FP says: "Abercrombie is a freelance film editor, who after several knock-backs from literary agents, was eventually signed by Gollancz in 2005. Last Argument Of Kings is the final instalment of his epic fantasy trilogy, The First Law. The first part, The Blade Itself, has now been published in eight countries."

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

FP says: "Dan Abnett's Legion[Amazon], the latest instalment in the Horus Heresy series, follows on from the tragic events on Isstvan III where Space Marines turned on their own brothers. The Alpha Legion and the Imperial Army are now put to the test as the traitors launch a series of relentless attacks.

"Graham McNeill's Time Of Legends: Heldenhammer [Amazon] is the start of a major new fantasy series which brings the heroes and legends of the 'Warhammer' world to life. This first book tells the story of Sigmar Heldenhammer and his most famous battle, defending the Black Fire Pass against thousands of orcs."

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

FP says: "Robert Rankin is one of the country's most renowned humorous fantasy writers. He has written 29 novels and is an unrepentant Luddite who writes his bestselling novels by hand in exercise books. David Warner is an accomplished stage and screen actor. He has appeared in The Omen, Tron, Time Bandits, Star Trek, Titanic and Tim Burton's Planet of The Apes. Rupert Degas is an actor who has lent his voice to animated films, TV shows, radio productions and also audio books."

[+] Edit, 04.02.08 - FP have been in touch to let us know that Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings, King Kong) and Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy from the Harry Potter movies) will also be appearing at the signing.

[++] Edit, 08.02.08 - FP have now added Sarah Douglas, who played the villainess Ursa in Superman The Movie and Superman II, to the line-up as well.

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

Moore and Gebbie will be signing copies of the UK edition of their new graphic novel, Lost Girls. Full details of the signing can be found on the Gosh! website.

More Info: www.GoshLondon.com

Source: FPI Blog Log news feed

The venue is the upstairs room at The Star Tavern, 6 Belgrave Mews West, London. The evening starts at 6.00 p.m. (although BSFA members will be gathering in the downstairs bar from 5.00 p.m.) and Robert will be interviewed by Paul Kincaid about his life and work. The event finishes at 9.00 p.m.

More info: British Science Fiction Association

Source: BSFA news feed

The organisers tell us: "The show will present original works by the two artists together with a unique chance to see a new series of collaborative pieces. Jim has long been a star of the comic scene; his drawings and paintings are a comic-book twist of surrealist wit and graffiti style and culture. Bill Shag's photographs are a record of the absurd and beautiful America in which he lives. Dark and dangerous, his images capture a subversive world revelling on the edge of society. This show presents a rare chance to see and purchase work by two of America's best underground artists."

More info: www.barprague.com

Source: Emily Griffiths, Adrem

The three Doctor Who books in question are: Wishing Well (Baxendale), The Pirate Loop (Guerrier) and Peacemaker (Swallow).

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

Brian Wood will be coming to the UK for a signing at London's Orbital Manga at Orion House, Upper St Martins Lane, London on January 5th 2008 from 12.00 to 2.00 p.m.

More info: www.myspace.com/orbitalmanga

Source: Emily Man, Orbital Manga

FP says: "Born in Leeds, Charles knew at the age of six that he wanted to be a Sci-Fi writer, but began his career as a pharmacist. He realized it wasn't the job for him when the police staked out his shop for a second time during an armed robbery. He then did a post-graduate degree in Computer Science and moved up to Edinburgh to start a new career in web consultancy but got into the dotcom boom at the wrong time. Fed up, he started to write full time and has now had huge success in the States, written 15 novels and has several Hugo nominations to his name.

"The Family Trade [Amazon] is the first volume of The Merchant Princes series. It's a fantasy novel featuring parallel time lines where a family discovers that they can cross over into the other worlds. In another plot twist a journalist who loses her job stumbles across a story that will be the scoop of her career; that's if she survives long enough to write it..."

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

FP says: "Pete Fowler is a Welsh artist who first came to prominence for his work with the band Super Furry Animals. He works in a variety of different mediums including drawing, animation, painting and sculpture and has art exhibitions all over the world. Pets And Owners is the fourth instalment of Monsterism Island's residents and their trusty pets. The range is a bewildering range of cuties, freaks, terrors, dirtballs, and cheeky little rascals that bounce, creep and float around (that's just the owners!). The pets range from reshaped competition beasts that are bred to the highest standard to scruffy companions that, if provoked, will bite."

