Gary Bainbridge

The Artist

2012-01-28T18:27:00.000Z

We went to see The Artist at the cinema last weekend. If you haven't seen it, I urge you to do so. It is a wonderful piece of work. It's full of comedy, wit and recreates the stylised world of silent films and talkies masterfully. There is a scene in the film where our hero George Valentin, played by Jean Dujardin, plays a swordsman-type role in a silent film. The idea just seemed to fall into place after that...

Draw Everyday Part I

2012-01-28T13:23:00.003Z

I made it one of my New Year's resolution this year to do at least one drawing every day. I firmly believe that if you don't use it, you lose it, so this is an attempt to keep practicing even if there isn't a major project going on. I started before Christmas, just to get into the swing of things, but also to build up some lieu days in the event that I miss a day in 2012. I'll post up a batch of them every week, or as near as I can to that. Maybe blogging every week should be next year's resolution.

Here's a first round of stuff that are mostly from either television shows my wife and I watch together, or imagination.

A Bit of a Review of the Year 2011

2011-12-29T12:34:00.001Z

I was going to call this post The Year of the Sugar Glider, but that seemed a bit conceited. Other things happened in 2011 aside from the runaway successes of SG, I just can't remember them.

I won't labour the points too much, but the year kicked off with a deluge of positive reviews of Sugar Glider issue one, which had been released in the November of 2010. In 2011, SG1 was joined by three more Sugar Glider titles, Sugar Glider Stories 1 was launched at the 2nd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair and finally, we got round to doing a Newcastle based launch for SG2. A thousand thank-yous to Mike and the crew at Travelling Man Newcastle. Finally, Sugar Glider Stories 2 was released at Thought Bubble. All of the titles have received positive reviews and any of the niggles about yet another superhero comic have been ironed out by issue two. This isn't a superhero comic, it's a comic about a girl who happens to have an absurd extra-curricular pursuit. Oh, and there's superheroes.

Speaking of conventions, the last of the year was an absolute delight. More is written elsewhere about how awesome and essential the Canny Comic Con was, but from my perspective, it was great to be able to meet Sugar Glider fans who had followed the series from the start, and new fans who were intrigued by this new Geordie heroine. The day itself was so much fun and I can't wait for next year's event.

One of the most wonderful and humbling and joyous things about doing Sugar Glider has been the fan art. We received a boatload at the start of the year, and it's kept coming with each release. A lot of people have taken to Susie so much as to spend some time drawing her. I think that's the greatest compliment. If you've got any fan art, of Susie in or out of costume, or indeed any of the Sugar Glider cast, email it, post it on Twitter, or the Facebook fan page or send a carrier pigeon.

New Year's Resolutions? Well, the obvious one is to get Sugar Glider 3 out, thus completing the trilogy. This is a big one for me really as I haven't completed a series since I first got into comics. Having said that, issues one and two have been so special, it would be a crime to rush the conclusion. Expect SG 3 before the end of 2012.

Secondly, I'd like to get super organised for comics fairs, preparing an emergency comic con kit esssentially. The reason being, I make that promise every time we do an event and always forget something. Never again. Plus, I don't do a massive number of events, so it would be good to get through them sans stress.

And finally, sort out the website. Andy Waugh has been badgering me about this for aaaaages, and his new site is amazing. I'm jealous. I want one too. So there.

Right, I think that's all for now. See you all on the 2012 side.

Sugar Glider Stories 2 Review at FPI

2011-12-21T10:31:00.002Z

Richard Bruton at Forbidden Planet International Blog has reviewed Sugar Glider Stories 2. And very pleasant it is too.

Richard had reservations about SGS 1, too many extra additions to a title that hadn't established itself. Too much too soon, as he put it. Now we've got four Sugar Glider comics under our belts and there's a precedent for these extras; a set up for SG 3 and a little context and clues for those who want to delve deeper into the characters. It's almost like a two tier system for the fans, if you're quite interested, pick up the main title, if you want more, pick up SGS too.

"There’s a sense that some of the things covered here are not only interesting context for Sugar Glider, but may even prove important to the story... This is definitely a good thing."

If you want to read the whole review, it can be found here. You can buy Sugar Glider Stories 2 and the rest of the series from here.

A Very Sugar Glider Christmas

2011-12-20T15:48:00.002Z

It looks like Sugar Glider isn't the only one in the skies this winter...

Just a quick festive sketch of SG to say thanks to anyone and everyone who's helped us out with Sugar Glider. From the reviewers to the SGS contributors, from the fans (and you lovely fan artists!) to the friends and families, thanks and Merry Christmas!

Let me know if you get a copy of SG in your stocking this year...

Leeds Alt Comics Fair, Thought Bubble and Canny Comic Con

2011-12-18T13:46:00.004Z

October, November and December were fun months due to each one taking in a comics event and inviting us along for the jaunt.

First up was the 3rd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair, an event that has cemented itself as one of my favourites because it's in a pub. It's also an intimate affair, deftly organised by Hugh 'Shug' Raine and Steve Tillotson. LACF offers a diverse cross section of the UK small press scene, based mainly in the north, but with guests from much further afield too. As a result, there's something for everyone and a chance to speak to all of the exhibitors, something that's just not possible at the bigger events. I was sharing a table with Andy Waugh and we had a lovely time in spite of freakishly high temperatures and sunny conditions keeping punters away from the venue. You can check out Hugh's photos from the event here.

This little Susie made her first appearance at LACF, and proved to be the most popular thing at the table. As I'm sure you'll remember, it was made by my sister from another mister, Scarlet Pyjamas for my birthday way back in May. Someone suggested, in jest or in a stroke of genius perhaps, that she should come free, Beano-style, with a copy of the comic. As only one is in existence, that may be a bit of a bother...

Back in Leeds for Thought Bubble in November, it was the festival's first outing as a two-dayer. I was going for the weekend, sharing with Andy on Saturday and Helen Entwisle on the Sunday. We had a great one, and struck a nice balance between good sales and meeting comics mates new and old. My Sugar Glider co-creator, Daniel Clifford was also at TB, launching his new venture, Art Heroes, which you should check out. Here's a photo of mine and Andy's work entertaining the troops.

The last event of the year was a new one, the Canny Comic Con is the first comics event that has taken place in Newcastle in over fifteen years, it is the only major comics event in the gap between Inverness and Leeds and it was an absolute pleasure to be at Newcastle City Library to sell our wares. There was an electric atmosphere, with a crowd representing a range of ages and backgrounds. For me it's always a pleasure to sell stuff in Newcastle as that's where all or most of my work is set. Newcastle is essential to Sugar Glider, so it makes sense to get into the Toon and talk to its denizens about their superhero. It wasn't intentional, but our latest title, Sugar Glider Stories 2, even has the new City Library on the front cover! If you want to see what it all looked like, head over here. If you want to hear some interviews with exhibitors and guests head over here. Sales on the day were excellent, but more importantly, we got the chance to speak to returning Sugar Glider fans. Thanks for taking the time to stop by guys! Also a massive thank you to Alex and Stace who organised this wondrous day is such an effortless manner. I'll leave you with a photo of me and Andy at our table.

All in all, it was a great run of events to finish up the year. Three very different cons, but all were essential and I left them all with a great buzz for making comics and I'm looking forward to the next event in 2012.

Hopefully see you then.

Thought Bubble 2011

2011-11-16T19:35:00.000Z

It's a highly exciting time of year, or rather stressful... Thought Bubble's legendary comic con begins this weekend and I will be exhibiting comics new and old from the Sugar Glider universe, as well as classics like Grainger Street and Nightbus. I'll be sharing the table with my comrade-in-arms, Andrew Waugh on the Saturday. If you haven't read his modern fable, Hermit, then you should know your mother and I are very disappointed in you. I suppose you'll have a chance to rectify that on Saturday though, by still... On the Sunday, I'll be joined by the multi-talented printmaker and illustrator, Helen Entwisle. Be sure to pick up one of her joyous cards, prints or curios for a loved one for Christmas.

The 3rd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair

2011-09-28T20:31:00.000Z

If you're in or around Leeds on Saturday 1st October, get yourself to A Nation of Shopkeepers for some comics, zines, art and craft related fun. I'll be exhibiting alongside my comics comrade, Andrew Waugh (Ooooh! New website!) and on our table you'll have the pleasure of perusing and purchasing all of the Sugar Glider series so far, including Sugar Glider #2, the "Empire Strikes Back of comic books" according to Geek Syndicate. I'll also have a prints from Sugar Glider Stories and SG badges. As ever, there'll be Grainger Street and Nightbus. Andy will have his joyous offerings, Coupledom and Hermit, a modern fable that you really should have by now. We'll also have our illegitimate joint creation, Show & Tell, a flip book with a taster of Waugh and a snifter of Bainbridge.

Also at the fair will be our chums from previous LACFs and some new folks. The Leeds Alt Comics Blog has exhibitor profiles for each of the newbies. I recommend you have a looksee. The full list of exhibitors can be found here.

So if you're around on Saturday, do say hello.

Sugar Glider 2 Review at FPI

2011-09-23T19:01:00.001Z

Thanks again to Richard at Forbidden Planet International Blog who took time out to review Sugar Glider 2 this week.

Daniel and I have been really pleased with the responses we've had about SG2, but this review is one that I was looking forward to, as Richard was impressed with parts of SG1, but not all of it, questioning the existence of the book as a whole. Essentially asking the question that's been in the back of my head since starting this project, "what is the point of yet another superhero book?" So it was rather encouraging to read these words,

"Do we need another superhero series? … Yes we do, especially when it’s as enjoyable and fresh as Sugar Glider."

If you'd like to read the whole review, it can be found here. If you 'd like to pick up a copy of Sugar Glider 2, or any of the other titles in the series, head over here or here. Or come down to the Leeds Alternative Comics Fair on 1st October.

The 3rd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair

2011-09-02T19:33:00.000Z

The 3rd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair or if you prefer, #LACF3 is almost upon us! Taking place yet again, in the lovely pub that is A Nation of Shopkeepers in Leeds city centre on Saturday 1st October. It's a fantastic event, the last two have been mine and Andy Waugh's favourite events of the past few years and it's largely down to the small size and variety of exhibitors. It basically means you can get a look at what everyone's got on offer and actually have a few proper conversations with people. The exhibitors all have a wide variety of stuff on their tables, there's an array of genres of alternative comics, as the name suggests, as well as books, prints, illustrations, art, craft, badges, nick-nacks, gee-gaws and thingamabobs. Did I mention it's in a pub as well? It's in a pub.

The event is hosted by Steve Tillotson (Banal Pig) and Hugh “Shug” Raine (REET! Comics), and they'll be entertaining their guests from previous LACFs: me and Andy, Gareth Brookes, Helen “Memo” Entwisle, Huw “Lem” Davies, Ben Clark, Kristyna Baczynski and Geof Banyard (Fetishman).

And joining the party this time round are James Downing (COUK), Jim Medway, Isaac Lenkiewicz, Kelly Walton, Bob Milner (Milk Two Sugars) and a cameo appearance from Darryl Cunningham, of Psychiatric Tales fame. I've had a look at their websites and I'm looking forward to awkward conversations with each of them.

The non legendary communal table will also be making a return, having ben finding itself in Goa these past few months. Non-exhibitors can bring their comics along to sell in return for helping out at the table for a stint.

So to recap: the 3rd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair is at A Nation of Shopkeepers in Leeds from 12noon to 5pm. It's FREE entry and all of the details can be found at the LACF website, on Facebook, by searching for "Leeds Alternative Comics" or on Twitter @leedsaltcomics.

