Review: PSYCHO GRAN COMIC CAPERS CAVALCADE No.2

I've had this fine comic since July but I'm only just finding time to catch up with reviews I promised to do. Here we go then with the second issue of Psycho Gran Comic Capers Cavalcade, written and drawn by David Leach.

If you're already familiar with Psycho Gran you'll know what to expect. If not, expect the unexpected. Psycho Gran started out in Oink! comic over 30 years ago, but as David Leach owns the rights he's able to bring her back in all new stories. Well, not entirely all-new, as the strips in this issue originally appeared in the digital comic Aces Weekly a few years ago but this is the first time they've appeared in a physical print form.

As Aces Weekly is a landscape format comic, it threw up a bit of a problem for transferring to print. Should it be a landscape comic? David decided otherwise, and he's come up with Widescreen PsychoVision, which means that when you open the A4 comic you rotate it 90 degrees to read the stories. This is great for two reasons; firstly you get you see David's detailed art in a nice big size, and secondly it's a bit like reading the A3 size Topper or Beezer comics of old.

They're all short stories, with none lasting more than six pages, but are well told examples of how to do snappy comedy-horror tales. The quality of the printing is superb too, with rich colours and sharp reproduction. In comics tradition there's even a pull-out double-sided poster, although putting it on your bedroom wall might bring you nightmares. 

The thing that impresses me the most though is how much David Leach has progressed as an artist since those days on Oink! Like most of us on that comic back then, he was just starting out and finding his style. Now it's well established and he has a good understanding of his craft. 

Psycho Gran Comic Capers Cavalcade No.2 has 36 full colour A4 pages for £5 plus postage. To buy a copy, contact the Psycho Gran Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/PsychoGran/

...or the publisher's Facebook page, Dead Universe Comics:
https://www.facebook.com/DeadUniverse/

...or if you're in the neighbourhood, visit the Dead Universe Comics shop at 5 Bourbon Street, Friars Square Shopping Centre, HP20 2PZ Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

PSYCHO GRAN returns again!

Psycho Gran was created by writer/artist David Leach way back in 1987 for Oink! comic and appeared on and off throughout its run. She then rested for years before returning in the charity comic Spirit of Hope in 2011, then in digital comic Aces Weekly in 2012, and her own digital comics published by Titan. 

Since then the octogenarian avenger has appeared in two issues of Psycho Gran Versus in full page illustrations, but now she's back in comic strip form in the first issue of Psycho Gran Comic Capers Cavalcade. 

The full colour 36 page A4 comic features Psycho Gran at her finest, in a collection of short stories where she enacts her own brand of justice to people who quite frankly deserve it. It often ventures into the absurd and surreal because anything can happen in this world! It's full of David Leach's over the top comic violence and is funny stuff indeed. A fine showcase of David's talents as a writer and cartoonist. 

People have been clamouring for more British comics so go for it! To buy a copy you can message David Leach directly for details at the Psycho Gran Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/PsychoGran/

...or you can contact the publisher Dead Universe Comics:
https://www.facebook.com/DeadUniverse

...or buy directly from David Leach at the comics conventions he attends. (He'll be at Macc-Pow! on Saturday 22nd June:
http://maccpow.co.uk

PSYCHO GRAN returns for Round 2

Psycho Gran was created by David Leach back in 1986 for Oink! comic but a character that good couldn't perish with the comic so David occasionally revives her for a new lease of life in her own titles. The latest being Psycho Gran Versus, and this is Round 2. 

Like the first issue, Psycho Gran Versus: Round 2 is a collection of new full page illustrations showing Psycho up against familiar looking characters. David's artwork is maturing all the time and it's always a treat to see. The fact that this is very funny is a bonus (although you'd be disappointed if it wasn't funny 'cos that's the whole point). 

"36 Punishing Pages of OAP Agro!" screams the cover, like something from a modern day Action weekly. It's all good satirical fun with Psycho Gran tackling characters as diverse as Darth Vader to Peanuts. 

There are bonus pieces by guest artists too, including industry greats such as Doug Braithwaite and Tom Mandrake. All in all, a great package!

To find out how to buy a copy, message David Leach at the Psycho Gran Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/PsychoGran/

Alternatively, you can buy issues directly from David at any comic cons he attends. 

Is this the end of PSYCHO GRAN?

Say it ain't so! Will Psycho Gran meet her maker? Well, she meets the Grim Reaper in the first episode of her latest adventure in Aces Weekly Vol.27 No.5, online now. 

