Yesterday I spent the day in Cardiff with my Dad, and got to Mercure Holland Hotel early for the 2nd annual Cardiff International Comic & Animation Expo.

There were far more stands this year, ranging from new names in illustration and writing through to recognisable animators, which is one of the reasons I enjoy Cardiff’s Expo. There were also a couple of familiar faces from last year, not least Doctor Geof; creator of the most wonderful Steampunk stuff.

Definitely our favourite stand of the day, we grabbed a few goodies, including some comics and a couple of cool embroidered patches.

Other items on the shopping list included a couple of signed zombie novels by Wayne Simmons, to keep last year‘s book by Jasper Bark company, and a Wonder Woman tote bag… well, I had to have something to carry all my finds in, didn’t I?!

The most random, but very appreciated purchase were a couple of packs of washi tapes! I didn’t expect to find a Japanese Pop Culture stand, but I’m glad I did – I’ve been trying to get my hands on a stock of washi tapes for weeks, and they were rather a bargain at only £3 per pack of 9 designs! Here they are with some of the other business cards, postcards and free comics I picked up.

A little disappointed by the lack of Stormtroopers this year, there were a handful of Doctor Who bad guys wandering around. I particularly loved the guy with the gas mask face drinking tea through a straw. There was also a host of Cosplay attendees, who I can’t help but admire for their sheer guts. Especially Cat Woman in her well fitting catsuit! Here are just a handful of the costume clad fans that were milling around…

The day got even better, with a traditional trip to the Lego shop followed by my christening at Chopstix. I stuffed myself so full I could hardly make it to the pub!

[This isn't all mine by the way - I'm not quite that greedy!]

Of course, once at the pub we enjoyed a few pints while watching Wales earn the Triple Crown in a rather nail biting fashion. All-in-all a rather successful Saturday!