Sugar Glider 2 Launch Event

2011-08-26T15:13:00.001Z

It's short notice, I know, but I've been out of the country. You know how it is for us jet setting comics types. Anyway, here's the skinny:

If you're in Newcastle, its environs, or indeed anywhere in or near the North East of Angleterre tomorrow, Saturday 27th August, then get yourself to Travelling Man Newcastle from 1-4pm. Why, you ask? Well, TM is the finest purveyor of comics and stuff in the land, they were the first shop to stock my small press wares many moons ago and the staff are some of the awesomest of people ever.

But that's not all. Tomorrow, Daniel Clifford and I are launching Sugar Glider #2. Not only is Susie faced with greater struggles than last time, both at home and in the streets, not only do we get a greater glimpse at some of the wider universe revealed in Sugar Glider Stories, but you also get a bonus comic, Anthony, written by Daniel and drawn by Lee Robinson.

And what's more, if you're at Travelling Man tomorrow, you can get yourself a copy of the comic before anyone else, have it signed and have a chat with us. That sounds like a pretty good day out, eh?

Daniel and I have made appearances and launched SG and SGS at various events up and down the country, but never have we done anything in the city where Sugar Glider is set. Soon, that oversight will be corrected. So get yourself down there. The full details are here.

Sugar Glider 2 Cover

2011-08-14T14:11:00.000Z

The wait is almost over. At the back of Sugar Glider #1, you may remember being teased with these questions...

Those questions are about to be answered, some in full, some in part, with Sugar Glider #2. We finished it yesterday and Daniel and I started tweeting about it, drumming up some interest. Before we knew it, we'd passed another milestone of fans of the Sugar Glider Facebook page, demanding we reveal the front cover. Here it is, if you missed it:

Slightly tweaked from the preview you saw in Sugar Glider Stories #1, with the addition of some watercolour in the background. What I thought would have been a fairly simple paint scan, cut and paste in Photoshop, turned out to be quite the arduous task. I won't go into the details, but I really feel that I learnt a lot from colouring this front cover, and indeed, the as yet unrevealed back cover.

I was really blown away by the responses, comments, retweets, and so forth across the social media we exist upon. Thanks a lot guys! Here's hoping you enjoy the innards as much as this humble cover.

Sugar Glider #1 and Sugar Glider Stories #1 are available at Daniel's shop. We're down to the last few copies, so get them while you can.

Sugar Glider #2 will be available in a couple of weeks.

Sugar Glider 2 Previews

2011-08-10T21:51:00.001Z

Well this Photoshop business is taking longer than I'd expected, but this comic is going to knock your socks off, so trust me, it'll be worth the wait.

Daniel kicked off by posting this on our Sugar Glider Facebook page.

Just who is this snappy dresser? All will be revealed in SG 2! Although, if you've got a copy of SG 1, you might know his name...

Anyway, here's our protagonist, Susie Sullivan, in her headquarters. Or bedroom of you prefer.

If anyone cares, and you shouldn't, Metro Radio is a shoddy local radio station that is largely remembered for the shouty commercials rather than the music.

Here's Tyneside's favourite copper, Terry Tiernan, under a pile of paperwork. But what's going down in the town? I'm not telling.

More censorship now, as Susie has a costume change into some threads I'm sure you'll all recognise. But what's caused her to pull the uniform out of the cupboard after the events of issue one? Well that would be telling.

Keep checking back here and the Facebook page for more reveals and so forth. At the time of writing, we have 178 fans, and we have a habit of revealing important things and giving stuff away when we get to landmark numbers, so if you haven't joined, head over there now and click 'like'. Dead easy. If you do like us, tell your mates. Or we'll break you legs*.

*There will be no breaking of legs.

It's a Process, Part II

2011-07-28T20:06:00.004Z

Welcome back, and sorry for the delay. At the time of writing, I'm just over halfway through inking Sugar Glider #2. Progress is slow, but there are a lot of real world references and technical drawing in this one, and I want to make this book amazing. Not good, not ok, but amazing.

Here's part two of the process, the scanning. Let's start with all the kit. I scan with an old HP All-in-One I got during my uni days. Obviously, I use a Mac, equipped with Photoshop CS4 and a rather pleasant Wacom Bamboo tablet.

First up, here's what the scanned image looks like. I scan at 300dpi RGB, if you were wondering. You can see that the blue pencil lines are really light and dead easy to clean up. At this point, I'd desaturate the image (shift+cmd+U).

So it looks like this...

From here, all that needs to be done to get rid of the pencils lines is some simple adjustments, I've done loads of combinations of adjustments over the years, even running the whole thing through Illustrator, but the method I've settled on is a simple balancing act between Curves (cmd+M) and a Gaussian Blur (Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur).

I use Curves to eliminate the mid greys of the desaturated pencil lines and to accentuate the black of the ink. This is achieved with what's called an 'S' curve, shown here.

With this kind of image, you can afford to go even more extreme than this, but if you do, you run the risk of losing some subtleties of the line work, or accentuating some dust on the scanner or accidental inking. So it's always a good idea to keep checking the whole image, but you can add a really slight Gaussian Blur (I usually go between 0.6 and 1.2 pixels). This won't really affect your linework, but it will be enough to get rid of any dust or errors that are too numerous or small to remove with the Brush Tool (B). After that, I bring back the cleanness of the lines with another 'S' curve in Curves. If there are any errors after that, this is the only time I'd manually remove them with the Brush Tool. This demonstrates the use of the Wacom tablet, it really is a million times more accurate than a trackpad or mouse.

This is what the linework should look like now.

Then it's panel borders. I create a New Layer (shift+cmd+N), rename it “panel borders” and begin drawing some rectangles with the Shape Tool (U). I usually give these a colour so they can be distinguished from the white background. Then, in Layer Effects, I give the layer a Stroke. I can't remember exactly how many pixels, but it's less than ten and is consistent throughout the comic.

Then it's grey tones. I select with the Polyganal Lasso Tool (L). Sometimes I buddy it up with the Magic Wand Tool (W), but Lasso works best alone. He's a maverick. I have my grey tones set to an Action in Photoshop, but it's done in Levels (cmd+L), and I drag the output levels to 192, again, to keep the greys consistent. I reselect and repeat the action for darker greys.

So there you have it. That's how I draw, ink and edit Sugar Glider. Any questions? Oh, right, the finished panel? Here it is...

Hmmm... Susie looks somewhat peeved. Curious. Stick around for more SG2 progress reports!

EDIT

Since this post went live yesterday, I've had some input from other artists sharing their techniques and processes. That's one of the things I found really frustrating about Photoshop when I first learnt its ways: that there would be a million different ways to do one thing. Now I find it fascinating, because it's not a case of "here's the long way and here's the secret, correct way to do things"; far from it, it's simply what works for each artist. Both Terry Wiley and Jack Couvela suggested the following:

First start by "saturating" the image instead of desaturating, so that the pencil lines are even more blue. I guess you could do this any way you want again, Colour Balance, Hue/Saturation, etc. Then go into Channels and click on the Blue Channel. This makes the other Channels invisible and shows you the Blue Channel on its own. The black lines remain, and the blue pencil lines are now very nearly all Channel at the top of the Channels Palette, then Paste (cmd+V). This will give you your desaturated image, but this time, the pencil lines are removed for you.

Of course, you'll need to boost the contrast etc. from here, but it leaves all of the subtleties of the line that you run the risk of losing with blurs.

Thanks guys! If anybody else has suggestions, let's hear them in the comments, or however else you want to get in contact. Also, if any of you have used these techniques on my, or indeed our, recommendations.

It's a Process, Part I

2011-07-01T20:25:00.000Z

Right, let's get you all excited about Sugar Glider #2 coming out! The script and breakdowns are done, the pencils are drawn and I'm currently inking, so I thought I'd show you guys a little of the process. Part One will look at the traditional media and Part Two will cover what happens in Photoshop.

So obviously, Daniel and I have agreed on an outline for the book, he's written a brief breakdown of the plot points, followed by a full script. Usually I'd suggest changes or redrafts at this point, but Daniel's scripts recently have been pretty much flawless. Rest assured, SG2 will blow your socks off. We talk about things like pacing and try to get to grips with the flow of the whole book all the way down to the tiny details of dialogue. Once that's done, I'll breakdown the script into pages and panels, again, we're pretty much in sync with what we want from the book, so there's not a lot of guesswork here. At this point, we'd meet up for a chat about how the book's looking; we can now see if dialogue needs changing or removing, if the flow of panels works etc.

When we're both happy with the breakdowns, I'll draw out all of the pages and start drawing the comic. I use relatively cheap 135gsm paper and an automatic Parker pencil, emblazoned with my name and loaded with Staedtler Mars micro blue lead. I can no longer get it from the art shop in Newcastle, so it's purchased from Cult Pens.

I draw really loose in these stages and only need to tighten up if the scene is busy or if I'm doing a scene that is either unfamiliar or needs to repeated in a following panel. This image is probably a good example of how the majority of the book is pencilled.

When I posted this preview on Twitter, some mystery follower responded with this:

"wow!! Epic reveal!! Susie is in it! Insane! From Your loving wife x"

Very cryptic.

The next stage is inking, but before that, again, we'll reconvene to see if anything needs moving around and changing. Minor changes aside, Daniel only suggested that three panels needed a major rethink; which was to the benefit of the whole scene.

I ink with a 0.8mm Uni Pin Technical Fineliner, I also have a 0.1 on standby but these days I favour the eight hands down. I must go through a ton of these, and I get them from the art shop in Newcastle. The majority of the heavy black tones are produced with my secret weapon, the brush pen. I use the Copic Ciao Marker Pen, which I favour because it's much more resilient than other bush pens I've tried, it's cheaper than others, it comes with a medium broad chisel tip at the other end and it's refillable. On the negative side, I must have went through hundreds before I found out it was refillable and they are a real pain to refill. The ink will spill land it will turn your hands black. Having said that, it's preferable to chucking the whole pen away and buying a fresh one. I buy my refills here.

And this is what the above panel looks like inked, as you can see, the blue lines are very much a compositional guide and the majority of the drawing is done with the eight and the brush pen. I don't erase my blue lines, Photoshop is my eraser, and I scan the completed page.

Thought Bubble 2011

2011-06-11T19:15:00.002Z

I announced it, like, aaaaaages ago on Twitter, but in case you missed it, I'll be at the prestigious comics event of choice for the discerning punter, Thought Bubble.

This year, the comics convention is over two days, Saturday 19th November and Sunday 20th November. I'll be there for both days, with the usual classics, Grainger Street, Sugar Glider and Show & Tell. All being well, we should have new comics for you in the form of Sugar Glider #2 and Sugar Glider Stories #2. Oooooh! If you're interested, Daniel and I are working on both at the moment, I'm pencilling out SG2 and DC is finalising the roster of creators involved in SGS2, there'll be updates in the coming weeks, so stick around.

As always, my tablemate on Saturday is the charming beardy scotsman, Andrew Waugh. He'll have his joyous and thoughtful modern fable, Hermit. Andy's sure to have a few surprises up his sleeve too. Like a flick knife.

On the Sunday, I'll be joined by the über talented printmaker and illustrator, Helen Entwisle, who will have an abundance of screen printed tote bags, cards, zines, badges, brooches and beautiful stuff.

And if that isn't enough to get you all worked up with anticipation, have a gander at the exhibitors page for the festival - it's sure to be a good one!

Sugar Glider! Now in Felt!

