It’s felt like forever since big events like MCM Birmingham Comic Con were running, and so last months MCM London at the ExCeL was a breath of fresh air. Hop forward less than a month and the NEC was home to the next MCM event, and despite limiting numbers, the show was far busier than expected with crowds of people swelling the halls and for me what should have been a 30 minute commute that ultimately took two hours thanks to heavy traffic on the M42. As we – ‘we’ being myself and Desert Planet Discs co-host Carl Bayliss – met up and made our way through the halls there was only one place we were going to head towards first; the 501st UK Garrison area.
That walk took us past the signing area where amongst others Skywalker Sounds Matt Wood were meeting and greeting, and once at the UKG stand we proceeded to snap photos and shake hands with the friendly faces of the Garrison, which included my Making Tracks co-host Mark Mulcaster and partner Karen Angel who were there as ‘punters’. As ever, the area was busy and buzzing, and it’s always good to catchup with UKG CO Gary Hailes and his hard-working team.
Next door to the UKG stand was the Silver Sabers area, and while we didn’t get chance to catch up with our pals for a chat, it was very clear that – as at MCM London last month – there was plenty going on in their area, and a closer look at their equipment revealed some very cool Star Wars designs. Silver Sabers is on the up, and having watched them grow over the past half decade, it’s always very satisfying to see.
As mentioned, Mark and Karen were at the show and unusually not representing the Rebel Legion. For the first time since 2007, Mark attended a show as a paying customer and clearly had a great time, as shown by these snaps Karen took across the day with friends and fellow costumers.
Good news – according to Carl, Fantha Tracks have finally managed to find a sponsor. Sure, it’s not Nestle Still Life Water, but who’s going to turn down the chance to be sponsored by pop giant Fanta? Fanta Tracks, we could get used to that….
I was thrilled to be asked to interview author Adam Christopher on the Live Stage, discussing Licensing In Fiction and chatting about his work in different IP’s including Elementary, Stranger Things and Star Wars where he has written short stories in the first two Certain Point of View books and Star Wars Adventures. Adam was walked to the stage by a gaggle of troops from the UKG, so big thanks to the garrison for delivering our special guests safely to the stage.
We also touched upon his forthcoming novel Shadow of the Sith, out 28th June 2022 and focusing on Luke Skywalker and Lando Calrissian as they hunt for Ochi of Bestoon. While not being able to mention much more than what has already been announced, it’s clear Adam is excited and thrilled to be the writer behind such a pivotal story.
We wrapped up a cracking day with a bite to eat nearby at the Harvester in Sheldon where my wife Ruth, myself, Carl, Mark, Karen and Rebel Legion member and all-round top bloke Phil Parker enjoyed a smashing meal and some great chat. Hospitality and comradeship is deeply ingrained into the ethos of the Rebel Legion, and ‘socials’ are a tradition, especially at the winter MCM shows. Despite the Rebel Legion not offically attending the show, the members here (of which I include myself as a proud Friend of the Rebellion) made sure to have a great night, and hurl some banter at the UK Garrison table just around the corner.
If you want to hear more from the weekend, tune in to the latest episode of Making Tracks.
