Link: http://www.comicslaunchpad.com

This summer, a unique event takes place at The Studio, Birmingham, bringing together seasoned professionals and aspiring creators from around the world with one thing in common: a passion for comics.

The first event of its kind, Launch Pad includes a full programme of workshops and seminars designed to inform and inspire budding writers and artists, along with opportunities for portfolio reviews and face-to-face feedback.

Speakers at the one day conference include legendary creator Klaus Janson, DC Comics Senior Editor Joey Cavalieri and 2000ad Editor Matt Smith, and the event is officially supported by Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Rebellion Entertainment, Diamond Distribution and a host of other major publishing companies worldwide.

Join International Comics Shows on Saturday 18th of June and find out how to make your career take off.

The Conference is limited to 300 delegates and includes an option to attend the exclusive after event roof garden party with complimentary food and drink.

To find out more or to book your place go to: http://www.comicslaunchpad.com

Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8073734.stm

The BBC announced today that the search for the Doctor's new assistant was over when they revealed 21 year old Karen Gillan will take the role of the Doctor's companion, she will join new Doctor Matt Smith in the new series of Doctor Who starting in 2010. In true Who fashion Scottish Gillan has appeared in the show before in last season's The Fires of Pompeii aswell as appearing in The Kevin Bishop show and upcoming film Outcast. Not knowing anything about this actor all I can say is she's very young and pretty, not necessarily a bad thing but it is a strong indication of the direction in which New-Who is now moving, at least in it's casting choices.

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/s4/news/latest/090123_news_01

According to the BBC , former Eastenders star Michelle Ryan and all round funny man Lee Evans will guest satr in the first of this year's Doctor Who specials titled the Planet of the Dead.

This has all added fuel to the rumour that Ryan is being prepped to be new Doctor Matt Smith's faithful companion just as Catherine Tate was introduced in the 'Christmas Bride' special.

I thought Bionic Woman was absolute tosh, not helped by Ryan's wooden performance, while her perfomance in the BBC's Merlin was stellar, she's an uncertain quantity for me so I guess we'll just have to wait and see how she does. Lee Evans on the other hand is fantastic in everything he does and I'm really looking forward to seeing his take on a 'Who' character, hopefully he'll put in a better performance than fellow stand-up comedian Peter Kay in the 2006 episode 'Love and Monsters'.

Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7808697.stm

To view video click on the image below

26 year old English actor Matt Smith was announced yesterday as the new Doctor Who on the BBC's Doctor Who Confidential special. Don't expect to see him anytime though soon as we've got four specials with current Doctor David Tennant to look forward to before Smith makes his debut as the 11th Doctor in 2010. Smith is no stranger to those of the Doctor Who world, makinh his TV debut alongside Billie Piper in Philip Pullman's Ruby in the Smoke, the sequel The Shadow in the North and ITV's Call Girl. Could this mean we could expect another return for Rose the companion that captured the Doctor's heart?

Read more »