Singing Dragon Book Launch hits a high note at Gosh

By Antony Esmond on February 6, 2016

Last night’s launch party for new imprint Singing Dragon at Gosh Comics in London was evidence that neither party messes about. The joint was packed to the gills – even after the free booze ran out.

Singing Dragon is a reasonably new venture that has sprung out of the already well thought of Jessica Kingsley Publishers. ‘The Dragon’ (as all the cool kids are now calling it) are really setting out their stall in creating an individual and polished house style.

Maria Stoian, Creator of Take It As A Compliment. Photo: Antony Esmond

As they so politely put it… “Singing Dragon publishes authoritative books on complimentary and alternative health, Tai Chi, Qigong and ancient wisdom traditions for health, wellbeing and professional and personal development.”

Loads of the creators – including Mike Medaglia and Maria Stoian – were chatting and signing books at the launch and their motivation and passion really shone through. Books that care are sometimes hard to find but this wasn’t lacking last night in Soho.

Sophie Standing, Mike Medaglia, Jessica Kingsley, Steve Haines and Maria Stoian. Photo: Antony Esmond

Personally, I have loved all of their comics output so far. They create informative comics that teach you the practical reality of illnesses like Aspergers Syndrome and Lewey Body Dementia as well as publishing the excellent Take it As A Compliment by Maria Stoian (reviewed here), which deals with true stories of sexual assault told from the victims point of view.

Publisher Jessica Kingsley and Alex Demetris, creator of Dad’s Not All There Any More. Photo: Antony Esmond

Photo: Antony Esmond

It’s clear that the use of comics in this learning environment is what gives these books such impressive impact. I got to chat to press officer Anami Kabir and art editor Mike Medaglia, who both expressed a huge love for the medium and a passion to use it to pass on a valuable lesson whilst also entertaining. These are comics with real heart, so much that at moments they become quite an emotional reading experience. They are not without humour in the face of adversity however, a fact that can only make you love them more. The power of the art combined with the genuine struggles of their characters is something very powerful indeed.

What out for more from this company. Top class in every way. Find Singing Dragon online and buy some of their books, they may well change your attitude – in fact I really hope that they do just that.

• You can find a review of Take It As A Compliment by Maria Stoian here

• You can also find a review of Pain Is Really Strange from Steve Haines and Sophie Standing here

• Singing Dragon are online at www.singingdragon.com or on Twitter @Singing_Dragon_

• You can find the mighty Gosh Comics at 1 Berwick Street, Soho, W1F 0DR or at www.goshlondon.com and on Twitter @GoshComics

• Broken Frontir has an interview with Steve Haines and Sophie Standing, talking about creating Graphic Medicine for Singing Dragon here

Many thanks for reading.