The great gods of graphic fiction are converging at St James Cavalier, as Malta Comic Con is back with a bang. Ramona Depares gets an overview of the biggest names expected this year.

Illustration by Joseph Bugeja. The artist is a regular fixture at Malta Comic Con, and his contribution from last year – which he created on the spot – attracted quite a bit of attention, also because proceeds from the sale were donated to animal shelters. Bugeja has also self-produced and published three comic books, The Tsar Issue 1, and Ħal Mudlam Issues 1 and 2.Illustration by Joseph Bugeja. The artist is a regular fixture at Malta Comic Con, and his contribution from last year – which he created on the spot – attracted quite a bit of attention, also because proceeds from the sale were donated to animal shelters. Bugeja has also self-produced and published three comic books, The Tsar Issue 1, and Ħal Mudlam Issues 1 and 2.

With some 35 guest artists and still counting, this year’s edition of Malta Comic Con seems set to be another one for the books, transforming St James Cavalier in Valletta into a veritable haven for fans of comic books and fantasy characters.

This year will see the biggest number of participating Maltese creators, which include writers, artists and handcraft artisans, as well as the most culturally and stylistically diverse group of guests.

The list of international names includes Mike Carey, Ian Churchill, Sean Phillips and Charlie Adlard from England; William Simpson from Ireland; the School of Bitches crew from Wales; Rebekah Isaacs and Ales Kot from the US; Marco Santucci, Emanuela Lupacchino and Stefano Cardoselli from Italy; Grafimated School of Comics from Sicily; Guillermo Ortego from Spain; Rosalys and Joel Alessandra from France; Esad Ribic from Croatia; Michael Dialynas from Greece; Tasos Anastasiades from Cyprus; and Dave Lung from South Africa.

Right: A model crafter by the Wargaming and Roleplaying Society Malta. The club, which is the main role-playing organisation in Malta, is regularly present at the convention to help introduce younger visitors to the intricacies of role-playing and strategy games.Right: A model crafter by the Wargaming and Roleplaying Society Malta. The club, which is the main role-playing organisation in Malta, is regularly present at the convention to help introduce younger visitors to the intricacies of role-playing and strategy games.

Sketches by Will Simpson for Game of Thrones. Simpson started making a name for himself in comicstrip art, working on character icons like Judge Dredd, Rogue Trooper, Batman, Transformers, Hellblazer, Tyranny Rex and Aliens. Recently he branched out in the film and television industry, providing conceptual art and storyboards for films like Reign of Fire, Freeze Frame, Breakfast on Pluto and Game of Thrones.Sketches by Will Simpson for Game of Thrones. Simpson started making a name for himself in comicstrip art, working on character icons like Judge Dredd, Rogue Trooper, Batman, Transformers, Hellblazer, Tyranny Rex and Aliens. Recently he branched out in the film and television industry, providing conceptual art and storyboards for films like Reign of Fire, Freeze Frame, Breakfast on Pluto and Game of Thrones.

This year’s convention will also see the return of big-league players Tim Perkins (known for Transformers, Thundercats, Doctor Who, Judge Dredd) and comics journalist Chris Thompson, a testament to the solid reputation the convention has built on internationally.

Besides selling their books and original pieces of art, guests will look forward to the opportunity to chat with their fans throughout the two days of the convention.

They will also be available for book signings and for commissioned work – some of the artists are usually even willing to carry out sketches for free.

As with the previous year, the convention will be spread across all floors, with different sections being set apart for artists, cosplaying, board games and strategy games and stands selling books, novels and various associated collectors’ items.

Grand Master’s Palace, Żona Ħadra, Valletta, by School of Bitches for the second issue of Genesis.Grand Master’s Palace, Żona Ħadra, Valletta, by School of Bitches for the second issue of Genesis.

Mosta Dome, by Alan Stealth, David Dhalia and Judas – also known as School of Bitches – created for the second issue of Genesis. This issue will feature the continuation of Virtue’s Chronicles, the chapter that was previewed in Malta during last year’s Comic Con. The trio will also be premiering an original animation.Mosta Dome, by Alan Stealth, David Dhalia and Judas – also known as School of Bitches – created for the second issue of Genesis. This issue will feature the continuation of Virtue’s Chronicles, the chapter that was previewed in Malta during last year’s Comic Con. The trio will also be premiering an original animation.

