Comic Books

**It's time to delve back into the world of comics, and this year our pick is the critically acclaimed My Favourite Thing is Monsters. Please make sure you read Volume 1 (if we like it enough we may one day return to Volume 2!).** Here’s the summary from Goodreads: Set against the tumultuous political backdrop of late ’60s Chicago, *My Favorite Thing Is Monsters* is the fictional graphic diary of 10-year-old Karen Reyes, filled with B-movie horror and pulp monster magazines iconography. Karen Reyes tries to solve the murder of her enigmatic upstairs neighbor, Anka Silverberg, a holocaust survivor, while the interconnected stories of those around her unfold. When Karen’s investigation takes us back to Anka’s life in Nazi Germany, the reader discovers how the personal, the political, the past, and the present converge The meeting will start at 7pm and finish between 9.00 and 10pm (BST), with breaks in between. Just a reminder that the pub lets us to use the room at no charge so please do purchase drinks/food from the bar. Bringing in your own food from outside the pub is not allowed!

Join OverBoard to play the brilliant social deduction game Blood on the Clocktower in person at the brand new board game cafe Otter Chaos in Brixton. If you haven’t heard of Blood on the Clocktower before it is an evolution of classic party games like Mafia/Werewolf where a hidden evil team takes on the good team by lying and killing. The good team has a few tricks up their sleeve but will have to work together to deduce who the evil doers are in their midst. **This is a beginner friendly event so no experience with the game is necessary.** Please note that a gaming cover charge of \~£5 will be payable by each attendee to the venue so that we can make use of the space. We also encourage you to buy food and drink from the bar so we are supporting the business (I can highly recommend their pizzas!) If you want to know more about the rules of the game check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-aZP47Nm9g

Join to us to talk about Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" (1958) chronicles the life of Okonkwo, a proud, influential Igbo leader in colonial Nigeria whose life and community are torn apart by British colonialism and Christianity.

**Welcome to UK Mafia!** We meet regularly at **The Hydrant (Monument)** on the **Second Floor** (see large function room). It is near **London Bridge**. 1 Monument St, London EC3R 8BG **Do I need to know anything beforehand?** This is a **beginner-friendly** event, and most of you will be playing with us for the first time. You will get to play many games. Most importantly, this is a social activity, so feel free to talk to anyone between the games and have fun! **♂️ What is Mafia?** Have you seen 'The Traitors'? Play the game that 'Traitors' is based upon! Mafia is a 10-player social game; it can get competitive, but it's easy to learn. We play at multiple tables. You get a secret role and work with your team to win. A game lasts about 45 minutes, so we play many during the day. The **Mafia team** tries to hide and eliminate the **Citizens**, while the **Citizens** try to find the Mafia through deduction and logic. While this is a **beginner-only** event, we also host tournaments and online events with more experienced players from around the world. Ask us about our online games and trips abroad!✈️ *** **[How to Play?](https://bit.ly/HowToPlayMafia)** We will teach you how to play when you arrive. You will quickly see that the game has two phases: **Night:** * The Mafia secretly targets a Citizen * The *Don* (Mafia) learns if a player is the *Sheriff* * The *Sheriff* (Citizen) learns if someone is Mafia ☀️ **Day:** * Each player says in their turn who they think the Mafia are * Then, everyone votes publicly to eliminate one player The game continues until the Mafia are eliminated or they outnumber (or equal) the Citizens. We will explain all the rules at the venue, and you’ll pick it up. Want to learn more about the game? See our wide range of resources, including brochures and videos: **[https://bit.ly/EMF-TIPS](https://bit.ly/EMF-TIPS)** *** \*\* Why Mafia?\*\* Mafia is a global game played by over 15,000 people in 50+ countries, with clubs, tournaments, websites, and federations, like the [English Mafia Federation](https://bit.ly/EML2025) and the [Mafia World Cup](https://www.youtube.com/@MafiaWorldCup/streams). --- **❓Questions -** Message any admin, anytime! --- \- Mafia Tips\, Rules\, Videos\, Resources: **[https://bit.ly/EMF-TIPS](https://bit.ly/EMF-TIPS)** \- Watch games and lessons here: **[https://www.youtube.com/@MafiaWorldCup/streams](https://www.youtube.com/@MafiaWorldCup/streams)** **Contact UK Mafia Club** \- UK Mafia Club Instagram **[https://www.instagram.com/uk_mafia_club/](https://www.instagram.com/uk_mafia_club/)** \- UK Mafia Club YouTube **[www.youtube.com/@UKMafiaClub](http://www.youtube.com/@UKMafiaClub)** \- UK Mafia Club Telegram Channel **[https://t.me/UK_MAFIA_CLUB](https://t.me/UK_MAFIA_CLUB)** \- UK Mafia Club Telegram Chat **[https://t.me/UK_MAFIA_CLUB_CHAT](https://t.me/UK_MAFIA_CLUB_CHAT)** \- UK Mafia Club Discord **[https://discord.gg/fQM7duV96D](https://discord.gg/fQM7duV96D)** \- UK Mafia Club Email **[ukmafiaclub@gmail.com](http://ukmafiaclub@gmail.com/)** \- UK Mafia Club Mafgame profile **[https://mafgame.org/clubs/79/view](https://mafgame.org/clubs/79/view)** **Contact the Mafia World Cup:** \- Mafia World Cup Instagram **[https://www.instagram.com/mafiaworldcup/](https://www.instagram.com/mafiaworldcup/)** \- Mafia World Cup Facebook **[https://www.facebook.com/mafworldcup/](https://www.facebook.com/mafworldcup/)** \- Mafia World Cup Telegram **[https://t.me/Mafia_World_Cup](https://t.me/Mafia_World_Cup)**

