The annual Observer/Cape graphic short story award prize winners were announced today online nd in the Observer.
The 1st prize was awarded to Vivien McDermid with her story “Paint”. Described as a “vividly captured and tender story” that was a “touching portrayal of mother with a small toddler“. Vivien will receive a cheque for £1000 at the ceremony at the ICA at 2.30pm on Sunday 8th November.
(The 2009 winner of the Observer/Cape Short Graphic Story competition: Vivien McDermid’s “Paint”)
Second place and winner of a stack of graphic novels and a check for £250 was Joff Winterhart with “Days of the Bagnold Summer” which they described as a “hilarious and achingly realistic portrait of a mother and teenage son”
(Joff Winterhart’s “Days of the Bagnold Summer”, runner up in the 2009 Observer/Cape Short Graphic Story competition)
Congratulations to both winners and to all that entered – the article talks of the fantastic quality throughout the entries this year, something we’re beginning to see online with various cartoonists posting their entries on various sites and blogs already. More on those later in the week.
Guardian /Observer: Every Picture Tells A Story article.
Days of Bagnold Summer is available to read here: page 1, page 2, page 3, page 4.
Paint is available to read here: page 1, page 2, page 3, page 4, or online here.
Related posts:
- And the winner of the Cape/Observer 2099 Graphic Short Story Prize ISN’T……… Last weekend, the Observer/Cape Graphic Short Story prize was...
- Observer/Cape Short Graphic Story prize winner 2008 in the DFC The latest issue of the DFC (#38) features some great...
- Observer/Jonathan Cape/Comica Graphic Short Fiction deadline extended Due to industrial action by the Royal Mail the organisers...
- New Observer/Cape/Comics graphic short fiction competition announced Paul Gravett kindly drops us a line to let us...
- Comica news – Graphic Short Story prize announced & Campbell and Brown in conversation Okay, the Comica festival happens all the way through...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Nice to see they’ve messed up the page order for the second year running (on Bagnold)!
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:07 pm
I’m pretty underwhelmed by this. Paint – has nice art yes – but I’m not sure there’s a story there – looks like a mix of Rutu Modan and gabrielle Bell – but maybe just a bit too much Roz Chast and heading into New Yorker territory for me. I was offered the runner up for BS about a year ago – and thought it very funny – I thought then as I do now that the art could do with tightening up a bit.
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:41 pm
The runner up dosn’t seem to be on the Guardians website – or am I being really stupid?
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:56 pm
I have to say that when I sat down to read Paint in the Obseerver mag’ today, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not one to read online, I think.
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:56 pm
I should really learn to spell.
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Frances – you’re not going mad – although it does say in the Observer mag and online that the runner-up can be seen on the Guardian website. But when I last looked there was nothing there.
But the individual page links should open up as pdf pages.
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Hi Thanks Richard, I finally found it but only through your links – I enjoyed it, the kids face is perfect!
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:01 pm
“Paint” is fine if you don’t mind pointless, poorly drawn stories but as the winner of a national competition it is a ridiculous choice. The thinking of the judges is beyond my comprehension.
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Don’t necessarily agree with the “poorly drawn” comment, I think it’s a perfectly nice, perfectly sedate 4 pager. Good in it’s own way etc etc.
But the best example of graphic short story this year in the UK?
I’d take any 4 pages of Francesca Cassavetti’s The Most Natural Thing In The World or Andi Watson’s Little Star over Paint. Similar subject matter, similar sentiment, but much more satisfying and substantial.
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Have to agree with comment above, I have already seen a number of entrees for this competition that are much better than the winner and I’m not convinced that the winner can write or draw particularly well. I’m sure the judges were trying to make a statement of some kind, but I’m not sure what it is. Shame really as these choices do nothing to get people interested in what comics can do.
November 4th, 2009 at 8:24 am
The statement they’re making is – we’re middle class. We are looking at stories to publish at a middle class book publisher. Don’t let people tell you the class war is over – it’s even here in a new style of comics made to drain the fun out of the old kind. Or is it just a bunch of folks with more refined taste than all us rabble on this blog?
November 4th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Kenny, what ‘old kind’ of comics are you talking about ? there are loads of different styles and genres of comic. Besides, how would this new middle class style ‘drain the fun’ out of the old ? Surely if it was boring it would only show the ‘old’ up as even more fun. The idea of a middle class conspiracy to infiltrate the graphic novel world isn’t very convincing i’m afraid.
November 4th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
The simple art of telling a ’story’ in the more traditional sense seems to be lost in this competition. I don’t mind the winners each year, but they’re always pretty typical of the competition.
