The biggest celebration of comic books, graphic novels and animated storytelling in the UK returns to Leeds this November, as Thought Bubble presents its most exciting programme to date!

Celebrating its sixth year, the festival has been extended over eight days from 11th – 18th November 2012 with a jam-packed programme of events, including a massive comic book convention at Leeds' largest conference spaces, the Royal Armouries and Saviles Hall. This year's convention is the largest in the UK, and welcomes some of the biggest names in comics to Leeds, including Jason Aaron, an award winning writer whose comic ‘SCALPED’ has received widespread acclaim; Mark Waid, one of the best-selling comic book writers in the world; and Kate Beaton, the New York Times Bestselling creator of ‘HARK A VAGRANT’. More guests can be found at http://thoughtbubblefestival.com/guests.

Tables registration is currently open for the weekend long convention which will also welcome hundreds of exhibitors, who will be turning out in force for this year's event; from brilliant small press artists and writers, to major UK retailers, all offering something for comic book fans of any age, all spread over three hundred tables across two halls. Aspiring artists and writers in our region are also encouraged to bring along their art portfolios as representatives from big name publishers will be on hand to give advice, and on the lookout for the next big thing in comics!

In 2010 Thought Bubble launched its very own national comics prize with the support of Arts Council funding. The Northern Sequential Arts Competition is an annual prize which is open to all artists and writers living in the UK. Continuing in 2011, budding artists and writers were invited to create their very own one page comic book story, and all the entries were judged by a leading panel of industry professionals, including 2000 AD Editor Matt Smith, Imagine FX Editor Claire Howlett and Marvel’s Spider-Man Editor Steve Wacker.

All six winning entrants will see their work published this year in a special Thought Bubble Anthology, the second issue of which will also include original work from leading international artists and writers, and is distributed globally by Image Comics. All profits from the sale of 2012’s anthology will be donated to the Barnardos charity. Information about last year’s anthology can be found at http://thoughtbubblefestival.com/anthology-2011-issue-1.

This year’s festival will also include a fantastic programme of free interactive workshops and masterclasses for both young people and adults, with activities for beginners as well as more experienced writers and artists, as well as film screenings in partnership with Leeds International Film Festival. The full programme, along with more guest reveals and venue details will be announced soon, and tickets for the convention will be going on sale in spring! Previous years’ event archives can be found at http://thoughtbubblefestival.com/events/events-archive.

For all the latest news and updates check out www.thoughtbubblefestival.com, follow us on twitter (@ThoughtBubbleUK), or search for ‘Thought Bubble Festival’ on facebook. Quote from Director Lisa Wood, “Thought Bubble has grown enormously since our beginnings in 2007, thanks to the help of Arts Council England and private sponsors such as Travelling Man. Because of this we are able to attract high profile guests from all around the world... I’m now finding that whenever I mention Thought Bubble to a new guest from the United States or Europe they have already heard of our event, which is amazing!”

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