In an international initiative ahead of this year’s Portsmouth Comic Con which will take place at Portsmouth Guildhall in June, the organisers will be bringing a flavour of Japanese comic art to the streets of Portsmouth in the form of a trail which features the work of some of Japan’s most exciting emerging comic talents.
Running from Monday 3rd – Sunday 16th April, 20 pieces of art can be explored in a FREE trail of poster sites across the city which link to the Comic Con website for a background to the artist and their work, short interviews and a map of all artwork locations.
Working with Adam Pasion of Nagoya based indie publisher, Big Ugly Robot Press, five of the most exciting voices in the independent comic scene that scream individuality will be presented – Tomomi Mooney, Victor Edison, Chieko Kobayashi, Michiru Morikawa and Tetsuya Yamamoto.
The trail has been developed by Creative Co-ordinator for Portsmouth Comic Con and Illustrator, Jonathan Scott, who also devised the successful trail of Thai art that was presented at Portsmouth Comic Con 2022. Jonathan said, “It has been a great experience to work with Big Ugly Robot Press on this project and explore manga and Japanese influences on the modern world of comics. Translation has sometimes been a challenge, but it has been fantastic to connect across the globe over a shared passion for comics”.
One of the artists featured, Tetsuya Yamamoto, discovered comics from a very young age at his family’s coffee shop where manga was available for customers to read. He wrote his first comic strip in primary school and speaking about his recent and upcoming projects, Tetsuya said, “Writing a good dialogue is key”.
All 20 pieces of art will also be displayed at Portsmouth Comic Con on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th June 2023.
Bringing you the best in comic, film, TV and pop culture entertainment, Portsmouth Comic Con will see some of the greatest creators in the industry come together with a whole range of panels, displays, workshops, exhibitions, cosplay and interactive fun for all to enjoy with special features for the biggest, family-friendly Comic Con of its kind confirmed as a Jurassic Experience, Star Wars Zone, Villains, the Multiverse and a Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Celebration.
There really is something for everyone aged 3-100+ at Portsmouth Comic Con. If you’re serious about comics, love Marvel/DC and cult series or simply looking for a fun day out – this is the event for you!
See our Art Trail page to download a map of the International Art Trail and find out more.
Image Credit: Michiru Morikawa
Big Ugly Robot Press
