The Road to the NYCC 2017.

New York Comic Con - Countdown 24 hrs.

Up early and head to Heathrow. The anticipation has me up an hour early. What to take to read on the plane? I downloaded the new episode of Star Trek Discovery for the flight as well (a huge improvement on the first two by the way). I packed a few monthlies I needed to catch up on and promised myself that I would catch up with some writing that I've been promising myself I'd finish for a while now.

Some Wordballoon in the car on the way there was also in order. Mike Zeck and John Beattie talking about their work together and some interesting insights into the creation of Spidey's black costume. The excitement is rising!!! (not like that!)

Whilst handing over my currently light and soon to be heavy suitcase I am met at the counter by Christian 'Batgirl' Wildgoose and Laura 'Night Post' Trinder. Two of the nicest people in UK Comics are on the same flight as me as we stroll through the still quietish security without any bother (even-though Chris was sure I'd get a 'bum search').

We grab some breakfast and make plans and are joined by Matt 'Sinthia' Harrower. Ever ready to point out that he thinks his hotel of choice this year is a 'Sex Hotel' - I'll expect some photos later...

Onto the plane. Managed to read and preview 'Ismyre' by B. Murer and published by Avery Hill. Caught the lady next to me reading along.

When I got off and through Customs at JFK Matt Harrower handed me a sick bag that he had drawn Batman dancing on!

He's normally more cheerful than this!!! I think he's just missing Danny Dyer?

We then waited for the Wildgeese to join us. Someone (me) created one of those signs that you see limo drivers holding at the airport!

Cloak and Dagger - oh yes!!!

Passes collected, new hall looked at and photos taken..... I'm off to the pub now to meet Marc Laming, Adrian Hashimi, Ed Traquino and Brian 'The Aussie' Vander!!!

Bring it on!

More to follow..........

In Preview - Ismyre by B. Murer.

Ismyre 

by B. Mure.

'A fantasy mystery story.'

Full Colour - 80 pages.

Published by Avery Hill Publishing.

Released on Saturday the 6th of October at the Bristol Comic and Zine Fair. Currently available for preorder at the Avery Hill website www.averyhillpublishing.com

Story - 'In the city of Ismyre, Ed the sculptor works as his widower neighbour sings strange melodies late into the night. He places the finished figurine on the shelf and notices that there is an empty space where another one should be. Perplexed, he sleeps, whilst his neighbour continues to croon. Meanwhile, across the city, a government building explodes into a mess of plants and flowers...'

'Exploring themes of loneliness in cities, ecology, craftsmanship and the self doubt that goes with making things; Ismyre is a quiet and fantastical mystery tale set in an old world of ordinary magic.'

Preview - This is a book that I have been waiting to see for a while now. Dave and Ricky from Avery Hill publishing had the table next to ours at London Super Comicon last month and spoke about how much they were looking forward to it's release. It opens on a quote that struck an obviously contradictory cord with me as I read onwards:

'The sculptor carves because he must' - Barbara Hepworth.

The central character is an anthropomorphic cat. He is a cat with worries in a number of areas. He seems unable to commit artistically, he sleeps badly, he seems generally an everyman leaf blown on the whims or people he meets and also has the problem that someone keeps breaking in to his flat and stealing his sculptures. So let's observe the contradiction that he must carve, but for a while does not and is worried about sculpting in ice (so stick that in your pompous quote Ms Hepworth!) It's actually the moments that lampoon so-called creatives that made me smile the most in this comic. It's hard not to see them as dunderheads from time to time and this certainly had me chuckling.

Strange drunken friendships are made, scurrilous government officials are met and observed being really quite badly behaved (wags finger), a woman who looks like a crocodile acts as an artists agent and there is some strangely crap magic in the mix. The story itself is a strange one to me. It jumps about and at moments lacks any real direction. I sat and watched as the characters dashed, argued, sang, slept and plotted. It's a slice of the strangely absurd at moments. It leaves you curious and a tiny bit confused at moments too. It's not really for kids and steps over the line to be an adult comic through setting and words.

'Genius never tells, or sleeps. But snacks are very important.' (I try never to believe foxes!)

But, obviously, the story takes a large second place to the sumptuous hues and line-work of the art. The city at night sits in greys and blues and golds and opens on some really gorgeous set pieces. The initial moments of the neighbour singing in the otherwise quiet and action free night is something I could stare at all day. The art looks straight out of a Roald Dahl book with the added bonus of being carefully detailed and sequentially pleasing. It's a loose cartoony style and B Mure shows us some real style with the characters he adds. My favourite by far is the character echoing that bad boy of the past Mr Fox in the shape of 'Faustine'. A mystery of a character who keeps having to dash off for babysitting duty or just decides at a moments notice to kick a front door.