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

The organisers tell us: "The show will present original works by the two artists together with a unique chance to see a new series of collaborative pieces. Jim has long been a star of the comic scene; his drawings and paintings are a comic-book twist of surrealist wit and graffiti style and culture. Bill Shag's photographs are a record of the absurd and beautiful America in which he lives. Dark and dangerous, his images capture a subversive world revelling on the edge of society. This show presents a rare chance to see and purchase work by two of America's best underground artists."

More Info: dreamspace Gallery

Source: dreamspace Gallery press release

FP says: "Jim Mahfood (also known as Food One) has been drawing and scribbling since 1997. His work with Kevin Smith on the Clerks comics and with Brian Michael Bendis on various Marvel projects has secured him an international cult following. Jim's work has appeared in comics, books, magazines, music videos, t-shirts and album covers. He also creates live mural paintings at DJ/hip hop events."

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

FP says: "Gerard Way is not only world famous as the lead singer of My Chemical Romance, but he is now making a name for himself in the world of comic book writing. The Umbrella Academy is a six issue limited series (released through Dark Horse) which has been meet with extraordinary praise and massive sales. It's not his first steps into the genre, Gerard used to work in the comic industry in New York before forming MCR in 2001. The inside illustrations in The Umbrella Academy are by Gabriel Ba' and the covers are by James Jean."

**Update** November 7th: FP have also asked us to pass on the following message: "PLEASE NOTE: Gerard Way will ONLY be signing copies of The Umbrella Academy. There will be a limit of 2 comics each person can get signed. Due to the limited signing time we can't guarantee that everyone who queues will be seen. Both editions of The Umbrella Academy will be on sale on the day."

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

FP says: "Jon Burgerman is an international artist / illustrator based in the UK who is famous for his distinctive doodling style which features various characters and creatures. Jon's work can be seen in everything from magazines, galleries, on walls (commissioned, of course!) and on vinyl art toys. His new range of Egg Qees are a typical example of his style. The Magic Of Colour Series 4 - 2.5 inch Qee Burgermenos Series will be available for him to sign / doodle during the day."

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

Event organisers Blackwell tell us this is an exclusive London evening so book tickets early to avoid disappointment is advised. Tickets are £7, (£5 concessions) and bookings can be made by calling 0845 456 9876 (lines open Monday-Friday, 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.) or by visit Blackwell, 100 Charing Cross Road, London.

More info: Blackwell

Source: Blackwell press release

Mr Banks will be interviewed by the BSFA's Farah Mendlesohn, and there will be an opportunity for attendees to pose their own questions and get their Banks books signed.

More info: www.BSFA.co.uk / Facebook event info

Source: BSFA Facebook Group alert

More info: www.mikecarey.net / bookshop.blackwell.co.uk

Source: George Walkley, Orbit Books

FP says: "Lift Off is for anyone with an interest in air vehicles. It's packed with over 600 sketches, concept designs and colour renderings. Start Your Engines is compiled using Scott's huge archives of ground vehicle drawings. It's 700 pages of futuristic and retrospective designs."

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

FP says: "Simon Furman is a vastly experienced comic book writer. He is probably best known for writing Transformers comics for Marvel UK and US, cartoons and Ultimate Guide books. Simon has also written a Doctor Who audio story, The Axis of Insanity, developed an online interactive comic book: The Engine: Industrial Strength and also written for Ronan, She-Hulk and Terminator 2: Infinity. Death's Head Volume 2 follows the British freelance peacekeeping agent on his greatest ever adventures. His travels take him far into the future and propel him back into the past where he locks blasters with a host of enemies including the Fantastic Four and Iron Man."

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

Elastic Press publisher Andrew Hook says: "Jai will be reading from her collection, and entrance is free. The book will be available at £5.00 on the day, or you can order through the website at £5.99 plus p&p. The more the merrier, please come along and support us at the first London launch since Extended Play last year."

More info: www.elasticpress.com

Source: Andrew Hook, Elastic Press

Both evenings will start at around 7.30 p.m. and will feature appearances by the hellish Lord Pin from LINT. Books / comics will also be available for sale at the gigs.

More info: www.steveaylett.com

Source: Steve Aylett

"The one day event on Saturday 13th October will feature Gollancz's very own The Last Wish [Amazon] by Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski as well as the latest in Polish design, fashion, music and animation. So if you're in London this weekend and are looking for something different, make sure you head to Poland Street. Above all it's completely free!"

