January 2009 Archives

THE PHANTOM newspaper comic strip has been running for 72 years, was once a popular feature within the pages of The Birmingham Evening Mail, and is beloved by fans all over the world.

Recent Speech Balloons have featured Phantom memorabilia from Phil Clarke's exhibition at the Birmingham International Comics Show (BICS), along with paintings to commemorate the character's then 70th birthday in 2006.

We conclude our visual presentation of those © photographs taken by Martin Tierney today, and are also privileged to profile the character and his creators in a feature by leading Phantom expert Ed Rhoades, who also writes the Behind the Mask feature for Moonstone's Phantom comic.

<

February 17, 1936 The Phantom made its first appearance in a newspaper strip. Lee Falk, a young writer from St. Louis, had already established himself as a syndicated comics writer with his strip Mandrake the Magician. Nearly two years later, The Phantom was the result of a collaboration of Lee and artist Ray Moore

Moore, who had been working as an assistant on the Mandrake strip, was asked to work with Lee on The Phantom. The look of the Phantom, credited as the first mainstream comic strip to feature a costumed hero, was the result of brainstorming sessions attended by Moore and some of his artist friends. The skin-tight costume was like that worn by circus performers of the day, and the mask and cowl were reminiscent of old-time executioners giving an eerie, spooky but very original appearance to the character. Initially, the Phantom wore gloves, and Moore's hatching on the outer shorts eventually evolved into stripes giving the character the look of a character from an Elizabethan play.

The skull motif added an aura of mystery and the oath of the skull was inspired by Hamlet. Lee was an aspiring playwright who ended up owning half a dozen playhouses, creating and directing plays and being responsible for hundreds of stage productions. In later years, Sy Barry designed a Phantom poster for Lee to promote a version of Hamlet.

It's likely that Lee also drew inspiration from John Singleton Mosby, The Gray Ghost, an authentic civil war hero whose daring exploits captured everyone's imagination.

Lee considered calling his character "The Gray Ghost' but settled on The Phantom. Still Mosby's real life exploits, like single handedly capturing a general, paralleled Phantom adventures that Lee wrote during his long tenure on the strip. Lee wrote stories from its beginning until 1999, when on his deathbed; he literally tore off his oxygen mask to dictate the strip right up until the end.

Lee's stories drew inspiration from history, current events, theatre and classical literature. In the first story, the Phantom fights his longtime nemesis, the Singh Pirates. In the beginning, Lee planned for the character to have a secret identity in the guise of Jimmy Wells, but soon abandoned the idea to create a jungle mystique. In his origin story the Phantom lives among the poison pygmy tribe called the Bandar, who are enslaved by a tribe of giants called the Wasaka. Phantom artist Wilson McCoy actually visited Africa and met with the Ituri, the real poison pygmy tribe that inspired Lee. There also was a real tribe of giants called the Watusi.

One Lee Falk Phantom story, Queen Samaris XII, was inspired by H. Rider Haggard's She. Another, The Jungle Olympics was a retelling of the Greek comedy Lysistrata. Diana Aviatrix Lost was a tribute to Emilia Earhart, and The Rattle was reminiscent of Swift's Gulliver's Travels. Lee's extensive knowledge and stage experiences enriched his writing.

Unlike Superman and Batman who both came later, The Phantom was the character's real identity and Mr. Walker was his disguise. The idea of a hero whose son succeeds him after his death was also a fascinating touch. It gave the character the mystique of "The Ghost Who Walks" or the "Man Who Never Dies" while presenting readers with a human figure to whom they could relate.

Lee's character became a global phenomenon. The first Phantom comic was published in Italy, a country that generated more original Phantom stories than any other. When Mussolini finally outlawed the American import, famed filmmaker, Federico Fellini wrote his own version of Phantom stories to satisfy the Italian thirst for Phantom adventures.

During the WW II occupation of Norway, the Germans told the people that the US had fallen, but the Phantom strip kept appearing in the newspapers reassuring the people that it wasn't true. The word "Phantom" became a code word for the resistance, and when Phantom artist Wilson McCoy visited Norway, he was given a hero's welcome, as was legendary Phantom artist Sy Barry on visit.

Australia and Sweden have been publishing Phantom comics for more than 50 consecutive years and the character continues to thrive there. In Sweden, there is even a Phantom theme amusement park.

