Thought Bubble Festival in Leeds 2022

Thought Bubble Festival Week is one-of-a-kind in the UK; a celebration of comics, their creators, their fans and everything in between. For the week leading up to the convention in Harrogate, there’s a great selection of workshops, film screenings, art exhibitions, socials, and more happening across Leeds. With the programme announced for 2022, we’ve chosen our top picks you won’t want to miss. Please note, some events have age restrictions.

4 Nov | Thought Bubble Launch Party at Northern Monk

Marshalls Mill, The Old Flax Store, Marshall St, LS11 9YJ | 6 pm – 11 pm 

Head along to celebrate the opening of the Thought Bubble Festival with 2000 AD, the legendary home of Judge Dredd. The pair will be taking over Northern Monk’s Refectory Tap Room for a big free entry party with beer launches, exhibitions and more.

Information here.

8 Nov | Rainbow Age Book Club with CJ Reay at Leeds Library

Sanderson Room, Leeds Central Library, Calverley St, LS1 3AB | 5.30 pm – 7 pm 

Over the last decade, zinester, musician and cultural trouble-maker CJ Reay has been creating bold works of art under the moniker of Black Lodge Press that have permeated the queer DIY punk scene and beyond. CJ will be discussing artists who have inspired them, the role of community in their practice and art as a mode of direct action. 

This will be followed by an interview hosted by long-time collaborator Jack Fallows (Cryptogram Puzzle Post) and the chance for audience members to ask any of their own burning questions. 

Book here.

8 Nov | Ram V Masterclass with Audience Q & A

The Leeds Library, 18 Commercial St, LS1 6AL | 7 pm – 8.30pm

Award-winning Ram is the author and creator of stunning works such as The Many Deaths of Laila Starr, Grafity’s Wall and These Savage Shores. Garnering critical and popular success in the industry, Ram is also known for his writing for DC and Marvel characters and titles such as Swamp Thing, Justice League Dark, Catwoman and Venom at DC and Marvel. The masterclass will be followed by an audience Q & A.

Book here.

9 Nov | Gail Simone : In Conversation

Leeds Arts University, Blenheim Walk, Woodhouse, LS2 9AQ | 6 pm – 7.30 pm 

Join us as Creative Networks and Thought Bubble join forces to bring you an evening in the company of the incredible writer Gail Simone. One of the most influential women in the comic book industry, Gail has worked on notable titles such as Batgirl, DC’s Birds of Prey, Deadpool, and she is known for being the longest-running female writer on Wonder Woman. 

Gail will be interviewed by her husband and manager, Scott James. There will be an opportunity for questions from the audience.

Book here.

9 Nov | Pints and Pencils (18+)

Headrow House, 19a The Headrow, LS1 6PU | 7pm – late

Proudly presented by the team at Travelling Man and the Leeds University Comic Book Society, Pints and Pencils is the social drawing competition featuring plenty of prizes, laughs and beverages. Artistic ability is not required to win top prizes and drawing equipment will be provided!

More information.

10 Nov | Storytelling Workshop with Hamish Steele (16+)

The Drawing Room, Leeds Central Library, Calverley St, LS1 3AB | 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm

The lovely Eisner Award-winning writer, artist and animator Hamish Steele will be joining Thought Bubble Festival for this exciting workshop, demonstrating their writing processes and showing how they breathe life into their relatable, diverse characters. 

Hamish is the creator of Netflix smash-hit Dead End: Paranormal Park, based on their series DeadEndia – a trans-led series of graphic novels with a focus on LGBTQ+ representation. Attendees will come away with a one-page comic of their own, equipped with all the tools they need to tell a great story! 

Online tickets for this have sold out.

10 Nov | Mondo : Belgrave Music Hall Takeover (18+)

Belgrave Music Hall, Cross Belgrave St, LS2 8JP | 6 pm – 10 pm

Everyone loves Mondo right? On 10 Nov the team at Mondo will be taking over the Belgrave Music Hall for one night only. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Dredd soundtrack, head along for the Mondo Exhibition,  special edition posters, a pop-up record shop by Crash Records, live drawing with Jock and DJ set from Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite plus kitchen takeover and beer specials.

11 Nov | Thought Bubble Book Crossing

Various Libraries | Opening times may vary

Thought Bubble is once again teaming up with Diamond Comics and Travelling Man to give away free all ages graphic novels and comics to everyone! Libraries all over Yorkshire are participating, so join them on Friday 12 November and help them to achieve their aim to get everyone reading more! Just pop along and pick-up some great comics for free, to take home and read, or give to a friend! There are 28 libraries taking part so check which one is your closest. See full programme for details.