More info: www.polishculture.org.uk

Source: Gollancz Books

Jeanette will be in conversation with journalist Alex Clark, taking questions from the audience and signing copies of her books. Tickets are £7 (concessions £5) and can be booked by calling 0845 456 9876 or visiting Blackwell, 100 Charing Cross Road, London

More info: bookshop.blackwell.co.uk

Source: Blackwell e-bulletin

FP says: "Contract has already gained rave reviews for Simon. SFX Magazine called it 'Crime fiction with a horrific twist that will certainly satisfy your faintly unnatural lusts.' Simon is still a bit amazed that he gets paid for doing something he loves and says that after being born, signing a publishing deal is the best thing that’s ever happened to him. He has also written numerous strips for 2000AD."

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

FP says: "Pia Guerra won the award for Outstanding Comic Book Artist 2006 at the Joe Shuster Awards. Since the mid 90’s she has worked for various independent titles but her breaking through came with with Y: The Last Man series. The comic is now in development as a major movie with New Line Cinema. Y: The Last Man - Motherland is volume nine in the ongoing series, following on from Kimono Dragons."

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

Mike (Lucifer, Hellblazer and many more) and Louise (Diary of a London Schoolgirl, Bethany’s Words) will be promoting their new co-written comic book Confessions of a Blabbermouth [Amazon]. There's an interview with Mike Carey about the project over at www.comicbookresources.com.

More info: Orbital Manga / www.mikecarey.net

Source: Emily Man, Orbital Manga & Comics

The event will be followed by an exclusive signing for ticket holders only, at Waterstone's Piccadilly. In addition, all ticket holders will be entered into a prize draw to win tickets to the premiere of Stardust the movie at the Odeon Leicester Square the following evening, October 3rd. The winning ticket will be drawn by Neil Gaiman at The Criterion.

Tickets cost £5, and you can book online at www.hayfestival.com or by calling 0870 990 1299.

More info: www.neilgaiman.com

Source: Becky Fincham, Headline Books

FP says: "Brian Froud began his career as a graphic designer before teaming up with Jim Henson to work as the conceptual designer for The Dark Crystal and then again on Labyrinth. Brian also took his imagination and artwork into books including the best sellers The World of the Dark Crystal, Lady Cottington’s Pressed Fairy Book, Goblins and Faeries.

"The Dark Crystal celebrates its 25th anniversary with the release of a new two disc DVD special edition. It’s been digitally re-mastered and is packed full of new bonus features. It also includes commentary from Brian Froud. Labyrinth, starring Oscar winner Jennifer Connolly and David Bowie, has also been released as an Anniversary Edition. This two disc set also features commentary from Brian Froud."

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com / www.worldoffroud.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

FP Says: "Eoin Colfer came to prominence in 2000 when he secured the biggest ever advance for a children’s novel by an unknown author. Artemis Fowl was the book that took the world by storm, and the series has gone on to sell over 1.7 million copies in the UK and Ireland and 7 million worldwide. Eoin has always been a huge fan of Graphic Novels and now fulfils his ambition of seeing Artemis Fowl in this format. Andrew Donkin is a widely experienced graphic novelist. He is the author of over 40 books for adults and children including Batman: The Legends of the Dark Knight for DC Comics."

More Info: www.forbiddenplanet.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

FP says: "Nathan had been working as a screenwriter in Hollywood for 15 years when he became fed up with the whole production cycle of selling a script. He decided to become a full time author and started to write novels. A little while later Nathan hooked up with Black Library and has now written a range of Warhammer books for them including Orcslayer, Valnir’s Bane and Tainted Blood."

More Info: www.forbiddenplanet.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release

Steve says: "Simon Munnery (League Against Tedium) headlines, plus Terry Saunders and tbc. From around 7.30pm. Featuring the hellish Lord Pin."

More info: www.steveaylett.com

Source: Steve Aylett

FP Says: "Clint Langley is started his career in the 90’s and has become a hugely sought-after artist. He has worked on various comic strips, [including] Slaine, Judge Dredd and Warhammer. Pat Mills is one of the founding fathers of 2000AD, and has created some of the comic's longest-running characters, including Slaine, The ABC Warriors and Nemesis The Warlock. His other work also includes writing and developing Judge Dredd and writing the classic World War One war comic Charley's War."

The comics-creating duo will be promoting Slaine: The Book Of Invasions: Volume 3 [Amazon], written by Pat Mills with artwork by Clint Langley, and Minotaur [Amazon], which Clint Langley worked on as a designer and artist and is out on DVD on the 3rd September.

More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com / Pat Mills' 2000AD profile / www.clintlangley.com

Source: Forbidden Planet press release