Upcoming at this year’s Thought Bubble comics bash in Leeds, the first issue of La Belle Dame Sans Merci from writer and film-maker P M Buchan (well known to many for work in Starburst, Scream, Rue Mogue and more) and artist Karen Yumi Lusted. As a book person I’m a sucker for literary references and here P M and Karen are inspired by one of the giant, Keats, and one of his creations which has haunted the arts world since her creation, passing even into the venacular – it may not be an everyday phrase, but “la belle dame sans merci” is there with “Jekyll and Hyde personality” as a literary reference that has withstood the centuries to still be in common use.
“So many modern stories draw from the same well of inspiration, but I’ve always felt that the Romantics had more to say about love and loss than anybody that followed them. Nothing fascinates me so much as the femme fatale, and there is no femme fatale in the history of English literature more beloved than La Belle Dame Sans Merci,” PM Buchan on his new comics work.
The first issue will be debuting at Thought Bubble, and boasts a lovely cover (with Kate Brown adding the colours), extra art from Kate Ashwin and Kate Holden (P M seems determined to work with every comics Kate he can get hold of), an essay about Keats by Miranda Brennan and there’s even a downloadable soundtrack by Brendan Ratliff. I must admit, I really like the idea of this project, sounds like one for the literary loving comics reader in your life and one to keep an eye out for (among a lot of others!) at Thought Bubble.
November 8th, 2012 at 11:25 pm
Thanks so much for this Joe, it’s very much appreciated. :D
November 9th, 2012 at 2:18 pm
I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek at this and it looks very slick and professional.
Worth picking up, I think, if it sounds like your cup of tea!
(Declaration of potential conflict of interest: Mr Buchan and I do go out for the odd pint… but, regardless, I was genuinely impressed by this.)
November 9th, 2012 at 4:23 pm
Matt – yeah, totally, I love the look of it and I’m getting that vibe I get from some books and comics before I’ve even picked them up that usually points me to good reading.
Bucky, you’re very welcome, looks like interesting and unusual work