“The Life of Charlie ‘Chas’ Grigg” biography released in time for Christmas

By John Freeman on December 6, 2019

Charlie “Chas” Grigg was a cartoonist who drew Desperate Dan, Korky the Cat and many other characters for the DC Thomson’s comics – Dandy, Beano, Topper and Judy, from the 1960s to 1980s. Now a new book about his life and work has just been published – and his family are dedicating half the proceeds The Alzheimer’s Society and Dudley-based dementia support group, Me, Myself & I.

His much-admired work will also be celebrated at a special event at the Wolverhampton Literature Festival next year.

The Life of Charlie “Chas” Grigg by Dr Brian Dakin

A combination of over three years collaboration between author Dr Billy Dakin and the Grigg family to present the life and work of Charlie Grigg – the Black Country’s best kept secret, who was always modest about his work and did not realise how influential or how loved his work was. He died in 2013, aged 97, a victim of Alzheimer’s.

As we noted in our 2017 news item noting the unveiling of a special plaque to the artist, Grigg, drew the Dandy front cover “Korky” strip for over 20 years. In addition to his comic work, he also drew nearly 200 saucy seaside postcards signed ‘CHAS’ for Bamforths.

“The idea of this book is to raise the profile of Charlie and his Black Country roots,” author Brian Dakin recently told the Express and Star newspaper.

“Also, as he came from a very poor background, I want this book to inspire children. If they have a dream then follow it. If they work hard enough then they will make that happen.”

Comic artist Charlie “Chas” Grigg – from his biography

Introduced by Dr Terry Daniels, The Life of Charlie “Chas” Grigg is the story of the Black Country’s best kept secret whose work at one point was being seen by over two million people per week. The 160-page book spans his early career, his work for DC Thomson, his other works and more, and in a detailed review on his Blimey! blog, fellow comic artist Lew Stringer describes the book as a “marvellous surprise that would make an ideal present” for Christmas.

“Charlie Grigg was the first artist that made an impression on me when I saw his Korky cover on the first Dandy I had in 1964,” says Lew. “I was captivated by it right away, and seeing what Korky got up to next was a highpoint of my week when I was five years old. I still enjoy looking back at his work now I’m a 60 years old.”

Fifty per cent of the book’s proceeds will go to charity. The Dudley Me, Myself & I group enables the carer of a dementia sufferer to find a life outside their caring role, while still maintaining a life of their own alongside their caring responsibilities. Also benefitting will be the Alzheimer’s Society, a charity on hand for anyone affected by dementia – wherever they are, whatever they’re going through.

The life and work of Charlie Grigg will be celebrated at the Wolverhampton Literature Festival in February 2020, at the Wolverhampton Art Gallery on Saturday 1st February.

At the event, titled “Boy with the Magic Pen”, biographer Brian Dakin, along with Tom Stanton, Alex Vann and John Langford, will share a medley of readings, music and performances all about Charlie.

• The Life of Charlie “Chas” Grigg is available here for just £10 plus postage: charliegrigg.com and the Black Country T-Shirts site here. It’s also available from the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley

• The life and work of Charlie Grigg will be celebrated at the Wolverhampton Literature Festival in February 2020 – event details here

• Read Lew Stringer’s review of the book on his Blimey! blog

• Charles Grigg Obituary (Daily Telegraph – site registration required)

• Lew Stringer’s tribute to Charlie Grigg on Blimey!

• Brian Dakin talks about the work of Charlie Grigg on his podcast here

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.