2011-05-30T22:30:00.000Z

So it's coming to the end of the merry month of May and as I finish tidying up from my birthday merriments, I think it's time to share with you some of the awesomeness. My main present from my lovely wifey was a desk, no, the desk I've been pining for since forever. It came completely out of the blue and was already set up in my studio ready for some drawing to happen. I'm not going to post a photo up here, as we've had a request for photos of our workspaces on the forthcoming Sugar Glider website, so no spoilers! Incidentally, if you want anything in particular on the SG site, let us know via Facey-B.

Something else I've been after for a while has been a felt Sugar Glider, ever since I became intensely jealous of Andy Waugh's table mascot at last year's Thought Bubble. My sister from another mister, Scarlet Pyjamas obliged and made me this little SG, which you can see in the felt at the next comics fair I attend, or here, against the backdrop of this fake Newcastle skyline.

Sugar Glider Stories Review at FPI

2011-05-22T14:59:00.000Z

Richard Bruton over at Forbidden Planet International Blog is the lovely chap who reviewed Sugar Glider #1 back in February, for those of you who can't remember, that review is here.

On Friday, he reviewed SG's sister publication, Sugar Glider Stories, and said rather complementary things about Daniel's writing, "a good ear for dialogue", and my strip, which I wrote and drew, "a great four pager". The full review can be read here.

Overall, the purpose of an anthology expanding the universe of such a new book was questioned, but it's something we were aware of. It's my hope that SGS will be more of a slow burner, and some people may choose to read all three of the main title before coming to the anthologies to fill in some gaps. Personally, I wanted to expand on the motivations of the antagonists in Sugar Glider with my four page strip in SGS, which I think I achieved. Those kids have a clear purpose now, which wasn't always made evident in Sugar Glider. If you were intrigued, or just confused, and wanted more, then that's why Sugar Glider Stories exists.

Sugar Glider Stories is available here for three pounds plus p&p.

In other news, there's more fan art on the SG Facebook page! Go see! And badges! You want badges? Get some here.

More Fan Art & Sugar Glider #2 Progress Report

2011-05-19T21:10:00.000Z

If you're not already a fan of Sugar Glider Comics on Facebook, then you should be. Forshame! One great reason to click the link and like our page, is because you'll then get to see the abundance of super-awesome fan art that Daniel and I have been collecting since Sugar Glider #1 came into the world last November.

The latest is by Dani Abram and perfectly captures the ethos of the character. I've said this before, but seeing new Sugar Glider fan art is one of my favourite things about making this comic. It is such a huge compliment and so sweet that real people take time out of their lives to draw a character we created. Thank you!

In other news, work is progressing on SG #2, with new character designs taking up the bulk of our time. The whole book, however, is written, broken down into funny little pictures and approximately one third pencilled out for reals. I'll keep you lot updated as and when. There probably won't be any exciting pictures for now, so do be patient until I start inking!

Anyway, I turn old tomorrow, so I'd best be off. Take care now.

2nd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair Aftermath

2011-03-22T19:30:00.000Z

@GB_COMICS Well that was mint. #LACF2

I think that sums things up the weekend's events rather succinctly. The Leeds Alternative Comics Fair is fast becoming my favourite comics event for a number of important reasons: the vibe is relaxed, the fellow exhibitors are jolly pleasant people and the punters are good crack too. The event is small and that just adds to the intimate atmosphere.

This was the first comics fair that Andrew Waugh and I have ever attended where there was no stress, panic or heart attacks during setting up. We were kindly offered sharesies with Dr Geoff Banyard of Fetishman comics fame, and we were flanked by printmaker Helen Entwisle on our left. Thanks for the great company guys! It's always a pleasure to see Kristyna Baczynski, Adam Cadwell, Gareth Brookes and organisers Steve Tillotson and Hugh 'Shug' Raine. Lest we forget new chum John Allison and PJCC legend Ben Clark.

Andy had a successful day, selling out of his latest acclaimed title, Hermit and his B-sides and rarities comic, Blether. Our joint effort, Show & Tell also sold well, as did Sugar Glider (only one left of the first printing!) and Sugar Glider Stories, which seems to have gone down equally well with small press and mainstream readers.

Pictures of the event and our remarkably blue table can be seen here.

More Reviews, Fan Art, Exhibition and LACF

2011-03-16T22:51:00.000Z

Sugar Glider Stories got its first review at Comic Buzz yesterday. It's a glowing review, here's a snippet:

"Strong, driven stories with vivid well drawn characters, there is some real talent working here, and they offer a fresh and exciting contrast to the mainstream."

The whole review can be read here.

Also this week, Comics Bulletin gave the main title, Sugar Glider #1 a rather pleasant review. Which can be read here.

I was rather chuffed with this line:

"Gary Bainbridge provides chunky, expressive linework reminiscent of something from Oni or one of those indie graphic novels about how awfully difficult it is to be middle class and have no real problems in life."

Some valid points are raised, but the overall potential of the character and stories we're telling seems to permeate through. Hurrah! Comics Bulletin also mentions SG's threads: "The costume itself is a strong design, combining a simple and effective black and white scheme with some realistic touches." It's the second time recently that people have complimented the Sugar Glider uniform, which is really encouraging! I'll expect you all in cosplay at the next comics fair.

Speaking of which, the 2nd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair in on this Saturday. Come see me and Andy and buy some comics and have a bit chat!

Also this week, the Paper Jam Comics Collective are officially launching their latest anthology, History ...And That, at Made in Newcastle via the medium of a group exhibition. I have three prints in the show which you can purchase for a mere pittance!

Also, we've been receiving a massive amount of Sugar Glider fan art, it's all online on the Facebook page. Go see! Now do your own, because we'll feature some of the best in Sugar Glider #2!

Sugar Glider Stories

2011-03-11T18:52:00.001Z

Sugar Glider Stories is now finished and on sale over the Interwebs at my humble Shop, and also at Daniel's shop. For those of you who missed the big reveal, here is the cover that, surprisingly enough, didn't kill me...

The book looks at the lives and events of characters other than Susie, and also sets the scene for further developments in the main title, which you folks will see in Sugar Glider #2, due for release in the Summer. Or thereabouts.

Sugar Glider Stories was edited and written by Daniel and myself, and features art from numerous small press legends, newcomers and passers-by: Martin Eden, Matthew Craig, Graham Pearce & Jim Cameron, Lee Grice, Andrew Waugh, Martin Newman & The Christian, Dan Gilmore, Simon Cavanagh, Kevin 'Gio' Logue, James Cornell and Ian Mayor. You can read interviews and rants with each of the creators at Daniel's new blog. I'll take this opportunity to offer profound thanks to each of the contributors, you've really done something special here, guys! There's also a couple of strips written by me and drawn by Daniel!

For those of you who want a physical copy and a conversation with my good self, you can come to the 2nd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair on Saturday 19th March, at A Nation of Shopkeepers, Leeds and pick up a copy there.

2nd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair

2011-02-27T20:06:00.001Z

The 2nd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair is just around the corner, so I offered to do a poster as a cheers me dears to Steve and Hugh for putting on the bestest show in the small press comics calendar. The fair takes place in Leeds on Saturday 19th March. See you there!

Sugar Glider Review at FPI

2011-02-16T21:03:00.000Z

Forbidden Planet International Blog have kindly reviewed Sugar Glider #1. It's a rather positive write up and both Daniel and I are really pleased with it, especially the closing comments:

"Bainbridge especially has some lovely artistic touches throughout Sugar Glider that mark him out as someone to keep an eye on."

High praise indeed! But we can't afford to rest on our laurels, work on the forthcoming Sugar Glider Stories continues this week and next. If you want to read the full review from Richard Bruton on the FPI Blog.

And you can buy a copy of Sugar Glider at the Shop.

Fan Art

2011-02-16T20:32:00.000Z

Newcastle's comics legend, Jack Fallows has done us some lovely Sugar Glider fan art, but I'm not going to post it so you have to go to his site to see it. Sneaky.

If you want more, there's a gallery of SG fan art on the Facebook page. While you're there, say you like us. Even if you only tolerate us.

A few things to mention...

2011-02-09T20:03:00.000Z

After the First Leeds Alt Comics Fair, naturally enough will follow the Second Leeds Alt Comics Fair. Last September's event was on reflection, my favourite comics event of the year. These things are never down to sales, but this event seemed to balance quality banter and camaraderie with a consistent footfall of punters who were willing to take a gander at our work. The second event will take place on Saturday 19th March, and the Nord-est will be represented by myself and Andy Waugh.

Sugar Glider's debonaire scribe, Daniel Clifford and PJCC member Martin Newman were on the radio last night talking comics with BBC Tees' Bob Fischer. In between the highly pleasant tunes, Daniel and Martin talked anthologies, zombies and touched on the creative impulse behind Sugar Glider. You may listen again for a week after broadcast.

Daniel also has a new website for you to add to your bookmarks and RSS feeds, in which he will be revealing the full list of contributors to Sugar Glider Stories. Each contributor has been interviewed by The Sidekick Cast's host, Gavin Jones.

Oh, and if you're interested, Sugar Glider Stories will be out hopefully in time for Leeds Alternative Comics Fair.

Sugar Glider and Art... And That Reviews on SPBM

2011-01-11T23:09:00.001Z

Sugar Glider has received another highly mint review from Small Press Big Mouth, everyone's favourite podcast. Stacey has been gracious enough to give me great reviews of Nightbus and Grainger Street, but this time, it's Lee who gets his mits on the comic first. He picked up on the noticeable visual development, almost like a rather public six or seven pages of me figuring out how to make SG not look like Nightbus, but still stay true to my work. He picks up on the text and offers a compelling case for using fonts, but I have my reasons for using hand drawn text. Maybe I'll go into them at length later. If you're interested.

On the same podcast, there's a review from Stacey of Art... and that, the Paper Jam Comics Collective's seventh anthology, which features me on covers and Duchamp references. I was really chuffed that mine and Andy's strips get special mentions for services to awesomeness.

Cheers guys!

You can listen to Small Press Big Mouth Episode 27 here.

Sugar Glider and Show & Tell Reviews

2011-01-06T22:36:00.003Z

If you prefer listening to your comics reviews over reading them, head over to here and download The Sidekick Cast. within, you'll find much talk of comics, largely for a mainstream audience, and a rather pleasant review of Sugar Glider #1. The review, and podcast as a whole, brings up an interesting point, as there seems to be a lot of ill feeling towards recent comics output from the mainstream (I wouldn't know, I haven't read any Daredevil since the legendary Bendis/Maleev run), leading the comics reader to get their fix elsewhere. The Sidekick Cast suggests that Sugar Glider, with its superhero content, and small press ethics serves as a way in for mainstream readers to dip into self published comics. I certainly hope this is the case when we bring out the anthology, Sugar Glider Stories, and can introduce mainstream fans to other small press folks. Conversely, I'd like to hear what fans of indie and small press fans think of SG, as we've had good reviews largely from comics readers who favour the big two.

Show & Tell got another review this week too, at 365 zines a year, as with the previous review, Andy's half got an excellent write up, whereas my half fell by the wayside. As they say, all press is good press, and I'm certainly not going to give up making comics after a couple of poor reviews, but it has made me want to get to the bottom of why the book got such split reviews. It's definitely not down to the work jarring, Andy's work and mine really complement each other, so the answer must lie elsewhere.

