Radio interviews with Accent UK and Sloth Comics creators

Panel Borders: Small Press Publishers

Starting a month of shows in a new time slot, Panel Borders is looking at small press and self published comics, including the titles produced by two British independent publishing companies in interviews recorded at the London Super Comics Convention.

Alex Fitch talks to Nicolas Rossert, Loran and Charles Cutting about Sloth Comics, a new publisher devoted to both British and European graphic novels, including reissues of classic titles. Loran discusses his book Booyah!, about a playful green monster with anger management issues; Cutting talks about his steampunk adventure Steam Hammer, and Rossert describes his approach to choosing graphic novel formats and the process of getting the rights to republish Moebius and Alejandro Jodorowski's classic Madwoman of the Sacred Heart.

 

Also, publisher Colin Mathieson discusses his company Accent UK which has built up a commendable body of work over the last dozen years concentrating on anthology books which have showcased the work of some of the country's finest small press creators. Artist Conor Boyle joins the conversation to talk about Accent's latest graphic novel Who on Earth was Thaddeus Mist? and the importance of design to the company's range of books.

• 8.30am, Monday 8th April, repeated 3pm, Thursday 11th April, Resonance 104.4 FM / streamed at www.resonancefm.com / extended podcast after first broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com

 

Happy Birthday, 2000AD! From artist and fan Conor Boyle

Shakara by Conor Boyle

Name: Conor Boyle

Blog or web site: http://pencilmonkeymagic.blogspot.com/

Currently working on:

A graphic novel for Markosia, lead artist on another for Accent UK and in the process of assembling a small press anthology under the banner of Disconnected Press which is due to launch at the Bristol Comic Expo this year.

First memory of 2000AD?

My mum buying me a copy (Prog 226) on a ferry to Ireland to keep me quiet. The Beano wasn't available in the little shop on board so she reasoned comics were all the same...

That prog had Judge Death killing someone in the shower (along with the four Dark Judges standing over a pile of bodies in a colour centre-spread) and Widow Grundy realising it wasn't dark, but that the walls were covered in flies in Nemesis The Warlock.

I didn't sleep much on that ferry crossing.

Favourite Character or Story?

Nemesis The Warlock (and everything that spun off from it). I drifted away from comics for a few years but happened to pick up prog 557 which had Nemesis drawn by John Hicklenton and Simon Bisley drawing the ABCs Black Hole story. My father's dreams of me being an
accountant died that day.

What do you like most about 2000AD?

I love the whole satirical premise that it was founded on and the massive but often uncredited influence that it has today.

What would you most like to see in 2000AD as it heads to its Forties?

2000AD was born out of the discontent of the 1970s and the subsequent effect of 'Thatcher's Britain'. It'd be great to see more stories reflecting the popularity of the current social and political climate...

• This post is one in a series of tributes to 2000AD to mark its 35th birthday on 26th February 2012. More about 2000AD at http://www.2000adonline.com/

2000AD © Rebellion

Jonathan Ross praises "Tales of the Fallen" in special intro

Jonathan Ross (left) with Barry Nugent (right)

(with thanks to Barry Nugent) Turf witer and TV broadcaster and presenter Jonathan Ross has provided a special intorduction to Tales of the Fallen, the latest project set in the Unseen Shadows universe.

"If, like me, you like rip-roaring testosterone fuelled pulp fiction," enthuses Ross, "with soldiers, and mysteries, and all round weird stuff in, then this is the book for you."

"The above sentence is a very small portion of a special introduction," says Barry, who's also co-founder of the smashing cult news site Geek Syndicate. "As most of us in the comic world know Jonathan is also a huge comic fan and has recently become a comic writer with his Turf mini series published by Image Comics.

"I approached Jonathan a while back with Tales of the Fallen and asked him if he would be interested in writing the introduction for the anthology," he reveals. " To say I was pleased when he accepted is a little bit of an understatement. Since then I’ve kept Jonathan’s involvement under wraps, from pretty much everyone on the creative team, as I wanted this to be one last surprise before the book went off to the printers."

Tales of the Fallen offers the stories of murderers, martyrs and mercenaries in the no-man’s-land between adventure and crusade – soldiers of fate and fierce honour, bound together in mystery, darkness and blood. Their enemies are shadows haunting the outermost borders of a darkening world, and as night approaches the shadows grow long.