Besides Sweden, Norway, and Australia, Phantom comics have also been published around the world including Finland, New Zealand, Germany, Argentina, Buenos Aires, England, Thailand, Turkey, Brazil, France, Spain, Russia, Yugoslavia, and India.

Lee's Phantom stories evolved with the times. In the 50s he wrote about uranium claim jumpers, in the 60s US astronauts, and before his death in 1999, he wrote about terrorists.

The Phantom has also been featured in a 1943 Columbia serial starring Tom Tyler and Jeanne Bates, a 1996 big budget film starring Billy Zane, and two syndicated cartoon series.

The Phantom newspaper strip has been read by over 60 million readers worldwide, From the beginning, its popularity was solid with art work by the late Ray Moore in the 1930's and 1940s and illustrations by the late Wilson McCoy from wartime to 1961. It became even more beloved by fans under the hand of Sy Barry and his assistant George Olesen.

In recent years former Batman artist Graham Nolan drew the Sunday strips, and Paul Ryan illustrated the dailies, with both storylines being by Tony DePaul. Now, for both Sundays and dailies the artist is Paul Ryan.

The publishing history outside newspapers for the character in the US began with Big Little Books and Better Little Books in 1936, the same year the story was running in newspapers. The syndicated adventures were serialised in Ace, King and Future comics from 1936 to 1947. The early Lee Falk stories were also reprinted in comics called Feature Books from 1938 to 1949 and more of Lee's stories were reprinted in Harvey Comic Hits and Harvey Hits until 1957. Gold Key Phantom comics in the early 1960s were the first to feature original art by Bill Lignante and covers by the late George Wilson, but the stories were still taken from newspaper strips written by Lee. It wasn't until King and Charlton comics that entirely new Phantom stories were presented to US comic fans. Some Charlton comics featured work by the late Jim Aparo and the late Don Newton. These are fan favourites.

Other publishers like Tony Raiola of Pacific Comics continued to reprint classic Lee Falk stories, but it wasn't until the late 1980s that consistently high quality Phantom stories were created for US comic readers. The first DC mini series was written by Peter David and illustrated by the late Joe Orlando and Dennis Janke. The issues by DC that followed were drawn by Luke McDonnell and written by Mark Verheiden. (Mark is also known for his work on Superman comics, and his work on TV and movies for Smallville, Freaky Links, The Mask, and Time Cop). Still even with this run of outstanding stories the comic was cancelled after 13 issues.

Moonstone, the current US publisher of Phantom comics, brought back the beauty of painted covers beginning with Joel Naprstek. Joel's work for Moonstone had the drama and charm of a retro pulp style. Later cover artist, Doug Klauba, also paints superb illustrations in a neo-realistic style. These paintings are a major contribution for Phantom fans and are comparable to the legendary work of the late George Wilson (Gold Key and Avon paperbacks), the late Don Newton (Charlton) and (Semic/Egmont) artist, Rolf Gohs. Other outstanding covers from Moonstone include the work of Pat Quinn and Dave McCaig, Graham Nolan, Jerry DeCaire and John Cassaday.

As for Moonstone's content, they hit the ground running with stories by the talented Ben Raab, Ron Goulart, and Raphael Nieves and later added Mike Bullock, and Chuck Dixon to their team of writers.

The interiors began with a young stylish artist from Spain named Fernando Blanco, and continued with Mike Collins and Art Nichols with colors by Ken Wolak and Dawn Groszewski. Other artists making contributions to the comic included Tom DeFalco, Lou Manna, Art Nichols and Terry Pallot. Subsequent artists have included Pat Quinn, Jerry DeCaire, Ken Wheaton, Eric J, Peter Guzman, Gabriel Rearte, and Nick Derington. Their work has a modern stylized, edgy feel without losing the appeal of the traditional Phantom.

In addition to their own original stories, Moonstone has reprinted recent syndicated strips illustrated by Graham Nolan and written by popular Semic/Egmont author Claes Reimerthi, Semic/Egmont/newspaper strip writer Tony DePaul and even one by Graham Nolan himself.

Long time Phantom fans and King Features Syndicate are very protective of Lee Falk's vision, but US comic fans are a very demanding audience. Moonstone editor Joe Gentile is faced with the difficult task of presenting an over seventy-year old comic character with sensibilities for modern readers without compromising its original integrity. With a very impressive talent pool of writers and artists, and Mike Bullock and Silvestre Szilagyi as the writer and artist for the regular series. he seems to be headed in the right direction to help The Phantom become a commercial success for US audiences, an accomplishment no other US Comic has been able to sustain.

