Jack and Lucy

Again, my apologies that I won't be able to attend Oldham Comic Con (Saturday 12th May) but for those of you who will be there, stop by Rachael Smith's table to pick up a free new comic entitled Jack and Lucy that sensitively deals with the subject of mental health in the young.

Written by Rachael Smith and drawn by Jacob Phillips, the comic is designed by James Devlin and edited by Tim Pilcher. The project was coordinated by Sara Kenny and funded by the Welcome Trust and Carnegie UK Trust for Oldham Libraries. 

An important topic, tackled in the comics medium, and superbly produced. Congratulations to all involved.

Review: HOW COMICS WORK

If you're in a mad rush to get your pre-Christmas plans sorted, I'll sum up this review in seven words: If you like comics, buy this book!

Here's a slightly more in-depth analysis for those of you already roasting your chestnuts by an open fire...

How Comics Work is an 192 page softback book by Dave Gibbons and Tim Pilcher detailing the whole process of comics creation in a very relaxed and absorbing way. Under lesser hands, such a book could be tedious and dry, but Dave and Tim are articulate and affable chaps whose personalities shine through to make this a very accessible read for all. 

Dave Gibbons has always been an all-rounder in comics, having mastered all the skills such as writing, pencilling, inking, colouring, and lettering, and he takes us through each process with helpful tips and anecdotes. A great advantage is that Dave has saved so much material over the years that he's able to illustrate each chapter with numerous previously-unseen sketches, roughs, page breakdowns etc, and a good helping of finished art too. 

There are also chapters on the creators who inspired Dave, and those whose techniques he respects, to aid in the demonstrations of comics creation. 

Tim Pilcher, a writer and editor of long standing, also knows his stuff, and supplies his own commentary alongside Dave's teachings. This approach works considerably well, and adds to the enjoyment of the book. 

This is a book that should be an essential read for everyone working in comics, or with ambitions to be a comics creator, and also for any fan with an interest in the behind-the-scenes nuts and bolts of comics. Even if you might not use all the techniques yourself, it's important to know what goes into constructing the finished product.

An absolutely fantastic book that everyone reading this blog needs on their bookshelf. Click here to order a copy. 

Want to know How Comics Work?

If you're in or around London on Wednesday 20th September, drop into Orbital Comics for the book launch and signing of How Comics Work by Tim Pilcher and Dave Gibbons!

Here's the info:

Orbital is proud to present the launch of How Comics Work, the exciting new book from Dave Gibbons and Tim Pilcher. Pulling back the curtain of comic book creation, the iconic artist behind Watchmen and Green Lantern reveals insider hints, tips and tricks in his own words. Covering both traditional and digital techniques, this “how it’s done” book will prove essential to any aspiring comic creator.

Gibbons and Pilcher will be signing copies of their new book from 5:30 – 7:30pm, and the evening will conclude with a free-to-attend after-hours panel discussion. If ever you wanted to get comic book industry knowledge first-hand, this will be the event you can’t afford to miss!

More info here:

http://www.orbitalcomics.com/how-comics-work-book-launch-signing-after-hours-discussion-weds-20th-sept-530pm-til-late/