**It's time for the Super Mario Galaxy Movie!!** Wednesday 8th April Vue West End (Leicester Square) 8:15pm (with pre social before) https://www.myvue.com/book-tickets **Book your own tickets for this event** and join us for the pre social if you so choose. At the time of writing this (1st April) we have booked seats H12-15. **Pre social - 6:30pm - 8pm** Bunga 90 167 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5PG **Event Coordinatoon** Join our whatsapp announcements https://chat.whatsapp.com/GYxo1GonGIbIvLlS6CpG8S **Support the community** Events are all run by volunteers which includes hosting, graphic design, admin. There are also high subscriptions for listing events plus allies the requirements such as nametags, posters and other things during events. Please donate yearly if you are able. this allows everyone the ability to socialise at all our other free events. Name: Mark Geer Account number: 03450947 Sort code: 04-00-04

On Wednesday 8th of April, public rallies and other events are taking place around the world in support of greater funding for research into longer healthy lifespans. [The Fund Longevity website](https://fundlongevity.org/en/why/) makes the case as follows: ***Aging Is a Problem***: Aging kills around 110,000 people every day. It is the primary risk factor behind nearly all major non-infectious diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and dementia. Beyond statistics, aging causes decades of frailty, pain, and loss of independence. It is the greatest source of human suffering that is being accepted as "normal". ***This Is Personal***: Everyone you love will age, suffer, and die because of it. So will you. If we had the ability to prevent this, choosing not to would be deeply unethical. If we can stop aging, we should. ***Stopping Aging Is Possible***: Aging is not a mystery or a force of nature. It is a biological process — and biological processes can be studied, modified, and treated. Over the past decades, scientists have identified many of the core mechanisms that drive aging at the cellular and molecular level. While our understanding is incomplete, it is already sufficient to begin developing real therapies. ***What Do We Mean by "Stopping Aging"?*** We mean treating aging as a medical condition. The goal is to restore and maintain youthful biological function — roughly equivalent to being in your twenties — for as long as you choose. This would prevent or reverse age-related diseases instead of treating them one by one. ***Is This Really Realistic?*** Yes. Thousands of scientists have publicly stated that aging is a solvable problem in the [Dublin Longevity Declaration](https://dublinlongevitydeclaration.org/). Research already shows that aging can be slowed, paused, or reversed in laboratory organisms. Some animals exhibit negligible aging or extreme longevity. Nature has already demonstrated that aging is avoidable — humans simply haven't applied these solutions to ourselves yet. ***Is It Difficult?*** Extremely. Reversing aging in humans will likely be more difficult than landing on the Moon. It will require entirely new biotechnologies and breakthroughs that don't exist yet. We will need to remove senescent cells, repair or replace damaged tissues, and solve many other problems we don't fully understand. This is one of the most difficult challenges humanity has ever faced, but just because it is difficult does not mean it is impossible. Many scientists agree that there are no fundamental laws of physics that prohibits stopping aging. Nature has done it in several animals already, like the hydra. ***What's Missing?*** Scale. Today, fewer than a thousand people worldwide are seriously working on solving aging — researchers, biotech founders, and advocates combined. That number needs to grow by at least 1000×. There is no major government agency dedicated to ending aging. Funding is fragmented. Regulation is outdated. Public urgency is nearly nonexistent. This will not change on its own. ***Why We Act***: Aging is the largest cause of death and suffering on Earth. Solving it requires a society-wide effort — scientific, political, and cultural. That's why we organize. That's why we demonstrate. That's why we demand action. Join us — and help make aging optional for humans and animals.\* == London Futurists gathering on 8th April == The arguments for greater funding for longevity science are strong - but at least a dozen arguments are often raised in opposition to such funding. In our gathering in *Ye Olde Cock Tavern* in Fleet Street, we'll take the opportunity to review these arguments - debating their merits, taking them apart brick by brick, and exploring what really lies behind these arguments. *Anyone who wishes to make a short presentation on this topic during this gathering should contact the organisers in advance.* == Schedule == 5:30pm: The room is available, for early get-togethers 6pm-6:45pm: Food is served; informal conversations 6:45pm-8:30pm: A number of interactive conversations, interspersed with opportunities to visit the bar 8:30pm: Informal networking == RSVP please == Registrations are capped at 40 people. *First-time attendees are welcome.* There's no charge to register or attend, but the pub will expect everyone to order at least one drink, and a reasonable number of attendees to [order some food to eat](https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/ye-olde-cock-tavern/menu?type=main+menu). Please order your food on your arrival, so that all plates can be set aside by 6:45pm to allow everyone to concentrate on the main discussion! == More about the venue == Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet Street, Holborn, London, EC4Y 1AA See [https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/ye-olde-cock-tavern](https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/ye-olde-cock-tavern) We'll be meeting in the room at the top of the stairs, though drinks should be ordered from the bar on the ground floor. \*\* Note that this is an in-person meeting, and there will be no remote access, sorry \*\*

