Panel Borders – Panel Borders and other podcasts

Panel Borders: The Amazing Adventures of Fraction and Chabon Continuing a month of shows looking at the connections between sequential art and literature, Alex Fitch talks to writers Matt Fraction and Michael Chabon about their friendship, reading experiences outside of graphic novels and mutual love of comics. Matt Fraction is an award winning writer who has become one of the most important contributors to Marvel’s range of superhero comics, with runs on Iron Fist, Thor and Iron Man under his belt, his new assignment is the continuing adventures of The Fantastic Four and their extended family. Fraction also has indie credentials from his ongoing European style spy series Casanova. Michael Chabon is the Pulitizer Prize winning author of “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay”, a chronicle of the comic book industry in the middle decades of the 20th Century, which he continued in the pages of the comic book series The Amazing Adventures of the Escapist, that saw the author write his first comic book script, plus the publication of Will Eisner’s final story to feature The Spirit. (Originally broadcast in an edited form on Resonance 104.4 FM (London), 10/02/13 Covers of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay / …of The Escapist by Michael Chabon, Casanova / Fantastic Four / FF by Matt Fraction et al. For more info and a variety of different formats you can stream or download, please visit the home of this podcast at www.archive.org Links: Michael Chabon‘s website Info about The Escapist on www.darkhorse.com Listen to Alex’s previous interview with Michael Chabon about his novel Telegraph Avenue Matt Fraction‘s website Info about Matt Fraction’s work on comicvine.com Kieron Gillen’s podcast interview with Fraction Recommended events: Mike Carey reading Fantasy/Noir novelist Mike Carey reads from a selection of his work including the Felix Castor series. Join him at one of London’s most well kept secrets, the glorious and slightly crumbling Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer in Clerkenwell, for an atmospheric evening of absorbing, candlelit storytelling. Mike will also be joined by Linda Carey to read from their new novel City of Silk and Steel. Mike will also be reading excerpts from The Girl With All The Gifts, his brand new horror novel (published by Orbit in November). Following the reading, you will have the chance to talk to these exciting authors about writing for Fantasy/Noir readers during a panel discussion and Q and A. Tuesday 12 February, 7pm – 9pm £10/£8 concessions Holy Redeeer Church 24 Exmouth Market Clerkenwell London EC1R 4QE Nearest Tube/Train: Farringdon More info: www.spreadtheword.org.uk Will Morris signing The Silver Darlings Despite the snow coming down sideways and everyone outside looking like something out of The Thing we have not closed our doors like all those kids-on-my-bus-this-morning’s schools. Because learning can wait but comics can’t. Or something. Right? If your socks and five jumpers are failing to warm you even remotely then perhaps the announcement of our very first event of 2013 will at least take your mind off the impending foot amputation. Although Will Morris’ The Silver Darlings came out about a month ago we’re throwing it a belated launch party (plus signing, plus exhibition) because nobody likes to have a birthday on Christmas Day. It’s on the 15th of February, from 7pm to 9pm, there will be booze and art and The City Shanty Band will be lending the evening a briny air. Friday 15th February, 7-9pm Gosh! Comics, 1 Berwick Street, London W1F 0DR More info: www.goshlondon.com London Super Comic Con London’s premier comic convention which concentrates on ‘mainstream’ American comics, undiluted by TV and film tie-ins. Guests include Neal Adams, Brian Bolland, Carlos Ezquerra, David Finch, Alan Grant, Klaus Janson, David Mack, George Pérez, Bill Sienkiewicz, Dan Slott, Herb Trimpe, John Wagner, an[...]