The Phantom is © King Features, to see archived strips and more visit: www.kingfeatures.com

For further Phantom related material from Ed Rhoades visit: www.edrhoades.com/phantom/

For more about Moonstone Books' Phantom comics and collections visit:
www.moonstonebooks.com

For queries regarding the purchasing of Phantom memorabilia and comics in the UK email: Blasebooks@aol.com

THIS IS another pleasant stroll down memory land, highlighting various career highlights of some of the guests who have appeared at the Birmingham International Comics Show (BICS) since it debuted in 2006.

Photographs were taken and © Martin Tierney and are of the various Phantom exhibitions put on at BICS 2006 that was held at The Custard Factory. Simply click on them to enlarge.

Charlie Adlard has been stirring things up in recent years drawing The Walking Dead at Image while remaining busy and prolific elsewhere.
He is also working for publishers in France, one such project is Le Soufflé du Wendigo for French Soliel.
For more information visit: www.charlieadlard.com.

Michael Collins has written and drawn everyone's favourite time lord for Dr Who Magazine, other high-profile licensed properties including Babylon 5, Star Trek and Harry Potter, countless more popular comics including The X-Men and Batman, he was the Judge Dredd newspaper cartoonist for several years and superbly adapted A Christmas Carol for Classic Comics. For more information visit: www.freakhousegraphics.co.uk.

Doug Braithwaite brought Justice to the printed page at DC, and previously took on Earth X over at Marvel. His skilled draughtsmanship work has been featured at many companies in America and the UK. You can find a recent profile on him here at Speech Balloons.

Alan Davis fans listened enthralled to a career retrospective stage interview with the artist/writer at the debut event as he discussed his work on such major iconic American superhero comics as Batman, The X-Men and The Fantastic Four. The following year they watched the great man sketching, signing and revealing his plans for his the long-heralded return of his own Clan Destine series. He has also been profiled at Speech Balloons recently. For more information visit: www.alandavis-comicart.com.

Nigel Dobbyn has drawn Strontium Dogs, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Billy the Cat! His versatile charismatic art has been published within 2000AD and The Beano, in newspapers, magazines, and for licensing. For more information visit: www.nigeldobbyn.com.

Gary Erskine earned his stripes illustrating Marvel UK's Knights of Pendragon series. Notable recent works include Star Wars, The Filth and City of Silence. For more information visit: www.garyerskine.demon.co.uk.

Mark Farmer is one of the few British creators specialising as an inking artist, he is also one of the best in the world!
From The Incredible Hulk to The Fantastic Four, through to The X-Men to the Justice League, each has felt his brush stroke.
Speech Balloons profiled him with Alan Davis recently.

Dave Gibbons illustrated the debut issue of Dr Who Weekly, continuing his run as it transformed into Dr Who Magazine. He also drew for 2000AD before America's DC Comics snatched him up for Green Lantern. Deserved worldwide acclaim came with Watchmen, soon to be a film, and Give Me Liberty and in The Originals he redefined his creative vision as both an artist and writer. For more information visit: www.davegibbonsfansite.com.

Jon Haward has contributed to such diverse anthologies as 2000AD, Warhammer, the Frank Frazetta Quarterly and Negative Burn, was the main artist on the UK's Spectacular Spider-Man comic for several years and adapted Shakespeare's Macbeth for Classical Comics.
For more information visit: www.jonhawardart.com.

James Hodgkins has worked for DC's licensing department developing Superman and Batman scenarios and characters for anything from a Monopoly board game to a tin of baked beans.
He has illustrated Batman comics, inked Daredevil and Spider-Man and is one of the organisers for BICS.

Staz Johnson was the resident superhero expert on Channel 4's Zero To Hero. His action-packed pencil art has featured in Robin, Batman-Aliens II, Spider-Man, Wolverine and Cable & Deadpool. He drew online episodes of Heroes, baed on the hit CBS American TV show that have since seen print and has illustrated Dracula for Classic Comics. For more information visit: www.stazjohnson.com.

