UKCAC
Encyclopedia
United Kingdom Comic Art Convention (UKCAC) was a British
comic book
convention which was held between 1985 and 1998.
The growing popularity of the UKCAC lead Rusty Staples in 1990 to organize creation that year of the Glasgow
-based Glasgow Comic Art Convention, or the GlasCAC. GlasCAC was held in Glasgow from 1990 to 1995.
The UKCAC was held in London
until 1997 and in Manchester
in 1998.
UKCAC was succeeded by Comic Festival
, run in Bristol from 1999 - 2004, then by Comic Expo
, which began in 2005.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
comic book
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
convention which was held between 1985 and 1998.
History
It was organised by Frank Plowright and Hassan Yussuf throughout via their company Rusty Staples starting in 1984. Many others contributed either for a few years or on the convention days themselves. Most prominent was Richard Barker, between 1986 and 1990. Attendance at the show went from 500 to around 5000 by 1990.The growing popularity of the UKCAC lead Rusty Staples in 1990 to organize creation that year of the Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
-based Glasgow Comic Art Convention, or the GlasCAC. GlasCAC was held in Glasgow from 1990 to 1995.
The UKCAC was held in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
until 1997 and in Manchester
Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
in 1998.
UKCAC was succeeded by Comic Festival
Comic Festival
Comic Festival was a British comic book convention which was held between 1999 and 2004.-History:It was devised and produced by Kev F Sutherland with the help of Mike Allwood of Area 51 Comics and was held in Bristol annually...
, run in Bristol from 1999 - 2004, then by Comic Expo
Comic Expo
Comic Expo is the name given to the UK's largest comic book event. It is held twice a year: in Bristol in the spring and in Brighton in the autumn...
, which began in 2005.
Locations and dates
- 19851985 in comics-Year overall:* More independent publishers enter the marketplace: Aircel Comics, Arrow Comics, Blackthorne Publishing, Dragon Lady Press, NOW Comics, Sirius Comics, Strawberry Jam Comics, and Wonder Comics all publish their first titles...
: September 21-22 at University of London UnionUniversity of London UnionThe University of London Union is the university-wide students' union for the University of London...
, Malet Street. The program cover was by Alan DavisAlan DavisAlan Davis is an English writer and artist of comic books, known for his work on titles such as Captain Britain, The Uncanny X-Men, ClanDestine, Excalibur, JLA: The Nail and JLA: Another Nail.-UK work:...
and Paul NearyPaul NearyPaul Neary is a British comic book artist, writer and editor.His first work was for Warren Publishing in the 1970s before working with Dez Skinn at Marvel UK as well as work for 2000 AD...
, drawing Batman and the Outsiders. The 60-page booklet featured Bryan TalbotBryan TalbotBryan Talbot is a British comic book artist and writer, born in Wigan, Lancashire, in 1952. He is best known as the creator of The Adventures of Luther Arkwright and its sequel Heart of Empire.-Career:...
(drawing Nemesis the WarlockNemesis the WarlockNemesis the Warlock is a story created by writer Pat Mills and artist Kevin O'Neill which appeared in the pages of the weekly comics anthology 2000 AD. The title character, a fire-breathing demonic alien, fights against the fanatical Torquemada, Grand Master of the Terran Empire in Earth's distant...
& Purity Brown), Ian GibsonIan Gibson (artist)Ian Gibson is a British comic book artist, best known for his 1980s black-and-white work for 2000 AD, especially as the main artist on Robo-Hunter and The Ballad of Halo Jones, as well as his long run on Judge Dredd.-Biography:...
(drawing Judge DreddJudge DreddJudge Joseph Dredd is a comics character whose strip in the British science fiction anthology 2000 AD is the magazine's longest running . Dredd is an American law enforcement officer in a violent city of the future where uniformed Judges combine the powers of police, judge, jury and executioner...
, Sam Slade, Hoagy, and Tharg), John RidgwayJohn RidgwayJohn Ridgway may refer to:*John Livzey Ridgway , American nature artist and brother of ornithologist Robert Ridgway*John Ridgway , British comic artist*John Ridgway , British sailor and ocean rower...
