Great Comics for Kids!

I wrote a list of my daughter's favourite comics for a friend and thought it would make a useful post. They get a little girl-centric towards the bottom but hey, I've read all of them (except one)...

ALL AGES

 

Bone 
by Jeff Smith 
Published by Scholastic 
Hilarious, huge favourite in our house, read and re-read, over and over!



Marvel's Wizard of Oz adaptations 
Eric Shanower & Skottie Young
Jaw-droppingly gorgeous artwork & Fun stories.




Little Nemo in Slumberland 
by Winsor McKay
Difficult to find and probably expensive when you do but worth it. Lushly illustrated, bonkers storylines. 




Herobear 
by Mike Kunkel



Magic Trixie 
by Jill Thompson

Published by Harper Trophy

A good starter for younger readers. Easy to read and lot's of fun.

 


The Courageous Princess
by Rod Espinosa
Haven't read it myself but this was a HUGE favourite of my eldest, reread a lot.




Polly and the Pirates 
by Ted Naifeh
Published by Oni Press


Cracking read, awesomely illustrated. Sadly, Naifeh doesn't draw the second volume. Some mild language.


PG recommended (some mature themes)



Courtney Crumrin
by Ted Naifeh
Published by Oni Press
Dripping in atmosphere and attitude.


Any favourites of your kids you want to share?


Thanks for reading,
This Man, This Pete

Who's Your Comic Book Crush- With SCC Writers Adam Wilmot and Ricky Webber

A few weeks ago our writers Adam and Ricky decided to interview each other for another instalment of 'Who's Your Comic Book Crush'. In typical fashion they don't take it very serious, but I think if you read it closely I think there is enough to make one serious response between the two of them. So on to the Q & A...

DO YOU READ COMICS?

Adam- Comets? Do I read comets?! What? Oh, ‘comics’. What’s a comic? [is told what a comic is] oh, then no.

Ricky- As a professional comic book artist told me, in a snobby way, at a con ‘I don’t read comics’. Seriously, I read lots of comics on a weekly basis and if I ever get to the point where I reflect the unnamed professional I am giving you permission to punch me in the face.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST COMIC AND DO YOU STILL HAVE IT?

Adam- I think it was ‘Zoo #5’ (no not the lads mag, although I enjoy that for the ‘articles’ too). I do still have it, well most of it. Why? Do you want it? £10?

Ricky- The Beano, it would probably be the Beano. My Gran used to babysit some kids who would give her all sorts of British comics like the Beano, the Dandy and Beezer. I was about 5 when I first started getting them so I started early. I was a member of the Dennis The Menace fan club too. Unfortunately I don’t have any of the issues anymore but I still have some of the annuals.

WHAT WAS THE LAST COMIC YOU BOUGHT?

Adam- I don’t buy them anymore, I’m famous, I don’t need to pay. I just walk into the Comix Shoppe and take what I want. (I just checked, it was Batman #21, and if Simon is reading this I did pay.)

Ricky- 2x Killjoys, 2x Uncanny X-Force, 2x Deadpool, Batman, Venom and Avengers Assemble. (I don’t buy two copies I had to pick up Adams for him)

WHAT COMIC(S) HAVE PROVEN MOST INFLUENTIAL?

Adam- Essential Uncanny X-men Volumes 1-9. Sixteen years of Uncanny X-men Proved to be very influential. The Boys, Y the Last man and Superman: Red Son and Lockjaw and the pet Avengers.

Ricky- J. Michael Straczynski and John Romita Jr’s run on Amazing Spider-Man, Bendis’s New Avengers, Morrison’s New X-men, Remender’s X-Force and Secret Avengers, Alan Moore’s League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and although it’s not comics Stephen King.

FAVOURITE/MOST MEMORABLE COVER?

Adam- I can’t think of any in particular right now, but usually anything by Bachalo, Ba, Conner, Jim Lee, Granov, Cloonan or about a million others.

Ricky- Excalibur #3 the one with Juggernaut walking over Captain Britain, or Amazing Fantasy #15.

FAVOURITE ARTIST(S) AND WRITER(S)?

Adam- Jeph Loeb, B. M. Bendis, Chris Claremont, Geoff Johns, Jeff Smith and Gaiman oh and Remender, Fraction and Brian Wood ( I just keep adding to this it’s a bit of an endless list) Kirkman, Snyder, Brian K. Vaughn, Tim Sale, Kitson, Art Adams, Tony Moore and Adlard I think that’s it…

Ricky- So I like most of the ones named by Adam (except Loeb, he’s too hit or miss), so without droning on like Adam I’m going to just add a few to the list. Dan Slott, JMS, Stan Lee, Allred, Ramos, Hitch and Skottie Young.

