Limited edition British Comics First Day cover announced

Following up on our previous report about the Post Office release of stamps featuring British comics such as The Beano, the Comic Book Alliance has announced it is working with  Sheridan Covers, releasing an extremely limited edition First Day Cover commemorating the Royal Mail’s launch of their comic book stamps on 20th March. 

The stamps are celebrating 75 years of British Comics (yes, we all know British comics have been going for longer than that) and the First Day Cover features the Comic Book Alliance logo and stamp, plus all 10 of the Royal Mail’s First Class comic book stamps which include Desperate Dan and The Dandy, Dennis The Menace and The Beano and Dan Dare and Eagle.

“I have produced similar First Day Covers for 11 years now" said Ms Sheridan of Sheridan Covers, "and I have had the pleasure to produce covers featuring organisations such as the William Morris Society, The Mary Rose Trust, The Historical Maritime Society and Friends of the Earth.”

“This is a really special day for British Comics getting the recognition they deserve from the Royal Mail," said Tim Pilcher, Chair of the Comic Book Alliance.

"The Comic Book Alliance are extremely pleased and excited to be involved in what is an important of part of both philately and comic book history.

"Sadly, only three of the publications featured are still being published (2000 AD, The Beano and The Dandy), but there are new titles on the newsstand to replace them including the recently launched The Phoenix and Strip Magazine, proving that the British comics industry is alive and thriving.”

Produced on best archival paper the first Day Covers come with an insert card and protective pocket and cost just £15 (plus postage and packaging) and part of the proceeds go towards supporting the CBA.

• You can pre-order this exclusive First Day Cover, featuring all 10 of the comic stamps now, until 12th March 2012, from P. Sheridan, P.O. Box 99, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 0NN caitsher@aol.com Tel: +44 (0) 7939 832 184

'Spirit of Hope' charity comic anthology launched

Britain's Comic Book Alliance will publish Spirit of Hope this month - a stunning-looking anthology featuring work by almost 100 comic creators in aid of survivors of the Tsunami and earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand which happened earlier this year.

The anthology features 50 pieces of donated art from 92 top international creators in the comic book industry. The pieces are mainly sequentials or comic strips but there are also a few stunning single page pin ups.

The brain child of the Comic Book Alliance, it's hoped that with all proceeds being donated, the project can raise over £30,000.

Edited by Alan Cowsill and Tim Pilcher, Spirit of Hope is being offered in two alternate covers - one by Jimmy Broxton (above), the other by Mike Allred (left). Creators involved include Natalie Abadzis, Nick Abadzis, Adrian Bamforth, Jasper Bark, Donna Barr, Jordie Bellaire, Paul H Birch, Bolt-01, Dan Boultwood, Mark Buckingham, Jim Campbell, Richmond Clements, Jason Cobley, Simon Coleby, Mike Collins, Martin Conaghan, Gary Crutchley, Glenn Dakin, Al Davison, Brandon DeStefano, Benjamin Dickson, Martin Eden, Mats Engesten, Gary Erskine, Al Ewing, Glenn B Flemming, Emma Flint, Henry Flint, Leigh Gallagher, Matt Gibbs, Gary Gilbert, Alan Grant, Jon Haward, Peter Hogan, Kev Hopgood, Graeme Howard, Inko, Rich Johnston, Ant Jones, GM Jordan, Jessica Kemp, David Leach, Tony Lee, Nigel Lowrey, Ciaran Lucas, Paul McLaren, Gary Spencer Millidge, Michiru Morikawa, Alex Moore, Leonie O’Moore, Michiru Morkawa, Eva Perkins, Grant Perkins, Martyn Pick, Maria Pickering, David Pugh, James Reekie, Regan, Neil Roberts, Darick Roberston, John Robbins, John Ross, Declan Shalvey, Liam Sharp, Akiko Shimojima, Si Spencer, Vicky Stonebridge, Lew Stringer, Steve Tanner, Archie Templar, S Thompson, Geoffrey D. Wessel, Chris Western, Andrew Wildman, WJC, Ant Williams, Rob Williams, Sean Michael Wilson and Yel Zamor.

Art by Mark Buckingham

Copies of the book can be ordered in advance and will be £14.99 + £3.00 p&p. Anyone ordering should state their preference of cover: both will soon be available to be seen on the Comic Book Alliance website or Facebook page.

Limited edition prints are also being offered to purchasers - check the sites for more information on these but one is a beautiful piece of art by Mark Buckingham (right).

