Delcourt to publish French language editions of ‘Porcelain’ trilogy

By John Freeman on October 10, 2013

French publisher Delcourt and Improper Books have announced that the French language edition of Porcelain: A Gothic Fairy Tale, by Benjamin Read and Chris Wildgoose, is set for a September 2014 release.

As the leading independent comic publisher in France, and with a strong record of adapting US comics, Delcourt’s passion and expertise are a natural fit for the French language editions of Porcelain and its sequels.

The good news for those of you who enjoyed Porcelain as much as I did is that as part of the three book deal, two sequels are currently in development; with release of the French editions scheduled for 2015 and 2016.

Tentatively subtitled Bone China and Ivory Tower, the sequels will explore the aftermath of the first book and the consequences of Child’s choices.

Delcourt was created in 1986 and is the leading independent publishing group in the French comic market (including Editions Delcourt, Soleil and Tonkam).

Porcelain first came to the attention of Delcourt at the Thought Bubble 2012 Comic Art Festival in Leeds, when Thierry Mornet, Delcourt’s Editor in Chief, discovered Benjamin Read and Chris Wildgoose’s work from a free preview published by Improper Books.

Tom Williams of The Williams Agency negotiated the deal between Delcourt and Improper Books; with the French language rights for Porcelain sold at auction. Interest in the trilogy from publishers in the US and UK is also strong, with offers expected soon.

Improper Books is a comic and graphic novel imprint focusing on creator owned stories that have a touch of the fairy tale, the Gothic or the macabre.

Benjamin Read. Photo: Helen Abraham

Speaking about signing the deal, writer Benjamin Read said, “The look of Porcelain was very much inspired by the aesthetic of the European comics movement, so it’s an absolute joy for it to go full circle and be published in France, particularly by such an established and renowned company as Delcourt.”

“The intention with the next two books is to move beyond the normal fixed frame of the fairy tale and instead show a whole life. In the second book, Bone China, she will be Lady. In the third book, IVORY TOWER, she will be Mother (but not perhaps how you think). We will follow Child as she grows into a woman; living out her grand, terrible, and, ultimately, legendary life.”

“I’m really excited that we’ve teamed up with Delcourt,” said Chris Wildgoose. “I’m a big fan of the European market and Delcourt without a doubt brings out the best of the European comics. It’s a total honour and privilege to join their ranks.”

“It has also given us the chance to jump back into the world of Porcelain for a second and a third time! It’s going to be every bit as magical and brutal as the first book and allow fans to take a deeper look into the city.”

Written by Benjamin Read and illustrated by Chris Wildgoose, with colours by André May and lettering by Jim Campbell, Porcelain: A Gothic Fairy Tale is set within a world that’s a darkly magical echo of our own. It follows the urchin, Child, as she steals into the Porcelain Maker’s garden. Captured by his alchymical porcelain automata, she charms her way into his life and he becomes the father she never had. He has only one rule; she must never, ever, open the workshop door.”

• Read our review of Porcelain: A Gothic Fairy Tale

• Read our interview with writer Benjamin Read

• Improper Books is online at: www.improperbooks.com. You can also follow Improper Books on Twitter @ImproperBooks

• Benjamin Read ‘s Official Site: www.benjaminread.co.uk

• Chris Wildgoose’s Official Site: http://christianwildgoose.blogspot.co.uk

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.