FAVOURITE CHARACTER?

Adam- This is a difficult question, I’d probably have to say Wolverine, but I’ve been a Bat-Fan for as long as I can remember no lie. Spidey, Deadpool, Super-girl, She Hulk (both of them) and Power Girl are all close.

Ricky- Spider-Man! Moon Knight is a close second and I also like Nightcrawler, Gambit, Shazam and the OUTRAGEOUS Brave and the Bold Aquaman.

ARE YOU READING ANYTHING AT THE MOMENT?

Both- Yes

IF SO, WHAT?

Adam- Batman, Super-Girl, Killjoys, The Boys, Deadpool, Wonder Woman, Venom, Hulk, Saga, Captain Marvel, Scarlet Spider, Ravagers, Uncanny X-Force, I don’t want to say the exact amount or you might think I’m a geek.

Ricky- Superior Spider-Man, All new X-Men, Saga, Uncanny X-Force, Killjoys, Fatale, Avengers Arena, Justice League (just for the Shazam back up) and Justice League of America and a few others.  

 (If not a comic book fan or if relevant) -WHY COMICS THEN?

Adam- I read Comics to pick up the chicks.

Ricky- (rolling his eyes) sighs

 (If relevant) - WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN CREATING COMICS FOR A LIVING?

Adam- Why not make a living doing the thing you love? What? I’m not getting paid? Aw Man!

Ricky- I wish I could make a living from it.

Technical questions:

WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED MEDIUM TRADITIONAL OR DIGITAL, OR A MIX OF BOTH?

Adam- I still write. Meaning I actually write on paper. Well, tatty scraps of what used to be paper, and I draw on lined paper and post-it notes.

Ricky- I take notes on paper, or keep track by texting ideas to Adam, and then script on to Celtx Scripting app on iPad so I’m totally opposite Adam in that I like to keep track of my writing.

 (If traditional) -WHICH TOOLS DO YOU PREFER USING? (Inks, pencils, oils, brushes, etc.)

Adam- Pencils, Biro's, blood, sand, and the power of the mind.

Ricky- Pen, Paper, Pencil.

 (If digital) -WHICH TOOLS/PROGRAMS DO YOU USE?

Adam- I like garden equipment shovels are useful. I prefer the Ecowash program on my washing… you mean like digital for artists? I knew that.

Ricky- Celtx for scripting, dropbox and google drive to share with the rest of the collective.

WOULD/HAVE YOU SWITCHED FROM ONE TO THE OTHER?

Adam- Is this about washing machines… no? Um, well I like digital but it doesn’t like me.

Ricky- I use both anyway I think these days both are part of the process.

WHY DO YOU PREFER YOUR CURRENT MEDIUM?

Adam- Freedom of use. I don’t knock digital, but I prefer plain old pencil and paper. No having to load the correct program or checking to make sure you have enough battery power.

Ricky- I disagree with Adam on this I find using digital offers freedom using dropbox or Google drive means you can access files whenever you want without having to carry anything but your phone. Unlike Adam who loses most of his crumpled up bits of paper with our plots meaning we are constantly restarting.

WHAT IS YOUR WORKING METHOD: DO YOU SET YOURSELF DEADLINES? OR DO YOU WORK WHEN THE MOOD TAKES YOU?

Adam- What’s a deadline?

Ricky- I think deadlines help get work done, even if that means that you are working through the night to meet the deadlines.

Light-hearted/off-topic questions:

-WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE PERKS TO THE JOB?

Adam- the chicks, the kickbacks, the legions of fans willing to die for you. Yeah, it’s a shame I don’t have any of them.

Ricky- getting into conventions for free! Getting shameless self promotion photos with people like retired wrestlers and Jabba the Hutt’s right (or was it Left) arm, and getting to say ‘I’m a comic book writer’.

DO YOU GET FREEBIES?

Adam- Only if I can run fast enough and, fortunately, Maggs doesn’t run that fast.

Ricky- Yes, loads of free photos with retired wrestler’s that I’ve grown up watching on T.V. and glamour models.

DO YOU GO TO CONVENTIONS? AND DO YOU ENJOY THEM?

Adam- I love going to conventions people are starting to know who we are, and we get to gush over people from Star Trek.