Artwork for Submariner Depths, by Esad Ribic. Ribic’s name is tied to a range of Marvel Comics characters, including X-Men and Silver Surfer. Currently, Ribic is working on the Thor: God of Thunder series.Artwork for Submariner Depths, by Esad Ribic. Ribic’s name is tied to a range of Marvel Comics characters, including X-Men and Silver Surfer. Currently, Ribic is working on the Thor: God of Thunder series.

The convention includes events tailormade for children, while others will be targetted towards a mature audience. One family event to look out for is the comic art workshop hosted by Perkins.

Once again, there will be cinema screenings on both days, while artwork and collectibles exhibitions will be held in the hall.

On an interactive level, discussion panels and workshops moderated by Thompson will be held throughout both days, while Carey will be doing an exclusive reading from his novel The Girl With all the Gifts.

For a more interactive experience, gamers are encouraged to leave some free time to enjoy the Gaming Room, which is being set up in collaboration with Video Game People.

Tournaments will be held on both days, although those who just want to enjoy a relaxed game are also welcome. Those who take a different approach and who prefer dice and strategy to monitors and joysticks won’t be disappointed either, as the Wargaming and Roleplaying Society (WARS Malta) will once again be hosting special events, including an exhibition, a workshop and introductory, tabletop, role-playing sessions.

Three artwork exhibitions will also be set up around St James Cavalier for the duration of the convention. Simpson, the storyboard artist for hit HBO series Game of Thrones, will be showcasing some of his original artwork from the set of the show. Superhero fans can’t miss out on Ribic’s exhibits, which include his work on Marvel’s Thor.

Banshee, by Emanuela Lupacchino, another Marvel and DC Comics stalwart. Her work on Marvel’s X-Factor, which began on Issue 208 in 2010, and that on the Justice League of America 80-page Giant Anthology, Lupacchino has become one of the most in-demand artists for fans wanting personal renditions of their favourite characters. Right: Mark Scicluna and Moira Zahra, creators of misunderstood hipster Vincent, are back with their illustrations. Although Vincent’s online exploits on A Space Boy Dream came to an end on October 26, the would-be fine artist and musician will be present at this year’s convention.Banshee, by Emanuela Lupacchino, another Marvel and DC Comics stalwart. Her work on Marvel’s X-Factor, which began on Issue 208 in 2010, and that on the Justice League of America 80-page Giant Anthology, Lupacchino has become one of the most in-demand artists for fans wanting personal renditions of their favourite characters. Right: Mark Scicluna and Moira Zahra, creators of misunderstood hipster Vincent, are back with their illustrations. Although Vincent’s online exploits on A Space Boy Dream came to an end on October 26, the would-be fine artist and musician will be present at this year’s convention.

Catwoman and Batman, by Emanuela Lupacchino.Catwoman and Batman, by Emanuela Lupacchino.

Chinese Dragon, by graphic artist Rosalys. The artist finds most of her inspiration in the roots of her French culture, her Chinese origins and her passion for Japan.Chinese Dragon, by graphic artist Rosalys. The artist finds most of her inspiration in the roots of her French culture, her Chinese origins and her passion for Japan.

Finally, a dual exhibition showing pencilled pieces by Lupacchino and inked pieces by Ortego will be complemented by a guided tour and a Q&A session by the two artists themselves.

In what has become a highlight of the convention, a cosplay competition will also be held. This year, the panel of professional cosplayer judges will includd Federica di Nardo, who will offer advice on costume-making and will also be available for photo shoots with fans.

All those who attend the convention are encouraged to dress up, even if they are not taking part in the competition; for those who are not blessed with artistic fingers, SFX make-up artist Mary Samele, from Media Movie Makeup, will be present to help guests give an extra oomph to their costumes.

Malta Comic Con is taking place on Saturday and next Sunday at St James Cavalier, Valletta.

www.maltacomic-con.com

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