Coming up tomorrow, Monday 27th February, in Hove, Cartoon County presents an event with comic creator Elize Fricker, talking to Alex Fitch about her new graphic novel, Can’t Not Won’t: A Story About A Child Who Couldn’t Go School, published by Autism, ADHD and other Neurodiversity from Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
This work draw from Elize’s own experience of raising a child who can’t go to school, which formed the basis of “Missing the Mark” which began in early 2020 as an illustrated blog – a deeply personal and all too human exploration of a mother’s journey navigating the education system and everyday life.
In response to overwhelmingly positive and supportive feedback Eliza went on to launch a limited run companion Missing The Mark Podcast, authored several works on the subject of autism and the education system, and launched a series of Talks, Consulations, and online courses to support parents in similar situations.
The original illustrated blog is still regularly updated, offering deceptively simple illustrations which give way to endearingly perceptive and detailed observations, often irreverently humorous and highly emotional.
Missing the Mark is not only an artistic expression of difference in today’s society, it also aims to serve as a thought provoking and valuable contribution to the visibility, acceptance and support of families like Elize’s. It acts as a way to communicate difficult circumstances with teachers, educators, social workers, other parents and friends of those also experiencing these issues, with the hope of providing a drop more humanity in the world.
• Cartoon County – Elize Fricker 7.00 for 7.30pm Monday 27th February 2023, at The Southern Belle, 4, Waterloo St, Hove | Open to all comers but must be booked ahead via EventBrite
• Can’t Not Won’t: A Story About A Child Who Couldn’t Go School (AmazonUK Affiliate Link) | ISBN: 978-1839975202
With thanks to Paul Gravett
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. Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Star Trek Explorer (previously known as Star Trek 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.
Categories: British Comics - Graphic Novels, Comic Creator Interviews, Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events