I keep going back to the aims of Show & Tell, to cross promote our work, to gain new fans with work from an artist you know and an artist you don't. Like Film Four. One thing that I think prevents my half of the book from working is that my choice of strips didn't fit with the intention of the book. Andy's Madam Doreen and Big Things Hiding Behind Small Things show off his skills as a storyteller and illustrator & master of the visual gag respectively. Those strips promote Andy's talents and give a flavour of his work. My strips serve to confuse readers who are coming fresh to the work. The Nightbus story leaves people confused rather than intrigued, neither knowing not caring who the characters are. It's a strip for fans of the Nightbus series, completists perhaps, who recognise Conrad, César and friends from issues 1 & 2 and buy into the switches from action to mundanity and vice versa. They know and understand the set up, and a reader who has never seen an issue is left wondering why the story starts in such a bizarre way, compared to the main body. Merry Fox is an unpublished work from a few years back, again, not promoting current work, but a mere bonus for fans who may want to see some of my earlier experiments with narrative.

They're not bad comics on my side of the staples in Show & Tell, but they are poor choices, given that the aim of the book was one of cross promotion.

If you want to decide for yourself, You can buy Sugar Glider here and Show & Tell here

Style Meme

2010-12-20T18:11:00.000Z

I did this on a Snow Day after discovering the work of the super talented Elena Barbarich, an artist who also goes by the name Yamino. She was at Thought Bubble this year, but I missed the chance to speak to her. I did however see some of her awesome work and had a go at her Style Meme. Want to play too? Pick one of your characters, download the template, and draw your creation in a variety of visual styles.

For your reference:
Regular: Sugar Glider!
European: It was a tough call, but I used this panel to pay homage to one of my heroes, Lewis Trondheim.
American: Riffing around the cover of Amazing Spider-man #1, art by Steve Ditko. I loved the idea, but I'd like to polish this one a bit more, it just didn't come out right. Early Spidey comics were one of the inspirations for the mood of Sugar Glider - the fun aspect in particular.
Japanese: Yeah, I don't really know a massive number of manga artists, but this refers to subjective motion and look at that lovely halftone.
2-year old: I used to draw massive spiky hands when I was a bairn.
Realism: This is a photo from Thought Bubble, I was telling Magda Boreysa about Sugar Glider and she said she'd seen a cosplayer dressed as Sugar Glider - clearly when we tracked her down, it turned out she was dressed as Catwoman, but she kindly held up a copy of the comic for our picture. Now you know what you have to dress as next year!
Internet Meme: LOLShugz. This is something that has to catch on! The image is from hoothollow.com, please don't sue, it's all good fun!
Retro: Based around a number of 50s and 60s romance comics, again, more of an experiment with halftone goodness, this time in colour.
Alternate Reality: What If... Newcastle were protected by a real life giant Sugar Glider?
Freestyle: In the style of Yamino's character Sister Claire. Had some fun learning some new colouring techniques.

Show & Tell Video Interview

2010-12-20T14:13:00.002Z

In case you missed the tweet on Friday, last month at Thought Bubble, Andy and I were interviewed about Show and Tell by Geek Syndicate's ambassador, David Montieth. Be astounded at my inability to turn pages and talk at the same time.

When you're done, go download some of Geek Syndicate's podcasts and buy a copy of Show & Tell in time for Christmas!

Show & Tell Review at FPI

2010-12-12T14:40:00.002Z

Just a quick heads up here, Andy and I get reviewed at Forbidden Planet International Blog this weekend, Andy came off better, but to be honest, even though I didn't get a good review personally, I'm dead chuffed. The book succeeded 100% in its intention of introducing this reviewer to one artist's work, having known the other's. You can read Andy's more in depth response here and pick up Show & Tell here.

Sugar Glider Review

2010-12-06T19:54:00.008Z

Sugar Glider got its first proper review yesterday, on Geek Syndicate no less! If you haven't heard of them, get yourselves over there, download a podcast and enjoy. Anyway, we're really pleased with this review,

"This is truly the best Small Press comic I have ever read."

is high praise indeed from reviewer Matt Pease, especially given the outstanding quality of the small press in recent years. Let's just usher him away from all that, shall we?

If you've read Sugar Glider and feel the need to share your views with the world, you can do so on the reviews tab on our Facebook page. In addition, why not recommend some of my comics to your chums this festive season, better yet, buy comics for them for Christmas! It's the way forward.

Sugar Glider For Sale, Show & Tell For Sale, Nightbus Back in stock

2010-11-29T09:59:00.000Z

For those of you who didn't pick one up at Thought Bubble, you can purchase my latest collaborative offerings Sugar Glider #1 (with Daniel Clifford) and Show & Tell (with Andrew Waugh).

Show & Tell features the first Nightbus story since Nightbus #2 came out in 2008, speaking of which, NB2 is reprinted and back in stock. Go get some!

In addition, you can also pick up my love letter to a favourite walk, Grainger Street and the book that started it for reals, Nightbus #1 from the shop. Do stop by, there's not that much snow.

Thought Bubble

2010-11-13T20:03:00.000Z

This year's Thought Bubble, for me at least, will be all about the eagerly awaited. Sugar Glider has been in the making for over a year in reality and Show & Tell, the showcase collaboration between myself and Andrew Waugh was initially intended to go on sale at last year's TB, but we didn't get it out there for a number of reasons. We vowed not to let it fall by the wayside, so we redoubled our efforts to make the comic even better, including slaving over cover ideas and creating more comics to make for a more satisfying read. Speaking of the cover, it's a flip book with two covers - Andy's done one half and I've done the other - you'll have to bug him over on his blog or come talk to us at Thought Bubble if you want to see his cover!

So for your currency, you get a Nightbus strip AND a previously unpublished short story called Merry Fox (above). Andy's offering a delightfuly spooky story called Madam Doreen (below) AND some comedic delights that will have you lolling out loud, in the form of Big Things Hiding Behind Small Things.

The idea behind the book is to act as a way of saying to folks, if you like my work, you might like Andy's comics. And vice versa. It's like a really lo-fi version of Amazon recommendations or iTunes Genius. But more importantly, I think our work really complements each other so well. Andy and I have worked together successfully and effortlessly in the past, most notably on the Paper Jam Comics Collective's Robots... and that, and making a comic together seemed like the next step.

You can pick up a copy of Show & Tell from mine and Andy's table at Thought Bubble on Saturday.

Pre-Order Sugar Glider

2010-11-10T20:41:00.000Z

Here it is, folks! The cover of Sugar Glider #1! Revealed at the weekend when we passed 85 'likes' on the Sugar Glider Facebook fan page, go there now and become a fan now if you haven't done so already! Also, as of today, you can pre-order a copy of Sugar Glider #1 in the Shop, head over there and take advantage of the free p&p which in this age of postal service barbarism is a shining light in the void. Speaking of which, my esteemed colleague and SG co-creator, Daniel Clifford gets himself interviewed on the Sidekick Blog and recounts the anecdotes of how a few misspent evenings typing 'sugar glider' into Youtube resulted into the most anticipated comic of the century.

Anyway, if you missed it first time round - YOU CAN PRE-ORDER SUGAR GLIDER! Unless you want to come to Thought Bubble on 20th November and talk to us and stuff.

More Sugar Glider Stuff

2010-10-26T18:14:00.000Z

Is this the best panel I've ever drawn? Maybe. But enough of this conjecture, my esteemed colleague, Daniel Clifford has posted an analysis of the must-have comic of the year classic in waiting, Sugar Glider. He talks about some of the major themes and how the idea came to fruition, using much cleverer words than me. This will be a super amazing comic, and Daniel distills just how excited we are to get it out there.

Speaking of which, if you become a fan of Sugar Glider Comics on that Facebook, when we get to the milestone of 100 fans, one lucky duck will receive an advance PDF copy of the comic! How awesome? So awesome.

Onwards!

2010-09-26T21:35:00.001Z

Oh yes.

Now that last weekend's frivolities are over, and laurels have been rested upon, I've been thinking about getting stuff ready for Thought Bubble in November. This year, I'll be launching two new titles, assuming I get either one of them finished. Both have been in the pipeline for a while, so I'm dead chuffed to be getting them out there. The above image is from Sugar Glider by me and Daniel Clifford. It's an adventure story and you'll love it intensely.

What's more, there's the eagerly awaited Show & Tell that was first mentioned by me and co-creator Andrew Waugh about a year ago. We were going to do it with a third contributor, making it a small press Cerberus-like showcase, but due to other commitments, only Andy and I could fully prioritise the book, so we're making it a two headed affair instead. Expect new stuff, unpublished old stuff and a short Nightbus story - the first in a good while, and the usual comics joys from Mr Waugh.

But, it's equally likely I'll do nowt between now and then.

Leeds Alternative Comics Fair Round Up

2010-09-25T21:42:00.000Z

If you haven't seen the abundance of reports on the Leeds Alt Comics Fair, then this is no different. Except probably not as well written.

I took the train down from the Toon with my esteemed colleague and associate Mr Andrew Waugh, and we met up with the Newcastle Comics scene's benevolent estranged uncle, Ben Clark.

Here's Ben at 12:09, shortly after ordering the first pint of the day. Yeah, that's right, we were selling comics in a bar, and Nation of Shopkeepers was a truly welcoming host, with plenty of space for our wares and fine eats and drinks. I stuck with tea. Earl Grey. Hot.

So good, I was mooved to have an udder.

Our hosts were Hugh 'Shug' Raine and Steve Tillotson, who were kind enough to hand pick the creme de la small press. Andy, Ben and I were proper chuffed to be invited and showered Steve and Hugh with plaudits during the course of the afternoon. Here's Hugh directing punters to his stand.

Our table was next to the highly talented Kristyna Baczynski who makes highly delightful comics, prints, illustratins and ephemera. I also had a chat with Manchester's comics Tsar, Adam Cadwell and the supercool Gareth Van Brookes, who's new comic had everyone in tears. Of joy. Presumably.

This was as perfect a comics fair as there can be, mint hosts, good crack from the punters, pleasant table neighbours, and we actually sold stuff at a small event. If anyone wants to know, the Paper Jam Comics Collective's latest anthology Art... and that was the most popular of our offerings. Thanks for keeping it small press, Leeds! See you at Thought Bubble.

Some bizarre facts about the Interwebs

2010-09-17T21:11:00.000Z

If you Google Jack Fallows' überawesome comic Gentleman Ghost, (image search, obviously) you get a load of rubbish from DC concerning their copyright infringing character, but you weirdly get a drawing of GG by yours truly. This is quite funny for me, but no doubt crushing for young Fallows.

Bloggers new stats feature tells me I periodically have a rush of viewers to the site, followed by month long periods of nothingness, I get more visitors from the US than UK and my most popular post has nothing to do with my artwork, comics collaborations, appearances, charity work or that statue of me they're erecting in Dubai, but a juvenile post concerning comics characters looking like celebrities.

But most importantly of all, if you want to follow the exploits of me and my esteemed colleague Andrew Waugh at Leeds Alternative Comics Fair tomorrow, you should follow me on that Twitter. @GB_COMICS is what you need to click on.

Leeds Alternative Comics Fair Poster

2010-09-02T12:58:00.001Z

I did this the other night for the Leeds Alternative Comics Fair

It's the Venus de Milo playing in her super awesome band, you should go see them.

Leeds Alternative Comics Fair

2010-08-28T21:56:00.000Z

I'll be in Leeds to flog some comics at an event helmed by Steve Tillotson of Banal Pig fame and Hugh 'Shug' Raine, who you may know from Reet! comics. It all looks like rip-roaring fun, all the details are on the posters by Stevo (below), and Shug (further below). If you want details about the exhibitors and further info about the fair, the blog is here and the twitter is @leedsaltcomics.

