The Forbidden Planet International Blog Log

Unbelievably we seem to have reached into December already, meaning it is time for our now-annual Best of the Year slots (you can see 2007’s here), where we ask a number of readers, writers and artists what floated their boat over the preceding twelve months in the world of comics and other media. This year we’re kicking off with John Freeman who replied so quickly it has increased speculation that he has access to his own TARDIS so he can nip back in time to attend to matters.

John has been involved in comics and science fiction for more years than he would probably care for me to mention here, from The Really Heavy Greatcoat (with Nick Miller) to editing Doctor Who Magazine at a crucial moment in its history and countless other publications, right up to the latest innovation in the industry, comics for mobile phones with ROK Media. In addition John continues to keep his comics writing hand in with Ex Astris for Spaceship Away and continues a long-time commitment to celebrating and creating more awareness of British comics in all their diverse glory through Down The Tubes (a must-bookmark site for anyone following Brit comics). Let’s see how John saw 2008:

FPI: Could you tell us what your favourite three comics/graphic novels and/or books have been this year and why they stood out for you?

John: I hate these kinds of lists. I read so much in a year it’s really hard to pick out one or three titles above all the others; there’s been so much good stuff and it keeps on coming. I’ve dipped into 2000AD, kept up with Marvel’s Thor, although, it seems one heck of a slow burn. I read most of the Star Trek titles because I review them for the official Magazine and I liked Byrne’s Assignment: Earth.

I really enjoyed Smuggling Vacation (see DTT for more on John’s thought on Smuggling Vacation).  Most of my time has been spent reading digital comics: Freak Angels (now available in print form) by Warren Ellis, Ligeia on ROK Comics has been a particular favourite of the material I’ve been directly involved with, as has David Fletcher’s Crumb.

Of The DFC comics I’ve seen I hope it continues although its content still seems a bit scattergun.

(Ligeia by and (c) Rodrigo Diaz Ricci, available via ROK media)

FPI: In other art forms was there anything in the world of radio, TV, film or other artistic endeavours that really drew your attention this year?

John: Doctor Who was great, although it does seem rather like eating a Chinese — it looks great, the characterisation is fantastic but in terms of story logic, you often end up wanting more once you start thinking about them. I’ve kept up with the likes of Smallville, and Heroes but there’s not been anything which stands out so far for me. Spooks remains a hit for me and I’m looking forward two seeing what the BBC do with Survivors. Banksy’s been having fun this year…

FPI: On the professional front how did you see the comics world in 2008, from your own point of view as a creator putting your work out there (did you feel it was a good year for you?) and what did you think of the way the comics biz was in general this year? The business becoming more diversified, more accessible to new readers and creators or less welcoming?

John: I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the response to Ex Astris which now runs in Spaceship Away. It’s the first thing I’ve written for a long time to be honest but I’m having fun with it. Mike Nicoll has come up with a great SF universe.

(Ex Astris, written by John Freeman, art by Mike Nicoll, published in Spaceship Away; click the pic for the larger image)

There are now a lot of individual creators out there trying to make a business of comics and the potential to promote your work is enormous thanks to the Internet. Just look at the investment Marvel has announced for their digital platform — it’s not going to go away, although for me reading a print comic is still a delight.

The economic recession is going to put a dampener on some projects but it won’t put paid to creativity. We live in interesting times for the indie creator, I think.

FPI: What’s the next project you are working on that we can look forward to?

John: I’m still working on Ex Astris and have a couple of other projects in the pipeline, having renewed some old acquaintances over the last year. Right now, ROK Comics is going through a rocky period but the site is still going despite the credit crunch. We have to see how things work out on that front over the next few months.

FPI: Lastly, are there any new names you’ve come across recently you’d like to pass on as one to watch for?

John: I think Insomnia have some interesting stuff judging from the information released so far, and I just read an anthology from a new US publisher, White Eye, which has some interesting material. Cy Dethan is carving a name for himself and I’m looking forward to seeing what Jason Wilson and Tony Spencer do next with the Smuggling Vacation characters. I’m also very grateful to Blank Slate for drawing my attention to Mawil’s work.