A festival of comics and graphic books inspires new artists and writers in Newcastle

John Hill celebrates the Canny Comic Convention in the home of the graphic book reading circle, Readers of the Lost Art

Our story begins with a young lad called Josh.
Josh happened upon the first Canny Comic Con in Newcastle last year. He took part in a workshop on how to put together comics. He went away inspired.

And then, most importantly, he kept going.

When the second event rolled around last weekend, he returned with sketches to show everyone.
"It's pretty much exactly what you'd hope for when you're putting together an event", says co-organiser Stacey Whittle.

The Canny Comic Con is a free event nestled in Newcastle City Library. It brings together all sorts of creators, from emerging local talent to professionals such as 2000AD's Al Ewing and Alice in Sunderland creator Bryan Talbot.

Josh's story is an example of why events such as this are important, and why it's sad that some people still sneer at comics. Maybe it's a rite of passage for all mediums. After all..............
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/the-northerner/2012/dec/14/art-comics?INTCMP=SRCH