Other art and comics-related fund raising activities in support of this cause include Art Blossom Japan, where you can purchase the donated artworks of talented Manga/ Comic artists and Illustrators. 100% of proceeds go to British Red Cross: Japan Tsunami Appeal and IFAW Emergency Relief Aids helping fund those affected.

Art by Simon Coleby

Aftershock is another long manga/comic book being put together by Adam Pasion, an American artist living in Japan. Most of the creators involved in this project are American, and the stories are about Japan in general and what Japan means to each of the contributors.


• More info on the Comic Book Alliance web site at: www.comicbookalliance.co.uk

• Spirit of Hope Facebook Group

Comic creators rally to help Japanese disaster victims

(with thanks to The Emperor over on the downthetubes Forum): Regular readers will recall our announcement about a Charity Comic organised by the Comic Book Alliance to raise funds for the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami (see news story).

In addition to that, here's a rundown of just some of the many charity projects or offerings being made by comic creators to raise funds...

From Tharg's droids:

• Leigh Gallagher's contribution is offering to draw your favourite 2000AD character and is contributing to the Genre for Japan, a science fiction, fantasy and horror auction in aid of the Red Cross Japanese Tsunami Appeal which ends today (at midnight BST, Sunday 3rd April)

• Frazer Irving is offering a unique print of the cover he did for the Solaris Books novel Kultus

• Al Ewing is giving his fans the chance to appear in his next Pax Britannica novel Pax Omega

The folks on the 2000AD forum have come up with a few offerings:

• A 4-page Jikan story (the character from Paragon comics) with a number of small pressers chipping in

• Wayne Simmons is offering a number of copies of his zombie novel Flu

• Duncan Fegredo has  a Hellboy drawing up as part of Dark Horse's fund-raising for the Red Cross' efforts in Japan

• Neill Cameron has begun his Awesome Japan A-Z (see news story)

• For the Comic Book Alliance, contributors signed up include Jon Haward and many others

• For more information about the CBA project read our news story; if you would like to take part please contact Tim Pilcher by email via  foundersATcomicbookalliance.co.uk for further details about formats, deliveries, or any other questions you might have. 

• The Comic Book Alliance:  www.comicbookalliance.co.uk

Comic Book Alliance puts out charity comic appeal to help earthquake victims

Britain's Comic Book Alliance is putting together a fundraising comic to help raise funds to help earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan and New Zealand - and has put out an appeal for contributions.

"I’m sure, like me, you’ve been horrified at the devastating effects of the two enormous earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan," says CBA's Tim Pilcher. "Thousands that have lost friends, family, their homes and entire communities."

The CBA -- a not-for-profit organisation, primarily run by volunteers, dedicated to the promotion of British comic books, graphic novels, webcomics and sequential art in its many forms -- is looking for creators to provide some work free of charge so that they can put together an impressive package that will hopefully sell thousands and to raise as much money as possible to help those affected get back on their feet and to rebuild their lives.

"The contributions can be around any theme (earthquakes, tsunamis, loss, hope, survival, what that country means to you, personal tales, whatever…)" says Tim, "and could be a pin-up, or a one to four page comic strip. We may accept the odd prose piece from writers, but we’d like to like to keep these to a minimum, so please team up with an artist you normally work with."

"Obviously, time is of the essence here, so we would like to get the work in within the next two weeks (Deadline Saturday 2nd April). I know that doesn’t give a lot of time considering your busy schedules but I do hope you’ll agree that it’s for an important cause.


"Let’s show the world that comic creators care and how we can galvanise ourselves into positive action."
 
• If you would like to take part please contact Tim by email via  foundersATcomicbookalliance.co.uk for further details about formats, deliveries, or any other questions you might have. 

• The Comic Book Alliance:  www.comicbookalliance.co.uk

Comic Book Alliance charity auction extended by a day!

As we previously reported, The Comic Book Alliance - “The Voice of the British Comics Industry” - are offering comic fans some very special Christmas treats this week with their very first fundraising auction — including the chance to star alongside Batman in his new comic, Batman Inc; along with other experiences that money can’t buy!

The auction has proved to be so popular that the CBA have extended the auction by 24 hours so that fans can get in those last minute bids for some real bargains!

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the bidding and response to the auction," says CBA Chair Tim Pilcher, "but it soon became apparent that there are still a few people out there who haven’t heard about the auction, and we wanted to give them that extra chance to get a really special Christmas present for themselves or a loved one.

"This being our first auction we have, naturally, had a few teething problems, but we can assure all US bidders that all the items listed are available to American fans as well. Simply contact us via eBay.co.uk and we will ensure you can take part in this exciting event.”

