Creating Comics

"Office boy" Graham Marsh became the public face of "Pete's Page", a weekly feature for Girl that was probably in reality written by Sally Brompton. "I took a load of pix of Graham prior to the series starting where he was sitting, sprawled, lying down, etc, etc, on a park bench in Lincoln Inn Fields," Roger Perry recalls. "There was a point where the Park Keeper was not pleased with our antics and told us to “bugger off”! Graham appeared weekly as "Pete" for at least a year – if not longer – prior to Girl being amalgamated with Princess.

“Eagle Daze” Part Three: WHAM!, the end of Girl, and Max Clifford’s World of Pop

By Roger Perry on August 27, 2015 • ( 9 )

We are pleased to publish Part Three of the memories of Roger Perry – memories of now more than half-a-century ago – of his days at Fleetway Publications working on Girl and Eagle… 1964 Aahhh yes, 1964… It was during… Read More ›

A 1962 issue of Girl - a very different-looking title compared with its earliier, strip-led format

“Eagle Daze” – Part Two: The Fall of Eagle and the Rise of Max Clifford

By Roger Perry on July 31, 2015 • ( 6 )

We are pleased to publish Part Two of the memories of Roger Perry – memories of now more than half-a-century ago – of his days at Fleetway Publications working on Girl and Eagle… 1963: A New Home brings about a “Cleansing of the Slate”… Read More ›

A half page Roving Reporter strip from a 1963 issue of Eagle featuring Roger Perry's alter ego, "Larry Line"

“Eagle Daze” – Part One: When an Eagle became ensnarled in a Mirror’s Net

By Roger Perry on July 9, 2015 • ( 3 )

We are pleased to publish the memories of Roger Perry – memories of now more than half-a-century ago – of his days at Fleetway Publications working on Girl and Eagle… When an Eagle became ensnarled in a Mirror’s Net “Halfway through 1962,… Read More ›

Creating Comics: Don’t Start Cold – Limber Up!

By downthetubes Guests on April 7, 2015

Deadlines can become quite overbearing, if you let them. It is entirely possible to be left, feeling like Hercules, duped by Atlas to hold the heavens aloft… but storyboard artist and illustrator Darren Taylor has some tips… The closer… Read More ›

Breaking into Comics: Escaping Despondency

By John Freeman on March 3, 2015

As many regular readers know, by day I’m a comic book editor as well as writer. I’ve been in the business a long time and seen it change down the years, with fewer and fewer openings for young creators… Read More ›

Perspective for Comic Artists by David Chelsea

In Review: Perspective for Comic Artists

By downthetubes Guests on February 23, 2015

By David Chelsea Publisher: Watson-Guptill Publications Inc., US (October 1997) The Book: Acclaimed artist and autobiographical cartoonist David Chelsea and his hollow-headed pupil Mug together explore the many aspects of perspective, the art of rendering the visual effect of… Read More ›

Madefire Motion Book Tool offers digital comic creators new vistas

By John Freeman on August 9, 2014

With abject apologies to my old friend, artist Liam Sharp who is integral part of the project team (it’s been a busy old month), the launch of the Madefire Motion Book Tool to create digital comics with added animation and… Read More ›

The Phoenix are hosting a series of workshops at The Brewery Art Centre as part of the International Comic Art Festival. You can book tickets now! Image courtesy The Phoenix Comic

Lakes Comics Festival announces “Family Zone” Events creator line-up – Great Fun for all Ages!

By John Freeman on July 21, 2014

The Lakes International Comic Art Festival has announced the full line-up of comic creators for the Comics Family Zone, one of its most popular events last year, comprising both free and pre-bookable events. Based in Kendal Library, Westmorland Shopping Centre and the Shakespeare… Read More ›

Portfolio Advice: A View from the Editor’s Chair for Comics Artists

By John Freeman on May 15, 2013

Here’s my guide on what a comics editor might like to see in your comic portfolio when you present it at a convention. You might also like to take a look at this guidance on what you should – and shouldn’t – include in… Read More ›

Quote Me: Portfolio Advice from Pete Ashton – Don’t be Nervous

By John Freeman on May 15, 2013

“One thing I’ve noticed over the last couple of years is that the creators doing portfolio reviews at the 2000AD table [at the Bristol Comics festival] at least are very encouraging to new people probably because a lot of them… Read More ›

Quote Me: Pencils Provide when it comes to portfolios – Marcia Allass

By John Freeman on May 15, 2013

“I’m not an editor, but based on friends’ experiences – I would try to have some pencils in your portfolio, just so you can show the quality of the art before and after inking – I know artists who have… Read More ›

Quote Me On Portfolio Presentation: Matt Brooker

By John Freeman on May 15, 2013

Small in Beautiful “Back when I was breaking into comics, I always used to present my work in an A4 ringbinder, and never had any problems as a result – in fact, at a crowded portfolio session, A4 binders are… Read More ›

What’s in that Portfolio? Do’s and Don’ts For Comic Artists

By John Freeman on May 15, 2013

Here’s some guidance on what you should – and shouldn’t – include in your art portfolio when you’re showing it around at comic conventions. You might also like to take a look at my Editor’s View on what we like to see… Read More ›