ART... AND THAT Aftermath, Thought Bubble and Twitter

2010-08-03T14:43:00.000Z

Hi fans, just a quick one this time round. If you haven't read the rest of the PJCC members' debriefs on the launch of Art... And That, then, Forshame! I will say that it was truly amazing, the DLI Gallery and Empty Shop are top establishments and peoples, so massive thank yous to you guys. Another huge cheers me dears to Andy Waugh who helped organise our end of things, largely by putting the anthology together.

I'm sharing a table with Andy at Thought Bubble this year and if you go here, you'll see our handsome faces. Blogger tells me I'm getting some traffic from the TB site, so if you're here because if that, say hi. Thought Bubble is taking place on 20th November, and pretty much all of the PJCC will be there in some capacity.

Also, on Friday, I drunkenly joined Twitter. Needless to say, my username has been changed to something sensible, @GB_COMICS if you want sporadic comics updates.

ART... AND THAT Launch Party

2010-07-19T18:19:00.003Z

The cultural event of the season is fast approaching, this Friday, at Durham Art Gallery, the Paper Jam Comics Collective will be launching their latest anthology, Art... and that. We've been specially commissioned by the wonderful Empty Shop Gallery to be a part of this überevent that promises to be a right treat. The cover's by me, the grunt work of compiling it is by my learned friend, Mr Andrew Waugh and the innards are by the rest of the group in their full awesomeness. Andy came to the last PJCC Comics Night with a couple of proper real hard copies and I was really impressed with the quality, so get over to Durham and have a gander. The whole deal's on the Empty Shop website.

100 not out

2010-06-25T21:38:00.000Z

To celebrate my hundredth post, I'll not tell you about another artist's death, but show you the cover for Art... and that.

The latest anthology from the Paper Jam Comics Collective, of course, you'll already have seen this if you frequent the PJCC blog. I had a lot of bother with this one, I wanted a balance of Western, non-Western, male and female artists, but had to eliminate some (Tracey Emin and Takashi Murakami) purely because the images of their work I'd chosen just didn't fit with the composition. I did, however make a few last minute changes, including the Sigmar Polke piece as soon as I found out he'd died. Being a painting, I don't think it fits as well as the others, which are for the most part, sculptures. You can have a point for each of the artists, and a bonus point of you can name any of the art works (if applicable).

Art... and that will be released at the end of July.

Sigmar Polke

2010-06-16T21:27:00.000Z

I was shocked to hear that Sigmar Polke died on the 10th of this month.

Just finished the cover for Art... and that. I'm really pleased with it, but I've been struggling with it for the past few days, so I'm not cool to look at it again anytime soon, let alone blog it. Imagine Peter Blake's cover for Sgt, Pepper's with artworks instead of people. This one's in there, as a tribute.

We are all Bourgeois Now

2010-06-01T20:21:00.001Z

For Louise Bourgeois.

Modern Masters was a joy to watch over the past few weeks, but perhaps now it's time for the BBC to earn my licence fee and give us (post)Modern Mistresses, Louise Bourgeois, Fida Kahlo, Georgia O'Keeffe, Cindy Sherman, Käthe Kollwitz, Jenny Saville, Kiki Smith, ah there's loads. My point isn't just to even the playing field, but Modern Masters aimed (at times) to blow away the artist as hero myth, through it's narrative but served merely to strengthen that point of view. Ah, what do I know? The Picasso one was canny though.

We are all made of Stars

2010-06-01T18:24:00.000Z

I've been doing some illustrations for work that involve constellations, seven in particular, but these few are the ones that I think came out well today.

Corvus the Crow is a lesser known constellation from the Southern Hemisphere.

Aries the Ram is very famous, but I had no idea the constellation itself was so sparse.

I think we all know Hercules. The interesting thing about this one is that the visualisations aren't fussy about which way round it goes, it works both ways, with the outstretched leg becoming a club in some versions.

History... and that

2010-05-16T19:45:00.002Z

I've barely had time to exhale recently, let alone make any work, let alone blog about the lack of work, so let me appear smug as I tell you that I completed my submission for the new Paper Jam Comics Collective anthology, History... and that in no less that two days! Here's a preview.

Mint, eh? You can see more in a few weeks time when all the magic happens, and numerous scraps of paper become a weighty tome of comics joy.

Do take care now.

New Stuff...

2010-03-27T18:00:00.005Z

...Or perhaps stuff I haven't mentioned in so long that it now seems new again. Daniel Clifford is captaining an all ages comics anthology and I'm involved. It's called A4 Comics Presents...

I mentioned this in my review of last year, so you should really be up to speed on this. Oh, it's like that is it?

Daniel's putting together an anthology that will aim to get young 'uns interested in comics. Sounds ambitious, but when you think about it, the only existing publication with the same aim is the Beano and that's never been good even through the veil of childhood nostalgia. Collecting a diverse range of stuff from this medium's multi-faceted genres and creators, it will be truly awe inspiring. I've got two strips in there, one of which is a superhero comic.

Steady now.

It's a genre I never set out to tackle. It's over exposed, overwrought, and frequently, it's everything that's wrong with the comics medium. But at the same time, it's a source of some of the best comics. It's the genre that got me into comics, and to not acknowledge that would be dishonest. Even Chris Ware does that. So bear in mind, that with every time I put pen to paper on this, I'll be agonising about all the pitfalls of the genre. All the clichés. All the repetition. Instead, there'll be an attempt to make the genre as exciting and mysterious for new readers as it was for me when I first picked up a superhero book. What's more encouraging is that Daniel is massively invested in this idea, he's convinced it'll be amazing, and after the anthology is out there, we'll be doing more with this character. She's called Sugar Glider by the way. Anyway, enough of this pondering. It'll be fantastic.

The anthology is still in the works, but there'll be updates on Daniel's blog and twitter. I'll post any images of note right here. Stick around.

Grainger Street Review

2010-03-27T09:53:00.002Z

Everyone's favourite book about everyone's favourite street got reviewed on the Small Press Big Mouth podcast this week.

And what a sweet review it is too, highly complementary, and importantly asking that question I've been asking myself for a while. Namely, if you haven't visited or lived in or near Newcastle, does the book have the same impact or meaning? Let me know if you've read it and you've never set foot in the city. When we were making Nightbus, Chris and I had the view that as long as the establishing shots were rooted in some sort of reality, that would give the comic the element of realism and credibility that it needed, and any references to specifics would be a nice Easter Egg for the locals. Not essential to the story, but an extra layer. Grainger Street is most definitely about Newcastle, not fictional characters, but the city itself. However, it's also not about Newcastle at all, it's about my experiences, memories and thoughts along the walk up a street where a lot of stuff's happened to me. So, with that in mind, does the setting detract from the intention?

Takeover Over

2010-01-22T19:22:00.009Z

For those of you in the know, you'll know I've been orchestrating the Paper Jam comics Collective's takeover of Dennis J Reinmüller's Tumble and Fall. For those of you not in the know, now you know. Our month and a bit is over, so we're retreating. If you fancy seeing my last strip, it's here, if you want to see the group's run, start here and, ah, you know how to work the Internet.

Normal service will resume shortly.

A bit of a Review of the Year 2009

2009-12-19T22:34:00.008Z

I haven't read a maaaaassive amount of these sorts of things this month, so let's crack on before it looks like I'm jumping on a bandwagon. Remember, I invented these in 1896, shortly after I patented the fake fact gag.

January set the ball rolling for the Paper Jam Comics Collective, we put on our most ambitious launch yet, with bands, cake and our fourth anthology, You Will Have To Wait ... and that, which contained a team up between my good self and Iain Milne, it was a chance to stretch a creative muscle and ushered in a year of various collaborations.

The PJCC capitalised on the successes after the launch with the forging of a new blog in the furnaces of the Internet. The digital age trembled at its sporadic updates. Jack Fallows and I celebrated by going to Edinburgh to sell our comics, we were looking forward to this, because this same city held host to a similar fair in 2008, sadly, this event was no comparison but we choked back the tears with Argentine tea, cracking wise with Mallard Small Press and reminding ourselves that February was considerably shorter than the other months so the terror would be over shortly.

Not a lot of note happened in March.

In April I discovered colour.

My bithday's in May so, I was celebrating all month so no posts. I must have been doing something all this time because...

In June we launched Robots ... and that, this time at a new venue, the Star and Shadow Cinema. If the last antho and launch was a step up, this was a quantum leap. We even had Scott Bakula there to prove it. The awesomeness of the PJCC was made evident to me in all its glory with this book; I collaborated with Daniel Clifford, who I had only met a few weeks before, and with Andy Waugh, who I'd been stalking online for a number of years, but eventually met in the real world this year. It may not seem much, but to clarify, I have my own comics and artistic practice, it could be all too easy for me to not bother with collaboration and not to run the risk of working with someone I don't know. I've worked with people unsuccessfully in the past, and the only truly successful collab I've worked on up to this point was Nightbus with Chris. I've known Chris for forever, so working together is perfectly natural, working with someone I've known even for a number of months, is still a bit of a risk. But this year, it paid off. And it's continuing to. I'm even suggesting collaborations to other people, which is something I'd never dream of a few years ago.

July brought an opportunity to sell comics to a non-specific comics audience, something we've been wanting to do for a while, so we jumped at the chance. Me, Paul Thompson and Ben Clark repesented for the PJCC at Sunderland's Friendship Festival and won over some hearts and minds. Thanks to Leonie O'Moore for sorting this and other events out. I also exhibited some art work at the Mushroom Works in Newcastle, which was a fantastic chance to finish an idea I started at my Degree Show.

August was a month of inexplicable Nightbus buzz, which took the form of a radio interview on NE1 fm, a couple of reviews on blogs and a big up from Small Press Big Mouth, the bestest podcast in the world. The last couple of summers have been dedicated to working on Nightbus, but this year was our year off. The bizarre media attention and an impromptu visit to Chris' new gaff gave us the impetus to come up with an outline for Nightbus #3, which you should expect in 2010.

I got a new job in September so not many posts, but did have time to reacquaint myself with the supremely talented Dennis J Reinmueller and appear among the highly talented guest strippers on his webcomic Tumble & Fall.

The PJCC launched their third antho of the year and sixth in total this October, Space Monkey is a kid friendly treasure trove of wonderfulness. Oh yes. My submission was another collaboration, more of a duel, perhaps, between me and Andy Waugh. I was also bigging up the group at Durham Book Fair, we didn't make many sales, but I did run an awesome workshop in spite of having the plague.

November was a busy month for me, work began in earnest for Show & Tell, a showcase of small press talent that would cross promote and essentially, show off, the work of a diverse range of artists. I started a Facebook competition for chums who wanted to be extras in my submission, a Nightbus short story. Thought Bubble came and was a roaring success, I launched my new comic/artists' book, Grainger Street, and met or caught up with a number of my small press chums and heroes, shout outs to Matt Sheret, Douglas Noble, the Banal Pig boys, Adam Cadwell, and Magda Boreyzsa.

December is still happening at the time of my writing this, but the only major event is the PJCC's residency, annexation, occupation, takeover, whatever you want to call it, of Dennis J Reinmueller's Tumble and Fall. My Christmas message is up there now.

So, 2009, was it worth doing?

Highs: The expansion of the Paper Jam Comics Collective into something resembling a Soviet-era war machine. Unarmed, poorly equipped and highly dangerous. The group allowed me to meet and hook up with awesome comics creators, and get fantastic results, I managed to step up my own game with my work.

Lows: Relatively disappointing sales at non-comics events, not so much of a problem when we were winning over hearts and minds, but a total wast of our time at the more disorganised events. Not as many of my own individual comics made as I would have liked, but swings and roundabouts, right? Also, still not finished reading War and Peace, but it's mint, so who cares?