, Dave GibbonsDave GibbonsDave Gibbons is an English comic book artist, writer and sometime letterer. He is best known for his collaborations with writer Alan Moore, which include the miniseries Watchmen and the Superman story "For the Man Who Has Everything"...
(drawing Rogue TrooperRogue TrooperRogue Trooper is a science fiction strip in the British comic 2000 AD, created by Gerry Finley-Day and Dave Gibbons. It follows the adventures of Rogue, a G.I. and his three comrades' search for the Traitor General...
), Kevin O'NeillKevin O'Neill (comics)Kevin O'Neill is an English comic book illustrator best known as the co-creator of Nemesis the Warlock, Marshal Law , and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen .-Early career:...
(drawing BatmanBatmanBatman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
and Nemesis the Warlock), Hunt EmersonHunt EmersonHunt Emerson is a cartoonist living and working in Birmingham, England. He was closely involved with the Birmingham Arts Lab of the mid-to-late 1970s, and with the British underground comics scene of the 1970s and 1980s...
(drawing Max Zillion), Eddie CampbellEddie CampbellEddie Campbell is a Scottish comics artist and cartoonist who now lives in Australia. Probably best known as the illustrator and publisher of From Hell , Campbell is also the creator of the semi-autobiographical Alec stories collected in Alec: The Years Have Pants, and Bacchus , a wry adventure...
, Gary Leach, Alan Davis and Paul Neary (drawing Captain AmericaCaptain AmericaCaptain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
& Captain BritainCaptain BritainCaptain Britain , briefly known as Britannic, is a fictional character, a superhero appearing in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Chris Claremont and Herb Trimpe, he first appeared in Captain Britain Weekly, #1...
), John WagnerJohn WagnerJohn Wagner is a comics writer who was born in Pennsylvania in 1949 and moved to Scotland as a boy. Alongside Pat Mills, Wagner was responsible for revitalising British boys' comics in the 1970s, and has continued to be a leading light in British comics ever since.He is best known for his work on...
, Alan Grant, Robin SmithRobin Smith (comics)Robin Smith is a British artist best known for his work on Judge Dredd and Strontium Dog for 2000AD and The Bogie Man for Fat Man Press.A 2-part interview with Smith appears in the Judge Dredd Megazine, issues 225-226, alongside a new Bogie Man adventure....
and Tom FrameTom FrameTom Frame was a British comics letterer. He created dialogue for the majority of the Judge Dredd strips, as well as other stories including over 300 stories in 2000 AD and Transformers....
(drawing Judge Dredd), John Bolton, Dicky Howett (drawing Doctor WhoDoctor WhoDoctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC. The programme depicts the adventures of a time-travelling humanoid alien known as the Doctor who explores the universe in a sentient time machine called the TARDIS that flies through time and space, whose exterior...
), Bob Wakelin, John HigginsJohn Higgins (comics)John Higgins is an English comic book artist and writer. He did significant work for 2000 AD, and he has frequently worked with writer Alan Moore, most notably as colourist for Watchmen.-Biography:...
, Leigh Baulch (drawing Tatter Shadow), Brian BollandBrian BollandBrian Bolland is a British comics artist, known for his meticulous, detailed linework and eye-catching compositions. Best known in the UK as one of the definitive Judge Dredd artists for British comics anthology 2000 AD, he spearheaded the 'British Invasion' of the American comics industry, and in...
(drawing Batman), Phil ElliottPhil ElliottPhil Elliott is a British comic book creator who was published in Escape Magazine. He was part of the British small press comics scene in the 1980s.-Career:...
, and Glenn FabryGlenn FabryGlenn Fabry is an Eisner Award-winning British comics artist known for his detailed, realistic work in both ink and painted colour.-Biography:...