Ricky- Conventions? Enjoy them? When we go to conventions I have to get up early, drive through the ‘No Mans Land’ that is mid Wales (they don’t even want electricity judging from the banners and placards), with four of us in my tiny car, one of which is terrified of traveling in a car and cry’s if we go over 20 mph. when we get there we work our  asses off setting up, interacting with people to promote the comic and group. What do I get for this? An empty wallet ( and a bootful of cool crap!)

So a brief answer? Despite this I love conventions and wish we did more, although my bank balance is glad we don’t do more.   

 (If relevant) -FAVOURITE CONVENTION?

Adam- San Diego. Sadly, I’ve never been.

Ricky- Can’t you tell from the answer above?

TELL US ONE THING WE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU:

Adam- I can knit I’m a qualified wallet inspector. I’m super intelligent and a prolific liar

Ricky- Despite being a fatty- boom boom I’m one of only two in the group that actually enjoy sports (serious, he’ll watch anything bar cricket and tennis, but who does?)

WHAT IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? E.g.: are you a chocoholic? Collect action figures?

Adam- I don’t stop eating. Even when I’m sleep, I eat whilst eating (that’s obvious you idiot). I collect books; can’t read, but I like the pictures.

Ricky- I shoplift from charity shops. (he doesn’t really)

A 'VERSUS' QUESTION such as; one of the following; hulk vs. Thor, batman vs. Captain America, john romita snr. vs. John romita jr, ditko vs. Kirby, choose one or make up your own - WHO WOULD WIN?

(Ricky gives Adam Hulk vs Superman) [Adam gives Ricky a dirty look] Hulk. No! Superman! No wait, wait. Hulk, or maybe Superman, or Hulk? Superman? (sits quietly thinking for a while turns red then faints.)

(Adam gives Ricky Moon Knight vs Batman) The quick answer is Batman. I think that most would write it off as an easy win for Batman, but you need to consider that with his history as a mercenary, CIA operative and boxer factor in his multiple personalities he would be an unpredictable foe and willing to cross lines that Bruce wouldn’t. In the end I think Marc/Steven/Jake would be his own worst enemy, but there's always a chance Frenchie would shoot Batman from the mooncopter, but it’ll be Batman in the end.

WHICH COMIC CHARACTER DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER?

Adam- Batman. I was Batman, I was a fat little blonde haired kid in a Batman costume riding around on a pedal along tractor which served as my batmobile.

Ricky – Minnie the Minx, she has the same colour hair as me already. Seriously its always been Spider-Man, ever since I first watched Spider-Man and his amazing friends I became hooked on the character.

AND WHICH WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE NOW, AND WHY?

Adam- Charles Xavier, I’m already bald so I’m halfway there and I like to sit down a lot so it’s win-win.

doesn't he look a bit like Adam already.

Ricky- Flash or Quicksilver, because with their accelerated metabolism I’d finally be able to lose these love handles, and cankles, muffin top, thunder thighs and then someday maybe I’d find out if there’s a neck under all these chins. Then, when all that’s gone I want to switch to Spider-Man.

WHO IS YOU COMIC BOOK CRUSH? (Character, writer or artist)

Adam- She-Hulk, Red She-Hulk, Zee from DMZ, Michonne and Andrea from Walking Dead, Power Girl, Super Girl, Wonder Woman Black Cat, Captain Marvel (the Girl One), Misty Knight, Punk Storm, Normal Storm , Storm, Gwen (not dead or cloned), Emma Stone Gwen (or just Emma Stone), Sara Pichelli and did I mention Storm?

Ricky- Gwen (not dead or cloned), Mary Jane, Black Cat, Ninja Psylocke, Nocturne, Spider Woman (Jessica Drew), Jean Grey do you know what I’ll just pick Mystique that way I could have anyone I wanted.

IF YOU WEREN'T DOING THIS WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?

Adam- Jail Time, doing serious jail time. Or you know working in an office or something (he does work in an office or something)

Ricky- I’d like to think that I’d be traveling like David Carradine in Kung Fu (not like David Carradine in a Cupboard)

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?

The Future, one with lasers and robots. Preferably it’s an Ultron/Skynet free future where I’m rich, have a girlfriend, people like me and laugh at my jokes and not just at me and I have hair.

Ricky- Alive, Lighter and being paid to write comics.

