Comics UK

A free event is being organised by one of my fellow fans of the picture libraries.

This is at the Harriet Higgins Community Centre, Newcastle under Lyme. So if you have a bucket load of doubles you want to shift, then this could be the event for you.

As that's virtually on my doorstep I might well give it a look. Thanks for the heads-up Colin.

Sadly too far for me but let's hope this inaugural event goes well so there will be plenty more.

If anyone is interested, there will be other picture libraries and comics available. To be honest, I think any UK comic would be welcome.

Just got back from this. I was late arriving as I had to attend another mart in Stoke-on-Trent this morning but the event seems to have been quite a success; so much so that Andy is already hoping to repeat it in about six months time. While I guess it's not going to worry any of the big convention organizers I found it to be a thoroughly pleasant little affair in which all the dealers were genuine enthusiasts of Commando and the various other war Picture Libraries. What's more I also picked up a number of 'proper' comics including a pile of late 1960s Eagles, some earlyish Victors and the rather obscure Jag Football Special - all at bargain prices.

philcom55 wrote:Just got back from this. I was late arriving as I had to attend another mart in Stoke-on-Trent this morning but the event seems to have been quite a success; so much so that Andy is already hoping to repeat it in about six months time. While I guess it's not going to worry any of the big convention organizers I found it to be a thoroughly pleasant little affair in which all the dealers were genuine enthusiasts of Commando and the various other war Picture Libraries. What's more I also picked up a number of 'proper' comics including a pile of late 1960s Eagles, some earlyish Victors and the rather obscure Jag Football Special - all at bargain prices.

Just chatting with Andy now. Sounds like everyone had a great time. I may have to get into gear for a Scottish version.
And see if I can persuade some people local to me to bring some stuff...

I wonder if there's some way of setting up a kind of internet 'conference call' so people can attend and buy/swap stuff without being there in person.

philcom55 wrote:I wonder if there's some way of setting up a kind of internet 'conference call' so people can attend and buy/swap stuff without being there in person.

I think it's called Skype.

OK, the second Commando Comic Swapmeet has been organised for 17th March 2018 for the same location. I have managed to line up quite a few doubles to take so I am quite looking forward to this event.

Well I thoroughly enjoyed myself and managed to fill over 100 gaps.

In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I am now organising the next one for 29th and 30th September 2018 in Lochore, Fife.

It will be a case of come one come all as there will be loads of British comics for sale.

2 days!

Good effort Col!

Why not call it 'British Comics Fair' then? I, for one, wouldn't even bother reading something so niche as Commando if I saw that advertised but would be well up for Brit-comics.

I reckon you advertise it as a 'Commando' fair to those folk and 'British comics' to those folk - might be tricky but good if you can swing it!

starscape wrote:Why not call it 'British Comics Fair' then? I, for one, wouldn't even bother reading something so niche as Commando if I saw that advertised but would be well up for Brit-comics.

To be honest Chris, our main focus is Commando and other picture libraries but as this is only the third event, we are only beginning to realise how many of us have other comics to swap. For example, you would not believe how many annuals we had, plus I brought some comic reference books.

The focus is specifically British comics as none of us are really that much into lycra and by calling it Commando gives it an identity that while it might put some off, it will encourage others. After all, how many events since the Bristol Expos of the 2000s have you seen even more than one box of British comics?

So the first poster is ready for the third minimart and thanks to your feedback, it will be a British Comics Minimart. The link is to the poster which I think is a stunning homage to the British picture libraries.

The main details are:

Dates: 29th and 30th September 2018
Times: 12 to 5pm
Location: Lochore Miners Welfare Social Club, KY5 8DA
Entry: £1
U-16s: Free

Here is the poster for the event. I hope to see some of you there.