UK's biggest comic art festival returns to Yorkshire this November

One of the funnier things about the current Writers Guild of America strike has been seeing people lose their minds over the fact there may be no movie or TV promotions at LA Comic Con 2023. What on earth will be there to entertain attendees, some have wondered? Others have replied, somewhat sardonically, "Er... how about comics?"

Of course, Brits don't have to cross the channel to immerse themselves in this enduringly popular art form. Especially now, Thought Bubble, the UK's biggest comic art festival, has announced that their week-long event celebrating comic art and culture is returning to Leeds and other parts of Yorkshire between 6-12 November.

Teaming up once again with partners LeedsBID, Thought Bubble Festival 2023 will present a week of talks, workshops, exhibitions, public art installations, film screenings, venue takeovers and more.

The first festival announcement includes events such as Vice Press, which presents Batman (1989) in partnership with Everyman and sees the renowned printmakers bringing an exclusive selection of limited-edition art posters and prints alongside a special film screening.

The festival will also see the official UK launch Party of radical new comic publishing house DSTLRY, who aim to create a more sustainable and equitable future for creators, and a talk as part of Leeds Arts University's Creative Networks series with the multiple Eisner Award-winning ND Stevenson and Forbes' 30 Under 30 Molly Knox Ostertag.

Elsewhere, Thought Bubble will also be taking over the newly renovated Hyde Park Picture House. The Thought Bubble Art Trail will make a welcome return to share large-format artwork across Leeds. Dapo Adeola will be hosting a family-friendly library workshop. The organisers promise to share more exhibitions, signings and social events in the full festival programme over the coming months.

The week-long Thought Bubble Festival leads to the internationally acclaimed Thought Bubble Convention. Now in its 16th year, Thought Bubble is taking over the Harrogate Convention Centre over 11-12 November to gather together some of the most influential writers, artists and creators in the world while celebrating Britain's grassroots comics community.

Alongside iconic guests including Jeff Lemire, Jock, Zoe Thorogood, Jason Aaron, and Explodikid, Thought Bubble 2023 will be packed with panels on everything from classic comics to contemporary offerings as well as invaluable Q&As for budding creators and seasoned aficionados alike and, of course, more artwork and memorabilia than you can imagine.

"We are so excited to be bringing another Thought Bubble festival back to Leeds in partnership with LeedsBID," says festival director Martha Julian. "We have some incredible events in store with our partners across the city, from bars and cinemas to universities and schools. We can't wait to unite people across Leeds to celebrate our beloved comics industry, its creators and amazing fans."

For the full programme, guests and events, please visit the Thought Bubble website.