Eco Comics wins Green Apple Award

British digital comics publisher Eco Comics, whose titles include Mr T, Green Man and Dick Turpin, is a winner of a 2012 Green Apple Award.

The award was presented to the comic book and graphic novel publisher during a carbon-neutral ceremony at the House of Commons in London.

"Global deforestation by paper production continues to have a major negative impact on the eco-system," notes the publisher. "Therefore Eco Comics takes advantage of the emerging digital technologies to produce exclusively in the new frontier of the paperless format.

"The publishing industry, and readers, must realise that wildlife, such as tigers and gorillas, are likely to pay the ultimate price of deforestation: extinction," they argue. "Even sustainable forestry is not a magic cure-all, shown by the criticism received from leading environmental organisations.

"Our titles are designed to the same physical format as leading print titles, but are kept paperless. The digital platforms also allow the reader an even greater interactive experience. There is no excuse for deforestation due to comic book production."

In a continuing bid to raise awareness through various initiatives, the publisher recently brought the legendary Green Man to comic books, with the character also becoming its official mascot.

Eco Comics competed against more than 500 other nominations at the awards ceremony.

"That our achievements have already been recognised by the prestigious Green Apple Awards has given us added faith that we are trailblazing the future direction of this industry, and it will help show that paperless is best for both readers and the ecosystem."

• More about Eco Comics: www.mohawkmedia.co.uk/ecocomics/

Mr. T Goes Green!

Publisher Mohawk Media has just launched its Mr. T series through its range of environmentally-friendly, paperless Eco Comics.

Mr. T joins other famous names at Eco Comics including Dracula, Robin Hood, Dick Turpin, and Tough Guy.

The Hollywood hard man, renowned for his image of Mohawk haircut, gold chains and catchphrases, previously appeared in print in the publisher’s graphic novels.

"It was always our intention to release the Mr. T graphic novel as a comic book series," says Editor Stuart Buckley. "Each chapter was intentionally structured to be the same length as a comic book.

"However, we’ve had to adjust to market demands. The graphic novel has sold out. The digital titles of Eco Comics have no print run, and so will never sell out, meaning every T fan can order a copy. The added satisfaction is that the environment hasn’t suffered as a result of paper production.

"The clean cut art of JL Czerniawski makes this series a joy to behold in any format."

"This is great, and I am truly humbled," is how Mr. T describes becoming the star of a comic book in the foreword. And in the world exclusive interviews throughout the series, he goes further, including stating why he is an even tougher comic book hero than Wolverine.

Series writer Chris Bunting adds: "I’ve gone to great lengths to do things never attempted, such as making T as close to a super hero as possible while retaining his classic persona. After over twenty-five years of fame, this action icon finally gets a rogues' gallery, and even a new catchphrase. Old and new T fans can expect plenty of other surprises too.

"Plus the amazing formats offered by Eco Comics really help bring this classic character into the digital age."

• The first five issues of Mr. T are available to order now in various digital formats via the Eco Comics store: www.mohawkmedia.co.uk/ecocomics

Mohawk Media announces Dick Turpin project

Publisher Mohawk Media has announced the release of a preview issue of its upcoming project, starring history’s most notorious masked highwayman, Dick Turpin.

Not to be confused with Time Bomb Comics similar-sounding title (see news story), the issue is available exclusively via the publisher’s groundbreaking line of paperless Eco Comics.

“It’s every writer’s dream to write such a famous, or should I say, infamous character as Dick Turpin," enthuses writer Chris Bunting."His multi-layered, unpredictable nature makes for great drama.

"Expect some startling revelations about the life of this legendary lawbreaker," he hints.

Born in England in 1706, Dick Turpin became one of history’s most notorious highwaymen. Reports of the day ranged from branding him a ruthless thief to a charming and gallant highwayman. 

“Turpin lived at a time when England was more like the Wild West, and criminals faced the death penalty at the gallows. Highwaymen led a very exciting life but often a very short one.

“This 18th Century swashbuckling firebrand was born to be a 21st Century complex comic book character. Dick Turpin’s return is a case of perfect timing.”