To me this is a book that you can return to again and again. Don't worry about the scattershot plotting style just dive in and enjoy the nattering dialogue and absolutely fucking glorious visuals. Another worthy addition to the Avery Hill stable.

Find out more about this book and others at www.averyhillpublishing.com or follow them on Twitter @AveryHillPubl

Now.... Where's that Faustine spin-off comic!?

Many thanks for reading.

In Preview - 'Late Knights: A Sense of Steel' isue 1.

'Late Knights - A Sense of Steel' - issue 1.

Written by Jon Laight.

Art by Matt Strott.

Letters by Ken Reynolds.

Pin-Up Art by Susie Gander, Chris Imber and Matt Farrington.

Edited by Jon Laight and Ken Reynolds.

The Story - 'Late Knights #1:A Sense of Steel is an all ages adventure comic written by Jon Laight, illustrated by Matt Strott and lettered by Ken Reynolds.  It follows the Late family, a seemingly normal family by day but at night, transforming the ‘Late Knights’, a super spy family protecting the world from the bad guys.  Each family member have been Knighted at birth and can trace their lineage back to the Templar Knights, sharing the ideals of chivalry, hard work, teamwork and excellence to be the very best they can be.  They are part of the Global Knight Network with Knights, Samurai’s and Warriors all watching for when the super villains show themselves wherever that may be.

Sir Charles and Lady Cassandra Late are the parents of the main characters; Lady Elizabeth Late (Master Tracker and IT Expert), the eldest of the children with a teenage attitude that matches her awesome skills.  Sir William Late (Scientist/Inventor and budding martial arts expert), the cheekiest and naughtiest of the kids, he loves to wind his sisters up with the help of his sentient Drone MARTY. Lady Victoria Late (Language expert and master pilot/driver), a shy, quiet hero who surprises everyone with driving skills and sharp sense of humour.  Together, they make a fantastic team of super spy heroes ready to travel the world using the arsenal of cool gadgets to put the bad guys behind bars.'

The Preview - I got to see this slice of badass children's comic a few weeks ago when the artist shared some images with me online. I have been a fan of both the writing of Mr Laight and the art of Mr Strott for quite a while independently of each other and it is great to see the pair getting together (artistically that is...).

This is proudly a fun book and most especially a fun book for kids. It has all the gadgets of a modern spy drama but also has a little of what you remember kids comics used to have. It's that sense of adventure, wonder and action that charmed me from page one, line one. I've chatted in the past with Jon about the need for this sort of comic. There's no doubt that we don't serve kids up with the right four colour excitement these days. That comic that will get read and reread on the back seat of the parent's car on a road-trip. I know that some of my favourite comics memories come from a comic that can be read over and over, I would daydream of being the hero of the story. This is the sort of thing we need in the medium today and going forward.

Matt absolutely hits the target with the design of the book and especially of the characters. They work like a good kids movie or cartoon. It has that 'Junior James Bond' feel to it's back and forth. A family of spies who have snappy dialogue and cool gadgets who belong to a secret organisation, who could ask for more?! Matt isn't a London (or UK) resident and comes from Maryland in the US but he totally nails the feeling of the city. I actually think I know one of the alley ways a portion of the action happens within (no giggling at the back Jon!)

Listen... I'm a grumpy old so-and-so at the best of times but this brightened my day and is perfect for adults looking for a sense of nostalgia for comics like 'Hotspur' or 'Smash' or 'Mandy' and also for their kids who they want to 'Shut up, Mummy is driving..'

Plus it's got some great pin-ups by some of my favourite artists in small press/indie comics at the moment. So give it a go.

Late Knights #1:A Sense of Steel is being released on 14th October at Nottingham Comic Con where Jon will have a table for the day.  The comic is British comic standard sized and will be available along with art prints, colouring pages and pin badges for all the kids (and big kids) to enjoy.  There will also be a colouring competition on the day with a prize pack to be won by a couple of lucky winners.  After that the comic will be available on comichaus.com.

Find the writer and Head Honch of Level 8 Comics at 

Jon Laight (@level8comics, level8comics@gmail.com, level8comic.com)

Search out and find some more examples of Matt's gorgeous artwork on Twitter @mesycomics or head to his website at www.mesycomics.com

www.mesycomics.com

Head over and savour the gloriousness that is Mr Reynolds at @kenreynoldsdesign, kenreynoldsdesign.co.uk

Many thanks for reading.

