Malta 2009

Posted: November 6th, 2009 | Author: sean azzopardi | Filed under: Conventions | Tags: 2009, comcis, Comics, convention, first, Malta, Mdina, sunshine, valleta | No Comments »

MAlta 2009, originally uploaded by sean azzopardi.

What a fantastic time.
As a guest a tourist and as a cartoonist .
First up Let me thank Chris LeGalle And Fabio Agius For the invite. Then thanks to Mark Ellul, Christopher Muscat, Chris Stellini, Michael Quintion, Nadia Cassar and Joanna Taliana. All who contributed to an excellent experience.
Malta Comic con was the first of its type and was a complete success. Both Saturday And Sunday were busy, a steady flow of people. On the Saturday there were over over 250 bodies through the door. I was busy with selling signing and sketching and by Sunday morning had sold out of stock, which cant be bad.
The event itself was really well organized, and the venue was very cool, situated in the capital, Valleta. Don’t think i’ve sold comics inside a gun platform before.

There is a small but vibrant comics community in Malta, and it was a positive sign that there was a lot of young people involved. An event like this has given them a platform, for nearly everyone this was there first convention, exhibition, exposure to an audience. This is what was so great about the weekend. Being part of something new, and hopefully contributing. I was asked a lot of questions about comics, about process, publishing, distribution. It actually made a refreshing change. I think in the UK we have reached a standard where everyone has similar shared knowledge. Obviously this is a good thing, but the Malta experience actually made me question my knowledge, and really re-energized my enthusiasm.
I also had the pleasure of sharing the weekend with four other comic stalwarts. Warren Pleece, David Lloyd, Tim Perkins and Mike Collins.
Really cool people, who made me feel relaxed and stopped me from stressing. Sitting next to Mike for the two days was an education in sketching, yay for free lessons!
We were very well looked after, driven to and from the con ( I was expecting to get the bus), fed during the day, and just generally made to feel welcome. The Maltese people are very warm and genuine, and know how to look after people.
So, on the Monday, we all got treated to a guided tour, driven around by Michael, to Mdina, the former capital, then onto the longest lunch ever. Then a short break and more food. This time just water for me. Then it was time to say goodbye. It was very sad but in a nice way.
But the final words have to be that Malta has a comics convention, and plans are to expand it next year.
Everyone should add it to the calender.
Comics and sunshine.
What’s not to like ?