Talking With Shrewsbury Comic Con Organiser Nick Goddard
by Olly MacNamee
Ahead of this weekend’s first Shrewsbury Comic Con I got time to talk with Nick Goddard, who I can only thank for his time in what must be a very busy week. He spoke to me about the location, the guests and what you can look forward to on April 5th and 6th at Shrewsbury Town Football Club.
Olly MacNamee: The inaugural Shrewsbury Comic Con takes place this Saturday 6th April at Shrewsbury Town FC. But, why Shrewsbury? I do know it’s not the first time there’s been a comic convention held there.
Nick Goddard: As far as I’m aware this is the first comic con to be held in Shrewsbury, at least that is what the community tell me. Up until recently Shrewsbury hosted Comics Salopia which was more of a multi-venue, multi-day festival than a comic con in the traditional sense. But to your point, Shrewsbury is a fantastically creative town that is home to lots of amazingly creative people. Not just big names, but a lot of local talent, so why not Shrewsbury? I’m keen to make Shrewsbury Comic Con a true comic con with a genuine balance of media personalities and comic book creatives.
MacNamee: As well as a picturesque market town and hub for many UK-based comic book creators, what else can fans expect from the show, which has its own launch party on Friday 5th April?
Goddard: Thank you for mentioning the launch party! On Friday night, you can expect a gaming evening with live music from Cosmic Rays and the chance to rub shoulders with some of the VIP guests that will be at the con on Saturday, including Charlie Adlard, Cheryl Rowlands and Mike Perkins.
On Saturday, our VIP guests include Mike Perkins, Charlie Adlard, John Wagner, Hattie Hayridge, Nathan Head and Cheryl Rowlands, as well as Vader sculptor Brian Muir. There’s a vendors room and Q&A panels all day. Shrewsbury Wargames society are taking over the games room with three highly interactive tabletop setups. We’re running a beginner’s D&D game as well. You can also meet Preston City Ghostbusters, get a photo with Ecto-1, Lightning McQueen, a Back to the Future Style DeLorean and the Jurassic Park Jeep. Two cosplay groups, The East Midlands Garrison and The Dragon order will be there raising money for a young person’s cancer charity and there is also a cosplay competition. Lots to see and do for everyone!
MacNamee: And what is your own relationship with comics and conventions? I know on the official website you do discuss your trip to a Star Trek convention in Las Vegas, but where did you love for the medium begin?
Goddard: My first convention was in 1995, I was 16 and in the middle of taking my GCSEs! The long weekend away didn’t have too much impact thankfully, but there started a love of conventions. I go quite regularly and plan to attend at least two more this year, Basingstoke and the Star Trek one in Blackpool. For comics, well as a kid I was a Beano fan but didn’t really move on to Marvel or DC like my friends. I have rediscovered a love of comics recently and can’t wait to start building a collection.
MacNamee: Finally, should this be a success, can we expect another con sometime down the line?
Goddard: Yes, perhaps even later this year.
MacNamee: Cheers, and see you Saturday, Nick!
You can still buy tickets for the launch party here and the convention here.