Follow Ricky on:
Twitter - @webberhead
Instagram - @webberhead
Blog - rickyleewebber.weebly.com

Follow SCC:
Twitter - @sccassemble
Facebook - www.facebook.com/sccassemble
Instagram - @sccassemble

Bother Adam:
Facebook - Adam 'Waggy' Wilmot

WHO'S YOUR COMIC CRUSH? The Water Closet Press

This time, Richard Worth and Jordan Collver, Eagle award nominated creators from The Water Closet Press and the writer/artist of the fantastic ‘Ladies & Gentlemen’ take the Swansea Comics Collective’s Comic Crush Q & A…




WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST COMIC AND DO YOU STILL HAVE IT?


RW: I can’t remember my very first comic. As a wee nipper my cousin worked in a comic book shop in Rhyl so I always remember having comics around. Having said that my earliest, definite comic memory is either reading the comic book adaptation of “Tim Burton’s Batman Returns” or issue 19 of the Panini UK reprints of Amazing Spider-Man. That was certainly the first comic I picked off the shelf and asked for. I remember the cover so distinctly. Spidey is wrapped in chains, screaming as Carnage rips his mask off. I think the caption was something like “ Spider-Man On Trail!”. My tiny mind exploded! Carnage knows Peter Parker is Spider-Man! And he has him in Chains! How can he possibly escape!? I do indeed still have that issue although its slightly worse for wear.


JC: I got a crummy little miniaturized Fantastic Four comic that Pizza Hut gave out with kids meals. It featured The Black Panther; I had no clue who he was but I remember thinking he was awesome and reminded me of Batman without the cape or mouth. I couldn’t even read yet so I have no idea what it was about, nor do I to this day… it has been lost in the sands of time.




DO YOU BUY COMICS REGULARLY?


RW: Money permitting yes,I also have a subscription to 2000AD and Judge Dredd Megazine


JC: Not as regularly as I’d like. When I’m working on a project my attention tends to be diverted from reading comics to drawing them, so most series tend to pass me by as they come out. But I keep my ear to the ground and snatch up all the things that have caught my attention once they’re collected... and when that happens, “these-are-all-for-research” is a very handy justification for overspending.




IF SO, WHEN YOU BUY A TITLE IS IT FOR THE STORY, CHARACTERS OR THE CREATIVE TEAM?


RW: A combination of all three. Books i regularly buy are usually anthologies like 2000AD which I buy because of the stories, granted it can be hit and miss but that’s part of the joy. Likewise, there are no creators whose work I will automatically purchase on their names alone but when someone says “ Hey Brian K Vaughan is doing a space opera with Fiona Staples”, that is something I want to see those two creators do. Rarely will I buy a book just for the characters and when I do its only a few. I’m not including creator-own type characters just because they kind of come as a package.


JC: Usually Story, Creative team, then Character. For example: Red Son. I didn’t buy it because it was a Superman comic, I didn’t buy it because of Mark Millar, and I didn’t buy it because of the art. I bought it because Pappa Joe Stalin was Jonathan Kent. Sold.




WHAT WAS THE LAST COMIC YOU BOUGHT?


RW: I picked up Promethea volume 4 and the first volume of the IDW TMNT Micro-Series.

JC: Punk Rock Jesus, a perfect example of what I’ve been talking about. I had no idea it existed before I saw it as a trade paperback, and I was unfamiliar with the artist (and in this case also writer), but it sounded too intriguing to pass up. It’s radical. Kick butt art too.




HOW DO YOU PREFER TO READ, DIGITAL OR PRINT?


RW: I feel at this point we’re kind of playing a comic book version of Mister and Misses. I sure we will both answer Print, always Print.


JC:Print. I tried reading much of Y: The Last Man on my computer, but the page-to-screen ratio disparity was aggravating so I ended up just buying and re-reading all the paper books anyway (and because I enjoyed them so much).




YOUR FAVOURITE ARTIST(S)?


RW: Alex Ross, Skottie Young, Paul Grist, James Jean, Rafael Grampa, Juanjo Guardino, Leonardo Manco. There is a whole bunch more, but we could be here for some time. I think the rule of thumb for the artists I like tends to be artists who don’t really work on mainstream books. Or rather, they have such distinct styles they aren’t always compatible with mainstream books. That combined with either beautiful or interesting styles and or the ability to take comics to that next level, to qualify them as art forms. As I write this Will Eisner and Craig Thompson spring to mind. Those guys made it unfair for everyone else.


JC: Alex Ross, Juanjo Guarnido (Blacksad), Paul Grist (Jack Staff), Eric Powell (The Goon), Paul Chadwick (Concrete), Bill Watterson (Calvin & Hobbes), Craig Thompson (Habibi), Frank Quitely (All-Star Superman), Dave Stevens (Rocketeer), Francis Francavella, Raphael Grampa (Mesmo Delivery), David Mazzuchelli (Asterios Polyp), Darwyn Cooke (Parker)... these guys are all phenomenal. Plus there are lots of friends and fellow Small Pressers I admire.