Looking Forward to owt? Yeah, new anthologies: Adventure Arena, piloted by Daniel Clifford, Show & Tell, a group effort I've already mentioned, and the inevitable seventh ...and that which will demand your attention.

There's more: Old Collaborations - 2010 is the year me and Chris get Nightbus #3 into your mits! New Collaborations - I'm working on a superhero comic, of all things, with Daniel Clifford. It started off with a sketch, now we've planned a 24 part saga. New crazy experiment which is an anthology of sorts but it's not and there's even more collaboration involved - Martin Newman's Project Z, which involves me, Andy Waugh and Mike Thompson working on one chapter of a larger piece.

2010 should be a right laugh. May it bring you peace, prosperity and a shedload of mint comics. Many many thanks to all of you who've bought a comic, or decided to follow of the blog, especially if I haven't forced you into it.

This One's For The Budgie Fans

2009-12-19T21:16:00.002Z

I did this a while back, but got distracted by something shiny. Here it be for your viewing pleasure.

Tumbling and Falling and Taking Over

2009-12-15T20:39:00.005Z

The PJCC will be outstaying their welcome over the Christmas Season at Dennis J Reinmüller's Tumble and Fall. There'll be mulled wine and mince pies and someone will get uncharacteristically over-familiar as a result of the aforementioned Glühwein.

I'll try to post something new twice a week. That seems fair, right?

In other news, Grainger Street is available in the Shop. I'd make a lovely gift for a loved one, or even an enemy. Seriously, try it, it'll confuse the hell out of them. So I'd place an order before the weekend, so I can guarantee your Christmas present arrives in time for the big day. No Guarantees. Merry Christmas.

Thought Bubble Debrief

2009-11-29T15:35:00.006Z

I'll keep this short, as you can read most of the fun stuff at the respective blogs of other Paper Jam Comics Collective members. They're much more interesting anyway.

All I should mention are massive shout outs to the rest of the PJCC who milled around making our table look so much cooler than it actually was, Magda Boreysza, whose latest Toasty Cats is a delight, Douglas Noble, who I've been a fan of for some time and finally met, and the We Are Words and Pictures crew, who seem to hold similar values and aspirations to the PJCC but don't harbour fear and mistrust for organisation.

Also, Nightbus #1 got reviewed at Comic Impact. I was proper chuffed when I read this, so you should go read it too. Then buy yourself a copy. From the Shop!

Grainger Street

2009-11-14T22:41:00.004Z

I finished work on a new book this weekend. I think you'll like it.

It's called Grainger Street, it totals 28 pages of quality paper stock and boasts a lino print cover. Top class. Grainger Street runs from Newcastle Central Station up to Grey's Monument and seeing as it's situated there, I've walked up and down it a number of times. The book is an attempt to draw together some of the things that I've encountered, thought about and seen on the way up to the Monument. It's bit of a guide to the city, but through my eyes and memories; as such, it's highly subjective, but you can go to the library if you want a rigorous historical document. It's one for Nightbus completists too, as one of the early stories was inspired by this street.

I'll be launching Grainger Street, to much pomp and fanfare, at Thought Bubble next weekend, do come along to the Paper Jam Comics table and say hello. Afterwards, it'll be available in my online shop, then in actual shops. Remember them?

Can I have a speaking part, please?

2009-11-08T21:34:00.015Z

OK, about a fortnight ago, I held a competition on that Facebook. I'm doing a short seven page Nightbus comic for a showcase anthology starring me and Andy Waugh and maybe more. I had a pub scene with room for about five or so people. So I asked The first five or so people on Facebook that evening to demand that their face appear in this book. How exciting.

Here's the panel.

Top row: Conrad

Bottom row, left to right: Bernard, Alison, Laura S, Amy, Leonie, Laura J, Steve, César

I reckon I may add some greytones of I have time before Thought Bubble where the showcase will be making its first appearance. If we get it printed.

What I should've posted all about last month

2009-10-28T13:20:00.002Z

Right, glad this mobile blogging's all up and running, I've been meaning to sort this for a while, but chronic laziness and such do not frequent blog posts make. Furthermore, we've moved on from the days when the Paper Jam Comics Collective had a tiny, or non-existant web presence. Remeber to check all the members' indivdual blogs for a truer account of what's actually happening in north east comics.

Anyway, that's a cross promotional way of saying the major events I'm involved with are in the past, namely two book festivals and the unofficial launch of the new anthology. You can read about those elsewhere. Follow the links. I'll wait. And so to new stuff.

I think just about every member of the PJCC will be at Thought Bubble this year, and why not? The last one was proper mint. We'll have a load of new stuff on the table and pictures will follow in the coming weeks. Let the unwarrented anticipation begin!

Mobile Blogging Test

2009-10-28T13:08:00.000Z

Please just go about your business as normal. I haven't been captured
by the enemy, just away from the laptop right now.

Sent from my iPhone

Tumbling and Falling

2009-09-01T12:57:00.004Z

Just a quick heads up, Tumble & Fall is having a guest strip binge starting today, so head over there now. You may see some familiar faces and some new ones too.

UPDATE: My T&F guest strip is online now. Off you go then.

Nightbus Fever Continues...

2009-08-18T20:18:00.005Z

OK, so in addition to the review I mentioned in the last post, Stacey Whittle will be reviewing Nightbus in the prestigious Small Press Big Mouth podcast which will be online later this week. How terribly exciting.

But wait, there's more! I'll be on the radio on Thursday afternoon too. NE1 fm can be found on the wireless at 102.5fm in the Newcastle area, or on the Internet on the other side of this link. I'll be on Gari Sullivan's show after 3:00pm

Woo, and indeed, Hoo!

2009-08-17T20:36:00.007Z

Everyone's favourite Newcastle based crime fiction with the word Nightbus in the title got reviewed today at The Good, The Bad and The Nifty. It's my understanding that Nightbus falls into the latter category. I am rather chipper as a result.

Thank you kindly.

This week, Gary has been soldiering on with War and Peace, by Tolstoy. It's all kicking right off, Napoleon's just captured Smolensk. Oh dear.

So I was in Manchester earlier this week...

2009-08-14T11:45:00.004Z

... and Chris and I sorted out a rough outline for a plan for an attempt at Nightbus Three. You may start your unprecedented and frantic anticipation... now.

Have a sketchbook sketch of Greene and Kilbane, who made their debuts in Nightbus Two.

In Other News...

2009-08-08T20:16:00.007Z

So, during a comics night a few weeks ago, I did a Gentleman Ghost strip, in honour of one of the greatest fictional characters of recent times. You can view it at Jack Fallow's lovely blog.

I've also got an old 24 minute comic posted up on the Paper Jam Comics Collective's collective blog.

I will, that is, in the future, be doing a ... something, but I'm not sure if I can say what it is yet, so I'll just abandon this sentence while it still sounds a bit mysterious.

This week, Gary has been reading Fluffy by Simone Lia. He described it as joyous.

Just because you are a character, doesn't mean you have character

2009-07-16T15:51:00.007Z

I'll be in a group show at the Mushroom Works alongside Jack Fallows and Leonie O'Moore. I'll be showing some new work and some old work. It'll be proper good, do come along.

Paper Jam In Sunderland

2009-07-12T09:43:00.004Z

I did a little write up for the Paper Jam Comics Collective on events of seven days ago, and here it be...

Last weekend was highly fun for the PJCC, what with the Sunderland Friendship Festival inviting group members Gary Bainbridge, Ben Clark, and Paul Thompson to host a stall in their Books Marquee.

You might be wondering, “Hang on, what’s my favourite North East based small press comics rag tag band of hangers on doing at that Kite Festival thing?”

Equally, you might not be wondering that, but let’s run with it anyway. The old Kite Festival’s now the Friendship Festival, basically a family orientated get together, with two music tents, activities for kids, poetry readings, fairground stuff, proper mint kites, and now, us lot.

We were asked to be a part of the Books Marquee and flog some comics alongside other North East publishers. We've wanted to find a new non-comics audience for a while now and this was an opportunity to do so. We made a canny few sales of the new anthology Robots… and that and the group’s numerous individual titles.

Our new best mate, Leonie O’Moore, was also there, organising highly enjoyable workshops for kids and adults, which went down really well. We had loads of chats with some interesting and talented people, and watched the kites in the sun.

Anyone up for coming next year?

The Shop

2009-06-27T13:37:00.005Z

If you want to exchange currency in order to own a copy of a comic made by me, now you can. Click on the picture across on the sidebar, peruse what's on offer and in a few clicks and a day or so, you can have your own folded and stapled wonder. Make haste!

In other news, I'll be making an appearance at the Friendship Festival in Sunderland on 4th and 5th of July. I'll be joined by other representatives of the Paper Jam Comics Collective and Mallard Small Press. Do come along and say hello.

If you like comics...

2009-06-07T19:07:00.004Z

... about people falling down, then head over to the brand new home of Tumble and Fall, the the gravity-beleaguered webcomic creation of Dennis J. Reinmüller. And while you're there, head over to Cheese, Anarchy and Ritalin, Dennis's blog.

If a weblog is a blog, why aren't weblinks called blinks?

Robots, Stars & Squares

2009-06-02T17:39:00.014Z

There won't really be any order to this, so bear with me. Nightbus #01 is back in stock! Go down to the shop and get your good selves a copy now. Or soon. Put don't put it off too much. Carpe that diem.

The fifth anthology from Paper Jam Comics is called Robots... and that. It's so good it will make you break down and weep like a child. The launch party was fantastic, a new venue, the Star and Shadow Cinema afforded us the opportunity to show films and cram a load more people in than on previous occasions. There were new bands, well, different bands, and a new name for Jack's band. Daniel is the frontman for Squares who headlined the event, and we collaborated on a wee comic for Robots... which is previewed above. Previewed is a bit inappropriate, as the whole anthology has already been viewed by folk for about a week now. Daniel is a very talented writer and you should read his blog which also has a few entries on our creative process.

I urge you, if you haven't already, to go to the Squares myspace or facebook and befriend them. Whatever that means. Stalk them, that will be a far more constructive use of your time.

Hmmm... lots of links there. Speaking of which I've updated the links bit at the sidebar. Do enjoy yourself. I'll be back when I think of more stuff to write.

The Next Colouration

2009-04-28T20:52:00.007Z

It's taken a while, but I'm reasonably pleased with this. It's stemmed from watching an unhealthy amount of Deep Space 9 of late. And delusions of grandeur. It's got nowt to do with trying to redirect traffic to the blog in light of the new film.

Comments would be lovely. But not compulsory, don't worry if you've got nothing to say.

It's Bernard the Budgeri-gar-ar-aaaarr!

2009-04-04T21:00:00.003Z

I learnt two things this week: how to colour line drawings properly in Photoshop and drawing Budgies is lots of fun.

This is Alison's Budgie. His name is Bernard.

The weekend...

2009-03-30T19:54:00.004Z

...was a bit up and down for me. A wonderful sunny Sunday spent selling comics at the Cumberland Arms. Bit o' Class. However, the room we were in was cold and dark and miserable. Boo! However, there was a really good atmosphere around our table. Yay! But it didn't really yield many sales. Rubbish! Then I went home. Woo-hoo! Then I made a couple of sales without even being there. Oh, misery!

Or something like that. What the event showed was a dramatic gap in my defences, people don't like comics, or at least, they don't seem to buy them; they do like free stuff and postcards, so perhaps that's where I should concentrate some of my efforts. So I've got plenty of stuff to get on with over Easter. Expect more updates with pictures, but the same constant air of disappointment.

