Bryan Talbot was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts at Sunderland University’s graduation ceremony at the Stadium of Light – the first time a doctorate has been given to a comic book artist.

Bryan was delighted to accept the honour on behalf not only of himself, but his profession: “This doctorate, a first in the UK for work in the comics medium, is an indication of the growing recognition of the graphic novel as a respectable vehicle for entertainment, education and communication and the medium itself as a legitimate art form,” he said.

“There’s still a lot of prejudice and preconceived notions of what comics are but we’re getting there.”

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/.....5472331.jp

PÓM: Since we started this interview you’ve become Doctor Bryan Talbot, haven’t you?

BT: Absolutely, just two days ago as I write this. It came as a real bolt from the blue when I received the letter informing me of it, a few months ago – completely unexpected. As far as Paul Gravett knows this is the first doctorate to be given in the UK for work in the comics medium. Charles Schultz and Art Spiegelman have both received doctorates in the States. The award was an Honorary Doctorate of Arts for my “outstanding contribution to the Arts as a writer and graphic artist” and, though all my major work was mentioned in the citation, really it was for producing Alice in Sunderland. Universities like to recognise work that’s been beneficial in some way to their communities. The ceremony itself, held at Sunderland’s football ground, the Stadium of Light, was terrifying. I came on the stage last in the procession, just behind the Chancellor, Steve Cram, and had to sit there with the gowned academics while what seemed like hundreds of degrees were conferred, a total nervous wreck until I’d given my acceptance speech, after which I could relax. I’m used to speaking about comics in public but this was a completely different experience. Also, I wasn’t going to read the speech out for fear of losing my place so I did it from memory. Fortunately I actually remembered it all word perfect for the first time! My wife, Dr Mary Talbot, was there, my two sons Robyn and Alwyn, and my eldest granddaughter Tabitha, to whom Alice is dedicated, so it was a real family occasion.