Tube Surfing: 12 August 2008

• (via Forbidden Planet International): The Observer, ComICA and Jonathan Cape have teamed up again this year for a second graphic short story competition following the success of the first such endeavour last year (which was won by Cathy Brighton’s Away in a Manger - see here for links to PDFs of the winners).
Entries are now being sought for this year’s competition for a short graphic story, with the winner down to receive £1, 000 pounds and publication across two pages in the Observer, while the runner-up will receive £250 and publication on the Guardian’s website. The closing date for entries is 17 October 2008: check here to download the full terms and conditions.

• 2000AD artist Matt Brooker (aka 'Israeli) has posted pictures from the Caption 2008 indie press event on his blog and flickr, and included a Selina Lock's vodcast CAPTION report in the blog post. (Pic left of comics feature writer and magazine editor Jenni Scott at Caption by 'Israeli)

• No conection with comics whatsoever that we can think of right now, although his rle as Chef in South Park is probably one, and Shaft (and his music for the film) surely influenced the development of characters such as Marvel's Power Man, but we're sorry to report the death of music legend Isaac Hayes, aged just 65.
“Theme From Shaft” exploded on the pop and R&B charts in 1971, putting him on the map as an artist and icon. The rat-a-tat of that lone high-hat, that cultural-shifting kick of the wah-wah pedal -- no other piece of music signalled the true end of the 1960s, ushering in the gritty 1970s. The song won him not only a Grammy but two Oscars, for “Best Song” and “Best Score” in 1972. Concord Music Group president and CEO Glen Barros says of the man: “We are all very fortunate to have worked with a visionary who changed music in indelible and profound ways. His talent was matched only by his kindness of spirit."

• There's a new episode of Darryl Cunningham's Super Sam over on the Forbidden Planet International blog

• The ever busy Steve Holland has posted a list of The Children's Newspaper authors on Bear Alley. The paper ran from 22 March 1919 to 1 May 1965, a total of 2397 issues. Over its 46-year history, it published dozens of original stories and serials, as well as reprinted classics such as Robinson Crusoe, Don Quixote, Westward Ho!, The Count of Monte Cristo, David Copperfield, Gulliver's Travels, Pinocchio, etc. The list covers only the authors of text stories and serials who include famous names such as Anthony Buckeridge and many more.

• Forbidden Planet International notes a BBC News report that scientists in the US have announced that they are a step closer to bringing a long-cherished science fiction (and fantasy for that matter) device to reality - an invisibility cloak. "It would be very handy for Banksy as he goes about his anonymous stencil art in public spaces," suggests the ever mischievious Joe Gordon...

• Again from FPI (they are busy!), news that the Edinburgh International Book Festival, which launched at the weekend is offering special prices on tickets for some of their graphic novel events, with special discounts on the Hannah Berry, Alan Grant and Bryan Talbot event on Friday 22nd and the recently-added ‘Want to Draw Comics’ event with Gary Erskine this Friday (15th). Check out the Film Fest site