November 4th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
I think it is hard to tell a really good story in four pages. I might be wrong but I felt that both of the winners may have submitted small parts clipped from bigger stories.
I guess you have to look at the sort of stuff that Jonathan Cape and The Observer publish on the whole, its unlikely that a more traditional fantasy or superhero story would win. I don’t think there is anything wrong in that – its just what they do.
November 4th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
I don’t know… I think you can tell a nice, complete story in 1 page if you want.
The rules state that entries should not be parts of larger works but that doesn’t really make a difference with these sorts of pieces. You wouldn’t know either way!
I didn’t mean super-hero or fantasy when I said ‘traditional’!
November 4th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
I must be bonkers. I found the vividly tender and capturing story dull in the extreme. I like the style of imagry though but it’s hardly worth a read.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:42 am
This is just the comics version of the x factor.
November 5th, 2009 at 3:04 am
… And shouldn’t get anybody too worked up.
November 5th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Hey Laurie
you know – comics you could show to kids and they would read. Or comics that you might show to adults and they would laugh or learn something. The conspiracy isn’t a conspiracy it’s just a fact of the fact that the literary houses are getting involved. By their very nature – the dilettante daughters of the middle classes and gentry being the editors I suspect they aren’t looking for the next Cathy Acker. Happy to be proved wrong tho’. It was more some class war stance taking than a genuine well argued point tho – I’m willing to grant you that. More the kind of discussion for late in the night after two bottles of wine.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
As a mother myself, and an entrant who also created a short story about life with my children, I’d say that this subject is a very untapped one in the market and there’s definitely a hole to fill.
Last years winner was nothing like this one, a completely different subject, but yes, as the publishing company and newspaper running this competition happen to print stuff mainly for the middle class and be read mainly by the middle class, it’s hardly surprising that it’s going to be something of interest for that audience, Kenny. Try not to sound too bitter, there’s plenty of space for other genres and I’m sure other competitions that suit superheros better.
Although I agree with Rosie a bit about the artwork and writing not being the best, the final page was the clincher as it was a beautiful, fantastical ending that was a wonderfully upbeat message to give to the Sunday readers,(alot of whom are probably parents). It certainly worked for my 6 year old, who said “It’s beautiful mummy. Maybe you could learn to paint like that and then you could win next year!”(I’d done b&w)
November 5th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Hi Shanarama
I think it is surprising that they would pick something of interest to that audience. Therein lies my worry – that is what they will do. We are already seeing it with the US publishers for every Fun Home – there are three The Civil war in pictures (graphic novel) the 9:11 report etc. The area which before might have been dealt with through photo books now being morphed into graphic novels. I’m not saying they don’t serve a purpose but rather than being the offshoot of a mature format – they are like the cornerstone – that makes me think the hopes we all have for a more grown up market for comics will mean that they will end up in fact being a very restricted, and yes, middle class, niche. The people judging this should be picking the ‘best’ (all very subjective I know – and not the fittingest…..
still I’m exaggerating somewhat but it’s just something knawing at the back of mind saying – is this progress…. (BTW I wasn’t advocating superheroes as such – loads more ares than that can be developed).
November 5th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Its hard to know what was the best, without seeing them all, and of course it is very subjective. I have to admit to enjoying both the winners, though scouting around the net for other entries I’ve found a couple that I think are just as good – probably better. I think a couple of years ago there was a flickr group set up for people to post their entries too. I’d say from what I have seen the entries this year are of a much higher standard. If anyone is interested in the flickr idea drop me a line, and I’ll set one up. It would be nice to see all the entries in one place.
November 5th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
I agree, there are loads of areas that can be developed and are, I presume.
But this area, the parent/child area is a very important one as well. It’s often underrated and overlooked but it’s a fundamental part of life.
If what you mean by ‘that audience’ is parents and children, well, we are all parents and children. Therefore it is a relevant story, and ‘that audience’ deserves that type of story as much as any other.
Life is stressful, the world is full of woes and people have had and maybe are having a bleak period now. I’m sure there are lots of stories that reflect this.
However, the core message here in ‘Paint’, which is very mature and poignant one, says, for one moment forget your worries and your materialism and live for enjoying the now. This is a very positive message that people need to hear. It’s a lovely, up-beat slice of life story that has probably been chosen to counter-act the negative news and experiences out there now.
I’m sure Vivian didn’t really paint her living room multi-coloured, but that image portrays the sense of pure enjoyment of the now that you can have with a child.
I don’t know how many of you who have commented here have children.
But since having my two children I can honestly say that I have been blessed with beautiful moments like this and it really helps balance my darker periods.
Perhaps they wanted a sunny story to provide a balance for the dark moments. But in the end, as you say, it’s subjective and this is speculation.
