In the run up to the upcoming Birmingham Show, we’ll be running a series of reviews on several Small Press books that I’ve been reading over the last month or so, starting with a review of my favourite new discovery: Ben Powis that will pop up just after this piece does.
The thing all of these comics share is that wonderful energy and freshness that is lacking in some parts of the comics medium these days. It’s lovely to be able to open a book and almost have the work jump at you, excited puppy style.
I would just like to point out that putting the reviews up now is in no way timed to coincide with my seeing many of the writers and artists of the books at the Birmingham Show. I should also just mention that I drink Gin & Tonic. Just in case. Gin & Tonic.
And finally, a note on the post title: I have to say that I really hate the term Small Press. I’ve always found it derogatory and belittling to those involved. But what other alternative is there? Self published covers the mechanics of it but not the ethos of the content I suppose. Maybe we should just call ‘em comics and leave it at that?
Anyway, despite my dislike for the term, here on the FPI website, you’ll find a fantastic selection of the comics under the heading British Small Press. We’ve always said that we’ll support the British comic scene however we can and I think the huge selection on offer in the webstore is pretty damn good. But if you’re making comics in the UK and want to see your book online at the FPI webstore, you should let us know.
Similarly if you want to see your work considered for review on the FPI blog all you have to do is send it to me – email for details.
Sun, Sep 28, 2008
Comics and cartoons, Propaganda