(drawing Nest & Ukko [from Slaine the Barbarian]) - 1986: September 20-21 at University of London Union, Malet Street. The program cover was by Alan Davis & Dave Gibbons drawing SupermanSupermanSuperman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
battling ThorThor (Marvel Comics)Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby....
. The 80-page booklet featured Bryan Talbot (drawing Luther Arkwright), Jack KirbyJack KirbyJack Kirby , born Jacob Kurtzberg, was an American comic book artist, writer and editor regarded by historians and fans as one of the major innovators and most influential creators in the comic book medium....
and Greg TheakstonGreg TheakstonGreg Allen Theakston is an American comics artist and illustrator who has worked for numerous publishers. In addition to his many contributions to books and magazines, he is known for developing the Theakstonizing process used in comics restoration. He has used the pseudonym Earl P...
, Alan Davis and Paul Neary, Ron SmithRon Smith (artist)Ron Smith, born 1924, is a retired British comic artist whose career spanned almost almost fifty years, during which time he built a solid reputation as one of the most popular and well respected illustrators working in his field....
, Angus McKieAngus McKieAngus McKie is an artist who has worked as a colorist in the comics industry.He is best known as an English science fiction illustrator whose work appeared on the covers of numerous science fiction paperback novels in the mid 1970s and 1980s, as well as in Stewart Cowley's Terran Trade Authority...
, Ian Gibson (drawing Judge Dredd, Sam Slade, Hoagy, Tharg, and a self-portrait), Phil Elliott (drawing a character from Second City), Kevin O’Neill (drawing NemesisNemesis the WarlockNemesis the Warlock is a story created by writer Pat Mills and artist Kevin O'Neill which appeared in the pages of the weekly comics anthology 2000 AD. The title character, a fire-breathing demonic alien, fights against the fanatical Torquemada, Grand Master of the Terran Empire in Earth's distant...
and TorquemadaTorquemada (comics)Tomás de Torquemada is the fictional main villain from the comic strip Nemesis the Warlock in British comic 2000 AD, who eventually appeared in 7 episodes of spin-off adventures of his own...
), Leigh Baulch (drawing Doc Stern), Lew StringerLew Stringer-Biography:Stringer began his career from the late 1970s with a series of fanzines, many featuring his popular Brickman character; these were read by several pro creators who encouraged Stringer to try comics as a profession and Stringer recalls that "Alan Moore actually introduced me to one of...
(drawing Tom ThugTom ThugTom Thug was the title of a long running comic strip in the British comic Buster. However, it first began in Oink! in May 1986. Created by cartoonist Lew Stringer, Tom was encouraged by his skinhead father to be a school bully like he used to be. However, Tom was so incompetent he couldn't even tie...
), Mike Collins and Mark FarmerMark FarmerMark Farmer is a British comic book artist. He is best known as an inker, often working with Alan Davis.-Biography:Farmer got his start in the UK comics industry before becoming part of the British Invasion, the wave of UK creators that were an integral part of the DC Comics "new look" of the...
, Dicky Howett, John Bolton (drawing WolverineWolverine (comics)Wolverine is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Born as James Howlett and commonly known as Logan, Wolverine is a mutant, possessing animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, three retracting bone claws on each hand and a healing...
), Barry Windsor-SmithBarry Windsor-SmithBarry Windsor-Smith, born Barry Smith is a British comic book illustrator and painter whose best known work has been produced in the United States....
(drawing MiraclemanMiraclemanMarvelman, also known as Miracleman for trademark reasons in his American reprints and story continuation, is a fictional comic book superhero created in 1954 by writer-artist Mick Anglo for publisher L. Miller & Son. Originally intended as a United Kingdom home-grown substitute for the American...
), Kev HopgoodKev HopgoodKev Hopgood is a British comic artist who has been drawing comic books since 1984. He specializes in artwork for science fiction and fantasy comics.-Biography:...
, John Higgins (drawing a self-portrait with Judge Dredd), Brian Bolland, Brendan McCarthyBrendan McCarthyBrendan McCarthy is a British artist and designer best known for his work in comic books, film and television.- Biography :Brendan McCarthy, of Irish descent, was born in London. Brendan soon began painting and drawing his own home-made comics....
