Hi-Ex

Hi-Ex (short for the Highlands International Comics Expo) was the name given to a Scottish comics convention held from 2008 to 2012. It was held early in the year in Eden Court Theatre, Inverness. The organisers were Richmond Clements (editor at FutureQuake Publishing) and Vicky Stonebridge.[1][2][3][4]

Hi-Ex
StatusDefunct
GenreComics
VenueEden Court Theatre
Location(s)Inverness
CountryScotland
InauguratedFebruary 2008
Most recent2012
Organized byRichmond Clements, Vicky Stonebridge

The convention was the centre of a range of other events organised to promote comics in the region, including "outreach visits" to schools (involving Kev F. Sutherland), with the help of the Highland Council and Scottish Arts Council,[5][6] and an exhibition of comic art in Eden Court's gallery.[2]

History

The idea for the convention emerged from the lack of a major comics convention in the area and a discussion Richmond Clements and Vicky Stonebridge had with Eden Court's Judith Aitken, about possibly bringing in a few guest speakers. Through contacts made because of their involvement with the British small press comics they were able to speak to a wide number of professional comic creators and the event rapidly grew into a full weekend. They also received advice from people with experience in running conventions, including Michael Carroll, who chaired the Irish national science fiction convention, Octocon,[7] and the Comic Expo's Mike Allwood.[8] Hi-Ex has been used by the BBC as an example of how the Internet has helped facilitate developments in the Highlands and Islands. Clements is quoted as saying "Practically the entire event was organized through e-mail."[7][8]

Northings, the Highlands and Islands Art Journal, described the first convention as "inspirational," and said that "by the end of the weekend I felt like a door had been opened on a whole genre of art that I hadn’t engaged with before."[6] Of those that attended, Gary Erskine declared it a "complete success."[9]

There was no Hi-Ex convention in 2011 due to lack of sponsorship;[10] the show returned in 2012. Hi-Ex 2013 was scheduled for 6–7 April 2013, at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, but was canceled.

Dates and locations
DatesLocationAttendanceNotable guestsNotes
2–3 February 2008Eden Court Theatre, Inverness...Frank Quitely, Mike McMahon, Alan Grant, Kev F. Sutherland,[2] Cam Kennedy, Colin MacNeil, John Higgins, Gary Erskine, and Rufus DaygloPoor weather meant Alan Grant was unable to attend and run a script writing workshop but Al Ewing, Declan Shalvey and Ben Clark filled in for him.[6] Also there were the 501st Legion UK Garrison[11] and a Predator.
14–15 February 2009[12]Eden Court Theatre, Inverness...John Higgins, Leah Moore, Mike McMahon, and Frank Quitely.[13]Coinciding with the launch of the Watchmen film, the 2009 event had a general Watchmen feel, with the presence of colorist Higgins and Alan Moore's daughter Leah. As it also coincided with Valentine's Day it included a debate on romance comics, and romance in comics in general.[14]
27–28 March 2010Eden Court Theatre, Inverness...Charlie Adlard, Asia Alfasi, Gary Erskine, Simon Fraser, John Higgins, Cam Kennedy, Gary Northfield, and Kev F. SutherlandSponsorship by Highland Council grant for outreach and additional activities
31 March – 1 April 2012Eden Court Theatre, Inverness...Michael Carroll, Al Ewing, John Higgins, Sally Hurst, and Chris Murray[15]Raffle raises £1907 for Children First charity[15]

References
  1. First superheroes expo for north, BBC, 18 January 2008
  2. Scots' impact on comics examined, BBC, 22 January 2008
  3. Comic book heroes set for city expo Archived 22 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine, Highland News, 29 January 2008
  4. Inverness a big draw for comic fans, Inverness Courier, 1 February 2008
  5. Comic event secures council help, BBC, 16 November 2009
  6. "Northings review". Archived from the original on 28 August 2008. Retrieved 10 June 2008.
  7. Catwalks and comic book heroes, BBC, 1 June 2008
  8. Interview with organisers Archived 22 May 2008 at the Wayback Machine, Northings, January 2008
  9. Hi-Ex success! by Gary Erskine, 5 February 2008
  10. "No Hi-Ex! 2011 Convention," Comics Bits website. Accessed 7 June 2012.
  11. UK Garrison
  12. Convention books Superman artist, BBC, 3 July 2008
  13. McKenzie, Steven (9 January 2009). "Hot debate likely on cult comic". BBC. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
  14. "Comic love tackled by convention". BBC. 13 February 2009. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
  15. Coburn, Georgina. "Hi-Ex! Highland International Comic Expo," Northings (3 April 2012).
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