Panel Borders: Swedish thrillers and dark Sci-Fi fantasy Starting a month about the links between comics and literature, Alex Fitch looks at an example of a series of books that are being adapted for comics and comics that are being continued as novels. Scots novelist Denise Mina discusses her adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy as a series of graphic novels for DC Comics, starting with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and writer / artist John Higgins explains the transition of his SF / horror comic series Razorjack into a series of books written by himself and other authors. Originally broadcast Sunday 3rd February 2013 / Tuesday 5th February 2013, Resonance 104.4 FM (London) Covers of A Sickness in the family, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo parts 1 and 2 by Denise Mina et al., Razorjack issue 1 and Com.X collected edition by John Higgins, Double-Crossing novel by Michael Carroll For more info and a variety of different formats you can stream or download, please visit the home of this podcast at www.archive.org Links: Denise Mina’s website John Higgins’ website Listen to Alex’s previous interviews with John and Denise Listen to a panel discussion with Denise Mina, China Mieville, Mark Stafford and Alice Duke about H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allen Poe comics More info on Michael Carroll’s Razorjack novel: Double-Crossing Recommended events: Andy Diggle and Jock signing Snapshot Writer Andy Diggle and artist Jock will be signing copies of the Forbidden Planet variant edition of their new comic, Snapshot, at 4:00pm on Saturday 9th February at our London Megastore. Jake Dobson is your typical nerd; works at the Near-Mint Rhino comic-book store in San Francisco. But when he finds a lost cell phone, he’s horrified to discover it’s full of snapshots of a murder victim. Suddenly he finds himself hunted by a vengeful hitman who wants his phone back. and Jake in a body bag! And then things start to get really complicated… Andy Diggle and Jock have both worked separately for 2000AD, Marvel and DC but are best known for their collaborations – including Green Arrow: Year One and The Losers. Saturday 09 February 2013 16:00 – 17:00 Forbidden Planet London Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com/events Mike Carey reading Fantasy/Noir novelist Mike Carey reads from a selection of his work including the Felix Castor series. Join him at one of London’s most well kept secrets, the glorious and slightly crumbling Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer in Clerkenwell, for an atmospheric evening of absorbing, candlelit storytelling. Mike will also be joined by Linda Carey to read from their new novel City of Silk and Steel. Mike will also be reading excerpts from The Girl With All The Gifts, his brand new horror novel (published by Orbit in November). Following the reading, you will have the chance to talk to these exciting authors about writing for Fantasy/Noir readers during a panel discussion and Q&A. Tuesday 12 February, 7pm – 9pm £10/£8 concessions Holy Redeeer Church 24 Exmouth Market Clerkenwell London EC1R 4QE Nearest Tube/Train: Farringdon More info: www.spreadtheword.org.uk Will Morris signing The Silver Darlings Despite the snow coming down sideways and everyone outside looking like something out of The Thing we have not closed our doors like all those kids-on-my-bus-this-morning’s schools. Because learning can wait but comics can’t. Or something. Right? If your socks and five jumpers are failing to warm you even remotely then perhaps the announcement of our very first event of 2013 will at least take your mind off the impending foot amputation. Although Will Morris’ The Silver Darlings came out about a month ago we’re throwing it a belated launch party (plus signing, plus exhibition) because nobody likes to have a birthday on Christmas Day. It’s on the 15th of February, from 7pm to 9pm, there will be booze and a[...]

Panel Borders: Around the country with Constantine In the third of our trilogy of shows looking at the 25th anniversary of John Constantine: Hellblazer, Alex Fitch talks to creators of the comic book from opposite ends of the UK. Scots novelist and playwright Denise Mina discusses her year long tenure as writer of the title from 2006-07 and remembers the challenges of penning her first comic book scripts; Brighton based artist Warren Pleece talks about pencilling and inking 9 issues of the comic in 1997 and ’98, plus collaborating with Philip Bond for SF spin-off Bad Blood at the turn of the century. John Constantine by Paul Jenkins and Warren Pleece / by Denise Mina and Leonardo Manco For more info and a variety of different formats you can stream or download, please visit the home of this podcast at www.archive.org Links: Denise Mina’s website Warren Pleece’s website and blog Listen to Alex’s previous interviews with Warren and Denise Empire Magazine article on John Constantine Recommended events: Zombies at the Science Museum Zombies: the word alone is enough to get the pulse racing, but what makes them so terrifying? On a dark winter’s night at the Science Museum, we’ll explore the murky but fascinating world of consciousness and uncover the inner workings of the zombie psyche. From mind-altering drugs to the innate impulses we all feel, prepare to walk the line between human and zombie in surprising and theatrical ways. Bring your brain – and guard it carefully. There’ll also be prizes for the best-dressed zombies, so get creating your costumes! Includes a lecture about zombies on film by Alex Fitch – time TBC – will be covering some of the same ground as the article on zombies after Romero from Electric Sheep: The End Doors open 18.45, Wednesday 30th January 2013, Free (over 18s only) Science Museum, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2DD