The auction will now end on Sunday 12 December at 19:00 (GMT).

Grant Morrison (the award-winning writer who killed Batman and resurrected him!) will write the winning bidder into an issue of Batman Inc. featuring their name and likeness, courtesy of DC Comics and Frank Quitely (All Star Superman, Batman & Robin), winner of four 2010 Eagle Awards and one of the hottest artists in comics, will draw a personalised portrait of a winning bidder.

Frank Quitely’s auction will end slightly earlier on Saturday 11 December at16:30 (GMT).

Plus, as we reported with a full list of lots here, there are dozens of signed books, comics and graphic novels from high profile creators like Alan Moore (Watchmen), Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Boys), Charles Vess (Stardust), and John Wagner (Judge Dredd).

And there’s original comic art and signed limited prints by the cream of British artists including zombie art work by Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead), Bryan Talbot (Grandville), Sean Phillips (Criminal), John McCrea (Hitman), David Lloyd (V for Vendetta), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Rufus Dayglo (Tank Girl) and Garen Ewing (Rainbow Orchid).

There are no reserves, and all bids start at just 99p, so there’s the chance to pick up some real Christmas bargains for the comic fan in your life!

• Further details on auction can be found at: www.eBay.co.uk: search for the seller, comic_book_alliance or at www.comicbookalliance.co.uk.

The Rainbow Orchid: Volume 3

The cover image for the third volume of Garen Ewing's The Rainbow Orchid has just been released showing Evelyn and Julius fighting above lava.

This does seems rather at odds with one of the teaser images that Garen has posted over at his blog which shows off the two characters in what appears to be an altogether cosier situation. However it will be a while before we know exactly what is going on and how the story climaxes as the release date for the book is given on Amazon UK as 8 August 2011.

In the meantime Garen has donated signed and sketched versions of the first two Rainbow Orchid books plus their cover posters to the Comic Book Alliance eBay auction which is going on at the moment. In addition to these he has also donated some of his original black and white line art that was used to create the Tayout Soviet flying circus poster in the first book.

There are more details of The Rainbow Orchid on the official website as well as Garen's blog.

The CBA Rainbow Orchid auctions are here : Volume 1, Volume 2 and original artwork.

The downthetubes reviews of the first two books in The Rainbow Orchid trilogy are here : Volume 1 & Volume 2.

Comic Book Alliance charity offers Batman fans the chance to star in a comic alongside their hero

Last updated 10th December

Yes, you read that correctly! Thanks to the Comic Book Alliance, this is a fund-raising auction where the highest bidder will get to star alongside the Dark Knight in his very own comic!

Not only will the winner's name be included, but Chris Burnham will also draw their likeness into the story as well. All written by "the man who killed Batman" no less award-winning scribe and comics legend, Grant Morrison!

Batman Incorporated is the new best-selling comic book from Grant Morrison highlighting the new status quo in the Batman series as Bruce Wayne takes the Bat-franchise global.

The winner, who will appear in will feature in Batman Inc. #4 on sale 16th February 2011.will have the choice to be brutally slain by the villain or dramatically rescued by Batman in a story that takes Batman in a desperate race across two continents and two decades in a spectacular battle to save the world from a terrifying new threat.

The auction is being run by the Comic Book Alliance, “The Voice of the British Comics Industry”, who are offering comic fans some very special Christmas treats this very first fund-raising event.

Along with an appearance in Batman Inc.,  Frank Quitely, winner of four 2010 Eagle Awards and one of the hottest artists in comics (All Star Superman, Batman & Robin) will draw a personalised portrait of a winning bidder.

Alan Moore tribute
book - signed by Alan

"This is ideal," enthuses Quitely. "Some lucky bidder gets to enjoy a cutting caricature of themselves, I get to exercise my cruel sense of humour, and the CBA gets the money it needs to help it carry on its vital work — everyone's a winner!"

Plus, there are dozens of signed books, comics and graphic novels from high profile creators like Alan Moore (Watchmen), Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Boys), Charles Vess (Stardust), and John Wagner (Judge Dredd).

Walking Dead art
by Charlie Adlard

And there’s original comic art and signed limited prints by the cream of British artists including zombie art work by Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead), Bryan Talbot (Grandville), Sean Phillips (Criminal), John McCrea (Hitman), David Lloyd (V for Vendetta), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Rufus Dayglo (Tank Girl) and Garen Ewing (Rainbow Orchid).

