Caption (comics convention)


CAPTION is an annual comics convention specialising in British small press comics. It was first held in Oxford in January 1992, subsequently being held in summer each year. Loosely based on a theme, each year's event offers panels and workshops related to small press comics along with the opportunity to buy and sell them. There is also a significant social aspect. CAPTION is currently the longest-running comics convention in Britain.
CAPTION differs from other conventions by breaking down the distinction between named guests and other attendees, avoiding segregation or special treatment of guests. In addition it prioritizes the social interaction of attendees by encouraging comics creators to place their publications on the CAPTION stall, managed by a rota of volunteers.

History

CAPTION was founded in 1992 by Adrian Cox, Damian Cugley, Jeremy Dennis, and Jenni Scott. Between 1992 and 2003 CAPTION took place in the Oxford Union Society.
Ed Pinsent was an early star of CAPTION conventions, selling his Fast Fiction on his stall.
In 1993 Andy Roberts moved to Oxford, and was able to lend his considerable experience in art and design to the convention.
In 1994 Peter Pavement started selling zines from around the world as well as repackaging other small press comics, and his zine Pavement Pizza became Ground Level.
CAPTION moved venues to Wolfson College for 2004 and 2005. From 2006 to 2013 it was held at the East Oxford Community Centre.
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CAPTION skipped a year in 2014. It had been planned to be held in Brighton, but a scheduling conflict with University of Brighton forced the showed to be cancelled. At that point, the show announced its intention to mount future shows in a different British city each year.
CAPTION also skipped a year in 2016 before returning in December 2017 for the convention's 25th anniversary show.
There has not been a CAPTION show since 2017.

Dates, themes, and special guests