YOUR FAVOURITE WRITER(S)?


RW: This is going to be so boring and predictable. Alan Moore, Frank Miller, Brian K Vaughan, Jason Aaron, Warren Ellis. Again I don’t think that these writers are entirely flawless, they’re just consistently very good. There are some absolutely astounding books or runs by writers for which the stars aligned and everything was great. I wouldn’t want to say they’re my favourite writers though, thats like saying I’m big into The Clash because I like ‘Rock the casbah’.


 JC: Most of them art writer-artists, so I’ve just made them bold in my answer above… I’m a bit biased towards the art side of storytelling while I’m reading (sorry Rich). But what True Believer can can ignore Stanley Lieber?



WHAT COMIC(S) HAVE PROVEN MOST INFLUENCIAL?


RW: Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud. It totally rearrange my understanding of how sequential art and story telling works. Also, whilst it might not be the most influential but the most inspiring, the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics. Eastman and Laird basically had a dumb idea for a comic that is basically just a nod of respect to all the comics they loved, raised enough money to print a few thousand issues, and the rest is history. Those guys are small press gods. They basically did what everyone in small press tries to do and kind of changed pop culture forever. Im not saying the goal of making comics to fame and fortune but rather that it can be done.Through small press and hard work and creativity you can make something that will last forever and go beyond you and your buddy sat in a bar saying “Wouldn’t it be cool if...?”


JC: I would credit Kingdom Come by Mark Waid and Alex Ross for getting me back into comics after a hiatus during my short lived attempt to be “cool” in highschool. It showed me what else comics could do. Similarly, Blankets by Craig Thompson showed me what comics could be. Alot of young folk have “their album” that got them through a tough time in their life. I didn’t listen to much beyond orchestral film scores (apparently music didn’t fall under my “trying to be cool” umbrella), but Blankets was “my comic.”

Waid & Ross's Kingdom Come

YOUR FAVOURITE OR MOST MEMORABLE COVER?


RW: Y the Last Man 25 (I think). I remember being blown away visually, the rich greens, the scarlet snake, visually I fell in love. And after reading the issue the symbology and thematic tie on the cover just added an entirely new depth. I might add that I am also a suck for any cover that has caption boxes, speech balloons or a section saying “ also featuring”. For our third issue we are going to do an homage to the old EC Vault of Horror covers, they are just so fun and utterly rediculous its hard not to enjoy them.

Y The Last Man #25, One of Richard Worth's Favourite comic covers

The other of Richard Worth's Favourite Covers: EC's The Vault of Horror

JC: Because I rarely read single issues anymore, it’s hard for me to say. I do know that the covers you get on trade paperback editions tend to be more mundane than what I see on the comic shelves. I don’t know why that is, but it shouldn’t be. It’s like how the DVD cover is always infinitely crap compared to any of the teaser posters for a given film... I’m not sure I’ve answered the question properly.




WHO’S YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER?


RW: John Constantine.... or John Blacksad. Basically, get a guy call him John, give him a trench coat and some cigarettes and i’m in.


JC: The Goon, I think.

Jordan Colver's Favourite Character: The Goon

ARE YOU READING ANYTHING ELSE AT THE MOMENT?

RW: Comicwise, i jumping around, I’m reading Promethea, some TMNT stuff and a bunch of small press books like Disconnected and Afterlife Inc. As for those loser books, you know the ones I mean, the ones without pictures, I’m currently reading a book about the history of Magic in England.


JC: I picked up a stack of great UK Small Press stuff from the Bristo Expo recently that I’m working my way through: The Pride, Professor Elemental, Ronin Dogs, Razarhawks.




WHAT MAKES YOU WANT TO CREATE COMICS?


RW: I’m not sure. I think its because I love them so much. I think thats how interests work. First, its just something you like, then that grows and you start to love it. But at this point what happens it your palette becomes refined, you gain tastes and sensibilities. You begin to understand your interest in a deeper way, you start to critique it, see why and how things are done and then you want to participate and improve what you love. At conventions you meet so many people who read comics, not always the comics you like but they like them an they’re quite happy to stay on that side of the medium. They’re quite happy to receive the stories and let the editors deal with the quality and content. At the same time you meet so many people who want to make comics or already do and usually its because they love comics too but don’t feel they have enough of the book that they want to read, or represent them. You’ll get stuff like Pride or FML that have a message with them, those creators didn’t make those books because they saw a niche in the small press market, they make them because they can express themselves in the medium they love ( I randomly assume, without making any investigation into my claim). We started making comics because we like comics and thought it would be fun. We specifically made “Ladies and Gentlemen” to be a nod to the things we like in comics, the ridiculous things that we think are unique to comics. To reign this in some what, we got to the point we’re we wanted to see things in comics, things that interested us artistically, and the easiest way to do that is to make comics yourself. Screw it, in short I did it for the dollar and bitches.


