Saturday
TUESDAY 10th January is the next Comix Meeting!
Thursday
Next *TUESDAY* is the December Comix Meeting!
Next *TUESDAY* is the November Comix Meeting! Not at The Crown... Not at The Miller.... At The Glasshouse in Soho!!!!
So do come along.... it's a chance to chat with people like yourself who dig alternative & underground comix. Bring some comics or art to talk about if you like, or just sit in the corner hunched over your latest obscure comix finds.
Nb - Between 8 and 9 we'll be talking "business" about Comix Reader issue 3....
See you there!
Sunday
South East London Zine Fest
Tuesday
Why newsprint?
Q: Why newsprint?
A: The idea behind The Comix Reader is that a group of artists who are somewhat on the same wavelength can come together and combine their work and resources to do something on a scale they wouldn't be able to do alone. If you can find the right printer, newsprint is very cheap. Even using full colour you can print a few thousand copies for the same price you'd pay for a run of a few hundred b/w digitally printed comics. By everyone contributing to the print costs we were able to do a run of 9,000 copies, without needing a "real" publisher. So newsprint offered the thrill of printing lot's of copies and being able to sell them cheap or give them away. It means 9,000 people will see it, and maybe their friends will see it too.
Other than this, I also quite like the idea of having this really inexpensive format. It makes it both collectible and disposable at the same time. It's also a statement against the very well-printed, but very expensive comics that have come out over the last few years. They look amazing as art objects, and will last forever, but the content was often disappointing - or at least not worth the cover price.
Another reason for newsprint is that The Comix Reader is inspired by the format of 60's underground newspapers like Gothic Blimp Works where the very early underground comix appeared. If The Comix Reader can capture a bit of that flavour and energy I'd be very pleased. It's also inspired on some level by early comic newspapers like Ally Sloper's Half Holiday, which was far more mainstream but contained some very coarse rough-and-tumble type humour. This ties in with a final reason for the tabloid format, which is that it may be more acceptable to non comics fans than the traditional stapled comic format or trade paperback. This was another motivation for doing The Comix Reader : to get it out to people who wouldn't normally come across many comics, but who might be interested in them if they actually had a chance to see them... perhaps the kind of people who in the 19th Century would have read Ally Sloper!
The Strumpet Lives!
Indy mainstay Whores Of Mensa lives on as.... The Strumpet! Featuring the usual gang of Ellen Lindner, Mardou, Jeremy Day, plus more recent members Patrice Aggs and Tanya Meditzky, new contributors, and the return of Lucy Sweet from Whores issue 1!
You can see a preview of The Strumpet here and you can pre-order on www.kickstarter.com
strumpetcomic.com
Thursday
Next *TUESDAY* is this month's Comix Meeting! Not at The Crown... at The MILLER!!
Yep, we're moving the day AND the pub! The next Alternative/Underground Comix meeting is Tues 4th October at THE MILLER near London Bridge.
So that's TUESDAY October 4, 8ish (or earlier if you like) until closing at The Miller Pub, 96 Snowfields, London Bridge.
The Crown was cool when we could sit upstairs, because there was lots of room & and it was easy to circulate and talk to everyone. But now they keep closing that part of the pub at 9pm... and if we're sitting in the regular bar downstairs it just ain't so spacious.
So our monthly get together for Comix Kids picks itself up, blows the dust off, and hops a freight train to London Bridge, from where it's but a short walk to The Miller.
So do come along.... it's a chance to chat with people like yourself who dig alternative & underground comix. Bring some comics or art to talk about if you like, or just sit in the corner hunched over your latest obscure comix finds.
Also, it should go without saying that these meetings are a bullshit free zone, with zero tolerance for any kind of abuse. Cool people only!
Art by Dan Clowes and Hurk.
Saturday
Pic Lit?!
Wednesday
The Board and I - Selling the Comix Reader
"This summer I took to the road, and even sometimes the streets, as part of a grand experiment in comics distribution called The Comix Reader.
The Comix Reader is a comics newspaper edited by Richard Cowdry and published in the UK. All of the artists club together – there are 22 of us in each issue – and contribute to a giant publishing pot. We print about 9000 copies of the Reader, and we each get a sizeable number to distribute ourselves.
Staring at a pile of literally hundreds of comics can be a daunting experience. And with a majority of the cartoonists involved living in London, just taking some to the local comic book shop is not a viable way of selling them.