Panel Borders: Creating Constantine Continuing our month of shows about the 25th anniversary of John Constantine: Hellblazer, Alex Fitch discusses the first appearances of the character with co-creator Steve Bissette. Alex and Steve discuss the artist’s tenure as penciller on the acclaimed horror comic Swamp Thing, drawing (the as yet unnamed) Constantine in the background of scenes before Alan Moore gave the character a voice, and Steve’s continuing fascination with the monster genre. (Originally broadcast 20/01/13 on Resonance 104.4 FM) John Constantine by Steve Bissette et al. For more info and a variety of different formats you can stream or download, please visit the home of this podcast at www.archive.org Links: Listen to the second half of Alex’s interview with Steve, in which they discuss the anthology books Taboo and Tales of the Uncanny – N-Man and Friends Steve Bissette’s website Writer Charles Skaggs discusses the reboot of Constantine Empire Magazine article on John Constantine Recommended events: Laydeez do comics January 2013 NEXT MEETING… Monday 21 Jan, 6-8.30pm Foyles Gallery, third floor, 113-119 Charing Cross Road London, WC2H 0EB Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road ENTRY: FREE but contributions welcome for drinks and cake! RSVP: Although free, for health and safety reasons, please book for each event. Guests: Dr Muna Al-Jawad, Consultant in Elderly Medicine, BSUH, Comics artist and co-organiser of the 4th International Comics and Medicine Conference, 2013 John Miers, Artist www.johnmiers.com David Jesus Vignolli, Artist www.jesusvignolli.com/david Zombies at the Science Museum Zombies: the word alone is enough to get the pulse racing, but what makes them so terrifying? On a dark winter’s night at the Science Museum, we’ll explore the murky but fascinating world of consciousness and uncover the inner workings of the zombie psyche. From mind-altering drugs to the innate impulses we all feel, prepare to walk the line between human and zombie in surprising and theatrical ways. Bring your brain – and guard it carefully. There’ll also be prizes for the best-dressed zombies, so get creating your costumes! Includes a lecture about zombies on film by Alex Fitch – time TBC – will be covering some of the same ground as the article on zombies after Romero from Electric Sheep: The End Doors open 18.45, Wednesday 30th January 2013, Free (over 18s only) Science Museum, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2DD

Panel Borders returns after the Christmas break for a new series in an earlier slot on Sunday evenings. Starting a series of shows about the 25th anniversary of the occult detective John Constantine’s first appearance in his own solo comic book, Alex Fitch talks to writers Jamie Delano, Andy Diggle and Peter Milligan, and artist David Lloyd, about creating issues of Hellblazer from its first issue to the present day. Jamie and David discuss the early days of the comic, launched as a spin off from Alan Moore’s acclaimed run on Swamp Thing while Andy and Peter talk about bringing the character into the 21st Century. (Recorded in front of a live audience at SCI-FI-LONDON, Apollo Piccadilly Cinema, April 2011) Hellblazer comics by Jamie Delano, David Lloyd, Andy Diggle and Peter Milligan Links: Websites – Jamie Delano / David Lloyd / Andy Diggle / Peter Milligan / SCI-FI-LONDON Recommended events: Laydeez do comics January 2013 NEXT MEETING… Monday 21 Jan, 6-8.30pm Foyles Gallery, third floor, 113-119 Charing Cross Road London, WC2H 0EB Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road ENTRY: FREE but contributions welcome for drinks and cake! RSVP: Although free, for health and safety reasons, please book for each event. Guests: Dr Muna Al-Jawad, Consultant in Elderly Medicine, BSUH, Comics artist and co-organiser of the 4th International Comics and Medicine Conference, 2013 John Miers, Artist www.johnmiers.com David Jesus Vignolli, Artist www.jesusvignolli.com/david Zombies at the Science Museum Zombies: the word alone is enough to get the pulse racing, but what makes them so terrifying? On a dark winter’s night at the Science Museum, we’ll explore the murky but fascinating world of consciousness and uncover the inner workings of the zombie psyche. From mind-altering drugs to the innate impulses we all feel, prepare to walk the line between human and zombie in surprising and theatrical ways. Bring your brain – and guard it carefully. There’ll also be prizes for the best-dressed zombies, so get creating your costumes! Includes a lecture about zombies on film by Alex Fitch – time TBC – will be covering some of the same ground as the article on zombies after Romero from Electric Sheep: The End Doors open 18.45, Wednesday 30th January 2013, Free (over 18s only) Science Museum, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2DD