November 5th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
I have seen several comments around the internet giving the winner negative feedback. It really does have heart-warming qualities and, personal taste aside, I can see why this would be chosen.
However having entered myself, spent roughly 5 hours on each panel (3 to a page) I share others frustration with seeing something win that leaves such little impact on me.
I don’t think we should feel that this is the best of the best in the UK though. It’s simply what the judges were looking for and setting a space on the internet to look at everyones is a wonderful idea!
I’m 17 (ad 16 when I started) so I don’t suppose I fit their demographic anyway.
I’m glad I entered because it’s taught me a lot about my own skill and how to apply them. I will continue to create graphic novels and….try again next year? Or maybe wait until I’m a parent. They obviously like that.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:40 am
If you entered the competition and have a flickr account (it is very easy to set one up if you don’t) I have made a group on flickr for 2009 entrants, I thought it would be nice to see them all together and as a group I guess there is more of a chance that they will get seen and read.
To add your work to my group go here http://www.flickr.com/groups/1279046@N21/ or click on my icon above.
November 6th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Kenny, i wouldn’t worry about the medium being taken over by worthy/politically right-on subject matter if i were you. Jimmy Corrigan is still probably the biggest cross-over success of recent years, and that was about a male white no-one. hardly worthy. the medium is large enough to take all styles and subject matter without being defined by one. i know there seems to have been a spate of war related graphic novels out recently. they don’t interest me personally, but i can see why they might get more press inches than less ‘important’ subjects. i wonder how many of the general public were moved by the competition winners to take an interest in comics ? precious few i’d imagine. notice that most (all ?) of the comments here are by other comic creators. it’s still a niche-nerdy world to most non-comic people.
November 6th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Thanks Frances, I’ve added mine to your Flickr account.
Laurie, I would hope the aim of the competition was to interest ‘non-comics people’ in comics as well as showcase UK talent. Although ‘comics’ is still a dirty word in some publishing circles.
November 6th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Great cartooning Rob – lovely strip.
November 7th, 2009 at 12:06 am
Rob, you were one of the people I saw a while back and expected to win. Its brilliant.
November 7th, 2009 at 12:15 am
A wonderful lot of comments on this post – you may all be interested to know that we’re doing a series of follow up posts of the “non-winners” of the Comica/Cape/Observer Graphic Short Story Prize this weekend.
Just select the Graphic Short Story category on the right hand sidebar:
http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/b.....ory-prize/
November 7th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
I’ve added mine to the Flickr group.
Cheers!
November 9th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Having read the winner of this competition I can only think that the competition organisers should be done under the Trades Description Act. Paint looks and reads like a children’s book, and a poor one at that. While I have some sympathy with the arguments as to whether it’s all a middle-class conspiracy etc etc you have to be honest and say that the story is so damn twee as to be almost an emetic.
November 9th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
With one exception, I get the feeling you all agree that there is a consistency in the type of stories that won both this year and last. The debate can roll on about what motivates this kind of choice/judgement but it is a ‘fact of life’ and unless the rules and the judges change in 2010 the same type of story will win again. I think this is one reason why the Competition website includes previous winners- precisely to demonstrate this consistency of result. This is not unprecedented- in the art world for instance, if you’re not a painter of large scale abstracts you don’t enter for the John Moores prize
Those of us who don’t make this kind of work should learn and move on. Use the competition as a spur to get work moving if you must but don’t expect to win. And all the internet coverage of the ‘unsuccessful’ just now has to be good from every point of view
November 9th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
I’ve put my entry here: http://www.paulfranciscomics.c.....fuses.html.
Paint has a rather lovely post-war visual style. I like its ambiguous attitude towards home and settled life – she loves her flat, but also wants to destroy it, and she feels nostalgia for living in a caravan.
Thanks for showing the losing entries, FP. Should have sent mine in earlier.
November 10th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
I just wanted to say how much I loved Paul Francis’s; Frances’s; Shug’s (2008 one); Rob Davis’s; Laurie’s and Khaled’s work. I thought that your entries were all so great and diverse.
Frances, I am so ignorant of how the world of the web works that I can’t seem to see more than 5 in your group and do I have to join flickr to put my work in the group thing?
It’s really wonderful to see such great work out there. I just went to a fab talk about a Manga artist called Hoshino Yukinobu and I thought, we need an adult graphic comic with all our work in, a bi-monthly anthology, just like theirs… Wouldn’t that be good!
November 11th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Hi Shanarama
Yes you do need to have a flickr account first – it is very easy to set up, and a good way to display work so worth having. Once you have uploaded work to your account you can then join my group.
November 12th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Thanks for the tip Frances. I’ll get onto it.