In Preview - 'Geis: A Game Without Rules' by Alexis Deacon.

Geis Book 2: A Game Without Rules.

Created by Alexis Deacon.

Published by NoBrow - 120 pages - full colour - £15.99.

The Story - 'The second test has begun. Contenders for the new chief find themselves divided against their will and flung into a dangerous game. While the struggle for power continues, Io and Nemas battle with their own identities.... but when allies are turned against one another, who can be trusted.' 

'Geis, pronounced gesh, is a Gaelic word for a taboo or a curse. When a geis is placed upon you, it is like a spell that cannot be broken and certain rules must be obeyed. You might be prohibited from trampling mushrooms, for example, or from sitting down on the stairs. If you ignore or break a geis the consequences are dire.

But a geis is always broken.

As soon as it is spoken or written, your fate is set.'

The Review - This is one of those series that I am confused why everyone isn't falling over themselves to talk about. Volume 1 (Geis: A Matter of Life and Death) came out last year and was a beautiful telling of the journey of competitors to reach the castle. They were competing to become the chief. To rule the kingdom. It was a competition set by magician politicians. A mystery box was opened and we rushed to see how it would unfold.

Volume two takes place almost entirely within the walls of the city/castle. It is a game of wit and manipulation. At it's heart it is magical folklore tale with some of the most beautiful visuals you will find in quite a while. It is also not a short read. 120 pages are packed with multiple panels and for a 'Game Without Rules' this has a claustrophobic nightmarish quality where things happen, unexpected and violent things that have a twisted logic to them. It is a gorgeous riddle that keeps you searching and theorising the solution.

Volume 2 also sees the various roles of the players fleshed out. They are never purely the scientist or the magician or the heroine or the soldier of the wizard. You see Deacon subvert the classical folklore and fantasy roles beyond the ordinary. The race for the crown and often just a race to survive have the contestants change and develop before the eyes of the reader. Deacon adds a huge range of character and emotion to the players beyond what you often see elsewhere in a fantasy story.

Like all good fairy tales it mixes the fantastical with the cruel. You genuinely have no idea as to who will survive at every turn of the page. It also speaks to the class system in a (small 'p') political style. The rich are not just idiots but do display the pomposity of their positions and those below stairs are more practical. Whilst above and out of reach are the meddling magicians who watch and wait and prod and survey the chaos they have created. Clever stuff indeed.

'The will that shapes the world.'

It is of course broad politics laid out on a folklore stage. It plays about with role and destiny and the games those in power often play. Isn't all power play and manipulation the art of guiding us through a narrow line of food and famine, life and death, power and weakness? This is a jigsaw for the reader to push in to place. One that I enjoyed watching fall apart and then again gain direction time and again over and over. This is done with a marvellous flourish and a bag full of darkness. 

The art is outstanding to say the least. It has a pastel feel to much of the backdrops with a great sense of colour and depth as you move through the halls, stairways, libraries, throne rooms and corridors of this maze of a city. Deacon packs many panels to a page and then opens the world up with some extraordinary splash pages. He has a sense of the urgent in the movement and a great sense of light and darkness. The light through windows and the shadows of the interiors are used to great effect throughout.

I won't spoil the cut and thrust of the story (insert smiley face here for the slower people who didn't see what a hint that was) but this is a volume that really packs some story punch. It is done with some excellent story beats and is in no way a quick read. I highly recommend you taking your time on it and read it slowly and in chunks to get the full impact.

'It's blood and poison out there.'

This is the second in the proposed three volume series and will be released from NoBrow Press on the 30th of September 2017. You can pre order your copy here http://nobrow.net/shop/geis-vol-2-a-game-without-rules/?

Follow NoBrow on Twitter @NobrowPress

You can find more about the creator at his Blog http://alexisdeacon.blogspot.co.uk/ 

This is a fucking glorious series. I relished every single panel on every page in a way you don't generally with other comics. Seriously! You need this on your shelf. And at a price point of £15.99 0r $18.95 for a hadback it is hard to argue.

Many thanks for reading and I apologise for the crude language.

In Review - 'Dalston Monsterzz' by Dilraj Mann

Dalston Monsterzz

Created by Dilraj Mann.

Published by NoBrow.

Oversized hardback format - Full Colour - 76 pages - £14.99.