The CBA supports and promotes comic creators, publishers, retailers and distributors, both in the UK and abroad. At the heart of the Alliance, founders Tim Pilcher, Shane Chebsey and GM Jordan have assembled an Advisory Board made up of leading academics and professionals from a wide spectrum including chat show host, turned comic book writer, Jonathan Ross and V for Vendetta artist David Lloyd.

In the last year the CBA has helped organise and promote major exhibitions and sent thousands of free comic books to the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. The CBA also runs a website that helps the general public find their local comic book retailer (www.comicshops.co.uk) and with over 1.5m visitors.

“The UK has one of the most creative and extensive comic publishing industries in the world," feels CBA Chair Tim Pilcher, "a legacy that has produced some of the best artists and writers currently working in the medium. It’s been wonderfully overwhelming to see so many of them generously donating their time and items to this very worthy British cause and coming together to support the medium they love.”

There are no reserves, and all bids start at just 99p, so there’s the chance to pick up some real Christmas bargains for the comic fan in your life!

Complete List of items in the Inaugural CBA Auction

• An appearance in Batman Inc. written by Grant Morrison and drawn by Chris Burnham. Courtesy of DC Comics

• Personalised caricature by Batman & Robin artist Frank Quitely

Fables art by
Mark Buckingham

• Two pages of Fables original artwork by Mark Buckingham

• Spider-Man original artwork by Andie Tong

• The Walking Dead artwork by Charlie Adlard

• Daredevil limited edition print by Adi Granov

Criminal art by
Sean Phillips

• Criminal original artwork by Sean Philips

• Tank Girl original artwork by Rufus Dayglo

• Peter Pan signed limited edition book, pus original artwork by Charles Vess

• Original Letraset Manga Artwork by Nana Li

• Inspector Gadget original artwork by Dave Windett

• Whiteout signed print by Steve Lieber

• Yesterday’s Tomorrow’s hardcover signed by Rian Hughes

Luther Arkwright
limited edition print

• Luther Arkwright signed limited edition print by Bryan Talbot

• Punisher original artwork by Laurence Campbell

• Warhammer 40K original artwork by Kev Hopgood

• War Machine original artwork by Kev Hopgood

• Marvel Heroes original artwork by Kev Hopgood

• G.I. Joe original artwork by Kev Hopgood

• Button Man 3: Killer Killer graphic novel and Strontium Dog script signed by John Wagner

• Wasteland hardcover graphic novel signed by Antony Johnston

• Alan Moore: Portrait of an Extraordinary Gentleman signed by Alan Moore

• Rime of the Ancient Mariner graphic novel signed by Hunt Emerson and Samuel Taylor Coleridge

• Smuggling Vacation and Day of the Deal graphic novels signed by Jason Wilson

• Day of the Deal exclusive “prison edition” graphic novel signed by Jason Wilson

• The Erotic Adventures of Space Babe 113, Complete set signed by John Maybury

• Iron Man & Black Widow limited edition print signed by Khoi

• Wormwood: The Last Enemy signed by Garth Ennis

• Wormwood: The Last Battle #1-3 signed by Garth Ennis

• The Boys Limited Anniversary Edition hardcover graphic novel set (1-5) signed by Garth Ennis

• The Boys #39 Signed by Garth Ennis

• The Boys #40 Signed by Garth Ennis

• The Boys #41 Signed by Garth Ennis

• Preacher: Books 1 & 2 Deluxe Hardcover Editions Signed by Garth Ennis

• Preacher: Dixie Fried graphic novel Signed by Garth Ennis

• JLA/Hitman Issues 1 & 2 (complete) signed by Garth Ennis

• Hitman: Ten Thousand Bullets graphic novel signed by Garth Ennis

• Hitman: A Rage in Arkham graphic novel signed by Garth Ennis

• Crossed graphic novel signed by Garth Ennis

• Battlefields: Happy Valley and Tankies signed books and script by Garth Ennis

• Territory original artwork by David Lloyd

• Abe, Temptation, Candleman signed books and original art by Glenn DakinHorse print signed by Emily Hare

• Strange Embrace hardcover graphic novel signed by David Hine

• Daredevil European Tour limited edition print signed by Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale

• Signed print by Hermann

• Hermann exhibition poster signed by the artist

• The Rainbow Orchid original art by Garen Ewing

Peter Pan by Charles Vess

• The Rainbow Orchid Book 1 & poster both signed by Garen Ewing

• The Rainbow Orchid Book 2 & poster both signed by Garen Ewing

• Bart Simpson’s Treehouse of Horror #9 signed by Gary Spencer Millidge

• Strangehaven graphic novel (Book 1), print and postcard pack signed by Gary Spencer Millidge