Creators on the four stories are Richmond Clements, Cy Dethan Pete Rogers and Dan Thompon (Writers); Conor Boyle, Rob Carey and Steve Penfold (Art); Gat Melvin, Roy Huteson Stewart and Vicky Stonebridge (Colours); Paul Mclaren and Nic Wilkinson (Lettering).

• To read full Jonathan’s full introduction pre-order your copy of Tales of the Fallen now at special price of £8.50 with a free digital version

Tales of the Fallen anthology cover revealed

Barry Nugent's rapidly expanding Unseen Shadows universe, which encompasses novels, comics and audio drama, has another addition on the way - a Tales of the Fallen anthology, hopefully due for release at the Thought Bubble in Leeds in November.

Barry tells us artwork is coming in from left, right and centre for the book which will come wrapped in a cover by Rob Carey (right). Writer Cy Dethan also offers this synopsis of the book:

They are murderers, martyrs and mercenaries in the no-man’s-land between adventure and crusade – soldiers of fate and fierce honour, bound together in mystery, darkness and blood. Their enemies are shadows haunting the outermost borders of a darkening world, and as night approaches the shadows grow long.

They are the Fallen, and these are their stories.

The Unseen Shadows universe kicked off with the Fallen Heroes novel - a follow-up, Forgotten Warriors, is on the way. It's a project that has also spanned comics, CDs and even, soon, a series of live action web episodes is currently being planned in conjunction with Zzizzl Media. 

"Originally Fallen Heroes was called Unseen Shadows but the more I worked on the story the more I felt that the title was a little too overarching to fit one book," says Barry of the project. "I knew I was going to tell this one huge adventure spread over three books and so Unseen Shadows became the overall theme for that story.

"Now with the ongoing work to expand the world and characters I’ve created via the mediums of comics, audio and live action it made sense to bring the term ‘Unseen Shadows’ more to the forefront. I know a lot of people, myself included sometimes, still refer to everything involved with the project as Fallen Heroes but in truth everything being worked on is part of the Unseen Shadows universe. It was one of the reasons I decided to launch a new website to try to reinforce that message.

"The really exciting thing for me is how the spin-off work has affected me as I work on the second book in the trilogy, Forgotten Warriors," he continues. "I found myself subconsciously referencing events in the spin-off scripts as if they were canon and then the thought occurred to me ‘Why don’t I just make them canon’. 

"So now every member of the creative team knows that their material is 100 per cent a part of the Unseen Shadows universe and not just a nice little side story with no impact on the events surrounding it." 

That team includes writers Martin Conaghan, Cy Dethan, Dan Thompson, Richmond Clements and Pete Rogers along with artists such as Conor Boyle, Steve Penfold and Roy Huteson Stewart.

"The spin-offs expand and enhance the characters lives and relationships within the novels," says Barry. "Although the books and the spin offs can be read and enjoyed independently of each other you will get more insights into the characters by experiencing all the stories across the Unseen Shadows universe. At least that is the plan we are all working towards. 

"You want to know more about the how the Reverend was trained to become the man we see in Fallen Heroes? Then you Cy Dethan’s The Reverend: Wrath of God comic. If you’ve ever wondered how did a decorated solider like Clancy become a mercenary then Dan Thompson’s Clancy Wallencheck: Band of Butchers is for you. Desperate to learn about the inner working of the Icarus Foundation? Alan White’s Tales of the Fallen: Empire of Blood audio drama is the place to begin your education."

• More about Unseen Shadows at: http://unseenshadows.com or on Facebook. Follow Barry on Twitter @ba_nuge

FutureQuake blasts from the hip with three 2000AD-inspired titles

Ace Eagle Award finalist publisher FutureQuake Press have just released the latest issues of of their superb comics featuring a host of raw British talent, both new and established - including the likes of Liam Sharp - yes, Liam Sharp! - and Nigel Dobbyn. Here are the details...