(drawing Paradax and Mirkin the Mystic), John RidgwayJohn RidgwayJohn Ridgway may refer to:*John Livzey Ridgway , American nature artist and brother of ornithologist Robert Ridgway*John Ridgway , British comic artist*John Ridgway , British sailor and ocean rower...
, Hunt Emerson (drawing Max Zillion), Graham Higgins (drawing Jack Alarum), Cam KennedyCam KennedyCampbell Kennedy is a Scottish comics artist. He is best known for his work on 2000 AD, especially the flagship titles Judge Dredd and Rogue Trooper.-Biography:...
, Eddie Campbell, David PughDavid Pugh (comics)David Pugh began drawing Sláine for 2000 AD in 1984, helping to remould the character into his current incarnation and create the look of long time villain, Elfric. His work on "Time Killer" and "Tomb of Terror" has been reprinted several times and is still available in various collected editions...
(drawing SlaineSláine (comics)Sláine is a comic hero from the pages of 2000 AD - one of Britain's most popular comic books.Sláine is a barbarian fantasy adventure series based on Celtic myths and stories which first appeared in 1983, written by Pat Mills and initially drawn by his then wife, Angela Kincaid. Most of the early...
), and Mike Matthews - 1988: September 24-25 at Logan Hall, Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London WC1. The programme cover was by Jerry Ordway, a drawing of SupermanSupermanSuperman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
. The 106-page booklet included Phil Elliott, Lew StringerLew Stringer-Biography:Stringer began his career from the late 1970s with a series of fanzines, many featuring his popular Brickman character; these were read by several pro creators who encouraged Stringer to try comics as a profession and Stringer recalls that "Alan Moore actually introduced me to one of...
(drawing Pete and his Pimple), Graham Higgins, Glenn FabryGlenn FabryGlenn Fabry is an Eisner Award-winning British comics artist known for his detailed, realistic work in both ink and painted colour.-Biography:...
(drawing Bricktop), Kev HopgoodKev HopgoodKev Hopgood is a British comic artist who has been drawing comic books since 1984. He specializes in artwork for science fiction and fantasy comics.-Biography:...
, John RidgwayJohn RidgwayJohn Ridgway may refer to:*John Livzey Ridgway , American nature artist and brother of ornithologist Robert Ridgway*John Ridgway , British comic artist*John Ridgway , British sailor and ocean rower...
, John Higgins, Mike Collins, Ian Gibson, Dicky Howett, John Bolton, Hunt EmersonHunt EmersonHunt Emerson is a cartoonist living and working in Birmingham, England. He was closely involved with the Birmingham Arts Lab of the mid-to-late 1970s, and with the British underground comics scene of the 1970s and 1980s...
, Bryan TalbotBryan TalbotBryan Talbot is a British comic book artist and writer, born in Wigan, Lancashire, in 1952. He is best known as the creator of The Adventures of Luther Arkwright and its sequel Heart of Empire.-Career:...
, Alan Davis and Mark FarmerMark FarmerMark Farmer is a British comic book artist. He is best known as an inker, often working with Alan Davis.-Biography:Farmer got his start in the UK comics industry before becoming part of the British Invasion, the wave of UK creators that were an integral part of the DC Comics "new look" of the...
, Gary Leach, Cam KennedyCam KennedyCampbell Kennedy is a Scottish comics artist. He is best known for his work on 2000 AD, especially the flagship titles Judge Dredd and Rogue Trooper.-Biography:...
, Kevin O'NeillKevin O'Neill (comics)Kevin O'Neill is an English comic book illustrator best known as the co-creator of Nemesis the Warlock, Marshal Law , and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen .-Early career:...
, and Brian Bolland, Dave GibbonsDave GibbonsDave Gibbons is an English comic book artist, writer and sometime letterer. He is best known for his collaborations with writer Alan Moore, which include the miniseries Watchmen and the Superman story "For the Man Who Has Everything"...
.