What to Expect at Dublin Comic Con (Spring 2025)
The gang are returning to Dublin Comic Con! Next month, we’re at Dublin Comic Con’s Spring event. We’ll be behind tables and at panels lined up to keep us busy over the weekend.
Where to Find Us
Paul, Mari and John (new to the official LB roster!) are both tabling at the convention. Paul will be with the LB banner, supported by Gary. A few of the others will be around over the weekend, with portfolio reviews with guests and panels to attend.
Launching at Dublin Comic Con
Paul Carroll has two books debuting at the Dublin Comic Con:
- The Ties That Bind
- The Dark House Volume 1
The Ties That Bind is the first graphic novella in The Dark House, an ongoing project in development spanning comics, prose and audio storytelling. With John McGuinness on art, and Kerrie Smith and Rob Jones on letters, The Ties That Bind is a horror story about grief, trauma and family relationships.
To add to the series, The Dark House, Volume 1 is a collection of horror comics featuring cryptid-like beings. With art by Mari Rolin, Clare Foley, James Killian, Lane Lloyd and Gavin Fullerton, the collection builds the lore of the universe in 4-8 page tales designed to introduce monsters and the consequences of their existence in the world.
Panels and Talks
As if two launches weren’t enough, the team will be taking part in multiple panels across the weekend. Exact times awaiting the publication of the timetable from Dublin Comic Con.
The State of Comics Anthologies 2024 – Early Report Findings – Saturday
Paul will be giving a talk on the State of Comics Anthologies, as well as providing an insight into how stories are picked for books, and how creators can give themselves the best chance at inclusion in anthologies.
Can Comic Book Skills Pay the Bills? – Saturday
Seamus is leading his 10th panel at Dublin Comic Con, with a focus on people whose art supports their living. Joining him on stage are:
- Ken Mahon, a comic creator in receipt of the Basic Income for the Arts
- Debbie Jenkinson, a comic creator and member of the Board of Illustrators Ireland and Committee member of the Dublin Comic Arts Festival
- Aoife Dooley, a comic creator whose work spans books for children to comics for adults
The panel will be a discussion about how the three have navigated the arts in Ireland, and how they support their comic aspirations.
What Do You Do When You Discover That Things You Love Were Created by People Who’ve Caused Harm? – Sunday
Paul will be re-joining his friends from Octocon in one of the more serious discussions for the weekend. In the wake of upsetting news about creators, he’ll be chatting alongside Kat Dodd (co-Chair 2025), Colm Dodd and MaryBrigid Turner about approaches to navigating fandom and the books and other media that gave us joy. The panel will not be discussing specific incidents, but will work towards suggestions around specific creators’ work. Like Octocon itself, the idea is to keep the panel as a safe space for speakers and audience members alike.
