nerd radio

Get ready for the new daily show

DICE (Dublin International Comic Expo) Preview

September 25th, 2014 by Andrew McCarroll Comments

Well it’s finally here, Christmas for Irish comic fans happens on the 27th and 28th of September at the comic convention of the year. D.I.C.E (Dublin International Comic Expo) is now in its third year and has firmly established itself as the highlight of the Irish convention calendar. Run by Big Bang Comics in Dundrum Town Centre by owner and Irish Comics mainstay John Hendrick along with Bruno Batista and creative director Declan Shalvey.

Since the dissolution of the 2D festival, DICE stands alone as a convention unlike any other in Ireland. Focusing entirely on comics as opposed to using the term “Comic Con” as a jumping off point to sell toys and overpriced pictures with “that guy in the background of an episode with Dr Who” DICE is a place that gathers patrons and guests from all avenues of the comic industry. Writers, artists, editors and talent scouts from the biggest titles and companies in the industry will be in attendance. DICE is a unique opportunity for budding artists to have their portfolios reviewed by talent scouts from Marvel, DC and 2000AD. This has resulted in some incredible success stories, Ruth Redmond was the breakout star from last year and is now working for Marvel on numerous titles. Before that Will Sliney was discovered and is now the artists on Marvels tent pole ‘Spiderman 2099’ title.

DICE, however is far from just a place for artists to be discovered as the eclectic guest list reveals. Goran Parlov (Punisher), Gerry Duggan (Deadpool) Stephen Mooney (Grayson, Half Past Danger) Jordie Bellaire(Every comic in the world) will also be in attendance for all your signing needs.

The event will also feature some world exclusives with Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey’s incredible ‘Moon Knight’ launching a limited number of the trade paperback, with 50 being available on each day. PJ Holden will also debut his ‘Dept. Of Monsterology’ trade which is a must buy for any genre fan. Becky Cloonan will be unveiling the much anticipated ‘Gotham Academy’ #1 at the event. Lightning Strike issue 5 will be available and having seen previews I promise you won’t want to miss that one. The talented Ben Hennessy will be in attendance and is tipped by many to be this year’s DICE success story. High Fantasy issue 2 will takes its bow and Darrin O’Toole who along with making his Lightning Strike debut will be there with Glimmer Man and the brilliant Lady Babylon, which features stunning artwork from Alan Hurley. This is merely scratching the surface and the full guest list can be viewed here.

There will also be panel’s held in the VIP screening room in Movies @ Dundrum cinema. With topics ranging from breaking into comics, the increasing amount of women in comics(always a good thing) and Batman. A Cosplay contest hosted by the Irish Pubcast is bound to be as fun and chaotic as everything they do.

With all under 12s get in FOR FREE as long as accompanied by a paying adult along with a number of generous discounts at the surrounding restaurant’s when you present your ticket. It’s safe to say there won’t be dull moment over the two days.

Tickets are available on both days at the door of the event but I would recommend getting them here early to avoid disappointment as this is one convention you do not want to miss.

Weekend tickets cost just €25 and day pass will cost you €15

Following the Nerd will be in attendance both days so don’t be shy and say “Hi” here is a video of last year’s shenanigans.

Enjoy!

Andrew McCarroll never quite built on the dizzying career heights that he hit at 6 years old, when as a member of the “Ghostbusters” he would charge his neighbours to remove any unwanted spectres. Now retired from slaying spooks, he spends his time obsessing over superheroes (especially Batman) and devouring shows like Dexter, Game of Thrones and Archer in a manner that would make Galactus proud. You can follow his rants on twitter @andymc1983