On entering the Emporium, an autonomous exhibition space in the heart of Stokes Croft, I must admit I was a little apprehensive. Famous for its unrivalled underground music scene, outdoor art gallery of graffiti clad buildings and passionate local activists, Stokes Croft was the perfect place to unveil the collection of politically inspired comic book artwork, but the cold, dusty appearance of the gallery was a little discerning.
 
For the opening night we were treated to music from Dub Revolution, who provided awesome reggae and dubstep with some seriously heavy bass. One neighbour living close-by, politely informed the band that he had come to join the party because, although he couldn’t hear the music, things were shaking from his shelves. Dub Revolution were an interesting bunch to say the least, but their mix of DJ, live sax, trumpet, accordion and vocals featuring themes of social justice went down well. The Emporium was fit to burst with people from all walks of life who tripped over each other to peruse the pieces or sat heads buried in a copy of the new magazine. Everyone I spoke to sang the praises of the artists and of the work of Ctrl.Alt.Shift. One lady said she previously had no idea about some of the issues raised in the comic strips, and added that she no doubt still wouldn’t had they not been presented in such a fun, eye-catching media. Success indeed!One particular surprise of the evening was the arrival of Ben Dickson, the author of one of the stories in the comic book, and passionate campaigner for human rights in Colombia.
 The rest of the week went without a hitch. I had my fair share of entertaining conversations with random drunks who wandered in for a chat (the best one being the old guy who desperately wanted funding from the council to open up a dog food shop). But, more importantly, I also met people who were genuinely inspired and moved by the work they saw and went away thinking a little bit more about the corrupt world in which we live.
 
That’s a win.
 
For more on the Comica tour get clicking! Words: Elisabeth Bush