New Temple APA showcasing British creatives free online

The lightly seasoned Eighth Issue of the Temple APA digital comics showcase is now available to download as a completely free pdf file.

Full of comicy goodness from such persons as Simon Mackie, (also responsible for the cover shown above), David Hailwood, Matthew McLaughlin, Dirk Van Dom, Tony Suleri, Derek Hamill and numerous others including Malcolm Kirk, who cobbled it all together.

Also included is a small press Feature on Paragon comic.

The Temple APA is a showcase of UK based comic book talent, both amateur and professional. If you'd like to contribute or just want more information, check out the Temple website at: http://templeapa.socialgo.com

• To download Temple APA 8, scroll down the blog page of Malcom Kirl’s blog at: http://malcolmkirk.blogspot.com. File size is 19.27mb

londonprintstudio offers Free Comic workshops for 16-20 year-olds

londonprintstudio is running free workshops in 'Comics and Comic Production'   this year for 16-20 year olds on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5-7.00pm, led by industry professionals and comic interns.

Part of the londonprintstudio comic collective project, artist Karrie Fransmen tells us it's funded by the John Lyon's Charity so it's an excellent opportunity to pick up some tips and trick of the trade.

The first workshop is on 18th January with a session from screenwriter Ben Davies on developing characters, narrative and story arcs and there are events coming up with Woodrow Phoenix in February and Al Davison in March.

Call 020 8969 3247 to book a place or pop in. There is a £5 booking fee but it will be entirely reinbursed when you turn up.

From scores of high quality applicants, a group of young graduates - Karrie Fransmen, Isabel Greenberg, Freya Harrison, Joe Kelly, Rachel Emily Taylor and William Goldsmith - were chosen to showcase the best of young British comic talent at the londonprintstuido.

For six months they will be interning at the studio, working on an ambitious comics anthology and running workshops for young members of the local community.

• There's more information about the project at: http://londonprintstudiocomics.blogspot.com - or join this Facebook group.

Wanted: Your Mechanical Elephants

As part of their 'First Fridays' events, Marine Studios in Margate are putting together an exhibition that looks at comics, graphic novels and sequential art.

Featuring work from a range of local and international artists and writers, live talk from guest speaker Paul Gravett, more comics than you can stand, and the chance to discuss your work and ideas.

To kick start proceedings prior to the show they are inviting submissions for a 'Two Page Comic'.

The task: to create a two page comic under the title: 'Mechanical Elephant'. All ideas are welcome to inspire, amuse, terrify and entertain. There are no limits other than sticking to the two page rule (206 x 280 mm each, in either portrait or landscape), and of course, don't forget the Mechanical Elephant!

Send your entries as electronic files (jpeg, pdf, tif, eps or mov format) with the subject 'Mechanical Elephant' to: Kam@hkd.uk.com or Rick@hkd.uk.com

The deadline for entries is 21st January 2011. Marine Studios will display the finished artwork and as much of the preparatory work as possible in their show beginning 4th February 2011 at Marine Studios, Margate.

• Further info available at www.marinestudios.co.uk/gallery/events/