The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Fife Commando artist Colin launching first Scots Comic Book Day
AFife comic book artist is launching the first-ever Scottish Comic Book Day to celebrate local talent.
Colin Maxwell, a Dunfermline-based artist for Commando, has marked next Saturday November 27 to begin and the day will be celebrated on the last Saturday in November each year.
He hopes people will use the event to celebrate the contribution of Scottish artists – such as Kick-Ass and Kingsman creator Mark Millar – to the industry.
Some big Scottish names have agreed to mark the day with signings, promotions and events.
Colin, 50, said the idea sprung from social media posts for International Comic Day.
He said: “It made me think about why there’s not a Scottish Comic Book Day, as Scottish creators make a significant contribution to the industry.
“There’s a big independent comic community in Scotland and some have gone on to do big things.
“Glasgow comic writer Mark Millar sold his comic publishing company Millarworld to Netflix for a reported $26 million.
“Some of the biggest names in comics include Scotland’s own Frank Quitely and Grant Morrison.”
The Commando artist hopes the day will celebrate the achievements of local talent and also encourage newcomers into the field.
“Lots of people were keen on the idea, including people who run Comic Cons and shops,” said Colin.
“Several comic book shops also said they’ll participate in some way, like having writers or artists along for the day or doing a promotion on Scottish comic books.
“Both comic shops in my native Fife will be hosting comic creators on the day to sign copies of their books.
“We’re hoping to make it a yearly event and promote local creators and encourage newcomers into the community.”
Colin said his experience of the industry in Scotland has been positive and encourages anyone interested to get involved.
He said: “There’s a really supportive community in Scotland. I’ve been making comics since 2014 and I went to my first convention a year later.
“Everyone I met was incredibly welcoming.
“I’ve made lots of friends over the years and seen people go on to great things.
“We send ideas to each other and help people out – it’s very collaborative.
“Some community groups have sprung up around Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
“It would be lovely to have more face-to-face events going forward, but things are understandably cautious right now.”
Colin will be appearing at his local Little Shop of Heroes alongside fellow Commando artist Ian Kennedy.
Commando comic is now celebrating its 60th year and holds the record as Britain’s most-published comic with more than 5,000 issues.
People can follow events for the Scottish Comic Book Day on Twitter and Facebook.