Dave Kendall paints book covers adorning horror and dark fantasy novels, he has also illustrated work for the comics 2000AD, Warhammer and Event Horizon among others. He is currently illustrating a graphic novel for Soleil in France. For more information visit: www.rustybaby.com.

Garry Leach produced the magnificent cover art that fronted Wildstorm's Battler Britton comics and subsequent collection and Titan's reprint of material The Spider: King of the Crooks (featuring art by Brum's Reg Bunn in the 60s).
He re-visualised Marvelman for a modern audience, brought back Warpsmith as the publisher of A1, inked Hitman for a long healthy run, and delivered dynamite artwork within 2000AD during its heyday.

John McCrea was the artist who pencilled Hitman. From his early days on the groundbreaking Troubled Souls within Crisis to a tour of duty drawing The 99 for Kuwait's Teshkeel, he has never shirked from portraying black humour and grim action. He has recently been drawing Transformers for Titan. For more information visit: johnmccrea.com.

Kevin Nowlan made his UK debut at BICS 2007. From Moon Knight to Batman, Superman to Star Wars, onto the weirdness of Dr Strange and ingenuity of Tomorrow Stories ' Jack B. Quick, all demonstrate why Nowlan is considered "an artist's artist". His exclusive Birmingham appearance made it yet another BICS first. For more information visit: members.cox.net/nowlanink/63.html.

Bryan Talbot hit the headlines of the British national press thanks to the resounding critical and sales success of his Alice In Sunderland graphic novel. Back that with the long-term international success of his classic Luther Arkwright series, the imminent release of his new Grandville opus and there's trailblazing innovation from beginning to end. You can find a larger profile on him here at Speech Balloons. For more information visit: www.bryan-talbot.com.

Phil Winslade is adept at portraying female characters possessing powerful inner grace and outer beauty in books such as Goddess, Wonder Woman: Amazonia and Nevada.
His Gotham City takes on a life of its own within Batman while his stint on Howard the Duck shows he knows not to take himself too seriously. He is currently illustrating a graphic novel for Vertigo.

Many other guest have appeared at the shows of course. And to find out more about the Birmingham International Comics Show (BICS) visit: www.thecomicsshow.co.uk

The weekend of the 9 -10th December 2006 proved to be a cold and wet one, but it did not dampen the spirits of several thousand comics fans. In fact their spirits were warmed by the roaring success of the debut of the Birmingham International Comics Show(BICS).

Martin Tierney took photographs of the show that are (c) and featured here. They include scenes from Phil Clarke's Phantom exhibition and celebratory paintings of the character by both famous and budding artists.

In keeping with the festive season, the goals of the show were to both celebrate the past and look forward to the future. The convention had the blessing of Phil Clarke, who organised the very first UK convention that took place in Birmingham back in 1968, and sagely noted back then to people involved with the organisation: "What's been done is great and this is just your first year!"

However, the show did not go without its problems. Aside from the weather, equipment hired for use in the theatre failed to turn up, and one American guest realised too late that he hadn't actually got a passport and couldn't make it! Despite this bad situations were turned into good and what could have been fiascos into what surprisingly turned into highlights of the weekend. The amount of smiling faces proved that Christmas had come early!

There were dealers of comics old and new, all-star international guests who made themselves completely accessible to the public, and special exhibitions including one for Midlands-based cartoonist Hunt Emerson whose work can be seen in the best-selling kid's weekly comic The Beano, and another featuring memorabilia for The Phantom newspaper strip that had featured in the local Birmingham Evening Mail for many years, plus a mural painted live by numerous artists to celebrate that character's 70th anniversary, the first interpretation being a stunning full-figure action painting by Staz Johnson who had also donated a cover featuring The Fantastic Four to BICS for a competition.

The local West Midlands' media responded to the show favourably, via features and coverage, a relationship that extended the following year. The international comics community via press and internet also responded warmly enough, but, even more so, the general public's interest in the show demonstrated that the show and comics as a medium still has genuine growth potential.

People remarked about the courteous security team, and everyone's favourite all-round nice guy over that first weekend was Britain's own Alan Davis. UK publishers Eaglemoss, America's Wild Card Ink, Wales' Slogger Records and Brum's Nostalgia & Comics donated prizes and giveaways, and expatriate, Wolverhampton-born, Mike Perkins graciously sent over signed comics and art to me that I was able to hand over as competition prizes for those events I was involved with to add to the special events that BICS had put on for the fans.

BICS 2006 was only a few years ago, but it also seems like another lifetime and it is wonderful that the show has developed and become an annual event.

For general information about the Birmingham International Comics Show (BICS) visit: www.thecomicsshow.co.uk

AMERICAN COMIC book artist Kevin Nowlan is renowned for style, wit and visual flair.

The following is a brief profile on Kevin Nowlan by David Hopkins, the manager of Birmingham's very own Nostalgia & Comics, along with minor input by Paul H Birch.

Kevin Nowlan has always stood out in the comic book world for having a distinctive art style that combines a stirring sense of realism with a strong element of design.

Born in 1958, this self-taught artist began contributing illustrations and covers for The Comics Journal and other magazines. His first sustained comics run was the mature fairytale drama Grimwood's Daughter serialised in Dalgoda and published by Fantagraphics in the mid-80s.

Thereafter, sagely advised by Terry Austin, Marvel began offering him assignments on Moonknight and Dr Strange, books that suitably impressed their buying readership.

Nowlan took on other assignments at Marvel, DC and Dark Horse developing his art style to the point where he became in great demand as an inking and finishing artist. While he doesn't care for this latter trade description there is no doubt the completed pages always result in a distinguished class act.

Work of note of this nature featuring Nowlan includes Superman/Aliens, Star Wars: Dark Force Rising and Aliens: Salvation.

The artist is renowned for producing highly praised cover art and contributed character design work to Batman: The Animated Series. He was also one of Alan Moore's collaborators on the ABC series Tomorrow Stories, co-creating the Jack B. Quick character. These short strips more than showed off his versatility and ability to inject a strong humorous element into his work.

Kevin Nowlan has been described as "an artist's artist" he is also an artist that readers of quality comics admire!

Visit Nostalgia & Comics at 14-16 Smallbrook Queensway in Birmingham's city centre and purchase great comics by Kevin Nowlan and others.

British Writer Mike Carey has made a name for himself in the world of comics, books and more besides.

The following is a brief profile on Mike Carey by Jordan X, along with minor input by Paul H Birch.

Liverpool born Mike Carey has risen to prominence as a writer on such best-selling comics as 2000AD, Ultimate Fantastic Four and X-Men.

He began his career scripting for Malibu's Rock-It imprint and Caliber, and after a while DC Comics took notice, inviting him to work for their Vertigo imprint.

Carey rose to the challenge, and produced The Sandman Presents: The Furies illustrated by fellow Londoner John Bolton.

He then developed the walk-on character of Lucifer into a major character in its own critically succesful series with various artists.

Likewise, his run on Hellblazer breathed life back into the character of John Constantine and endeared him to long-time fans of the title.

More recent years have found the scope of Carey's work evolving into different genres and for different publishers. There have beeen series within the pages of Britiain's 2000AD, he's told tales of witches and mutants at Marvel, while over at Image he joined creator Whilce Portacio in relauching Wetworks, a team of Black op soldiers battling supernatural forces.

In addition to his numerous projects for comics, this former teacher has also produced a trilogy of novels featuring Felix Castor, a freelance exorcist operating in a dark alternative London, and currently has his first screenplay, Frost Flowers, in production.

His early work demonstrated an ability to expand upon the work of other authors, while producing outstanding narratives that still complimented pre-existing storylines, but he was soon making a name for himself via his own creations such as Crossing Midnight and Faker for Vertigo, as well as writing Ultimate Fantastic Four and X-Men for Marvel.

The future continues to be very busy for the author and his popularity looks set to grow and grow.

For more about Mike Carey visit: www.mikecarey.net and www.mike-carey.co.uk

For more from Jordan X visit: www. comic shops.co.uk

BRITISH ARTIST Doug Braithwaite has made a name for himself internationally working on some major comic book characters.

The following is a brief profile of award-winning comic book artist Doug Braithwaite by Jordan X, along with minor input by Paul H Birch. The accompanying photograph was taken by Jordan X at BICS 2007.

Marvel UK was so impressed with Doug Braithwaite that they gave him his first drawing work within their Action Force title at the tender age of fifteen.

He had been attended a night school art course where none other than David Lloyd was tutor. Continuing to develop and refine his art as the years have passed he consistently delivers precise draughtsmanship matched with subtle visual characterisation in his skilled graphic storytelling.

