| British Comic Art Convention | |
|---|---|
 1968 attendee badge. Art by Mike Higgs. | |
| Status | Defunct |
| Genre | Comic books |
| Venue | Waverley Hotel, London (1969, 1971–1973) Regent Centre Hotel, London (1974–1977, 1981) |
| Location(s) | Birmingham (1968, 1978, 1979) London (1969, 1971–1978, 1981) Sheffield (1970) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Inaugurated | 1968 |
| Most recent | 1981 |
| Organized by | Rob Barrow (1973–1978) |
The British Comic Art Convention (usually known by the moniker Comicon) was an annual British comic book convention which was held between 1968 and 1981, usually in London. The earliest British fan convention devoted entirely to comics, it was also the birthplace of the Eagle Awards.
Most editions of Comicon took place over two days, usually on a Saturday and Sunday. The convention featured floorspace for exhibitors, including comic book dealers and collectibles merchants. Along with panels, seminars, and workshops with comic book professionals, one of the highlights of Comicon was the Saturday all-night film show. Charity auctions of original comic book art were also usually held. Convention booklets produced in conjunction with each show featured original illustrations by comics professional and fanzine artists.
Early editions of the convention were intimate affairs where comics enthusiasts gathered to socialize, network, and educate each other about the form. As the convention evolved and grew, it increasingly focused on comics dealers and professional guests.[1]
- ^ Barnett, George. Panelologist #8 (Sept./Oct. 1977), p. 3.