The first issue of New British Comics, an 80-page comics anthology featuring, 13 stories and 17 artists including Dave Thomson, Malcy Duff, Paul O’Connell and Rob Miller has just been published.

The book has been self-published in Poland in two editions by Karol Wisniewski, in English and Polish. “The contents and strips are the same in both editions,,” says Karol. “The only difference is language.

“The project sounds a little crazy, but it worked out just fine,” he adds. “The Polish edition was a huge success and raised more interest in UK Comics. Now, it’s time to present the English edition.

“It doesn’t have a theme, Karol continues. “I’ve gathered great comics from British artists who have trusted me on this crazy idea – and that’s the book’s real theme. They worked hard on their stories and most of them have even made Polish title pages or handmade Polish lettering.

“The idea was simple: why not publish our stories in more than one language?” he explains of the book. “I can speak only Polish and (so-so) English, but I guess that was enough to make this project work, especially with so many friendly hands that helped me.”

He’s been greatly encouraged by how the title has come together. “If I can do this, then anyone can,” he enthuses. “Even if you know only one language you can always ask your friends to help translate your stuff or make new friends. Either way will work. And it’s definitely worth the trouble.”

In addition to the book a Polish website dedicated to comics – www.komiks.nast.pl – has started publishing online British comics (click here for these). The first is Paul O’Connell’s marvellous short “She’s Leaving Home”, recently seen in the UK via ROK Comics, and Karol says more are on the way. “Things are getting quite British here,” Karol laughs.

• More information and sample pages visit: www.polygobooks.com/newbritishcomics

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.

Categories: Uncategorised

Tags: Anthologies, Caroline Parkinson, Dan White, Dave Thomson, Karol Wisniewski, Nelson Evergreen, New British Comics, Paul O'Connell, Polish Comics