BULGARIA 09

On my latest adventure abroad I joined the successful applicants from HI8US new course COMIX. Traveling to the former Soviet republic of Bulgaria, we headed to the capital Sofia to promote the graphic novel COMIX produced by students from 3 different countries England, Spain and of course Bulgaria. A fascinating trip from the very beginning. With Statues depicting decapitation upon arrival at the airport, then crazy Taxi Drivers who liked to drive in any direction but not necessarily the same way as the rest of the traffic.

On the first evening we headed over to the Red House for a meet and greet presentation and an exhibition of the Bulgarian students work. It was great to meet them for the first time and interesting to walk around a building that was the just like the Ghostbusters old Fire House painted red from tip to top. I almost expected to bump into Slimer around any corner.


On the Saturday I had the pleasure of doing a workshop with the Bulgarian students. A fantastic group to work with and would happily do so any time again. After such a great start it made my presentation all the more worthwhile. After this came the sketching in front of the invited audience, where I first produced an Optimus Prime. As compare Hunt Emerson called out 'who is Prime's arch enemy?' WITH Emil shouted within a split second 'MEGATRON' to come and receive the sketch. After playing draw of games with the audience I moved on to the guy I love drawing most, Batman. Who doesn't love drawing him?!


One of the most full filling trips I have had abroad, Sofia was fascinating from the Monolithic capital to the amazing cathedrals. You felt dwarfed and humbled at the same time. It would not have been the same without the students though, Long live Comix!

BICS British International Comic Show

The Birmingham International Comic Show in one smooth move re-branded itself as the British International Comic Show, Simple but clever! Unfortunately for me being part of it meant I never got the chance to look around, as I would of done in previous years. I am not complaining mind you, metaphorically chained to my desk I spent the weekend between a gigantic Optimus Prime and my long term collaborator Mr Mccrea.

With little time to breath and even less to eat, I sketched away like a madman. From multiple Batman and Spider-men sketches to more random pieces. Though I really did enjoy drawing the more challenging requests, it was great to meet such a diverse crowd of people and those guys that brought references of the characters they wanted sketching THANKS!

Artists love reference.



When Sunday rolled around, and I recovered (and everyone else) from my karaoke session I finally got the chance to say a hello to a few of my Artist and Editorial friends. Though this was way to brief before hearing the whip crack once again to race back to my table for a marathon sketching run.

All in all, it was a great show.
Long live BICS!

AUTO ASSEMBLY 2009

Auto Assembly 2009, so far the best UK convention experience I have had. AA 2009 (Not to be confused with Alcoholic's Anonymous) was held over the weekend of Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th August, at the Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre. With over 500 attendees, it was a tightly packed crowd that created a great atmosphere.

Thanks to all those who kept me busy for my entire weekend sketching, and my other artistic friends for supplying the laughs and fun on the evenings. I had a great time amongst fans, toy dealers, voice actors and artists. A weekend of non stop sketching and fun is something I never mind. A big thank you to Simon Plume for running such a well organised and great convention.

ANIMATED A GO GO..

The last of Titan's Animated Strips has come and gone. The Short Lived, but excellently presented Animated Strips made it's appearance within Titan's Transformers Universe final issue ≠25. John Mccrea was due to do fully do the final issue but with a hectic workload and page 11 fully finished handed his layouts over to me. It was nice to be involved in the final issue especially as I had handled the first 6 pager. Here are John's layouts along with my finished artwork. More on Transformers Animated soon...

WHAT THE!?

No, not the classic Marvel US Comic book. Transformers Universe 24. Another Great Issue from Titan with the fabulous Transformers Animated Story Megatron's Revenge. Pencils and Inks by Lee Bradley! (Yep that's Me!)

Unfortunately there was a bit of a slip up and John Mccrea the lead artist, and good friend was credited with the work on this issue. For my work to be compared or confused with a veteran comic book artist of over 20 years industry experience, I take as a great compliment!

I have to say John Burns has done an outstanding job on the colours on this one. Making the story by Simon Furman an even more enjoyable and striking read. Out Now, in all good Newsagents. GO BUY IT!

If you check out page ten of the story (above) you can see my ever present logo. I always manage to sneak it into my work somewhere, its my personal Where's Wally.=)

REVOLUTION!

Issue 23 of Transformers Universe has now just come and gone, with great reviews as one one the best issues yet! I thought I should celebrate this with sharing Jason Cardy's fantastic colours on this issue which really brought my humble artwork to a new level. Cheers Jason!

The Re-Revenger!

From Comedy Central's The Demitri Martin Show 'Important Things'. Comes the latest episode of his sketch show, Power. From the recesses of his mind comes the Revenger or Re-Revenger as he is ultimately known. A guilt-wracked superhero who doesn't know where to turn after discovering the origins of his father's death. With initial Black and white artwork for the comic sequence provided by John Mccrea, I came on board the project and provided the colour art, logos and lettering for the finished look. Enjoy! I did.