If you are you interested on creating your own comic, but need help to put your vision together or do not know were to start then we may have the solution for you. Come talk shop with fellow creators, share experiences, ideas, techniques and tips to help each other grow and have a chance in the industry.

Would you enjoy a relaxed evening with fellow Science Fiction and Fantasy fans? If so, we’d love to meet you. Our next gathering takes place on **Saturday 11th April from 6pm** at **The Mad Hatter**, just by Blackfriars Bridge. Drop in, say hello, and join us for a drink. We’re a long‑running group that’s been meeting since **1998**—long before meetup sites existed. Over the years we’ve hosted celebrity meet‑and‑greets, attended conventions together, run role‑playing games, organised cinema trips, LARPs, and plenty more. These pub meetups are all about socialising and connecting with other Sci‑Fi and Fantasy enthusiasts. To help break the ice, we’ll be running a fun **team quiz at 8.30pm**. There’s no fee to attend—just pay for whatever food or drink you order at the venue.

We will be at the Alternative Book Fair on Thursday 9th April to see the brilliant Natasha Brown speak on Creative Marketing for Books. Tickets are free and bookable from the Alternative Book Fair website, but there will be walk-in availability too. We'll then be going to the The Lamb pub next door for a social. Everyone is welcome! Here's what Natasha will be speaking on: In this special session for the Alternative Book Fair, Booker Prize-longlisted and Granta Best of British Young Novelists author Natasha Brown speaks about the creative marketing strategies behind her novel Universality. Moving beyond traditional publicity, Natasha developed a suite of unconventional, in-world promotional materials — including a fictional magazine, an investigation board, and bespoke social media and podcast assets — all created on a shoestring budget and without the use of AI!

If you're looking for a laid back Saturday playing some board games and talking nerd stuff in a pub with some awesome people, this is the meetup for you! Whether you're new to London or just want to get some long-lost in-person socialisation, we're a friendly community and welcome you all. **What to expect:** We officially play from **2 PM to 7 PM**, but we keep it casual. Show up when you can, and stay as long as you like. If you’re having a good time, there’s usually a group that stays late for a few extra pints and chat. **Some house rules:** * We aim to ensure these events are friendly, welcoming and safe, and so we ask you abide by our [Code of Conduct](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YEl0gv61SkBFN-YF6fyVvuQYicWbWhRL/view?usp=drive_link) * We have a community box of games we keep in the pub, but please feel welcome to bring your own games along. Just be prepared to teach us how to play! * We don't charge a cover fee, so please help support the pub by ordering food and drink throughout the afternoon. * Please keep your RSVPs updated so we can manage numbers and ensure we can reserve enough tables.

Get ready to bring your sketchbook and art supplies for a chilled café sketching session! There'll also be a movie hangout afterwards! You're free to just attend the sketching session. If you'd like to come to the movie hangout, scroll down for more info. No matter your skill level lets grab a coffee and unleash our creativity into our sketchbooks. There's no formal guidance, you'll be free to get on with your own drawings/personal art projects while being able to connect with other local artists. You're welcome to join in on the group conversations or quietly get on with your art studies whatever your preference. A few basic drawing supplies (pencils, colouring pencils, erasers etc) will be provided but please bring your own sketchbook / tablet / paper / something to draw on! After the sketching session at approx 2:30pm, we will make our way to BFI IMAX in Waterloo for 3:30pm to see **The Super Mario Galaxy Movie**. The film starts promptly at 3:30pm - approx 5:20pm. I've booked seat H11 so make sure you book a seat in or around row H! [Link to buy your ticket](https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/imax/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=super-mario-galaxy-movie-2d) **(Make sure you book the 2D screening on 11th April at 3:30pm on page 4!)** Hope to see you there 👋 (Also please feel free to join even if RSVPs are full!)

