Wham, pow, Batman...

As part of the inaugural Lakes International Comic Art Festival, The Brewery Arts Centre is hosting an exhibition from award-winning comic artist Sean Phillips, who achieved worldwide recognition for his work on comic characters such as the Uncanny X-Men, Judge Dredd and Spider-Man.

Over the course of two days, Sean painted a giant mural of Batman – based on a front cover he drew for DC comics in 2004 – in the Brewery’s Sugar Store Gallery.

The exhibition entitled The Art of Sean Phillips features work and memorabilia from his remarkable 30-year career including strips and covers for girl’s comics such as Bunty and Judy, 2000AD, superhero giants Marvel and DC and the acclaimed crime genre comics Criminal and Fatale for which he was this year nominated for six comic industry ‘Oscars’ known as the Eisners.

Sean, who lives in Milnthorpe near Kendal, is also patron of the inaugural Lakes International Comic Art Festival which takes place at venues across Kendal next weekend, October 18-20, and will see dozens of the finest comic artists from around the world converge on the town for a feast of comic art related events, master-classes, talks and films.

Sean said: “We are all really excited about the festival.

“It is just not for hardcore comic fans.

“There is a wealth of things going on and something for everyone whether you are a fan of the political satire of the Guardian’s Steve Bell, the raucous humour of Viz or children’s favourite Peppa Pig.”

“One of the best things about LICAF is that it is taking place across the town.

“Most comic conventions take place in huge hangar-like conference centres so the fact that people will be able to experience comic art in locations such as the Town Hall, Brewery Arts Centre and the library will give it a really special feel and hopefully encourage the whole of Kendal to get involved.”

As part of the festival Sean will also be talking about his work at a special event at the Brewery on October 19.

For more information about the Lakes International Comic Art Festival visit www.comicartfestival.com.