Cartoonist looking to put Macclesfield back on the map as 10th anniversary of comic art festival nears
Comics are putting Macclesfield on the map.
MaccPow comic art festival returns for its 10th edition this summer.
Over the past decade it has grown to become an event that involves the whole town.
Marc Jackson, the festival's founder and owner of Room for Comics, said: "No one can argue that we have put Macclesfield on the map as a comics destination.
"MaccPow spills out into town, it feeds the town. Businesses tell me that they've had busier days because of the festival.
"That's really important to me. That it's not just an event at the Town Hall but really part of Macclesfield."
MaccPow started out life in 2016 as part of the Barnaby Festival.
Initially based inside the Heritage Centre, the event then moved to the Town Hall and is now spread over multiple venues.
This year that will include Flour Water Salt, The Depot, Proper Sound, B&V Trading, Macclesfield Library and Cinemac, with many other local businesses supporting the event as well.
The line-up boasts more than two dozen creators, including the first-ever international guest in the form of Tom Scioli.
Once described as the 'Stanley Kubrick of comics', the American has worked on Godzilla, the Fantastic Four, Transformers vs G.I. Joe, and the first graphic novel biography of Stan Lee.
Also in attendance will be Kev Sutherland, who has drawn comics for Dr Who and Marvel, Beano cartoonist Laura Howell, and Charlie Adlard, best known for his work on The Walking Dead.
Over the course of June 26 to 29, they will be taking part in a rolling programme of workshops including live draws and cartoon battles.
"We don't spill into the world of comic con," said Marc.
"Our festival is very different and I'm very proud of the fact that as a creator I can put on the kind of event that I would like to be associated with.
"The biggest thing for me is seeing all these people from the world of comics in my hometown. It sounds cheesy but it's such a thrill!"
Two of the biggest similar events in England are the Thought Bubble Comic Art Festival in Harrogate and the Lakes International Comic Art Festival.
Over the channel, Angoulême International Comics Festival stands as one of the biggest such events in the world.
It is Marc's aim to one day have MaccPow considered in the same picture.
"We're a smaller town but people are starting to know Macclesfield on the comics map," he said.
"Last year I really noticed a change. We turned a corner, and I felt that we stood quite proudly along the other two events.
"Angoulême is a very well-respected comics festival which takes place across multiple venues and I want MaccPow to be the Angoulême of Macclesfield."
Looking ahead to 2026, Marc added: "At this point I'm still just thinking about this year.
"Saying that, next year we're going to look at applying for Arts Council funding, that's the next logical step for us.
"With that badge of honour and the additional funding that comes with it, we will be able to invest in even more creators."
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