• Strangehaven graphic novel (Book 2) and print pack signed by Gary Spencer Millidge

• Hitman original art by John McCrea

• The Authority original artwork and signed graphic novel by Simon Cobley

• Low Life: The Red Seas graphic novel signed by the artist, Steve Yeowell

• Burke & Hare graphic novel signed by Martin Conaghan & Will Pickering

• Tours de Bois-Maury signed print by Hermann

• Merry Christmas Mr Zombo (from 2000 AD) Script signed and illustrated by Al Ewing

• Blake's 7 replica badge by Termight Replicas

• The auction runs until at 7.00pm GMT on Sunday 12 December at 19:00 (GMT) later than previously advertised - see news story - on www.eBay.co.uk: search for the seller, comic_book_alliance or further details can be found at www.comicbookalliance.co.uk. (Frank Quitely’s auction will end slightly earlier on Saturday 11 December at16:30 (GMT)

Troops to get a boost from King Kong and Friends

This month Britain's Comic Book Alliance will be joining with the 'Support Our Soldiers' charity to send thousands of comic books and graphic novels to troops stationed around the world and many miles from home.

The CBA spoke to troops before Christmas and were told that one of the biggest problems facing service personnel was boredom when they are not deployed in the field. Comic books have always been a favourite with the troops because they are light, entertaining; easy to carry, share and read.

Passing on that information on to its members, the CBA were instantly inundated with offers from publishers and retailers wishing to help. "There were so many offers that it was impossible to arrange for shipments before Christmas," says CBA spokesperson and co-founder GM Jordan. "Plus, the CBA simply did not have the expertise to send out the parcels themselves.

"Thankfully the problem was solved when Support Our Soldiers, who have been sending goodwill parcels to members of the armed forces since 2003, agreed to take the donations to ensure they reached the people who needed them the most.'

With the S.O.S partnership in place there was a further complication: the donors were spread out across the UK. The comics needed to be collected and then delivered to a central point for distribution and with time running out; it looked like they were in danger of failing to meet their March deadline.

Luckily the Post Office was at hand and, thanks to their logistical skills, they were able to collect all the donations into a central depot in the South East before shipping them north to be delivered to S.O.S.

"We owe a great deal of thanks to the Post Office, when we explained the difficulties facing us the managers and staff understood the difficulties involved and found the right solution to help us. Without the Post Office we would have been in serious trouble," GM Jordan explained.

The CBA is especially grateful to help from independent comics publisher Markosia Enterprises and comics retail chain Forbidden Planet, who were amongst the first to pledge their support and been a great supporters of the CBA.

Titles distributed to the troops include Markosia's King Kong of Skull Island, Starship Troopers, Harker and the critically acclaimed Hope Falls by Tony Lee.

“Thank you for doing a great job on our behalf and we wish you well” said Harry Markos, head of Markosia, before adding, "If our small token goes any way towards cheering up the troops then we are all very happy."

The CBA was founded in 2009 to represent the comic book industry in the UK, working with retailers, publishers, creators, educators and fans to ensure a bright future for the industry.

Web Links

• Comic Book Alliance: www.comicbookalliance.org.uk
• Support Our Soldiers: www.supportoursoldiers.co.uk
• Markosia Enterprises: www.markosia.com
• Forbidden Planet: www.forbiddenplanet.co.uk

Comic Book Alliance launches logo competition

The Comic Book Alliance - a UK-based not-for-profit organisation - has just launched a competition for creators to come up with a logo, which runs until the end of January 2010.

The competition, intended to find an iconic logo for the new organisation dedicated to the promotion of British comic books, that can be used in all its promotional material and merchandise. It's open to all British nationals, professional or otherwise and there is a fantastic range of prizes to be won, including free Full Membership of the CBA for life (excluding travel and accommodation costs).

The winning designer will be recognised as the logo’s creator on the CBA website and see their design on t-shirts, book covers, affiliated websites, banners and flyers produced by the CBA and used in promoting the British comic book industry not just in the UK but around the world.

Once you have created your design simply scan it, saving it as a jpeg image and then email the picture to competition@comicbookalliance.co.uk. Included in your email should be your name, age, address and contact telephone number.

Keep your original design safe: the winning entry will be collected from you in order that a high resolution scan of the logo can be made.

The winner will be announced on the Comic Book Alliance website on the 1st March 2010.

Primarily run by volunteers, the CBA aims to promote graphic novels, webcomics and sequential art in its many forms, and British-based and ex-pat comic creators - be they artists, writers, colourists, letterers or editors.

• For full information about the CBA and this competition visit: comicbookalliance.co.uk