Psycho Gran first appeared in Oink! comic back in 1986 and since then, her creator David Leach has given us brand new stories from time to time, particularly in Aces Weekly. Will her 31st anniversary year be her last? Find out by subscribing to the latest volume of Aces Weekly for just £6.99 for seven issues. 
http://www.acesweekly.co.uk/volumes

The latest issue also includes:

FLIGHT by Jeff Vaughn and Brendon and Brian Fraim. 

SICARIOS by Roberto Corroto and Erito Montana.

DUNGEONS AND BURGLARS by Santullo and Jok.

BOOM! NOWHERE by Kate Cunningham and Heather Fisher

THE FIRST GENTLEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE by Batton Lash.

There's also a Psycho Gran digital solo comic, and you can buy that from ComiXology here:

https://www.comixology.co.uk/Psycho-Gran-1/digital-comic/84714

PSYCHO GRAN returns today!

As regular followers of modern comics know, there are more opportunities for creators and publishers to reach their audience these days rather than relying on the expense and hassle of newsstand distribution. One avenue is digital comics, enabling readers to access comics immediately without a so much as a trip to the shops. Today, the much anticipated second issue of David Leach's Psycho Gran went live for anyone across the world to download to their device. 

Psycho Gran originated in Oink! comic 30 years ago when David was at the start of his comics career, but these stories are of a more recent vintage and are fine examples of a cartoonist at the top of his game. The strips originally appeared in Aces Weekly over the last few years and are now collected into one convenient package. 

Who is Psycho Gran? We never know her back story and we don't need to. She's an unstoppable force of vengeance with seemingly unlimited powers to enact short but sweet justice on those that deserve it, from burglars to pushy cyclists. In real life, Psycho Gran would make the world a better place. She certainly makes the world of comics a better place. 

Published by Titan Comics, Psycho Gran No.2 is available to download NOW from Comixology and Amazon. Here are the links. Don't disappoint her by not buying it.

To buy from ComiXology, click HERE.

To buy from Amazon, click HERE.

Review: PSYCHO GRAN VS...

Psycho Gran has been around for a long time now. Like a geriatric Octobriana she has appeared in various publications since her origins in Oink! comic back in the late 1980s and recently appeared in Aces Weekly. Now, creator David Leach has unleashed her in a new publication, Psycho Gran VS... which pits the pensioner of power against numerous iconic characters. They don't stand a chance. 

Psycho Gran VS... is a nice big A4 full colour item with 36 pages. Not exactly a comic, as there are no strips in it, but each illustration fills a full page. This is an excellent portfolio of David Leach's artwork and I was particularly impressed by the Psycho Gran vs Dracula page with its cross hatching shading techniques evoking the style of early British comics. 

If the 22 superb pages of David Leach artwork wasn't value for money enough (and it is), there's a bonus section in the back featuring guest artists doing their interpretations of Psycho Gran. A great gallery by Mike Perkins, Rian Hughes, Mike Collins, Davey Jones, Davy Francis, David Hitchcock, and myself. 

Psycho Gran VS... costs just £3.99 from Dead Universe Comics, 5 Bourbon Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP20 2PZ. To find out how to order a copy by post, contact them at their Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/Dead-Universe-Comics-411695270458/

Go Psycho!

If you're at the London Super Comic Con today seek out David Leach who will be selling copies of his latest publication, Psycho Gran VS. The full colour print comic features great new artwork by David Leach pitching ex-Oink! star Psycho Gran against some well known faces in an orgy of comic violence. There's also a 10 page gallery of artwork by guest artists including Mike Perkins, Davy Francis, Rian Hughes and myself. 

You may find David at the Aces Weekly table, where you can also subscribe to the award-winning Aces Weekly of course! 

Here's the page I did for it. I haven't received the printed comic yet so I'm looking forward to seeing everyone else's contributions.

Grab a Gran! PSYCHO GRAN!

The pensioner of peril is back this week as Psycho Gran returns to the latest issue of Aces Weekly! David Leach once again revives his classic Oink! character for an all-new story in Aces Weekly Volume 19 No.5, which went live last night.

If you haven't tried this award-winning digital comics anthology before it's never too late to start! Each volume of seven weekly issues costs just £6.99 and all volumes are always available on the site to read. Works on your PC, Mac, laptop or tablet. As well as David Leach there's a great range of other top comics talent involved too! Check it out today:
http://www.acesweekly.co.uk/home

Psycho Gran is back this week!

