LICAF 2018 was bigger, better and wetter than ever!

So many people, so much to see, so much wind and rain! Then as the festival approached its end, behold, out came the sun!

The Wildman Gallery welcome from the Chair of South Lakes District Council and Julie Tate, festival director

This year Bryan and I were promoting two publications. We were there for the launch of the English language version of the Traces of the Great War anthology, an international collaboration coordinated by the comics festivals in Kendal and Amiens. The previous weekend we’d attended the launch of the French edition, Traces de la Grande Guerre. What made it special for us was that many of the same contributors were at both launches, so that the second was rather like a continuation of the first. And as ever, as we left the festival, we felt we’d made more friends for life.

Charlie Adlard, Robbie Morrison, Chair of South Lakes District Council, Mayor and Mayoress of Ulverston, Ian Rankin, Pascal Mériaux, Julie Tait, Orijit Sen, Joe Kelly, Edmond Baudoin, Bryan Talbot, Mary Talbot, Mikiko, Victoria Lomasko, Ken Niimura. Photo: Jo Gamble, Creative Concern

Reimagining History panel, part of the Friday Sessions. Natasa Lackovic in conversation with four contributors to Traces of the Great War: Mary Talbot, Orijit Sen, Joe Kelly and Charlie Adlard. Photo: Oxford Comics Network

Reimagining History panel. No, I’m not asleep. Photo: Helen Kara

We were also billed to give an advance preview of Rain, our next graphic novel together, due out next year. Throughout the talk, it was raining in from the skylight above, which seemed rather appropriate. Here I am being cross-examined in the council chambers before the event:

As in previous years, on Friday we did a little sightseeing with some international guests. This year we thoroughly enjoyed the company of Orijit, Gurpreet and Pakhi Sen, visitors from India. Here we are at Cartmel Fell church, as seen in The Tale of One Bad Rat.

Following Friday evening’s opening event (the Marvel vs. DC debate) there were two ceremonies, revealing the new comics laureate – Hannah Berry! – and the recipient of the Sergio Aragones International Award for Excellence in Comic Art – Hunt Emerson!

Steve McGarry takes the podium in the Marvel vs. DC debate

Sue and Doug Braithwaite, Tim Pilcher, Gary Millidge, Mary Talbot and Robbie Williams

Cam Kennedy, Charlie Adlard and Robbie Morrison

At the Knockabout stand. Tony Bennett and Hunt Emerson

Another wonderful festival, thanks to all the brilliant work of the organisers and their red shirt brigade. Can’t wait for the 7th!
See also Gary Millidge’s blog of his festival experience and Stephen Holland’s joyous, photo-filled post about Page 45’s.

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