24 May 2009

Graphic novelist to headline comics programme

Renowned writer of comics, graphic novels, television programmes and video games Warren Ellis has been confirmed as headlining the Comics Day at his year’s Dundee Literary Festival.

Ellis, best known for his work with US comics giants Marvel and DC, and relative newcomer, Avatar, will be discussing his career when he appears at the third annual Dundee Comics Day, part of the University of Dundee-organised Festival, on Sunday, June 28.

He is just one of a number of star names from the world of comics lined up to take part in the event, which will see talks, exhibitions, book signings and workshops take place.

Alan Grant, former Judge Dredd and Batman writer, will also speak about his work, and there will be an exhibition of artwork from the now defunct, but much-missed, British sci-fi comic Starblazer, which featured the early work of Grant Morrison, the hugley successful Glaswegian comics writer. This will be the first time this artwork has been displayed in a major exhibition.

The publication’s editor Bill McLoughlin and artist Keith Robson will discuss their experiences on Starblazer, while other speakers will discuss 2000AD, the successful and influential British science fiction comic. David Bishop, former editor of 2000AD, will discuss the work of Alan Moore, author of Watchmen, while other talks, delivered by scholars researching comics, will address how comics represent time.

The programme will begin with a workshop in Writing for Graphic Novels hosted by David Bishop, which will prove an invaluable insight into the process of creating comics. Artist Emma Vieceli, creator of the recently released Much Ado About Nothing, a manga version of the Shakespeare play, will also discuss her creative process.

Comics Day organiser Dr Christopher Murray said he was delighted to have been able to put together such an exciting line-up of authors, artists and writers.

He explained, 'Comics are a wonderful form of literary and artistic expression. They are entertaining for all ages, a unique artform blending words and images, and Dundee is a city with a long and proud history of comics production.'

'The third annual Comics Day promises to be an important meeting of comics scholars and comics creators, and everyone with an interest in comics is welcome to attend.'

'We are also proud to be be bringing together the considerable talents of writers Warren Ellis and Alan Grant, and artists Emma Vieceli and Keith Robson. Each year the Comics Day grows in profile and it is my intention to make it a staple event, underscoring Dundee's central position as the home of comic culture in the UK.'

'Comics Day not only gives the Festival a dimension not present in other literary celebrations, but also celebrates the city’s position as a world leader in comics, established by the likes of The Beano and The Dandy, published by DC Thomson'.

Tickets are priced £10/£5 ( concessions) for the entire day’s programme including workshops, and £3 for the workshop only.

The Dundee Literary Festival is now in its third year, and is bigger than ever, with star authors from the fields of philosophy, fiction, politics and poetry set to appear in Dundee. They include David Peace, renowned author of The Damned United and the Red-Riding Quartet and Straw Dogs writer John Gray.

Talks, book signings, workshops and other events take place across four days. The full programme for the Dundee Literary Festival, and the Comics Day, is available online at www.dundeeliteraryfest.org.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk