Lincoln Book Festival explores the World of Comics

Lincoln University is running an event titled The World of Comics later this month as part of the Lincoln Books Festival (11th - 15th May), featuring artist Neil (Sarah Jane Adventures, 2000AD) Roberts and Murky Depths editor Terry Martin.

"Comics and graphic novels have enjoyed an explosion of popularity lately, but what is the key to their success?" organisers Alt.Fiction (aka Writing East Midlands) ask.

"Join us for this panel discussion with Terry Martin, award-winning publisher of Murky Depths and acclaimed artist Neil Roberts to explore this ever-expanding area of reading and writing. A great opportunity to find out more how comics and graphic novels come to life, and what the future holds for this growing art form."

The festival also features an appearance by cartoonist Tony Husband alongside poet Ian McMillan (presenting their marvellous 'A Cartoon History of Here' show) and acclaimed SF editor John Jarrold.

• The World of Comics, 7.00pm 11th May, The Library, Lincoln University. Tickets £4, book at lincolnbookfestival.org (Direct tickets sale link here)

Neil Roberts creates Sarah Jane Adventures comic for the BBC

A panel from the BBC's new online Sarah Jane Adventures comic

As Jeremy Briggs notes in his report on Doctor Who Adventures, the BBC have published a new online Sarah Jane Adventures comic.

Although published in a web-friendly 'sliding frame' the original art, downthetubes can reveal Return of the Krulius, drawn top science fiction illustrator and 2000AD stalwart Neil Roberts, has actually been drawn in a standard comic page format. With that in mind, we're wondering if the BBC will eventually consider publishing a print edition of the new adventure.

Recently interviewed on a blog I've created promoting my new art book, SciFi Art Now, Neil reveals comics have always been a source of inspiration for him – of all kinds, from Nutty, Oor Wullie, Victor to Starblazer and Eagle.

"I was really into artists like Ian Kennedy, Gerry Embleton, Mike Noble, Frank Bellamy – although I didn’t know their names at the time," he says. "I came to 2000AD and American comics quite late, but I instantly loved Dave Gibbons and Colin Wilson’s work.

"In addition to that, I remember in one of the 1980’s Eagle annuals there was an article about how computer games were made and that switched a light on in my head. This was quite an exciting moment for me as a young child, as it was around the time Tron came out and my family had just bought a Commodore 64, so the prospect of using computers to make pictures seemed a very real and exciting idea."

• Read the full interview here

• Check out Neil's  online gallery at: www.skinnyelbows.com and his art blog atwww.skinnyelbows.blogspot.com
 
• Read Return of the Krulius