Mersey Margins Comics Collective Fair: Championing Marginalised Voices
The Mersey Margins Comics Collective Fair is a new comics fair scheduled for February 15, 2025, at Future Yard. The fair will take place from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM and will feature 12 early-career comics artists as exhibitors, including Cara Brown, who has recently been recognized by Broken Frontier as one of six small press creators to watch in 2025
In addition to showcasing this talented group, the fair will offer a variety of free programming for visitors. The event is organized by the Marginal Changemakers, a program of Comics Youth CIC, and aims to redefine and innovate what a comics fair can be.
What's on the programme?
The event aims to highlight marginalised and independent young comic artists and will feature a variety of activities, including free workshops, a panel discussion, and a talk. All programming will centre on themes of activism, self-care, and celebrating diverse comic identities.
The day begins with a workshop led by Bex Ollerton, author of Sensory: Life on the Spectrum, focusing on "Comics and Mental Health." This will be followed by a talk from Pitahpat, co-founder of Caterpillar Press, on "Comics and Community."
In the afternoon, Emma Reynolds, creator of Drawn to Change the World, will conduct a free workshop on "Comics and Climate Justice." The event will conclude with a panel discussion on "Comics and Identity," featuring popular content creator and graphic novelist Lewis Hancox, known for Welcome to St. Hells and Escape from St. Hells, along with Bex Ollerton, zine and mixed media artist Sharp Txngue, and Julian Gray, the subject of the solo Lowry exhibition "Stories for Us."
In addition to this, ahead of the event the Changemakers are hosting free industry talks for the exhibitors and the general public. On the31st January George Williams will talk on publishing in the comics industry.
All of this programming is free, but tickets must be booked in advance, and it can be done on the Comics Youth Eventbrite page. Workshops are intended for attendees aged 14 and up. Tickets are limited, and some are already close to selling out. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/comics-youth-51070084553
The Driving Force Behind Mersey Margins
The inspiration for Mersey Margins was a desire to help creators struggling to make comics in the competitive industry, and a desire to create an event which was less focused on celebrities and corporate traders and more focused on building community. The hope is that artists can leave the event feeling empowered and excited about their future in the industry, whilst visitors to the convention will enjoy seeing the diverse comics arts of the Liverpool City Region.
The Marginal Changemakers will publish their learning afterwards, which will both help other early career artists and offer ways convention organisers can support their exhibitors better. Mersey Margins has already garnered praise and support from highly respected UK comics conventions organisers, with endorsements from Lakes International Comics Arts Festival, Thought Bubble and MaccPow. Mersey Margins isn't just a comics fair – it's a stepping stone to a more inclusive and diverse comics industry. It's about empowering young creators, reshaping how conventions are run, and creating lasting change for future generations of comics artists.
Redefining Comics Fairs
This isn't your typical comics fair. It's not just about selling comics; it's about fostering community, transforming conventions, and providing a platform for marginalised creators to flourish.
With support from notable events like the Lakes International Comics Art Festival, Thought Bubble, and MACC-POW, the Mersey Margins Collective Comics Fair is already gaining attention.