***🐌 These slugs are disgusting, but that’s exactly why we love them!*** Hi guys 👋 We’re gathering to celebrate the **20th Anniversary** of **James Gunn's** directorial debut. Before he became known for his work with **DC** and **Marvel**, he made a name for himself focusing in the sci-fi horror world, both writing and directing these cult gems. This body-horror sub-genre is about an alien parasite that infects a wealthy man in a small town, turning residents into mutants and zombies. If you haven’t seen it yet—like me—come join this adventure with fellow horror fans. We’ll meet for drinks at **Victory House Wine Bar** before heading to **Prince Charles Cinema.** **Slither** will be showing on **Screen 2**, and I of course will be right on the front row, **A8**—feel free to join me there! After the film we reconvene for a **[Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/movieroadhouse/)** review. **Here’s to a fun, gooey night!** **See you all there,** **Dar** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 👉 **HEADS UP** * If you sign up and later can’t make it, please 🙏 drop us a quick message (or change your RSVP) — it really helps with planning. You can also follow me **[Darinka Yordanova](https://www.instagram.com/darikforme/)** \| or our club **[thehideoutmax](https://www.instagram.com/thehideoutmax/)** on instagram for fun updates. 🗓 **SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN** * **7:30 PM:** Drinks (Victory House French) * **9:00 PM:** Film (Prince Charles Cinema) * **11:00 PM** Review 📱**STAY CONNECTED** * Join our WhatsApp or Telegram groups (available by request), or hop onto our **[WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaDvGuK0AgW8KPxOnG2V)** or **[Telegram Channel](https://t.me/thehideoutuk)** for quiet updates without the chat. Whatever you prefer! 🎬 **PLOT DETAILS** * A small town is taken over by an alien plague, turning residents into zombies and all forms of mutant monsters. [Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SI0BcgVdSWg&themeRefresh=1) 🎟️ **TICKET INFO & PRICES** * **Price:** £14:00 * **Members Price**: £11:00 * **Tickets**: [Prince Charles Cinema](https://princecharlescinema.com/prince-charles-cinema/booknow/31625384/) 📍**VENUE ADDRESS** * **Victory House Wine Bar:** 14 Leicester Pl, London WC2H 7BZ * **Prince Charles Cinema:** 7 Leicester Pl, London WC2H 7BY 🔊 **HOW WE ROLL** * Have fun, be respectful, and no abuse of any kind * Three-time no-show limit (applies after your first attended event), please update your RSVP if your plans change * This group is for over-18s only 🌐 **FOLLOW US ONLINE** * [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thehideoutmax/) * [Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/movieroadhouse/) * [WhatsApp News Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaDvGuK0AgW8KPxOnG2V) * [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/thehideoutuk) * [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8lKPsVlDHcEnh3N6G6MQsw) * [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/hideoutmax) * [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehideoutlondon) * [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jonnyhideout/) (Jonny) * [Threads](https://www.threads.com/@jonnyhideout) 🫂**RELATED HANGOUTS** * [Movie Roadhouse (London)](https://www.meetup.com/movieroadhouse) * [Cosmic Nightmares Book Club (London)](https://www.meetup.com/cosmicnightmareslondon) * [Ani-Mates: London Animation & Art Group](https://www.meetup.com/london-motion-design-and-animation-group/?eventOrigin=your_groups) * [Film & TV Review (London)](https://www.meetup.com/film-chat/?eventOrigin=your_groups) * [Event Horizon Film Club (North Virginia)](https://www.meetup.com/event-horizon-film-club/?eventOrigin=home_groups_you_organize)

This Month's Book: *On A Sunbeam* by Tillie Walden Join us for discussion at the Granville Public Library from 6 to 7pm. Follow us on Instagram: @granvillepridebookclub

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * Feel free to come whether or not you’ve started or finished the book ◡̈ * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

Pay attention! We’re delaying a week for those of you who may be on Spring break and/or celebrating the holiday. Ok, no pancakes, but waffles-a-plenty. Join the local UX and Digital Design community for a casual monthly breakfast. Look for us upstairs!

Let’s try this popular Italian restaurant in Reynoldsburg. This is the menu: https://scaliristorante.com/#4e468054-0235-43e2-81c2-44e061341e9e