Hi-Ex: The Legacy of the Highlands International Comics Expo
For a brief but impactful period between 2008 and 2012, the city of Inverness became a hub for sequential art and storytelling. Hi-Ex, short for the Highlands International Comics Expo, was a dedicated comics convention that brought together professional creators, aspiring artists, and enthusiasts in the heart of Scotland.
Held annually at the Eden Court Theatre, the event was more than just a gathering of fans; it served as a catalyst for promoting comic art across the region. Organized by Richmond Clements, an editor at FutureQuake Publishing, and Vicky Stonebridge, Hi-Ex aimed to fill a void in the northern Scottish arts scene by providing a platform for the medium of comics.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Full Name: Highlands International Comics Expo.
- Active Years: 2008 to 2012.
- Location: Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, Scotland.
- Organizers: Richmond Clements and Vicky Stonebridge.
- Purpose: To promote comic art and script writing in the Highlands and Islands.
- Notable Impact: Used by the BBC as a case study for how the internet facilitates regional development.
The Origins and Growth of Hi-Ex
The concept for Hi-Ex was born from a simple observation: there was no major comics convention in the Highlands. Following discussions between Clements, Stonebridge, and Judith Aitken of Eden Court, the organizers sought to bring guest speakers to the region. Leveraging their connections within the British small press (independently published comics), they quickly expanded the event from a few speakers into a full-scale weekend convention.
The organizers sought mentorship from experienced convention chairs, including Mike Allwood of Comic Expo and Michael Carroll, who led the Irish national science fiction convention, Octocon. A notable aspect of the event's administration was its reliance on digital communication; Richmond Clements noted that nearly the entire event was organized via email.
Beyond the main convention, Hi-Ex spearheaded community outreach. With support from the Highland Council and the Scottish Arts Council, the organizers conducted visits to schools—often involving creator Kev F. Sutherland—and hosted dedicated comic art exhibitions in the Eden Court gallery.
Event History and Notable Guests
Throughout its run, Hi-Ex attracted a prestigious roster of talent from the global comics industry. The 2008 debut was described as "inspirational" by the Highlands and Islands Art Journal, Northings, and a "complete success" by attendee Gary Erskine.
The 2009 event coincided with the release of the Watchmen film, featuring a thematic focus on the work and colorists associated with the series, including John Higgins and Leah Moore. The 2010 event saw increased support through a Highland Council grant, which funded further outreach activities. While the 2011 event was unfortunately cancelled due to time conflicts and a lack of sponsorship, the expo made a final return in 2012, concluding with a charitable raffle that raised £1,907 for the Children First charity.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Hi-Ex Convention Summary
| Dates | Location | Notable Guests | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2–3 February 2008 | Eden Court Theatre | Frank Quitely, Mike McMahon, Alan Grant, Kev F. Sutherland | Inaugural event; featured 501st Legion UK Garrison. |
| 14–15 February 2009 | Eden Court Theatre | John Higgins, Leah Moore, Mike McMahon, Frank Quitely | Watchmen theme and romance comics debate. |
| 27–28 March 2010 | Eden Court Theatre | Charlie Adlard, Asia Alfasi, Gary Erskine, Simon Fraser | Highland Council grant for outreach activities. |
| 31 March – 1 April 2012 | Eden Court Theatre | Michael Carroll, Al Ewing, John Higgins, Sally Hurst | Final event; raised £1,907 for Children First. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Hi-Ex?
Hi-Ex, short for the Highlands International Comics Expo, was a comics convention held in Inverness, Scotland, from 2008 to 2012 to promote comic art and script writing.
Who organized the convention?
The event was organized by Vicky Stonebridge and Richmond Clements, the latter of whom was an editor at FutureQuake Publishing.
Where was the event located?
All Hi-Ex conventions were held at the Eden Court Theatre in Inverness.
Why was the 2011 event cancelled?
The 2011 gathering was cancelled due to a lack of sponsorships and scheduling conflicts, as organizers felt they could not provide the quality of event that fans and guests deserved.
Did Hi-Ex support any charitable causes?
Yes, during the final event in 2012, a raffle was held that raised £1,907 for the Children First charity.