I’m a bit short on time this week so no full column, but here are some interesting news items concerning the world of European comics. I’m also on Twitter, where I tweet news instead of reviews, so you’re all invited to follow me there too.
Belgium Stripped
Belgian comic journalist Geert De Weyer’s extensive Belgium Stripped – België gestript is claimed to be the definitive tome on the Belgian comic and its history, so I’m quite keen to read it. It’s release is set for November 4th, but Ballon Media have already shared its beautiful cover by Stedho, featuring a who’s who of the Belgian comics world. Make sure you click on the thumbnails for the full experience.
Europe Comics
Soon you’ll be able to read a lot more of those comics I talk about in my Crossing Borders column. Europe Comics is a digital initiative co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union.
No fewer than 13 European comics and graphic novel companies are behind the initiative, including Ballon (Belgium), BAO (Italy), Cinebook (UK), Darkwood (Serbia), Dibbuks (Spain), Dargaud (France), Dupuis (Belgium), Le Lombard (Belgium), Tunué (Italy) and Timof (Poland). The Turkish agent Akan Ajans and the French audiovisual company Ellispanime are also involved.
Aiming to bring “European comics and their authors closer to an international audience of readers and comics professionals”, you can tell by the rotating image header that there will be some great stuff on there. I strongly urge you to inscribe to their newsletter to stay abreast of any new developments. My only remaining question would be: ‘How can I be involved in this terrific initiative?’
Visit the Europe Comics website.
The Collected Guido Crepax
This news release by Fantagraphics is also quite exciting: Fantagraphics Finds Paranormal Romance with Guido Crepax.
Guido Crepax was an Italian comics artist and is a typical artist’s artist. He is known for his experimental approach to comics and his erotic work, but don’t let that distract you.
He is a phenomenal artist, and his psychedelic, elongated drawing style sucks you right in (no pun intended). His work is virtually nonexistent in English, so I can only applaud Fantagraphics’ initiative!
You can read the full press release right here.
For more news and info from Europe’s comics community, follow me on Twitter right here.