'For years, Dalston has been home to monsters - not just the property developers who own the area. Out of the holes dug for new blocks of flats, huge beasts began to emerge. Gangs formed, territorial battles ensued... and now two friends must fight for their lives as they discover the true depths of Dalston's darkest secret.

Dilraj Mann's debut graphic novel explores friendship and corruption in an alternative vision of East London.'

I had the pleasure of chatting to Dilraj at the East London Comics Art Festival in 2016. He told me about his grand plans for this book and I've been looking forward to seeing what would be published since. I don't feel that I was let down in any way. This is a ruddy wonder of a book. It mixes the urban drama genre with the fantastical in a clever and beautiful execution of a comic!

Let's start with that cover! If you are looking to create an eye catching, bright encapsulation of a story in one image then this is where to look. The title on the left with the vertical horizontal yellow stripe and black lettering is striking and draws your eye. Next to it is a multiple person image that shows both the fantastic Manga meets Charles Burns stylistic art and the visual representation of an unfolding urban fable. If this doesn't catch your eye on a comic or bookshelf I'd check your pulse as you may be dead from the waist up...

The interiors are as good. They are retina burningly iconic in their individual and thoroughly consistent methodology. They have got a pace and a character that reflects an urgency of young and troubled city dwellers. The book opens with a fun moped vs car chase from the off. A chase that not only sets the stage visually but also sets up character and narrative. I sense a strong editorial hand on a stripped down to the bone story that reveals and extrapolates at perfect timings.

I'm an old fart. It's plain. I have to admit that I didn't like any of the characters on a personal level. But I don't think I am mean't to because walking through Dalston in real life London I doubt I would then either. Roshan, Kay and even Lolly are formulated to be real and not endearing. To say that this is 'Kidulthood' meets 'Monsters' is an over simplification. This gets into the guts of more about life in London and seems to me to have a hard reality playing alongside the fantastical elements. The voices are grounded and spell out the day-to-day lives of the kids involved (especially in the first act).

I'm typing much of this as I read this volume. Around half way through the book you begin to realise that Mann is a clever fucker. He's created this world and placed the players where they should be, he's then began to weave the story beyond what I expected. He is creating an enduring hero and a splendidly fleshed out world. It has all the hallmarks of the start of a series. It also has a cheeky sense of style and humour. There's a snark and flourish to the words spoken and the designs on show.

There is much more coming I sense. This landscape of hipster street markets and tower blocks has become the playground for something more akin to a saga with a deep running mystery at it's heart. I'm hoping as I read that this isn't a one and done graphic novel.... I will read on.

30 minutes later...

Right! I've just finished reading. I want to tell you what a fucking great ending this book has. The twists and the turns that you'll see on the page. The way that it will play with what you think you know about the story and characters and monsters and political games that are played. 

But I can't. I can't spoil this. It's something that you'll need to experience for yourself.

Just promise that when you have read the whole thing you'll go out and have a good shout about what you thought.

What I will say is that at £14.99 this is a solid gold steal! Every page is dynamite.

Buy a copy!

Find out more about the creator at www.dilrajmann.com or follow him on Twitter @dilraj_mann

You can find more great books over at the NoBrow website at www.nobrow.net

Or pop along to the book's release at Gosh Comics in London on Friday the 15th of September between 7 and 9pm. www.goshlondon.com

Many thanks for reading.

Twenty-four hours later....

I showed this to a pal (he's not a big fan of comics or reading in general to think of it) who read it sitting next to me on a long drive and he said as follows...

'This is fucking great! It's like Pokemon meets The Warriors' (I kind of liked that one!)

In Preview - 'Stir Fry' by Sarah Crosby.

Stir Fry.

Created by Sarah Crosby.

Published by Good Comics.

Black and White cover and interiors - £4.00 - 36 pages.

I've been reading quite a few books from Good Comics recently. They are getting quite the name for being an up and coming indie UK publisher and are much touted by Rich at Comic Printing UK.

'Stir Fry' by Sarah Crosby is one of three new releases that they will have at the upcoming Thoughtbubble Comics Festival in a couple of weeks. These also include 'SID' by Olivia Sullivan and 'New York (a holiday to remember)' from the wacky world of Elizabeth Querstret.

This is slightly different from the other releases in that it is a collection of three stories that are split up into chapters throughout the comic's pages. All of these have a dark and irregular sense of humour and turn of phrase. The creator chooses some very weird situations to examine. One example is the search of a common house fly looking for something to eat.

