hugging Harley Quinn costume saw four professionals, egged on by James Hodgkins, enjoying themselves.
The request for an Iron Man drew a fantastic response from Shane, pictured above left. Mark described it as a Wallace and Grommit version, "Iron Man: The Aardman edition" suggested James.
We were also treated to a novel take on Doctor Octopus, a joint effort from Mark and Shane, showing Spider-Man's arch enemy in a 'look no hands' moment in the Gents.
The amateur hour panels also proved very brutal for those brave enough to submit their work or ideas for public criticism. Credit to the guy who was praised by DC Editor Michael Wright for drawing the most bulbous buttocks he had ever seen.
And the X-Factor style story auditions were a joy. Special guest Dave Gibbons was cast as the nice guy among the judging panel of 2000 AD editor Matt Smith, Tony Lee (again) and Mark Farmer. Chuckles all round when a story pitch based on druids running Britain, was dismissed by editor Smith with the quip "These aren't the druids we're looking for."
Look out for the Geek Syndicate panel on their own website - well worth checking out.
Hunt Emerson whose band the Hound Dogs kicked off the BICS weekend in style at the Friday night launch party.
Mike Collins and, in the background David Lloyd sketching and signing
The guys from Bostin Heroes
The Bat gang - very good costumes.
Staz sketches the Punisher
Thanks to my colleagues Jason Skarratt and Mark Kirsten for the photographs
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Neil Elkes - The latest word on comics in the Midlands
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Hi Neil.
Gotta say for my first ever BICS I had a blast...the ammount of stuff there could keep you occupied for a week let alone two days.
The artist flip-chart show was the one of the highlights and i can now proudly say the Shane Oakley Aardman edition Iron Man now has pride of place in my home office hahaha.
Also watching Lee 'Budgie Barnett argue against himself to choose the greatest graphic novel of all time was a priceless moment and highly entertaining.
And the most bizzare thing was the guy dressed as Batman asking when this article would appear on the website still using the Husky Batman Voice - before a swirl of black cape saw him vanish into the nearest coffee shop ....now that is what you call getting into character.
I shall be looking forward to next years with great anticipation....I might even brave the portfolio review if i can put together enough scribblings and inked images...for the judges to rip appart.
now where did i put that anatomy book?????
Great show. Great guests, friendly people. My highlight was David Lloyd and Dave Gibbons. Shame about the venue - huge queues for the two snack bars, which ran out of sandwiches. The escalators seemed to go the wrong way and the halls and theatre were spread about the science museum. Birmingham is full of conference venues perhaps a change might be needed.
Hi I'm Andy Baker, one of the organisers of the show. Thanks all for taking the time out to come down and see the show. With regards to the venue we tried quite a few places but believe it or not there aren't as many conference facilities of this size in Birmingham as you might think, not without going outside the city centre.
But your comments have been noted thanks.