Liverpool’s Comics Youth CIC is making waves in the comic-sphere as they gear up for a new event called "Talking Shelves." Redefining the meaning of "power to the youth," this creative organization is dedicated to empowering young people across Liverpool City Region, reaching out and pulling them from the margins of society.

They’re also the brains behind Marginal Publishing House, the first-of-its-kind youth-led publishing powerhouse. After a couple of mind-bending reviews earlier this year, it seems these young game-changers have more tricks up their sleeve.

Splash of Change in the Comic-realm

On August 3rd, these aspiring change-makers, aptly named "Marginal Changemakers," will team up with Liverpool bookshops to bring us Talking Shelves. A ho-hum name for what is decidedly a groundbreaking event that spotlights marginalized comics, shaking them out of the dusty corners and into the limelight.

The Marginal Changemakers, a fiery group of 14-25-year-olds, are on a mission. A mission to rewrite the script in the publishing industry. Tackling age-old issues surrounding comic marketing and distribution, they’re delivering the next blow with their current campaign, "Shelftalkers."

Putting Marginalized Creators at the Forefront

Talking Shelves will center around comics by marginalized creators, creating open discussions between regular comic readers and newly converted fans. It’s a full throttle event that’s got free entry. Talking Shelves will debut at two homegrown Merseyside bookstores: Bear Hunt Books in the delightful borough of Wirral, and Dead Ink Books, smack dab in the heart of Liverpool.

Visitors navigating the comic-ridden aisles of Bear Hunt Books and Dead Ink Books on August 3rd, you’re in for a treat. This event was designed to address comics’ poor marketing and distribution, giving marginalized creators the spotlight they deserve.

Changing Comic Narratives

The Marginal Changemakers aim to alter the comic-industry landscape, creating an atmosphere conducive for comics to grow and prosper. Enter Talking Shelves, part of the firebrand second campaign, Shelftalkers, that seeks to shift the industry’s mindset about how comics should be treated.

It’s a heady mix of excitement and activism, an initiative that diligently collaborates with local bookshops to showcase marginalized comic creators in the spotlight. A call to all bookshop keepers and comic enthusiasts to join the initiative. Spread the word and tag @comics youth on Instagram!

As Ollie Hicks, the fervent Project Lead for Marginal Changemakers, put it, this event is about shining a light on marginalized authors. It serves to spark dialogues and educate the public about the current climate within the comic industry, and perhaps even bring about some change.

Not a bad cause to champion, eh? Hats off to you, Marginal Changemakers. We’re eagerly flipping the pages, waiting to see what comes next.

Words by Patrick Kelley