'Never have I seen such exquisite beauty!.... His stench, such a pungent aroma! I feel a stirring beneath my wings. We will meet soon my love.'

The fly sees a middle aged and pot bellied man laying out on a lounger in his garden sweltering in the sun. The fly falls in love with this sweaty man!

Another story, and possibly my favourite, is about a train carriage full of passengers. A baby is screaming it's lungs out and annoying those nearby. The passengers summon the Devil (obviously) who appears in his pants apologising about rushing when he was called (beware his satanic bum crack by the way). Sarah takes the story beyond what you would expect and does so with hilariously dark results.

There is some genuine originality on show here. It is a delight to thumb through. It has the initial feel that you are reading a UK small press title but takes you on a ride worthy of comics like 'Creepy' and 'Eerie' or 'House of Mystery'.   

The art is well constructed and you are never at a loss figuring out who is who. It has a comedic style with slightly caricatured faces and situations but never to the point of shouting about it. Faces are comically intense and full of expression.

I had real fun with this one and I would put it at the top of Good Comics' output so far. 

A small problem would be that it seemed too short. As a collection I would loved to have seen more. 

But for content this is highly recommended. Give it a go.

You can find more out about Sarah at www.sarahcrosbyillustration.co.uk and on Twitter @DI_Kittypants

Head over to Good Comics and grab some of their titles at www.goodshop.bigcartel.com and find them on Twitter @Good_Comics

Many thanks for reading.

In Preview - 'Self-Care & Vegetables' by Rozi Hathaway.

'Self-Care & Vegetables'

Created by Rozi Hathaway.

Black and white - 40 pages - £3.00 - A6.

Currently available for preorder and to be released at the upcoming Thoughtbubble Comics Festival in Leeds on the 22nd - 24th of September.

Story - This is a comic about a break up and the implications felt by one side of the partnership. From the practical implications to the emotional complications.

The Review - This is described by Rozi on her etsy store as an 'Autobiographical Break Up Zine'. I have a lot to weigh up in describing a book and this review is based on my personal feelings about what I have been sent in preview.

I have read it a couple of times now and it has played on my mind as to whether or not I should present a review. Here are some of the questions I have been asking myself. These are my opinions and I note that they are only relevant to myself. You may have a different opinion.

 (Yes I understand that it is presented as a 'zine' in the advert but in messages to me Rozi herself has described it as a 'comic')

Does this comic go deep enough? Is it an explanation, a confession and/or a peek into the life and thoughts of the creator? Does it give insight? Does it educate or cause enjoyment? Does it work as a comic? Is the art pleasing? Do the words echo? Is it an improvement on that moment in the day? Does it educate and enlighten? Does it get you thinking and/or examining?

Is this enough as a piece of art?

It is by depth, length and time, enough?

Would I buy it? Would others like it?

Is it worth the price?

Does it provide help to others? Does it provide places that people suffering the same problems can go to? (Sadly it does not).

I have been questioning what I am doing here. Do I review this book that has left me a little frustrated and a little confused as to why it is offered for sale.

I understand that strong emotions and difficult situations can and have been used to create art of all kinds. I also understand that interweaving real life and autobiography is a type of comic that can be interesting to those not involved with the described situation. Some of my favourite comics are autobiographical and so-called Slice of Life. But the events must be given texture and depth. They must have something that makes them interesting or enlightening to read about. 

I feel for Rozi. Splitting up with a partner and suffering anxiety is not easy to deal with. But in my opinion a comic about that situation needs more to its pages than we get here.  This comic is in my opinion under realised. It appears to a stranger looking in like a lot of blank pages and some scattershot sketches. It looks like a couple of doodles in a sketchbook with scant interlocking prose. The cover feels like minimalism is an excuse, it's attempt to look like a diary or notebook scribble doesn't work in my opinion. I would personally have loved to see much more art.

This is a shame as I rank Rozi as a really interesting creator and her last few books are up there with some of my personal favourites this year. But this needs more. More depth and more of the beautiful art I am now used to seeing from her. What there is looks like a good start to me, albeit a little rushed and under rendered. I would like a bigger bite at everything she touches upon, she and the reader deserve more of a try.

But that is just my opinion. What do I know.

If this is something that is more to your taste you can go to www.rozihathaway.com to get a copy. I highly recommend Rozi's recent release 'Cosmos and Other Stories'. Her etsy store can be found at www.etsy.com/shop/rozihathaway

You can also follow her on Twitter @angelsallfire

Many thanks for reading.