Being publicly awarded a figurine of myself, presented to me by someone dressed as one of my characters, sounds like something out of a mad dream after eating cheese before bedtime... but that's exactly what happened last Saturday afternoon! (The award, not the cheese eating.)
The place was Macc-Pow, Macclesfield's annual Comic art Festival which this year celebrated its tenth anniversary. The always-enjoyable event at Macclesfield Town Hall was busier than ever this time, and it was good to meet so many attendees, some familiar faces and some newcomers.
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Rachael Smith and David Leach
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It was also good to catch up with my comics pals as this was my first comic con since last July! Great to see Rachael Smith, David Leach, Laura Howell, Mike Perkins, Abby Bulmer, Steve Tanner, Dave West, Kev F Sutherland, Shane Chebsey, Paul Gravett, Roger Langridge, and many more, including of course organiser / cartoonist Marc Jackson!
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Marc Jackson and his old pal Ché Michaels
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At the end of the show, Marc gathered everyone for an announcement. He said that when he was growing up reading Marvel UK comics there was one artist who's work inspired him the most. Surprisingly he was talking about me! He then invited me to come forward and receive the "Legend in Cartooning Award" for my 42 years in the business. The award was a one of its kind figurine. My own "Mini-Me"!
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Brickman presents me with the award.
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John D Payne, who last year had cosplayed as Combat Colin, had arrived this year as Brickman! I felt honoured that anyone would cosplay as my characters and John did a great job with getting it right. Even the fake brick looked real! Marc asked John to present me with my award as Brickman. I don't know if my acceptance speech made any sense as I was in a bit of a daze by the attention and surreal situation, but it was very much appreciated and a privilege to receive it. I'm very touched and grateful, and thankful to Marc Jackson and Macc-Pow for the award which I'll always treasure.
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John D Payne as Brickman!
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Last but not least, huge thanks must also go to the person who sculpted the figurine of course! Ché Michaels did a fantastic job of the likeness, which thankfully has a slimmer waistline than my own, so my target now is to lose weight to match the trophy!
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Ché Michaels, creator of the figurine
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Mini-me! |
Another piece of news was that the second GOOF summer special was launched at Macc-Pow. Edited by Marc Jackson, it gathers together numerous humour comics creators in one comic. Contributors include Tor Freeman, Hilary Barta, Rachael Smith, James Kochalka, Tom Scioli, me and more! You can buy it directly from Marc at his Ko-Fi page here:
https://ko-fi.com/s/5561c1b483
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Cover by Marc Jackson
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