JC: Comics are my favourite way of telling a story. Reading them is certainly a great way to engage with the medium, but it’s an observational role. There’s something about being on the other side of the reader-creator discourse - about participating in it - that offers a unique thrill. When I finish a book, a page, a single panel, it’s really exciting. I think it’s a more unusual experience to sit back after reading a comic made by somebody else and feel proud of it, to have a sense of accomplishment. On the other hand, maybe I’m just reading the wrong books.

Creating comics also helps me understand comics. There’s alot of technical considerations that, if done right, are completely invisible to the reader. The best way to confront these and get to know them is to do them yourself and see what happens. This discovery process that occurs in the actual act of creating comics is a huge motivation for me. Again, I think that’s absent from what the reading experience can offer on its own. Instructions: Read comics, Do comics, Repeat.





HOW DOES YOUR CREATIVE PARTNERSHIP WORK? DO YOU DEVELOP STORIES TOGETHER?


RW: At first it was kind of a mutual idea that we both liked that I would take away an develop into a script. Jordan would approve or ask clarifying question then we would come together and thumbnail the stories together, then Jordan would go away and create the final artwork. I think now whilst we are still heavily collaborative we have more trust, and our ambitions have gone further. When we first started we used qualify a lot of sentence with “ you might think this is crazy but...” but more often than not the following suggestion would be something that we both wanted to see. I think now we cut out that sentence and trust each others sensibilities. JC might take a page away where we haven’t spent much time on the thumbnails but i know that 95% of the time what he is going to come back with will be solid, and untampered by my limited artistic views. It might not always be what I wanted (ask him about the issue two symbolism of Lady Liberty and how my response to that was “i think the breasts are a bit much”) but it will always be good. LIke wise i think sometimes JC has received a script or part of a script and had ask if things will work or whether they can be misconstrued but again he puts enough trust in me to know i’ve not gone off the deep end and that everything should hopefully make sense by the end. This is referring in particular to the latest story we did that has some quite heavy connotations but in the end we managed not to offend anyone (we hope).


JC: There’s a purity to creating comics as a writer-artist (Idea-to-Page) that I intend to explore at some point, but there’s definitely an element of magic injected into the process when you collaborate. You end up with something that neither one would/could have created as individuals. Rich and I operate on this premise I think. We’ve been doing comics together since we started, so our learning curve has developed in tandem. This has built up a bank of common interests, ideas, goals, and a mutual trust. Rich is a visual kind of writer so he has quite a clear idea of what he wants the page to look like, but I’ve noticed that over the years his scripts have changed to cater to my sensibilities. They’ll often include things like “You know what I mean.” That’s alot of fun because if he were to give that script to another artist, they wouldn’t know what he meant.




DO YOU WRITE A FULL SCRIPT? OR WORK FROM A PLOT?


RW: Plot then script




HOW IS YOUR ARTWORK PRODUCED? DO YOU USE TRADITIONAL TOOLS OR DIGITAL OR A MIX OF BOTH?


JC: I’m more of a physical guy, but I use a mix of both. Pencils on A3 bristol board or lightweight watercolour paper with a 0.07mm mechanical pencil. Ink over that with quill nib pen and India ink (I find this gives me a nice mid-ground between the precision of a technical pen and the fluidity and variety of a brush). Write in the lettering with a pen, (try to) erase all my scrappy pencil lines, and finally add in all the depth and shades with a brush pen filled with diluted ink. Then it’s just a matter of scanning it (in two halves, since my scanner isn’t big enough), cobbling the halves together in Photoshop, and tidying up any grotesquely erred lines. When I do add colour (which I will try to avoid at all costs) I do this either by straightforward digital painting with my Wacom tablet, or by by selecting various areas of the ink wash and adjusting the tint/hue accordingly. Voila! A comic.




WHAT ARE YOUR WORKING METHODS: DO YOU SET YOURSELF DEADLINES? OR DO YOU WORK WHEN THE MOOD TAKES YOU?