Behind an awesome cover by Neil Ford, FutureQuake 18 features

• Addicts by William Tennant, art by James Feist, lettered by Bolt-01
• Spirit Leveller by Lawrence Conquest art Conor Boyle, lettered by Bolt-01
• Praxis by Rob Burton, art by Roland Bird, lettered by Bolt-01
• Counter Reality Incident by John A Short, art and lettering by Alex Paterson
• Sam by Mark Woodland, art by Steven Denton lettered by Bolt-01
• In His Kiss by Lawrence Conquest, art by Jack Davies lettered by Bolt-01
• The Replacement Heroes: Butch Stone by Mike Moreci, art by Andy Scordellis, lettered by Jim Campbell
• Not this time Johnny Tomorrow by Robert Ferrie, art by Simon Hayes, lettered by Bolt-01
• Social Engagement eXperiment by Steven Fraser, art by Will Pickering, lettered by Bolt-01



Dogbreath 24 has been a long time coming but the Strontium Dog-inspired title features 48 pages of stone cold classic Search/Destroy action.

Behind the rather awesome cover by the ever talented Nigel Dobbyn is the following:

• Strontium Dog - Death of a Mutant by Mark Pexton, art by Toby Philp, lettered by Bolt-01
• The Gronk - Small Universe 2 written and drawn and lettered by Nigel Dobbyn - completing the tale bagun last issue!
• Strontium Dog- A Moment's Hesitation by Miles Reid, art by Bruce McLaren, lettered by Bolt-01
• SD's - Catch Of The Day by Matthew McLaughlin, art by Ryan Thomason, lettered by Bolt-01
• Impetigo Jones - The Big Scab by Greg Meldrum, art by David Broughton, lettered by Bolt-01
• Interview: A question of Rage: Shaun Avery talks to John Wagner & Alan Grant!
• Case File Interludes: Leigh Shepherd looks at the tales from various annuals and specials!
• Strontium Dog- Served Cold by Richmond Clements, art by Matt Soffe, lettered by Bolt-01
• M06 - Reservation Dogs by The Emperor, art by James Feist, lettered by Bolt-01
• Star Scan - Durham Red by Mark Pexton



The awesome- award winning Alex Ronald provides the cover for Zarjaz issue 12, and sees the first annual Judge Dredd summer cover! Inside, there's a top line up, including...

• Constable Dredd - The Cursed Beat by Richard McAuliffe, art by Mark Chilcott, lettered by Bolt-01
• Zenith - Invasion by Chris Denton, art and letters by David Frankum
• ToM-C1- Fat Chancers by Alexi Conman, art and letters by Luis Chichon
• Judge Fish by David Withers, art and letters by Phillip Vaughan
• Slaine - Tattered Wings by Liam Sharp (Yes, Liam Sharp!)
• Judge Dredd - Moon in the Undercity by Paul Glasswell, art by Dave Thomson, lettered by Bolt-01

• The new issues are available from the FQP Webshop (http://www.futurequake.co.uk/shop.php) and previews will be available soon.

• More information at: http://thequaequamblog.blogspot.com/

Zarjaz - now with added Clint Langley!

The latest issue of the top 2000AD inspired indie comic Zarjaz (Issue 11) is now available from the FQP Shop.

Wrapped within a cover by ace 2000AD artist Clint Langley, you will find:

• Joe Pineapples - Tin Man  by Lee Robson and Chris Askham
• Mongrol - Blogging by David Withers, Bolt-01 & Mike Carroll
• Mek-Quake - Little Jobs by The Emperor and Conor Boyle
• Deadlock- Unrepentant by Richmond Clements, Gibson Quarter & Jim Campbell (inks & letters)
• Blackblood by Eric Moore and Dunk! Nimmo
• Steelhorn - Shadow of the Titanic by Matthew Badham and Matt Soffe
• Robusters - Terror in the Baltic  by Ben Clark and Nick Dyer
• A.B.C. Warriors - RICOCHET by Richmond Clements and Kevin Levell

• Buy Zarjaz 11 from the Futurequake Press Shop

• Zarjaz 11 will also be on sale in Forbidden Planet International and Orbital Comics, London in the next two weeks for those who buy their copies from shops.

Zarjaz Special focuses on Dredd's Dark Judges

Conor Boyle's cover art for
'Dark Judgement'

Comic writer Richard McAuliffe and artist Conor Boyle have put together an ace but very creepy Zarjaz Special focusing on Judge Dredd's 'Dark Judges', which will be on sale at the British International Comic Show next month.

Dark Judgment is a not-for-profit fan project published by FutureQuake Press and will cost a measly £1.50 of your Earth money. The project presents a series of admittedly gruesome but riveting shorts featuring the four Dark Judges that definitely takes them back to their roots as some of the nastiest creations ever to grace the pages of 2000AD.