Deserved recognition and success has come his way, not just in Great Britain but the other side of the Atlantic too. Early stand out work at Marvel includes art on The Punisher and at DC his work on Justice League, Wonder Woman and Batman.

Having impressed editors with his realistic style of art he teamed with Alex Ross to produce Marvel's neo-classic Universe X and Paradise X, then DC's epic 12-issue Justice mini-series.

Braithwaite produces phenomenal results as an artist whether in collaboration or flying solo. His impressive resume of work attests to this, look at The Incredible Hulk or Captain America, or individual pieces of work like covers for The Flash. They all demonstrate a consummately talented man breathing life onto the comic book page.

A COLOURIST can take a good comic book and make it a classic. Matt Hollingsworth is a colourist in that vein, he can lift a book completely, giving characters life and depth, whilst adding texture to backgrounds.

The following is a brief profile of award-winning comic book colourist Mattt Hollingsworth by Jordan X, along with minor input by Paul H Birch:

Matt Hollingsworth's career started with assignments from Marvel and DC, and before too long Dark Horse recruited him to head its art department. He didn't stay long however, choosing to concentrate on his own work, notably when Vertigo enlisted his help on the fledgling Preacher comic.

Although he has been the colourist on a whole host of titles ranging from Daredevil to Catwoman, fans and peers tend to mention one series as a shining example of his craft. The short series Death: The High Cost of Living blended colours in such an exemplary and enhancing manner that Hollingsworth deservedly won a prestigious Eisner Award for it in 1997.

Eventually Hollingsworth decided on a career change, swapping comic books for the big screen. His talent and eye for colour and lighting have helped to bring modern cult classics like Serenity and Sky Captain and The World of Tomorrow to life. He has also been involved in comics-related movies, working on both The Fantastic Four and Superman Returns.

His exclusive revelations on digital colouring proved so successful that the amiable American returned on consecutive years to the Birmingham International Comics Show to give master classes.

One of the best colourists in the world, it is reassuring to know that Matt Hollingsworth has not turned his back on comic books, because the world of comics certainly hasn't forgotten him!

For more information on Matt Hollingsworth visit: www.matthollingsworth.net and matthollingsworth.blogspot.com

DICK TURPIN is alive and well... and up to his old tricks, at least he is within the pages of Time Bomb Comics' latest title!

Dick Turpin and the Restless Dead promises horror, history and the world's most infamous highwayman all within a one-shot comic book written by Steve Tanner and illustrated by Andrew Dodd.

Time Bomb Comics was formed in Autumn 2007 with the independent publishers swiftly putting together the time paradox adventure that was Ragamuffins: Stiches in Time for their debut appearance at the Birmingham International Comics Show (BICS) only a month later.

"2009 has gotten off to a great start with our Dick Turpin comic listed in this month's UK Section of Diamond's Previews, making it available to order from all UK and European comic shops," Tanner revealed.

"The order number is 9781845765132," said Dodd efficiently while adding that "We both appreciate your time and support" to those who've been buying Time Bomb Comics' books.

Both creators are pleased at the reception their work has received, with Tanner declaring: "Since it debuted in September has been getting some great reviews on downthetubes.net, comicsvillage.com, comicshopvoice.com, comicsbulletin.com, and most recently SFX magazine described it as "A darkly whimsical engaging read" which pretty much sums it up!"

Preview pages can be viewed at: www.myebook.com/index.php?option=ebook&id=2025

For more about Time Bomb Comics visit: www.timebombcomics.com and www.comicspace.com/timebombcomics

BRITAIN IS now in a recession. That does not mean it's all doom and gloom out there! Despite the hardships that are upon some of us, or those that may arise, we need to find time to laugh and smile... The greatest of qualities humanity has!

Listed below are some great British cartoonists, three of them living in Birmingham and another only out Nuneaton way. Check out their websites, have a look around and let their work help raise a smile for you in these difficult times!

Hunt Emerson: www.largecow.demon.co.uk

Mike Higgs: www.lambiek.net/artists/h/higgs_mike.htm

Laura Howell: www.laurahowell.co.uk

Lew Stringer: www.lewstringer.com

If the weather's bleak and finances are a current concern but you want something to brighten your kids' moods get them to check out these websites:

www.dandy.com

www.beanotown.com

www.toxicmag.co.uk

And if you're considering happier, more innocent times when you yourself were a lad or lass, go to these websites to relive those memories:

www.nostalgiacentral.com/pop/beano.htm

www.britishcomics.20m.com

www.britishcomics.com/Gallery/index.htm

www.comicsuk.co.uk

Despite what the naysayers declare, let's still make this a happy new year!

