As convention season begins to pick up, we take a look ahead to Cardiff Indie Comic Expo (CICE) – billed as the return of Cardiff’s original independent comic show, it is taking place on Saturday 2nd June, 2018 in its original venue of the Mercure Holland House Hotel, Newport Rd, Cardiff. Tickets are available from the website, but we take a look at why you should be heading to the heart of Wales for a day of quality indie comics!

Event organiser Iz McAuliffe gave us this rundown of what’s happening on the day:

The Cardiff Independent Comic Expo (CICE) is an annual family friendly, not-for-profit show, dedicated to providing a platform for the very best in independent comic artists, writers, publishers, illustrators and more, from South Wales and beyond.

The event returns for its seventh annual show, and continues to celebrate the talent of those creators at the heart of the indie scene.   With over 90 exhibitor tables, a retro-gaming zone, a kids creativity area, and mini art event, there’s something for everyone!

Special Guests include artists who work now in mainstream comics but began in the indie scene: Jon Davis-Hunt (Clean Room for Vertigo and The Wild Storm for DC), Chris Wildgoose (Batgirl for DC and Porcelain for Improper Books), and writer Rob Williams (Suicide Squad for DC, Doctor Who and Ordinary for Titan Comics, and Dredd for 2000AD).

They are joined by Rachael Smith (creator of the highly-acclaimed Wired Up Wrong), Laura Trinder (The Night Post for Improper Books), 2000AD artists: Mike Collins, David Roach, Dylan Teague, Patrick Goddard, and Abby Bulmer, along with Marvel UK artists Simon Williams and David Leach, and hugely successful independent illustrators Godmachine and Simon Gurr.

More exceptional creators at the cutting edge of comics complete our Guest line up: Martin Simmonds (Punks not Dead for Black Crown HQ and Death Sentence for Titan Comics), The Etherington Brothers (Long Gone Don, Monkey Nuts and Von Doogan for DFC / The Phoenix).

There are also over 60 superbly talented indie/small press comic creators including: Disconnected Press, Sarah Millman, Attic Studios, Vince Hunt, Big Punch Studios, Nick Prolix, The Pride, and many more…

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity once again to showcase the rich pool of talent we have in the UK with our small press creators.” Iz told us. “It’s crucial that the small press and indie comics community continue to have a space where their exceptional work can be showcased – all of our Guests started out on the indie scene, so I hope that CICE will also play a small role in helping create the next generation of comic book stars .

We’ve got something for everyone this year:  indie comics, traders, kids art activities, retro gaming for all ages, and the return of our Cosplay Parade!”. 

The show is suitable for all ages, families are welcome, as are family friendly cosplayers

Tickets are available online from the official website priced at £6 (+booking fee) for Adults (children under 12 go free with a ticket holding adult), Concession tickets (Students, Young People and Disabled) at £5 until ticket sales close on 28th May. There will be a small number of tickets available on the door at £6.50.