Andy has some photos and better analysis.

Fayre Play

2009-03-25T20:53:00.004Z

Fellow comics creator Andy Waugh and my good self are off to the pub on Sunday. We're selling comics, by the way.

The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle. Sunday 29th March. 1-6pm

Do join us, it's closer than the Thing in London, which was fun last year, but we're giving it a miss due to travel costs. And the emotional drain of having to get out of bed at 3 in the morning.

I'll do a debrief afterwards. If I remember. There might be pictures.

All the kool kids are talking about it

2009-02-24T20:35:00.004Z

Yes, that was indeed a kool with a k. Like Kool in the Gang. It's post-post ironic. Or something of that nature.

If you want, nay need, a place on the Interweb for updates about "...And That" anthology releases and indeed, their always wonderful launch parties. Aaaand a home for info on how to get involved with the Newcastle Comics Nights, held at Travelling Man where we eat, draw and make merry, then stop reading this and read the Paper Jam Comics blog for you shall not regret it.

Good day.

Success and Failure

2009-02-10T21:32:00.006Z

Last week saw a number of events in the small press calendar. The Launch Party for "You will have to Wait... And That" was a rip-roaring success. We had a story specially written for the night, by Mark Pembrey, and the music provided by Echo Ave and the Stillwells was top notch. The small press table was positioned right up next to the bands and translated into a shedload of sales.

The weekend took myself, Jack Fallows and Mallard Small Press, north of the border for the second small press fair at the Forest Cafe in Edinburgh. There's a photo of the table. Because obviously, you've never seen me post anything like that before. Last year's event was really good. Honestly, it wasn't the most well organised, but it had a charm, a fair few decent artists and a refreshingly open atmosphere.

This year's was a huge disappointment. We were in the tiny cafe itself rather than the event-friendly hall upstairs. Essentially feeling in the way and unwelcome. I don;t want to go on and on about the negatives, more articulate folk have done that elsewhere.

But, the lack of involvement from the original organisers meant that the event felt like it was fumbling around in the dark. As a way of recompense, every North East comics creator is now duty bound to join us in hosting a small press fair in Newcastle.

Comics creators of the world, unite!

You Will Have To Wait... Update

2009-01-24T16:59:00.004Z

You Will Have to Wait... But only a week and a bit. This is teh front cover for the new ...And That anthology. It's going to be rather good, methinks.

The Launch Night itself is promoted more coherently on Facebook, and at Jack Fallows' new blog.

The wounds have not yet healed

2009-01-24T16:44:00.006Z

Like many of these comics, this happened. Not all the verbal exchanges were the same but the physical exchange of real currency for insultingly dangerous goods is indeed accurate.

Juvenile Comics Lookalike Mash-ups

2009-01-13T20:47:00.004Z

Does anyone else think National Treasure and Newcastle's Secretary of State, Cheryl "Chezza" Cole looks a wee bit like a certain creation of everyone's favourite racist, Frank Miller?

And on a slightly more cruel note, that lass from Celebrity Big Brother looks a bit like the Comedian from Watchmen.

Anyone? Just me? Squint a bit.

Images courtesy of MSN, some Marvel fansite, The Sun (yeah, I know), and someone with a Watchmen blog. Cheers folks.

You Will Have to Wait... And That

2009-01-03T21:05:00.004Z

Not much to say here, really, other than, this is a preview from the forthcoming ...And That anthology. Hopefully out in February.

I've just spent the last three days dragging myself into the 21st century. I genuinely can't wait until the CDs of my youth become retro.

Oh, yes, and all the best for the New Year.

A bit of a Review of the Year

2008-12-31T13:19:00.005Z

I didn't do a review of the year last year because there wasn't really a lot on, but we did some notable stuff this year so let's do a token post for the month. Yeah, I know, but listen, I was busy, then ill, then busy, then there was Christmas. I don't judge you when you don't read every post.

Last year's first resolution, "to blog more, at least once a week with pictures and that" didn't really come to pass. That's a bit irrelevant really, as no-one reads this nonsense anyway.

The second one was a bit more successful, we went to not only one comics fair, but three. Thing in London (March), The Edinburgh Zine and Small Press Fair (August). The Edinburgh chaps are also having another one in February which we may attend, but London's looking a bit far away in this current climate.

Nightbus 1 and 2 came out, alongside a couple of lovely little books what I made. The third ...And That anthology came out, supported by a glorious launch party. The fourth should be getting compiled right now, but I'm doing this instead.

Well, there you go, a decent year. Hopefully better things will come along next year. Like money. PayPal's on the sidebar. Happy New Year.

I Thought, Therefore I Was

2008-11-16T21:07:00.010Z

Greetings, the team is back from Thought Bubble, that team consisting of myself, Mr Jones, Captain Jack Fallows and Siobhan, his long-suffering ladyfriend. We were on an annexe of the Travelling Man table dedicated to our small press wonders and all went highly well. Not from a sales point of view, however. The event caters for a much more broad clientele than previous small press fair we've been to. This is very much a sci-fi, and mainstream comics gig, with a much smaller percentage of the punters interested in what we were offering. That said, things picked up and our 'flagship' titles of Nightbus #02, Objet Perdu and Jack's latest offering, Costume Party and crowd pleaser, Gentleman Ghost started selling like reasonably warm cakes.

It's not about the money, as we told ourselves as we tucked into tecso's least finest sandwiches for lunch, and we had the chance to catch up with some mates, acquaintances, and new people, including, in no particular order, the Banal Pig boys, Oliver East, Adam Cadwell, The Polaroid Press, the Mallard gents, Newthink Books and Tom Cassady, formerly of Outline. Big shout out to all a y'all. Word. Etc.

I also had the pleasure of shaking the hand of sequential art advocate Paul Gravett. The nature of the event being more mainsteam meant that there were a number of comics' heavy hitteres doing talks and signings, and of course, the conversations about never wanting to meet your heroes. In a way, Paul Gravett fits that bill for me, making a career through writing criticism, theory and history about comics, alongside an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of the medium. Imagine the scene, dear reader, when the man himself comes over to our rickety little table and only starts flicking through Nightbus, pointing out the very things I've laboured over and that a lot of people miss. Anyway, Mr Gravett offered to take some copies of Nightbus, Gentleman Ghost and Costume Party to the Comica Comiket event on Saturday 22nd November. Please, follow the links, I'll wait here.

I also had the pleasure of meeting C.B. Cebulski from Marvel, who, after he finishes reading the comics I thrust into his hands, will be on the blower in no time.

To sum up, Thought Bubble was possibly one of the most enjoyable comics fairs I've been to. Lots of splendid people to talk to, several cups of tea and a healthy compliment of doppelgangers. We'll see you next year.

Thought Bubble and Stuff of Grave Importance

2008-11-14T20:00:00.008Z

We'll be at Thought Bubble tomorrow. Yeah, I know, it's short notice, but you can cancel dinner with your parents, right? Nightbus #1 and #2 will be on the Travelling Man table, along with me new artist's book, Objet Perdu, which is about losing things. It's one of those things that you probably won't like, but I've done it anyway. Some writing. Some photography. Something else.

Jack Fallows is a man who's so clever he knows all of the words in the English language, and all of the English words in other languages too. In between living a life devoted to being aloof and wishing it were 1920, he's gone and made a rather mint new comic and a website, no less. It's here.

I've got stuff in the new Mallard anthology. Go buy it here. Mallard is a quarterly anthology of comics, literature and such, manned by the sterling gentleman that is Tom England. Buy his comic so he can make more.

Magda Boreysza is one of the most wonderful artists I have had the pleasure of meeting/stalking (delete as appropriate). Her Toasty Cats series is one of the genuine highlights of the Small Press world, and you should buy them all. At the Edinburgh Zine Fair, we had a bit of a comics jam, and Magda's compiled the best of it into a cautionary tale in the new Toasty Cats. Tremendous stuff.

Anyway, here's a photo of some fire.

New Nightbus

2008-10-31T18:03:00.005Z

Nightbus #02 is officially out there in the real world. A few copies were sold at the Newcastle Comics Evening last night and a further ten are on the shelves. I've also just returned from the Post Master's cottage to send copies down to TM's outposts in Manchester and Leeds. More physical outlets will come along in time, and of course, we'll have plenty at Thought Bubble in Leeds. Do come along for that.

The online shop on the sidebar has a new shopping cart facility, allowing you to buy both Nightbus 1 and 2 in one, wise and prudent transaction. Apologies to Europe and the rest of the world, for the astonomical postage costs, but take heart in the fact that the pound has fallen as dramatically as a drunken reveller in the Bigg Market.

Nightbus #02 Release

2008-10-30T10:45:00.003Z

I think I'll stop hanging on and do a release of Nightbus #02 at the comics evening tonight, that means I should have enough disposable to either pay for the train ticket to Leeds for Thought Bubble or eat. It's a tough call. Anyway, the comic will be available from Travelling Man Newcastle this evening, and on the shelves tomorrow. I'll sort out the PayPal tomorrow and the other stores around the nation will follow shortly.

Chris is in Manchester to do his PhD, and, more importantly, to begin diplomacy with the Manchester Comix Collective people. I've been invited to join, but seeing as I have no real connection with Manchester, it's a bit like going round a mate's house just to use their Sky Plus and then leave. Ok, I have done that in the past, but the Internet's a strange frontier. I'll stay here. Blogging makes little sense, but I'll hang onto that.

Appearances

2008-10-20T16:34:00.002Z

We'll be in Leeds for Thought Bubble's comics fair thingamajigger on 15th November. Myself and Mr Jones will have plenty of Nightbus #2 to distribute to the masses, we may even do another run of number one for those unwilling to buy two without one, even though both comics were created for this not to be a problem.

Jack Fallows will also be there with some Gentleman Ghost (maybe), Rusty Nail (unconfirmed), and his new secret project (if he finishes it).

I'll be doing another small scale, short run artist's book, about loss, fear and that kind of thing (doubtful).

Our mates at Mallard Small Press will also be there too.

Polemics

2008-10-11T16:20:00.006Z

A war cry for all seasons, regardless of the context. Uncharacteristic use of colour here, and indeed a while since anything political has been on this site. Apologies to Arthur Miller, too.

The Palin slur was earlier in the week but the gap between idea and execution is much wider in these troubled times.

Comments would be nice, but don't go out of your way.

There are only five more copies of Nightbus #1 left! Act now, or they'll stay on my shelf here. Yes, we will be doing a second print run, but don't know when and can guarantee that it'll be smaller. Furthermore, you know you want a first edition. Paypal on the sidebar, move along, move along.

Nightbus Snapshot... Remember them?

2008-10-06T14:45:00.004Z

No, I thought not.

Anyway, the idea is, we give you a bit of the comic for free, you look at it, go "wow, that's all kinds of, like, awesome" and then we come along and say, "dude, you can, like so majorly buy a copy, like, soon."

This is a snapshot we've been sitting on for a while, and it also forms the prelude to a much longer story in the comic proper. What's more, there's a couple of subtle differences between the freebie and the version that's printed up in the comic that you pay for. Which is delightful.

So, hope you enjoy. Have a click for biggness.

Nightbus #02 Preview

2008-09-06T17:13:00.004Z

Here's some images of some of the new characters who will be appearing in the second Nightbus comic...

We're still not sure just yet how much you'll see of your old favourites from the first comic, Conrad and Cesar. Although, they should turn up somewhere.

Due to the speedy nature of the organisation of the "24 Minutes...And That" Launch Party, there won't be any copies around for that evening, but I may get a more substantial preview to whet your appetites.