So what's a girl to do? My pal J. Homersham, the author of Chuckle Sandwich, has come up with a great solution – THE BOARD.
The Board is basically a hand-made sandwich board. I got my first taste of The Board at this year's West Dean Festival, where J. Homersham and her partner Gareth Brookes had a stall for selling comics as part of their Aaah! Distro project.
We walked that board all over the festival. Unlike my prior experiences of selling comics on the street, where I felt that myself and my audience were, urm, not communicating (I often got the feeling that they thought I was some kind of religious fanatic) the Board made things very simple and clear. We are selling a self-published comic called The Comix Reader. It costs one pound. If you'd like one, we are here to serve. As the Brits say, end of."
Check out the video of J. Ho and El working the Board!
Monday
Comix Meeting this Wednesday (7th September)
(Image from here).
Hi Strippers and Comix Fans!
This Wednesday (i.e. Wednesday 7th September) is the first Wednesday of the month, which means it's time for our monthly Comix Meeting at The Crown, New Oxford Street!
More info here.
It'll be the usual thing : drinking, talking about our latest dreams & projects, and whatever else we're up to, and relaxing in a comix-friendly crowd. Have a drink, read some comix-paper, and discuss underground and alternative comix of the past, present & future.
We're usually there from 8-ish on the first floor (some people arrive earlier). Call 07790048479 if you can't find us.
Saturday
Tuesday
NOW AVAILABLE!! "GABOON'S DAYMARE" by Tobias Tak
Btw, Tobias' first solo comic Upside Down, which featured earlier adventures of Gaboon and his friends, is one of the greatest underground comics of the last 20 years.
tobicomix.co.uk
tobicomix.blogspot.com
Monday
Stool Pigeon comics exhibition
Comix Meeting this Wednesday (3rd August)
(Image from here).
Hi Strippers and Comix Fans!
This Wednesday (i.e. Wednesday 3rd August) is the first Wednesday of the month, which means it's time for our monthly Comix Meeting at The Crown, New Oxford Street!
More info here.
It'll be the usual thing : drinking, talking about our latest dreams & projects, and whatever else we're up to, and relaxing in a comix-friendly crowd. Have a drink, read some comix-paper, and discuss underground and alternative comix of the past, present & future.
We're usually there from 8-ish on the first floor (some people arrive earlier). Call 07790048479 if you can't find us.
Thursday
Friday
Comix Meeting this Wednesday (6th July)
This Wednesday (i.e. Wednesday 6th July) is the first Wednesday of the month, which means it's time for our monthly Comix Meeting at The Crown, New Oxford Street!
More info here.
It'll be the usual thing : drinking, talking about our latest dreams & projects, and whatever else we're up to, and relaxing in a comix-friendly crowd. Have a drink, read some comix-paper, and discuss underground comix of the past, present & future.
Monday
Online Comix
Untitled Ape's Epic Adventure by Steve Tillotson
The Land Behind The Mirror by Tobias Tak
Real Men by Richard Cowdry
Tuesday
It's Tomorrow Night!
Comix Reader Mega-Launch!!
Come help us celebrate the launch of our second cartoon and comix paper! Meet the artists and have a drink with us! If you don't yet have a copy, come and get one - it only costs a pound! Get it signed if you want! It'll be fun!
It's on June 22, 6:30pm - 10:30pm (or until the pub shuts) at The Miller Pub, 96 Snowfields, London Bridge.
It's also the launch for Lord Hurk & Kevin Ward's Static Revolter 2, and Gareth Brookes' The Black Project issue 1 (more info here : http://www.thecomixreader.com/
From Ellen Lindner:
"This mega-mega-mega launch celebrates the launch of the second issue of the Comix Reader, edited by Richard Cowdry and featuring work by Lord Hurk, Tanya Meditzky, Eliot Baggott, Barnaby Richards, Julia Homersham and many, many more. BUT! On this very evening we will also see the launch of The Black Project, a dark adolescent tale in writing, linocut and embroidery by Comix Reader contributor Gareth Brookes, and - as if that were not enough! - Static Revolter 2, a surreal, mad, and utterly wonderful pamphlet by Comix Reader cover artist Lord Hurk and Comix Reader contributor Kevin Ward. Learn more at http://www.thecomixreader.com/ - we're fairly excited for this triumvirate of excellent publications to hit the streets! Look for us on the ground floor..."