RW: I certainly try to set deadlines, being the writer is far more flexible imagine, but I try to get things sorted early so that JC has plenty of time to meet our printing deadlines.


JC: I try to draw most days for at least an hour or two after work but, hoighty-toighty artist that I am, I work best when I’m in “the mode”, in which case I can work from breakfast til midnight. This is only practical to a point, however, and the time comes when I need to follow more regular deadlines that I set for myself in between a full-time job, social and leisure activities, husbandly duties (get your mind out of the gutter), and sometimes sleep. All things said and done, one completed page takes me on average about 2 full days.





HOW DO YOU DIVIDE THE ADDITIONAL TASKS THAT SMALL PRESS CREATORS HAVE?


RW: I think its whomever it’s convenient for. If JC is deep in artwork i’ll take on some more responsibility. But we both have full time jobs, JC working 9-5 and myself random hours so its just a case of saying X needs to be done I can do it later or Y still isn’t done can you sort it.


JC: We tag team. We both manage the company email (can we call it that?) and deal with any admin that might stroll along on a “I’ll get it” basis. Right now we’re putting together an anthology with various contributors, so that side of things has been stepped up a notch as we take on editorial responsibilities, but it’s actually really enjoyable.




DO YOU GO TO CONVENTIONS? DO YOU ENJOY THEM? WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE?


RW: As many as we can afford, for the most part and Thought Bubble. It’s huge and its still purely focused on comics.


JC: We sure do. They can certainly be discouraging at times as you watch the hordes pass you by, but that’s made up for by the volume of encouragement we also get. Cons have a great atmosphere, and the people-watching is phenomenal, but the best part is talking to other creators and comic-lovers who share your enthusiasm for the medium. Thought Bubble (Leeds’ Comic Art Festival) was my first and favorite convention in the UK.




WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO SMALL PRESS/INDEPENDENT CREATORS?


RW: Honestly just doing the work. All it takes to be small press is to make a comic. It might not be very good, but you’ll get better. Forcing yourself to sit down and create is the hardest part. Don’t worry about the money, release it online for free or Kickstart it. The admin side isn’t the reason to get into making comics, make them because you love them and then get making them!


JC: Worrying too much about “making it”. Too often creators (us included) divert all their energy trying to discover the secret doorway into the esoteric Comics Industry that they forget to actually just do something that they enjoy, to the best of their abilities. The goal should be to Make Comics, not to Make It. In my mind, that’s what differentiates the Small Press scene in the first place, and it’s easy to lose sight of it. If you’re creating your own comics and giving them to other people to read, don’t worry - you’re already “in”. It’s just a matter of somebody else noticing.



WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS AND AMBITIONS?

RW: To one day make a wage from making comics. Also I think i’d like to produce a regular magazine that could be a launch pad for small press creators in britain.

JC: I’d like to one day own a drafting table and a light box. Attainable dreams!




TELL US ONE THING WE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU:


RW: More often then not I will introduce JC to strangers with the line “ This is Jordan, he is Canadian and doesn’t have a foreskin.” True story.


JC: Wow... well.... that answer just about has me covered as well.




WHAT IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE?


RW: Gossip and trashy magazines like Chat or Hello. I need to know whats happening with Kimye (Kanye and Kim Kadashian for the uninitiated) !Wild spurious, unresearched journalism is the most fun thing ever.


JC: I’m a compulsive picker. I pick everything. And it makes me feel good inside.




DITKO OR KIRBY?


RW: As a boy Dikto, as I’ve grown Kirby.


JC: What’s the difference? Just kidding Kirby. I prefer his posturing.





BATMAN OR SUPERMAN?


RW: As a boy Batman, as I’ve grown Supes.


JC: The Batman is obviously cool, but Alien Christian Moses all the way. It’s funny... I never would have said that before watching Smallville. It was the first time I got a real sense of the human element of the character. Now I hate Smallville (because I love Superman?)




WHICH COMIC CHARACTER DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER?


RW: Spider-Man (during my teen years, Black Suit Spider-Man)


JC: Spider-Man




AND WHICH WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE NOW?


RW: John Constantine, probably.


JC: A proportionately aged Spider-Man




WHO IS YOUR COMIC BOOK CRUSH?


RW:  JORDAN COLLVER! Nah, that horrible and saccharine. A character JC and I refer to as “Hot Beth” from Y the Last Man, as seen on my favourite cover above.