Artist/writer David Leach has created an all-new five page Psycho Gran strip for the latest edition of award-winning digital anthology Aces Weekly. The story, entitled Psycle, sees Psycho Gran encounter the bane of pedestrians, - a selfish cyclist who rides on footpaths. It won't end well... for him!

It's a great little strip that's sure to entertain fans of Psycho Gran who have followed her since the days of Oink! comic. You'll find it in this week's issue, Aces Weekly Volume 16, No.7.  Don't forget that Combat Colin was in last week's issue, so if you subscribe to Volume 16 for just £6.99 you'll get Psycho Gran, Combat Colin, and a load of other all-new strips too. Why not give it a go? Here's the link:
http://www.acesweekly.co.uk/   

Don't forget that Psycho Gran also appears in her own one-off digital comic, available on Comixology. More info here:
http://lewstringer.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/psycho-gran-returns-in-her-own-comic.html

David Leach tells it like it is

Comic artist, writer, animation artist, colourist, editor, David Leach has had quite a career and he's been interviewed by Alex Fitch about it on Resonance FM. There's a podcast of the interview now available for you to listen to here:
http://podcasts.resonancefm.com/archives/12472 

I've known David for nearly 30 years since we were contributors to Oink! comic and I count him as one of my closest friends in the comics industry. (I went to his wedding many years ago too.) So I'm pleased to see him receive some recognition on Resonance FM. The interview reveals him to be as straight talking and enthusiastic as ever - and it's funny too, so have a listen.   

Psycho Gran returns in her own comic

One of the stars of 1980s cult comic Oink! makes her welcome return this week in her own title. David Leach's Psycho Gran No.1 will be available to buy as a digital comic from Titan Comics on the ComiXology app as from tomorrow (March 26th), - a day now known as Gran-day! 

I'm really pleased to see this happening as David's style of comedy has always amused me and over the years his artwork has continued to develop and reach new heights. Psycho Gran is too good a character to keep down, - and she just wouldn't allow it anyway. 

The cover to PSYCHO GRAN No.1.

Here's the official press release:

PSYCHO GRAN ISSUE #1

First published in the British kid's comic, Oink! Back in 1986 Psycho Gran is the psychotically demented brain-child of cartoonist and comic book editor, David Leach – winner of Channel Four's Come Dine With Me, editor and writer of the Wallace and Gromit newspaper strip and the Adventure Time comic magazine and editor of Roman Dirge's Lenore. David is also the co-creator of cult 1990's strip The Driver for the British cult comic, Toxic!.
Psycho Gran (or Psycho Besta as she's known in Norway) is a five-foot high, mauve-haired, bespectacled psychotic granny with a pan-dimensional, sentient handbag called Percy, a flying dog called Archie and a pathological loathing of rudeness. Join her for an all-new 29 page, full-colour journey into a surrealist slap-stick world of rampaging kaiju (that’s giant monsters to you!), neo-Nazis skin-heads, bag snatchers, death-row inmates, explosive diarrhea, those annoying SOBs who will insist on using their bloody mobile phones in cinemas and innocent people just minding their own buisness.
She puts the Old into Old Skool! 

On sale date: March 26th. Available here: 

http://www.comixology.com/Titan/comics-publisher/92-0

“Dark humour cartoons used to be a strong part of British comics, now sadly long gone, apart from a few adult comics and great strips like Psycho-Gran. I have particularly fond memories of David's "The Driver" and "Dinner Ladies From Hell" and his Psycho-Gran is in the same hilarious mould. It's an excellent representation of the British black comedy we need so much more of.”

– Pat Mills, creator of 2000AD, Action, Battle writer and creator of Sláine, Nemesis the Warlock, Marshal Law, Charley's War and the ABC Warriors.

“While old comedy comic characters wither in the creaking care home of bad stewardship, David Leach's, old but un-withered, bad, batty, toothless, ruthless, fearless, frightening, horrible, hilarious, Psycho Gran marches on in her surgical stockings, getting stronger by the day. Bless him!”

– David Lloyd, artist and co-creator of V For Vendetta.

"Um, how about ‘...David Leach's Psycho Gran is a satisfying blend of top-notch draughtsmanship and gruesome silliness...’ Or something like that? A bit short, I know, but I put the dot-dot-dots in to make it look like it's come from a longer review. “ 

– Davey Jones, Former Viz Editor.

"David Leach takes comic violence to the next level with the powerful and genuinely funny imagery of Psycho Gran. The most Gran-tastic comic book you'll ever read!" –

– Lew Stringer, creator of Combat Colin and regular Viz and Beano artist extraordinaire.

