Spot a packed London comics calendar this September , launches, signings, queer fairs and family-friendly workshops are back in force across the city, so whether you collect hardbacks, love zines or want a kid-friendly drop-in, here’s what to pencil into your diary and why it matters.

Essential Takeaways

  • Headline launches: Bryan and Mary Talbot debut Lo! An Amazon! with free and ticketed launch events in Fitzrovia and at Dr Johnson’s House , lively readings and talks expected.
  • Queer and indie-friendly: inQ! London’s Queer Comics Fair in Blackfriars is free, family-friendly and a great place to discover zines and new voices.
  • Hands-on workshops: Quentin Blake Centre and Cartoon Museum run regular illustration courses, drop-ins and Little Owls storytelling for under‑5s.
  • Social nights: Soho and Waterloo host monthly meetups , Troopers, Drink & Draw, Comica Social Club and Reads keep the community buzzing.
  • Theatre and spectacle: don’t miss Sláine: The Horned God one‑man play and stage adaptations such as Death Note the Musical for cross-medium comic fans.

Talbot launches: a graphic biography with theatrical flair

If you love historical graphic biography, Mary and Bryan Talbot’s Lo! An Amazon! is the month’s must-see. The Cartoon Museum hosts a free but ticketed launch, while a more intimate evening at Dr Johnson’s House pairs the book with an 18th‑century backdrop and a drink , the sort of setting that turns a launch into an experience. According to the Talbots’ own publicity, expect readings, discussion and an appetite for context: Mary’s research-led approach and Bryan’s art make their collaborations feel like cinematic comic biography. If you go, book early and arrive with questions , panel Q&As can get lively.

inQ! Queer Comics Fair: discover new voices for free

inQ! takes over the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre in Blackfriars for a two‑day queer comics celebration that’s free to enter and family-friendly. It’s the kind of market where you can stumble on a zine that reconfigures everything you thought you knew about a subject, or buy a tiny print that becomes the centrepiece of a shelf. Queer as Comics at the Quentin Blake Centre provides perfect exhibition pairing, so make a day of it: pop into the show, then browse stalls. Bring cash for small press and a tote bag for haul.

Workshops, drop‑ins and storytelling for all ages

The Quentin Blake Centre and the Cartoon Museum run a steady roster of classes: from six‑week illustration courses with Lily Kong to Cathy G Johnson’s purpose-led comics sessions. There are also regular Little Owls storytelling drop‑ins for under‑5s that feel cosy and low-pressure , an easy entry point if you’re introducing kids to picture storytelling. Practical tip: check course dates and book ahead for the multi-session classes; drop-ins are usually walk‑in but fill up on weekends.

Signings, readings and social nights in Soho and beyond

Gosh Comics and Forbidden Planet keep their calendars busy with signings , expect creators such as Sean Phillips and Christian Ward to appear for launches and sketches. Nightlife meets creativity at Troopers, Drink & Draw and Comica Social Club, where the vibe is informal and chatty. These nights are ideal if you’re networking, showing work or just want a relaxed drink with like‑minded folk. If you’re new, arrive early and look for organisers , they’ll point you to the right table.

Theatre, exhibitions and crossover highlights

September isn’t just shops and stalls. Sláine: The Horned God at the Canal Café Theatre turns a classic 2000 AD epic into a one‑man dramatic storytelling event that’s part theatre, part comic homage. Meanwhile, exhibitions such as Quentin Blake: Performance and Does My Head Look BIG In This? at the Cartoon Museum offer curated viewing that pairs beautifully with a comics market afternoon. If you like your comics with spectacle, combine a show with an evening signing or a post‑show drink and debrief.

How to plan a weekend crawl without burning out

Start by mapping venues: Fitzrovia, Clerkenwell, Soho and Blackfriars are compact enough for a walking loop. Prioritise one ticketed event and slot free activities around it. Carry snacks and a reusable bag, wear comfy shoes and factor in cafes for sketch breaks. If you’re buying original art, bring a flat portfolio or cardboard to protect pieces on the tube. And remember , dates shift, so double‑check listings before you head out.

It’s a small change to your calendar that’ll pay off in new comics, friendly faces and a few memorable launches.

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