Richard is the writer of Damaged Goods, one of the Insomnia books now looking for a new home. "I got speaking to Conor Bolye at Bristol Con about possibly doing something together," he told downthetubes, "and we both decided it might be fun to try and make the Dark Judges nasty again as they'd gone a bit comedic over the years.

"I wrote four stories, expecting Conor to pick one to draw and he decided to do the lot. We showed these to the guys at Zarjaz and off the back of that they decided to let us put out a one off special edition which is gonna be launched at Birmingham."

"The idea is that this will be a return for the four Dark Judges to the days of their first appearances in 2000AD, when they were just plain nasty," adds Conor, "as opposed to the slightly camp pantomime status they achieved in later years."

Having just been read a 'sneek peek', I can safely say they've achieved their goal.

While all four Judges appear, I think the tale featuring Judge Fire is possibly the creepiest and most effective of the stories, as Fire torments a young mother with an impossible choice as he terrorises her in her own home.

This is definitely a comic that will appeal to hardened horror and Dark Judge fans, but be warned, it's not for the faint-hearted, with all age groups, including children, coming under attack from the soulless Judges...

You have been warned...

• Check out sneek peeks of art for the comic at Conor's blog

• More about Zarjaz on their official blog

• More about the Dark Judges on 2000AD Online

The Judge Fire tale in the Dark Judgment special is, perhaps,
the most disturbing of all the stories in this special. Art by Conor Boyle.

 

Fractal Friction springs from love of 2000AD

A number of long-time fans of 2000AD have banded together to launch Fractal Friction, an online collaborative storytelling venture, a story that starts when a man turns up for a job interview only for it to lead to something altogether stranger.

Co-ordinated by the mysteriously-monikered Emperor, there are some great artists involved, all regular contributors to many UK indie press titles, including Matt Soffe , James Corcoran, Kevin Levell, Conor Boyle, and Chris Askham, the project given a more uniform feel with lettering by Jim Campbell.

"The common thread is that we all read 2000AD and have been known to frequent the official forum," explains the Emperor of the project, "where a lot of the artistically inclined take part in the competitions (and generally help each other out in the creators forum). A number of us also contribute to the small press: Chris has a long history of work on FutureQuake Press titles and he, Kev and I are all in the latest Zarjaz and Kev, Matt and... me again are in the current Dogbreath.

"Jim is the old, seasoned, pro keeping us all in line, having written the Warhammer 40k story Daemonifuge and the Dredd-world tale The Inspectre... and with his lettering cropping up all over the place. He isn't a shabby artist either, so he could really be doing this as a one-man show if I hadn't wedged a spoon into his cerebellum."

The Emperor says he is "operating in a scripting support role, ready to give as much or as little as is required."

A number of the contributors had been thining about doing a collaborative comic for some time, inspired by the success of such things as Huzzah. "We'd thrown out such an idea on the 2000AD forum," the Emperor continues, "So I was obviously up for the challenge but how to start?

"Matt suggested I dust off an old story idea but that didn't narrow it down as I've got a tonne of them sitting around (even if a reasonable proportion are fit only for the budgie cage). I did have a nose through them though, and found one idea I'd come back to a couple of times but it had never got beyond the introduction. The basic premise was: a young lad turns up for a job interview and ends up being catapulted right off the map. The first iteration of this idea, gave us the name "Fractal Friction," although the story and reason for the name will remain a mystery for now, as there is a possibility we will delve into that further down the line.

"The second shot at the story is pretty much what you see, just with a little back and forth first helping firm up the characters and the larger backstory. So once this was given a provisional thumbs up, I hammered out the 40 panels-worth of introduction (as it was pretty clear in my head by now) which, the way it has been divided up, runs to the first nine pages."

And then beyond that... what?

"Well, that's all up in the air and is where the fun really starts!" says the Emperor. "I'm happy to step back and let the artists take it from there, seeing where the story takes them... Beyond page 9 it is all up to the artists and whatever approach they prefer: I can leave them to it and cheer them on from the sidelines or I can offer advice when required or do some heavy to light plotting Marvel Method-style or I am up for just adding the words to the pictures or I might be called upon to provide more script.

"We'll have to play it by ear, but I'm up for any challenge and it'll be fun seeing where it goes.

• Read Fractal Friction from the start

• If you're a writer or artist interested in getting involved in later developments for the project, email the Fractal Friction team (or drop them a note on the 2000AD forum).

• Art featured above is © respective creators