Traces of the Great War tie-in education resource to get launch in Kendal

By John Freeman on October 16, 2018

Hot on the heels of the Lakes International Comic Art Festival and the launch of the Traces of the Great War, the organisation, together with Lancaster University and their Educational Resources department, are launching a new learning resource that builds on the World War One-inspired anthology.

Launching on 18th October 2018 in Kendal, the new Key Stage 3 resource focuses on English and literacy; art; history; citizenship, and the team behind it are looking for 12 schools to evaluate the resource.

Published by Image Comics, as previously reported, Traces of the Great War , which was launched at the Festival this weekend, is an ambitious anthology of new illustrated short stories, the anthology features over forty internationally acclaimed comic book artists, graphic novelists and writers.

The stories explore the continued relevance and resonance of the World War One and its aftermath in our lives today.

Artist Sean Phillips and author Ian Rankin at the launch of the stunning Traces of the Great War anthology. Photo: LICAF

Part of 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the World War One centenary, the creative collaboration re-evaluates the impacts and legacy of the conflict across a diversity of cultural, geographical and narrative viewpoints. The aim is to introduce new audiences to the narrative of the Great War through the immediacy and wide appeal of the comic artform.

The anthology features eighteen short stories from both the UK and around the world, including a number of collaborations between graphic artists and writers (Dave McKean with poet Simon Armitage, Sean Phillips with novelist Ian Rankin, Charlie Adlard with Robbie Morrison) and between artists and illustrators who have never worked together before (Juan Díaz Canales and Kris, Régis Hautière and Thomas von Kummant).

“The anthology is full of amazing, thought provoking stories by acclaimed authors, says Dr Natasa Lackovic, ReOPeN Co-Director and Lecturer in Higher Education/Educational Research at Lancaster University. “The resource builds on the anthology.”

ReOPeN is brings together scholars working in different disciplines at Lancaster University and beyond, at other universities and any other individual, group or organisation with a shared interest in images, comics, graphic narratives, novels and illustration.

• For more information on the resource and the event contact Aileen McEvoy at aileen@aileenmcevoy.com

• Find out more about ReOPeN at wp.lancs.ac.uk/reopen

• The Lakes International Comic Art Festival (11th – 13th October 2019) is online at www.comicartfestival.com

• Buy Traces of the Great War from AmazonUK

• Buy Charley’s War Volume 1: Boy Soldier: The Definitive Collection from AmazonUK

• Buy Charley’s War Volume 2 – Boy Soldier: The Definitive Collection from AmazonUK

• Buy Charley’s War Volume 3: Boy Soldier: The Definitive Collection from AmazonUK

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.