Writer Chris Bunting seems to be on a quest to make literary and cultural giants accessible to a new generation, while simultaneously pleasing established fans. Legendary names already on his résumé include Mr. T, Action Man, Dracula, Robin Hood and Jekyll & Hyde.

A Fine Arts Bachelor Graduate, Salvador Velázquez has worked under a pseudonym as a gallery artist, advertisement illustrator, and graphic designer. His comic books include Swords of Suburbia, while Dick Turpin is his first international project.

The digital and paperless Dick Turpin: Pencil-Only Preview features pencil-art from the first instalment of the upcoming title.

“This format allows the reader the opportunity to see Dick Turpin ride again in the untouched, gorgeous art of Salvador Velázquez," explains editor Stuart Buckley. “The creative team gives us a taste of what is to come: forget stuffy historical fiction, this is a comic book cocktail of action-adventure and mystery-thriller featuring one of Britain’s, if not the world’s, most recognisable rogues.

“With his mask and famous steed, Turpin has been the archetype for many highwaymen and outlaws: even the Lone Ranger bears remarkable parallels.”


Further details on the Dick Turpin project are due to be announced.


Mohawk Media launched in 2008 with the top-selling graphic novel adventures of one of Hollywood’s most instantly recognisable superstars, Mr. T. The publisher followed up with a range of new titles, including Dracula vs. Robin Hood vs. Jekyll & Hyde. Eco Comics is a new range of paperless comic books designed with the specific purpose of having a minimal carbon footprint. Eco Comics titles are also available via digital platforms Graphicly and MyDigitalComics. Further information: www.facebook.com/ecocomics

• Dick Turpin: Pencil-Only Preview is a 16-page issue featuring lettered pencil art only, and is available now in various digital formats via the Eco Comics store: www.mohawkmedia.co.uk/ecocomics for $1.95 (approximately £1.20).
 
• Preview art and images: http://blog.mohawkmedia.co.uk/ and www.facebook.com/official.dickturpin

Tough Guy Gets Going at Mohawk Media

UK publisher Mohawk Media has released a teaser image following its acquisition of the license to produce original adventures of Tough Guy.

Tough Guy, the British publisher’s first title since the top-selling official Mr. T graphic novels, is written by Chris Bunting (Mr. T; Action Man) and illustrated by Steve Beckett (Beano Annual; General Jumbo).

Bunting describes Tough Guy as a “real throwback action hero, a punch in the eye of two major opponents: terrorism and rampant political correctness. He’s A-Team meets Bond and Indiana Jones, with the hard edge of Dirty Harry.”

Bunting continues: “Boys, both young and middle-aged, are bound to identity with Tough Guy, as he’s anything but yet another bland, demasculinised hero.”

• More info: http://blog.mohawkmedia.co.uk

Mohawk Media issues call for Comic Art Samples

Publisher Mohawk Media has announced that it is in search of artists for upcoming comic book and graphic novel projects.

Having had success with its Mr. T graphic novels, the publisher is readying to get new projects underway in 2010.

To help spearhead this search, Mr. T author, British comic creator Christopher Bunting, has been appointed as Editor-In-Chief.

"As a freelance writer, one in the early stages of his career, I know just how tough it is to break into comic books," he explains.

"I’ve often heard aspiring artists say there are no openings. I’m therefore proud to be part of this Mohawk Media initiative to give artists the opportunity to become published, paid, and involved in some of the coolest titles of 2010!"

The publisher recommends the following:

• A brief email about yourself and any published experience, accompanied by a minimum of 5 sequential pages

• Story pages only (no pinups, paintings or portraits)

• Your strongest – and preferably, recent – work

• A variety of genres if possible

• Samples in jpeg or PDF format only. Links will not be opened

• All submissions to chris@mohawkmedia.co.uk

"Remember, comics are a storytelling medium,"Bunting continues. "Those are the skills that you need to demonstrate."

"We’re excited to see what comes in. Good luck!"

• Mohawk Media website: www.mohawkmedia.co.uk


• The official Mr. T graphic novel is distributed to the comic book trade through Diamond Comics Distributors, and to the book trade by Bertrams. ISBN: 9780956018908. It is also available signed by the author from the Mohawk Media store