Have a drink, read some comix-paper, discuss underground comics of the past, present, future. Get there on the bus, by tube, if you're not drinking- drive there, get the bus there and get the tube home, get the tube there and catch the bus home, walk there, enjoy yourself while your there.
See you there!
Wednesday, June 22 · 6:30pm - Closing
lordhurk.blogspot.com
appallingnonsense.co.uk
inkopinko.com
ellenlindner.livejournal.com
Friday
Tuesday
Monday
Ecstatic Puzzle
From Kevin Ward : I started drawing a mural under a railway arch this week. It’s part of all the cults-and-crafts fun at the Sassoon Gallery.
See a bigger version here.
Friday
Wednesday June 22
6:30pm onwards
Wednesday
Alternative Comix Mega-Launch : Comix Reader 2, Static Revolter 2, & The Black Project
"This mega-mega-mega launch celebrates the launch of the second issue of the Comix Reader, edited by Richard Cowdry and featuring work by Lord Hurk, Tanya Meditzky, Eliot Baggott, Barnaby Richards, Julia Homersham and many, many more. BUT! On this very evening we will also see the launch of The Black Project, a dark adolescent tale in writing, linocut and embroidery by Comix Reader contributor Gareth Brookes, and - as if that were not enough! - Static Revolter 2, a surreal, mad, and utterly wonderful pamphlet by Comix Reader cover artist Lord Hurk and Comix Reader contributor Kevin Ward. We're fairly excited for this triumvirate of excellent publications to hit the streets! Look for us on the ground floor..."
Wednesday, June 22 · 6:30pm - 9:30pm
lordhurk.blogspot.com
appallingnonsense.co.uk
inkopinko.com
Friday
The COMIX READER issue 2!
A 24-page, mostly full-colour, comics tabloid featuring the coolest, funniest, & weirdest UK cartoonists. This issue we have... Tobias Tak, Ralph Kidson, Kat Kon, Elliot Baggot, Kevin Ward, Saban Kazim, Julia Homersham, Richard Cowdry, Ellen Lindner, Alex Potts, Jimi Gherkin, Hannah Eaton, Dan Locke, Peter Lally, Bernadette Bentley, Barnaby Richards, Gareth Brookes, Tim & Alex Levin, Steve Tillotson, Tanya Meditzky, Joe Sumner and Lord Hurk. The Comix Reader costs only £1!
More info at :
thecomixreader.com
Monday
The Comix Reader Issue 2.... now available!!
It was a close call to get it ready in time. The pages went to the printer (in Yorkshire) on Wednesday afternoon. It was printed Wednesday night, picked up by the delivery company on Thursday, and arrived in London on Friday, in time for the fair on Saturday!
See the image below for content details. There are a lot of artists you may be familiar with from Comix Reader 1, and we warmly welcome Bernadette Bentley, Barnaby Richards, Joe Sumner, Kevin Ward, Hannah Meditzky, and Elliot Baggot!
So far the new issue is at Gosh! and Orbital, and it'll roll out to the other shops over the next few weeks.
Friday
The UK's biggest ever alternative comics event is nearly here :
27th May - 13th June 2011
Through a series of workshops, exhibitions, and a two day small press fair, the International Alternative Press Festival 2011 will unite the UK Self Publishing, Zines and Comix scenes with their European counterparts. It is the first event of its kind to be held here in the U.K.
Get involved in workshops, discussions, happenings, and much more to be announced!
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Festival Calendar:
Friday 27th May: Festival Opening Party!
A collaborative performance with Resonance Radio Orchestra, an ensemble of musicians and actors from Resonance 104.4FM London's independent arts radio station, which will be illustrated live by artists from home and overseas.
The Miller, 96 Snowsfields Road, London Bridge, London, SE1 3SS. www.themiller.co.uk
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Saturday 28th May - 29th May: Alternative Press Fair
A fair where artists will be exhibiting and selling their self-published comix, zines, art books, prints, radical literature and poetry, plus three rooms of workshops and talks including DIY Couture fashion and screen-printing workshops and a reading area with Zine Swap.
The Zine Swap archive will be on display over the entire weekend. Once visitors have been issued a special Zine Swap Library Card, the zines will be available for loan for the duration of each day from 10am – 4pm.
Click here for full list of Alternative Press Fair Exhibitors
Click here for full list of the Alternative Press Fair Workshops and Talks
Entry fee: £2 Doors to the Fair open at 10am and close at 4pm.
Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London, WC1R 4RL www.conwayhall.org.uk
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Saturday 28th May - 13th June 2011: Stripburger: a taste of the premier Slovene Comics Zine
A free exhibition at Orbital Comics London introducing Stripburger and the Stripburger Talks, a workshop and discussion series curated by Ellen Lindner and inspired by the DIY spirit of Slovenia’s comix heroes.
Click here for the latest information on the Stripburger Talks programme of events.
Orbital Comics, 8 Great Newport Street, London, WC2H 7JA www.orbitalcomics.co.uk
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Monday 30th May - Sunday 5th June: The Swedish Collection: An exhibition of students from the Malmo Comic Art School
Alternative Press takes over The New Gallery to feature the work of ten artists from the Comic School in southern Sweden. The week long takeover includes a film night, a storytelling, poetry and zine sleep- over, and concludes with a live printing event.
Click here for the latest information on The Alternative Press Takeover
The New Gallery, 92 Peckham Road, Camberwell, London, SE15 5PY www.newgallerylondon.co.uk
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Monday 30th May - Sunday 5th June: Holy Shit! Visions of the Walworth Jumpers!
Four artists meet under Peckham-Rye rail station for a week of visionary art and workshops inspired by a Victorian cult. A week of mural painting by Valerie Pezeron, The Krah, Kevin Ward and Hurk culminates in a weekend of workshops: Spiritual Life Drawing, and Start Your Own Cult. Plus Final Cult Party and Zine Fair on Sunday 5th June.
Click here for the latest information on Visions of the Walworth Jumpers workshops
The Sassoon Gallery, 213 Blenheim Grove, Peckham Road, Camberwell, London, SE15 4QL www.thesassoongallery.co.uk
Tuesday
Comix Meeting Tomorrow Night!
This Wednesday (i.e. Wednesday 4th May, i.e. tomorrow) is the first Wednesday of the month, which means it's time for our monthly Comix Meeting at The Crown, New Oxford Street!
More info here.
It'll be the usual thing : drinking, talking about our latest dreams & projects, and whatever else we're up to, and relaxing in a comix-friendly crowd. Have a drink, read some comix-paper, and discuss underground comix of the past, present & future.
I'll be there from 8ish! Last month's meeting was GREAT!
Come and celebrate the "alternative" side of cartooning!
Saturday
Wednesday
Comix Reader at MoCCA and Stumptown
More here : ellenlindner.livejournal.com
Tuesday
Comix Meeting Tomorrow Night!
Tomorrow (Wednesday 6th April) is the first Wednesday of the month, which means it's time for our monthly Comix Meeting at The Crown, New Oxford Street!
More info here.
Is there any point in these meetings?? I think so! This is a unique meet-up for fans of underground, alternative & satirical comix and cartooning! Cool, huh?!
It'll be the usual thing : drinking, talking about our latest dreams & projects, and whatever else we're up to, and relaxing in a comix-friendly crowd. Or as Hurk puts it : Have a drink, read some comix-paper, and discuss underground comics of the past, present & future.
I'll be there from 8ish!
Come and celebrate the "alternative" side of cartooning!
Sunday
Friday
Tuesday
Friday
Thursday
Comix Meetings : now on the 1st Wednesday of every month at The Crown
I figure it will be easier to have it on a regular night, and the Crown seems nice enough.
It'll be the usual thing : drinking, talking about our latest dreams & projects, and what ever else we're up to, and relaxing in a comix-friendly crowd. Or as Hurk puts it : Have a drink, read some comix-paper, and discuss underground comics of the past, present, & future.
So, maybe see you on Wednesday 2nd March?
Friday
Thursday
The Comix Reader launch party! POSTSCRIPT
I met many cool comics (and non comics) people and had many interesting conservations, & I hope it was the same for everyone else... and if so it was a successful night and worth doing.
I also received plenty of good advice on where to take The Comix Reader next.
The only shame is that I didn't get a chance to speak to everyone, and that I forgot to take any photos!
Wednesday
The Comix Reader launch party is TONIGHT!
The Comix Reader launch party is TONIGHT!
Upstairs @ The Crown
51 New Oxford Street
London, United Kingdom
6.30 until closing.
...Come help us celebrate the launch of our new cartoon and comix paper! Meet the artists and have a drink with us! If you don't yet have a copy, come and get one - it only costs a pound! Get it signed if you want! It'll be fun! Cheap ...bar too!
Flyer by Ellen Lindner