Q&A session with Commando Comics writers

At Paisley Central Library.

Question and Answer session with Commando Comics writers - Calum Laird and Ferg Handley. Hosted by Comic Historian John McShane.

Calum and Ferg will be on hand to answer any questions that you might have about their experiences working in the Comic field.

Calum Laird biography;

"Growing up in the spiritual home of British comics, it was perhaps inevitable that I would be drawn into the shadow of single tower of DC Thomsons’ Dundee HQ. Not that I saw it that way, completing a science degree at St Andrews University before joining up. In a 35-year career I have worked on teenage girls' magazines, newspapers, a motorcycle title and, of course, comics — specifically The Dandy and Commando.

"The order of service reads: Jackie, Commando, Etcetra (sic), Blue Jeans, Commando, Classic Motorcycling Legends, Commando, Syndication, The Dandy, and last but not least editor of Commando. The newspaper work was in amongst and as well as this. Having retired as Commando Editor in 2015, I now write the odd script for the comic. Gamekeeper turned poacher.

"Besides work, in 2011 I was talked into doing a Masters degree in Comics Studies by the very persuasive Dr Chris Murray of Dundee University. To my surprise I completed that successfully and was once again talked into a PhD. With so many years spent working on war comics, it would have been foolish not to use that experience. My thesis was based on how British War Comics reflected British attitudes to conflicts and the adversaries British forces faced. And so...in 2019 I became a Doctor of Comics, yes it’s real, and I do have a piece of paper to prove it."

Ferg Handley biography;

Ferg is a veteran comic book writer, specialising in war, superhero and humour stories.  He is one of Commando Comics most prolific script writers, having penned more than 250 stories.

John McShane is a comic historian and the co-founder of aka Books & Comics in Glasgow as well as publishing the acclaimed fanzine 'aka' - now available online.