“Psycho Gran is unique and genuinely disturbing, and so is her creator.” – Peter Hogan writer of Resident Alien and Tom Strong 

“I grew up with Pyscho Gran as an inspiration for not only how to draw comics, but how to live my life. She was drawn in a style I'd never seen before in children's comics, and the humour was so dark and so BRUTAL, it affected me in ways no other comic had.  A real eye-opener for what children's comics could, and should, be.”– Jamie Smart, creator of Bear, Corporate Skull and Desperate Dan and Dandy relaunch artist.

“Terror has a new face…. and a purple rinse …With Psycho Gran, David Leach forges a new genre of Octogenarian ultra-violence, surreal and disturbing but a right ‘bloody’ laugh. Harry Brown it’s time to collect your pension” 

– Stuart Jennett artist and writer of Chronos Commandos.

Make it a date, - Psycho Gran No.1 - on sale from your Internet on Wednesday!

http://www.comixology.com/Titan/comics-publisher/92-0

David Leach at work.

OTHER RELATED INFO

The Psycho Gran FACEBOOK page went live on Feb 10 2014 and already has 156 likes.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Psycho-Gran/139243379562556

The FACEBOOK Oink! page has 684 members

https://www.facebook.com/groups/OinkComic/

Psycho Gran appears in the Digital comics, Aces Weekly which was recently voted Best Digital Comic of 2013.

She has appeared Norway in the NEMI magazine where she is known as Psycho Besta.

After a 25-year absence she returned in the Japanese Tsunami appeal book, Spirit of Hope in 2011.

PSYCHO GRAN is back!

The latest edition of Aces Weekly, the all-new digital anthology comic produced in the UK and available to the world, features the long-awaited return of Psycho Gran, a character who first appeared in Oink! comic back in 1986.

As with the original strips, this 2012 revival of Psycho Gran is written and drawn by the strip's creator David Leach. I asked David to pen a few words about the return of Britain's hardest granny and he kindly obliged in his inimitable manner.

Over to you, David....


She's glad to be back, she'd be banging around in my psyche for the last couple of years being a nuisance so it was either start drawing her again or go postal.

That said, it's nice to have her back in my noggins, she sees the world in a funny light and it always makes me laugh when I think up something for her to do.

I was very pleased to discover I hadn't forgotten how to draw her, but I did take the time to revamp her costume, get her out of all black and introduce some much needed colour to her ensemble, likewise i found it exciting to try and expand her universe, giving her Archie the dog was fun and he's opening up avenues to explore story wise, although you don't see him in the Aces Weekly strip.

I don't know if it's an age thing, but a lot more of the stories I'm coming up with for her explore her sexuality in a way I find rather surprising.

David Leach at the KAPOW! comics convention

Also, for a while and in particular the strip in Aces Weekly I was finding it hard to come up with satisfying endings and then it occurred to me I was making a mistake and trying to make her nice! When I realised that she was just 'psycho'  it made coming up with stories easier. For a while I considered giving her a grand-daughter as a sidekick of sorts, a Tuesday Addams so to speak, but I couldn't make it work. I've also considered giving her a strange butler and a large gothic house to live in but that didn't feel right either, I haven't given up on any of that yet.

For the Aces story, I had the idea almost straight away, but it originally ended with the man's scream blowing out the windows, the street's window, all the windows of a skyscrapper until you pull back to see an astronaut floating in space attached to the international space station. The windows on that shatter and finally his visor shatters, all the time the reader would keep pulling back. And that was the story. I also set it on a bus.

Along the way I decided to relocate it to a quiet carriage of a train, which made more sense. For a long time the ending was going to be as above until I realised the ending I finally came up with. I wanted the reader to think she was doing something nice for people.

The only other thing I changed was with his ears, I'd drawn a picture that made me laugh out loud, that of the boy with his gonads hanging out of his ears, after they've popped out his earplugs but I dropped this on advice from Bambos. I regret that now, I think it would be just as funny with him looking up silently screaming with his balls hanging from his ears.

Beyond that, I've just finished the first issue of a proposed 4 book mini series of Psycho Gran and am about to start work on issue 2! And I'm illustrating a book about murderers, which after Psycho Gran is very therapeutic.

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As it's an online comic it's never too late to subscribe to Aces Weekly so you won't miss out on any issues. Sign up now to catch up with the five published issues so far: http://www.acesweekly.co.uk