Eclectic mix of creators at Malta Comic Con

Wicked Comics have revealed that internationally renowned creators Michael Dialynas (The Woods), and Lew Stringer (The Beano) as well as professional Maltese but currently London based creator Daniela ‘iella’ Attard (The Ugly Duckling) will be joining Yishan Li, Rufus Dayglo, Andrew Wildman, Guillermo Ortego, Steve Scott, Mickey Lam, Mike Collins, Cliodhna, Dave Taylor, Christian Ward, and John-Paul Kamath as guests for the Malta Comic Con (MCC) 2014.

The sixth edition of this popular multi-media event will be held at St James Cavalier, Valletta on November 29 (10:00-18:00) and 30 (11:00-19:00).

This year’s convention marks the second time renowned Greek creator Michael Dialynas visited the Malta Comic Con. Having made his first appearance last year, Dialynas also designed the Con’s official poster.

Saying that the team behind the Con is “delighted” to have Dialynas back, Wicked Comics co-founder Chris Le Galle was also keen to welcome Attard back to the convention, as the artist has since established herself in London, even landing a job with Cartoon Network Europe.

“We’re really proud of her accomplishments and for the pure inspiration she provides for her fellow Maltese creators and couldn’t be happier to have her for this edition of the Con.”

Le Galle added that the presence of Lew Stringer will also be significant for Maltese audiences.

“Around 30-40 years ago The Beano and The Dandy were amongst the few comics one could regularly purchase in Malta so a lot of people my age grew up on them. Consequently, we’re really proud that Lew Stringer a contributor to both titles is visiting our shores.”

His announcement will certainly make a lot of Maltese folk happy. The presence of Dialynas, Iella and Stringer as well as that of the other guests has us all enthusiastically looking forward to the Malta Comic Con 2014 and we would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their participation and look forward to hosting them here” said Chris Le Galle co-founder of Wicked Comics.

In his native tongue, Greek illustrator Michael Dialynas he has published a book by the name of Trinkets: An Attic full of Stories, he has also drawn some stories featuring sword-wielding women: one being Amala’s Blade with Steve Horton at Dark Horse and the other being Spera with Josh Tierney and other artists at Archaia. He then took a spin with Superior Spider-Man and Friends (Marvel) before starting a new ongoing series which he is currently working on with writer James Tynion IV, The Woods (Boom! Studios).

Working as a graphic designer and illustrator at Cartoon Network’s European branch, Daniela ‘Iella’ Attard makes comics, video games, and illustrated goodies in her spare time.

Her work in comics include various contributions to the popular Pilot Comic Anthologies which are annually published in Malta by Audrienne Degiorgio and Fleur Sciortino, as well as Iella’s comic interpretation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic The Ugly Ducking. She is also working on a one-shot comic which is currently being kept under wraps but which will be available at the Malta Comic Con 2014.

Lew Stringer has been freelancing as an artist and writer in British humour comics for over 30 years. Working for top companies such as IPC, Marvel UK, Egmont, and DC Thomson he has created characters for various age groups such as Combat Colin, Tom Thug, Pete and his Pimple, Derek the Troll, Brickman, The Suburban Satanists, The Dark Newt and many more.

Lew’s current work includes Ivy the Terrible and Rasher for The Beano, Team Toxic for Toxic magazine, and The Daft Dimension for Doctor Who Magazine.

For more information log on to http://www.maltacomic-con.com

Read our interview with Daniela Attard