I would say Raina from Blankets because she reminds me of my wife, but that’s not a very exciting answer so I’ll go with Alma Mayer from Blacksad. She’s got that sassy, strong-willed librarian thing going on. Oh yeah, she’s also a cat... but a cat that looks mostly human... Sheesh, I’ve just gone from lame to weird.

Jordan Collver's Comic Crush: Alma Mayer from Blacksad

IF YOU WEREN’T DOING THIS WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?


RW: Wishing I was doing this, probably working in as a magician and part gossip columnist.


JC: Probably doing something useful and important like volunteering. I blame comics for the world’s woes.




WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?


RW: Working on an Creator Owned book that pays enough that comics is my only job. Attending conventions and being regarded as a great up an coming comics creator. Play squash with Kanye West.


JC: I’ll probably have a kid by then! In that case I’d like to see myself as a stay-at-home-dad with a sweet studio in the house and a massive book case, drawing 9-5. Or at the very least just able to squish a few hours of scribbling on some prune-stained paper every now and then. I blame children for the comic industry’s woes.

Rik & Jordan are at The Water Closet Press

thewaterclosetpress@gmail.com

Return of the big giant head...

Whoa, this place is a little dusty. *cough cough*

So, it's been a while, I know (it's not like anybody reads this stuff), but I got a job you see.
Yep, I was briefly employed so had all the money and none of the time.
But now that I am an unemployed bum again I get to do stuff like this all day. I'm living the dream!

So "What're you reading Waggy?" I hear you cry. No? Anyone? No? Well, a lot actually, stop being so nosy you swines.

This week, I have been mostly reading The Anchor, written by Phil Hester with art by Brian Churilla.

"What's that Waggy?" You ask? No? Still no one?

Well, the Anchor is a holy man lost in time. He guards Hell's entrance to Earth by beating the living snot out of hordes of hellspawn, and has been for generations.
Cut to the present and five furies have appeared on earth to cause mayhem and the mysterious Anchor arrives just in time to help out. But "Wait" I hear you... Ah sod it! He's still in hell too, fighting the good fight. That's the gist of the story, it's good, I'm tired, go read it. I'm not going to tell you any more because 'apparently' I spoil things all of the time, like the time I told people how Glenn from Walking Dead... erm, is a... really, nice... guy. Anyway, it's like really cheap at the Comix Shoppe too!

Wales Comic Con 2013

So on Sunday we braced the terrifying (if you believe Adam) journey through mid Wales to get to Wales Comic Con in Wrexham. This is an event that we enjoy being a part of and it seems to get bigger and better every year, and this year we had issue one of Copperopolis to sell so we couldn't wait to see the reaction (tell us what you thought of the comic in the comments section). What a reaction it was, we didn't have a quiet moment all day and we'd like to say thank you for all the support you guys show us, it's always nice to read the kind words you guys have like this review http://mynerfherder.com/2013/04/29/review-wales-comiccon-2013/ . Plus we managed to get some more of our shameless publicity shots so thank you to the guests for being good sports and thank you to Jamie for having us.here are some of the photos to see the rest head over to our Facebook and Instagram pages to check out the rest.

Copperopolis #1 Now on Sale!

Where can I get a copy?
OVER BUY HERE...

Copperopolis #1 - available now!

Copperopolis First Issue Cover

The Beginning...

The Mayor's Office

Meet The Button Men

Bard Ass!

Thanks for your patience, True Believer! It's finally here, Copperopolis #1, from The Swansea Comics Collective. It's 28 pages of comic craziness for only £2.50! No ads, all story & art! Copperopolis is a universe in which the members of the Swansea Comics Collective could fuse characters, stories and ideas in one big melting pot. It’s a fictional version of Swansea where many of
the landmarks are recognisable but strange heroes, villains and monsters also stalk the streets. A place where we draw inspiration from our city’s past and from the rich and fantastic mythology of the Celts while throwing in our own unique, and sometimes bizarre, ideas!

You will discover the origin of Copperopolis, witness the clash between Merlyn and Vortigen, meet the Mayor as tackles the threats the modern city faces, wonder at the stupidity of the Button Men and the sheer awesomeness of Bard Ass! Oh yeah, it's got dragons in it too!

If you need another reason to put your hand in your comic please note we are a Not For Profit group. All of the money raised from the sale of the issue goes towards producing the next issue and funds our comic creating workshops for schools and our local community.

Copperopolis Number One is on sale now at The Comix Shoppe, Swansea, found opposite the Grand Theatre at 13 Shoppers Walk Arcade, 01792 642097. 

If you're not from around these parts visit ORDER ONE HERE