Enjoy.

What comes before Part B?

2008-08-25T14:04:00.004Z

As is the fashion of the land, we're having a bit of a do to commemorate the release of 24 Minutes ...And That, the third Travelling Man Comics Evening Anthology.

It's at the Telegraph in Newcastle on Tuesday 16th September. There'll be live music and beer, so your friends won't think you're a total loser for turning up.

Here's a preview of images from the comic.

You may also notice that we now have Paypal set up to relieve you of your earnings and replace them with fine Nightbus goodness. The cost for mailing stuff to Europe and Rest of World is obscene, so please, accept our apologies on behalf of Royal Mail.

Click on the "Buy Now" tab, to improve your lives immeasurably.

Oooh! Preview And That

2008-08-20T17:37:00.004Z

So I've finished scanning the dog eared originals for ...And That volume 3, we just need to nip down to the printers now. Well, maybe later, is the weekend good for any of you?

This is the cover, it's a collaborative effort by some, all or none of the contributors, and is quite a striking image, bearing the cruel rules we force upon the means of production.

Nightbus #2 is at the inking stage, so we'll hopefully have that out sooner than you can evolve or something. I'll post a few images up in between the shifts.

Nightbus #1 is in that grey area between needing a second print run and not having the cash to finance that and the second one. Hopefully the shops round the country will have sold out and given us money by the time number two is done, so there can be the possibility of having two issues side by side, which scientists have found, has a positive effect on sales.

If you fancy a copy of Nightbus, and you're nowhere near any of the Travelling Mans (Newcastle, Leeds, York, Manchester), David's in Brighton, The Forest Cafe in Edinburgh or OK Comics in Leeds, drop us an e-mail at nightbuscomic@hotmail.co.uk and we'll figure out something beneficial to all parties.

Badminton...

2008-08-14T13:29:00.007Z

... is a sport we occasionally do well in, although not this year. Apparently, errant shuttles are not collected by 14 year olds, they explode silently on impact with the court.

Laptop Crash, Cricket Analogy and New Stockists

2008-08-13T20:01:00.003Z

As you may assume from the title of this post, my lappy crashed, nay, descended into a chasm of despair after I'd completed scanning the final page of 24 Minutes ...And That, the new Travelling Man antho. Twenty four unsaved jpegs were taken to a pixely end. Needless to say, after sleeping and watching Georgia destroy Russia in the volleyball arena, the book is now scanned and awaiting a few finishing touches in Photoshop.

OK Comics in Leeds are stocking Nightbus and you should go there and buy a copy. The website says they have a lending library type venture too, which sounds jolly interesting.

And after a shaky start, I've actually made it to 49 not out. Next post's the fiftieth, so I'll do something dead good. Maybe even topical.

24 Minutes ...and That

2008-08-12T18:02:00.002Z

I am, as we speak, well, as I type and probably prior to your reading this, scanning the new ...And That anthology. Travelling Man Newcastle's finest comic people and hanger's on came together a few nights ago to draw comics under the obscenely meagre time limit of 24 of your Earth minutes. The hard copies wait by my side for the heaveanly HP all-in-one light to cast its judgy gaze over the work. It is with a hoot of confidence that I declare, some of it's quite good, actually.

More pix soon, wouldn't it be grand to see the front cover? Yes, yes it would.

Anyway, my evening's going to be spent Photoshopping, and it's another early night, there's a long day of obscure sporting events tomorrow.

Edinburgh Afterword

2008-07-27T13:43:00.007Z

The obligatory photo of the table is a testament to the grim reality that we were surviving on our own merits at the Edinburgh Zines & Small Press Fair yesterday. Through a lack of copies, or sheer incompetence, we had no work by any of our lovely colaborators and chums from the Newcastle Comics Forum. There was only Nightbus and Aide-Mémoire. We brough some copies of Pope, but shifted not one. My sketchbook obscures them in the photo. Perhaps we'll not bother next time. Perhaps that will provide impetus to do some more work.

If any of you read Penny Arcade, you'll know they due to being sundered from scanners while at San Diego Comic Con, they photograph the comic straight from the sketchbook. Edinburgh being our San Diego, we decided to rip off their idea.

We had a less than profitable day, less so than at Thing, but the ramshackle atmosphere was appropriate, and because there were less tables than at London, there was time to have a good look round everything. Also, Stephen, the organiser chap was very pleasant. I understand that's not required of the organisers of these events, but it is appreciated when it happens.

We met the boys from Mallard, for the first time despite them operating from Durham, 10 minutes away from us via the train. The latest Mallard is a jolly good read, with lots of reflective moments and a healthy balace between comics and prose. As with all anthologies, there are weak points, but the quality stuff is strong enough to keep it afloat. That was not a duck metaphor.

Magda Boreysza is a tremendous artist and the second issue of Toasty Cats has moments reminiscent of Olivia Plender and all that Le Gun stuff. I had the pleasure of doing a bit of a colaborative comic with Magda which was lots of fun.

We also had a few pub themed words with Stuart Murray, who looked a lot like my old English teacher and draws wonderful, humourous observations in a scratchy hand not unlike Nick Whitmore's Private Eye and Journal gag cartoons.

Anyway, we had a good one, more on the networking side, than the monetary side. Maybe one day we'll settle down and just go straight for the cash rather than making friends. So what have we learnt? 1) Talking to people is not as scary as we once thought it was. 2) More comics that are friendly to this kind of event, Nightbus does quite well, and we should crack on with number two, but something small like Aide-Mémoire that goes in the gap between artist's book and comic may be the way forward. 3) Maybe we should have had free stuff.

The Forest Shop also took a few copies of Nightbus to sell and we are very pleased to recommend you go there for a cuppa and a read, should you find yourself in Auld Reekie.

Edinburgh

2008-07-24T12:25:00.008Z

We're off to the Burg on Saturday for the Edinburgh Zine and Small Press Fair at the Forest, which is a lovely little cafe/bar/venue place which we frequented muchly back in the day. Which means a couple of years ago, not the early to mid nineties. The Forest is a great place to hang out, it's a cool place, but not cool in the sense that it knows it. It's not full of poseurs, well not until we turn up with our collars popped. I'll probably take the camera up, but the table won't look as spectacular as the London Thing, due a number of reasons, we won't have any copies of Gentleman Ghost, largely because Jack can't find a cheap photocopier, the new ...And That hasn't been printed yet and I haven't done any new work. It may come as a mixed blessing, At Thing, we had more varied stuff on the table than I'd originally thought. The result was that as punters walked by, you'd have to essentially judge them and their tastes, before picking a comic and pitching it to them as the one thing missing in their vacuous lives. Here, there can be a concerted focus on Nightbus.

In production news, I'm doing some breakdowns for the next Nightbus collection, I'm relatively pleased with how it's going, but it's still early days, there is much to do.

So, in conclusion, we're in Edinburgh on Saturday. 12-5 at Forest Cafe, 3 Bristo Place. We'll have Nightbus, Aide-Mémoire, a few Popes and maybe some other stuff. I understand there'll be workshops and talks and screenings and live music, but come along anyway and say hello.

It'll be dead good.

More 24 Minute Comics

2008-07-11T21:02:00.005Z

I'm back in the country. Thanks so much for not burglarising my homestead. It warms my heart.

Newcastle's Comics Forum hosted an evening of 24 Minute Comics production last night, in a push towards the creation of the third ...And That anthology. In a dramatic break from previous anthos, the vast majority of the content was made in a hundredth of the time and is bound by a theme that is not detrimental to the quality. Incidentally, the quality was rather good.

No pix unfortunately as it would be poor form to post previews before we've got the thing printed or whatever. Plus I don't have any of them handy.

On the Nightbus front, I've got the next Snapshot just about done, and I'll keep you updated with the other stuff Mr Jones and I have planned for the second collection of comics.

What's this you say?

2008-06-22T12:46:00.005Z

Nightbus is now on sale at Orbital Comics in London Village, so if you're in the area, maybe you should go and purchase a copy. It's only £1.20, a mere pittance!

I did this a while ago but never got round to scanning it, being a spin on the forever popular "caption competition" and the work of Glen Baxter, and having the benefit of no longer being topical, it's moved from the realm of dicking about to object d'art. Which is why I'm posting it rather than just letting it gather dust on the hard drive.

I'm off to Barcelona next week which should be good, so expect some drawings of people on trains again.

I've done a drawing and it's quite good...

2008-06-08T14:42:00.003Z

Matt Giraudeau is a scholar and a gentleman, his drawings and writings can be found at dekersaint and his musicings can be found at dogtanion's myspace.

Paul O'connell is the chap behind the comic Sound of Drowning and its sister publication, "He Bought me a Soda and Tried to Molest me in a Parking Lot" which is an anthology of illustrations inspired by song lyrics you can't get out of your head.

And lo, Paul asked me to submit something for the second anthology, affectionately shortened to "Soda 2", and Matt's band Dogtanion are on the verge of recording more songs which will no doubt be dead good and that.

Go to the myspace, listen to the song, it's called Islam, by the way, make friends. It's what people do these days, in lieu of human interaction.

In other news, if you haven't already, why not join the Nightbus Group on that Facebook?

There'll be more updates when I get sorted with Paypal for the comic. It's on sale in all the Travelling Mans, as well as David's in Brighton, and I'll sort out the rest of the world at some point next week. Honest.

So, how have you been?

Post-Thing Post

2008-03-23T22:07:00.005Z

To everyone who took a flyer or bought a comic and now find themselves here, cheers for coming.

Thing was a worthwhile outing, perhaps not financially, well, definitely not financially, but it was rather cool meeting the artists behind the comics we've been reading the past couple of years. That kind of sounds like we're slow readers. Anyway, it was good to see all of you guys, and apologies if we were overly miserable or inadvertently offended any of you, we got the 0431 train from Newcastle that morning.

Nightbus sold quite well, as did Aide-Mémoire, which has the cute factor going for it, but a lot of people got enough out of it in one quick flick through. It's all something to bear in mind next time I do another one, which should hopefully be soon.

The real star of the table was Gentleman Ghost. Captain Jack Fallows gave us ten copies, which sold out swiftly, but we could have easily sold much more. There'll be a second printing as soon as Fallows can sneak into a small office and find a photocopier.

Here's some stuff from the day, York at about six in the morning.

Mr Jones guarding the table.

That's me marking off a sale, or more likely moving paper around to give the impression of a hive of industry.

Chris reading a copy of Guide Dog Detective 2, only one of our mighty small press haul. Reviews may be in the offing.

Simultaneous Release

2008-03-21T15:05:00.010Z

We're off to London Village!

Nightbus is getting a proper simultaneous release at the UK Web & Mini Comics Thing in London Tomorrow and at Travelling Man in our lovely hometown of Newcastle. The first collected Nightbus features all 4 of the free snapshots we dished out in pubs and that last year, as well as an all new fifth snapshot and additional comics segues to tie all the goodness together. The comic boasts wonderful card covers and due to cheaper printing costs than we projected, it'll only set you back £1.20

Also debuting at Thing will be Aide-Mémoire, a little collection of drawings and comics I've done over the past few years. This one's got various paperstocks and lino print covers. It's a bin lid.

Small Press Baron, Jack Fallows has also given us peasants a few copies of his new comic, "The Gentleman Ghost", amongst his many other collaborative ventures. They're all £1.50, as is the latest volume of "...And That", Newcastle Comics Forum's anthology.

If you're around the capital, drop in and say hello. We're on table 2. Be gentle, we're getting the 04:31 train from the Toon. And Chris travelled down from Aberdeen yesterday.