Belgian cartoonist Pieter de Poortere is set to unveil the first British edition of his beloved character, Dickie, at the Lakes International Comic Art Festival (LICAF) this coming weekend.
“Dickie”, known as “Boerke” in Europe, first published over 20 years ago, tells the story of a loser who is constantly betrayed by his own shortcomings, desires and naivety, crushed by the indifference of the world, in one-page silent comics. The popular comic is well known for pushing boundaries and challenging traditional comic norms, and the character has gained phenomenal worldwide appeal and now, thanks to publisher Fanfare, he’s coming to Britain.
After conquering the world of publishing “Dickie” now appears in his own animated series based on the books and produced by De Hofleveranciers, which has aired in over ten countries. The success of the first series quickly led to the commissioning of a second, which aired earlier this year.
The launch of the Dickie – Natural Born Loser is being celebrated with a number of special events through the weekend, including the launch of a special geocache game starring Dickie, “The Quest for the Windermere Ghost“!
The Lakes International Comic Art Festival, an annual event celebrating comics, part of a wider project promoting the comics form all year round in the UK, will take place this coming weekend (Friday 29th September – Sunday 1st October) in Bowness-on- Windermere, attracting comic enthusiasts, artists, and creators worldwide.
Over 60 international guests including Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead), Sayra Begum(Mongrel), Gigi Cavenago (Dylan Dog) Amy Chiu (Carmilla: The First Vampire, Wonder Woman), Dave Gibbons (Watchmen), award-winning Czech creator Lucie Lomová, animation director and comic artist Kevin Raymundo, Rachael Smith (Quarantine Comix) and Bryan and Mary Talbot, will take part in talks, workshops and other events, and over ninety exhibitors will be selling their wares in the Lakeside Comics Marketplace, some launching their own new titles.
Attendees can look forward to engaging with Pieter de Poortere, who will participate in an international cartoon battle, book signings at the Fanfare booth, and screening of the animated shorts of “Dickie”.
Pieter is also responsible for this year’s map of the Festival’s various venue locations in the Festival Guide, available to view online now.
“Pieter de Poortere’s storytelling skills and creative genius have earned Dickie a devoted following and critical acclaim,” notes Festival Director Julie Tait. “We’re delighted to host the exclusive premiere of the first British Dickie album.”
The Lakes International Comic Art Festival returns to Bowness-on-Windermere 29th September to 1st October 2023
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