THE GEEK Syndicate is at the forefront of UK podcasting, with the comics medium its speciality, as has been noted at Speech Balloons previously. The mainstream media's publicity machines have now latched onto this and recently invited The Geek Syndicate along to a preview for a new film based on Will Eisner's The Spirit.

"Earlier this month The Geek Syndicate was able to attend the UK press junket for The Spirit," revealed Barry Nugent. "We were shown 25 minutes from the movie in the form of six clips and then allowed to pitch questions to the cast and crew. In attendance was producer Deborah Del Prete, Director Frank Miller, Samuel L Jackson, Eva Mendes and Scarlett Johansson. It was a huge thing for us, and I think for comic related podcasting, to be taken seriously in this way."

This event will provide the main focus for the Geek Syndicate's forthcoming podcast, lasting some 90 minutes with features on The Spirit interspersed with interview clips that take up the last 30 minutes).

"As far as we know, you can't hear these clips anywhere on the internet. It seems podcasters at press conferences is pretty new," added Nugent.

Questions to cast and crew include how they became involved and what people can expect from the film. They also reveal whether or not they actually read any of The Spirit comics during their preparation for the role.

Samuel Jackson who plays the role of The Octopus (a character never actually ever seen in the comic strip) reveals that he does in fact love comics and which ones he actually carries around in his travel bag!

According to Nugent, writer/director Frank Miller (a renowned comic book artist and writer himself) and co-producer Deborah Del Prete also give us their thoughts on what they think The Spirit's creator, Will Eisner, might have made of the movie.

On a personal level this intrigues me greatly as, while I understand and appreciate why all the publicity hype describes the film as being "From the creator of 300 and Sin City" it still leaves a sour taste in the mouth. Suffice to say that the actual creator of The Spirit, the late and very great Will Eisner was one of the most important men to have ever been involved in comics, both as a medium and an industry.

Geeks and Brum

Back on 13-14th October 2007 at the Birmingham International Comics Show (BICS), in the rather fitting venue of the city's new science museum, The Thinktank. The Geek Syndicate conducted the very first live-on-stage interview at a comic book convention in the UK, and quite possibly the world, to be broadcast as a podcast around the world.

The hosts for this revolutionary new take on media-communications events had already been nominated in the Best Entertainment category for 2007 Podcast Awards 2007. That year at BICS The Geek Syndicate interviewed two former Eastern European-born artists who had been making a name for themselves on a global level: special guests Adi Granov and Essad Ribic.

Opening all barriers to help foster comics as both an important entertainment and educational medium, both historically and beyond into the future is one of BICS' mandates. To this end the idea of quite literally having two artists who originated in the former soviet nation of Yugoslavia express their views globally in a live context was deemed entirely appropriate.

Adi Granov was announced as one of Marvel Comics' Young Guns in 2004. In the proceeding years he has worked as a comic book artist for that company, including not only a relaunch for the Iron Man comic but being involved in the visual design of the suit armour for the 2008 Iron Man film.

Essad Ribic made a welcome return to BICS, having proved an entertaining guest at its debut show. From Loki to The Silver Surfer, his painted artwork has also found favour at Marvel America, and a buying public.

"I applaud the organisers of the Birmingham comic show for helping to raise the profile of UK podcasting", said the Geek Syndicate's David Montheith.

The development and increasing international appeal of the iPod community is a matter well documented. Following its impressive rise in popularity BICS has continued to invite the Geek Syndicate to develop their format as an on-stage theatre event at subsequent shows, that is broadcast around the world.

"The Birmingham International Comics Show is a great place to pop your comic convention cherry!" said David Monteith. While commenting on BICS generally Barry Nugent said. "I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who loves comics and wants to hang out with like-minded people. I'm amazed by how accessible all the special guests are."

To listen to The Geek Syndicate podcast go to: http.geeksyndicate.wordpress.com/2008/12/19/geek-syndicate-episode-103/

To learn about The Spirit and his creator Will Eisner go to: www.willeisner.com

For more about BICS visit: wwwthecomicsshow.co.uk