An episode of the Laydeez do comics podcast, recorded at Comica Festival 2012 – graphic novelist Alison Bechdel reads from her new book Are you my mother? and answers questions from the audience about her debut Fun Home, and long running comic strip Dykes to watch out for. (Recorded at Foyles Bookshop, introduced by Nicola Streeten and edited by Alex Fitch) Extract from Are you my mother? by Alison Bechdel For more info about this podcast and a variety of formats you can stream or download, please visit the home of this episode at www.archive.org Links: Review of Are you my mother? in New York times Alison Bechdel’s website Laydeez do comics website Comica Festival 2012 Charlie Adlard signing and discussing his 100th issue of The Walking Dead Charlie Adlard will be celebrating his 100th issue of The Walking Dead in January at Infintiy and Beyond. For those that haven’t seen details of events these as follows: TUESDAY 8TH JANUARY 7PM-9PM* An Audience With Charlie Adlard – £2.00 per person This evening event will feature a Q and A with Charlie, conducted by Alex Fitch, where he will discuss his run on the Walking Dead. Drinks and nibbles provided. This event is only open to a maximum of 50 people, on a first come first served basis. Attendees will receive a signed print and will be the first to see the as yet unannounced Infinity and Beyond Walking Dead #106 exclusive variant cover. Charlie will only be signing copies of #106 on this date. SATURDAY 12TH JANUARY 1PM-3PM* An open signing for all that can make it! Charlie will sign Walking Dead comics and books but attendees must purchase a copy of The Walking Dead #106 Infinity & Beyond exclusive cover. *Events and times subject to change and variation without notice More info on the Infinity and Beyond facebook page Infinity and Beyond, 31 Castle Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 2XB Laydeez do comics, London January 2013 NEXT MEETING… Monday 21 Jan, 6-8.30pm Foyles Gallery, third floor, 113-119 Charing Cross Road London, WC2H 0EB Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road ENTRY: FREE but contributions welcome for drinks and cake! RSVP: Although free, for health and safety reasons, please book for each event. Guests: Dr Muna Al-Jawad, Consultant in Elderly Medicine, BSUH, Comics artist and co-organiser of the 4th International Comics and Medicine Conference, 2013 John Miers, Artist www.johnmiers.com David Jesus Vignolli, Artist www.jesusvignolli.com/david

Panel Borders: Brown, Nao / Bagnold Summer In the third of a trilogy of shows about depictions of lives on the comic book page, Alex Fitch talks to the authors of two of 2012′s most acclaimed graphic novels. Glyn Dillon discusses The Nao of Brown, his long awaited return to comics after much loved contributions to strips published by Deadline and Vertigo in the 1990s. Dillon’s graphic novel depicts the life of an OCD sufferer who channels her creativity into toys, relationships and storytelling… Alex also talks to Joff Winterhart, writer / artist of Days of the Bagnold Summer, an affectionate, warts and all depiction of six weeks in the life of a dissolutioned 15 year old and his long suffering mother as they try to endure the summer holidays together. Joff discusses the history of the book, how it relates to his animation work and music, and his feelings about the book’s nomination as one of the first two graphic novels to be short listed for the Costa Book Awards. Excerpts from The Nao of Brown by Glyn Dillon and Days of the Bagnold Summer by Joff Winterhart (Originally broadcast 16th December 2012 on Resonance 104.4 FM) Visit www.archive.org, for more info and formats you can stream / download. (Panel Borders will return in January with a month of shows looking at the 25th anniversary of John Constantine: Hellblazer) Links: Read the original Observer short story competition version of Days of the Bagnold Summer Jonathan Cape Graphic Novels Tumblr Bucky band website Reviews of Days of the Bagnold Summer and The Nao of Brown Nao of Brown website Self Made Hero website including info on the FrgosLegs toy featured in the graphic novel Interview with Glyn in The Comics Journal Listen to Nicola Streeten’s interview with Mary and Bryan Talbot about their Costa Award nominated graphic novel Dotter of her Father’s Eyes Recommended events: Charlie Adlard signing and discussing his 100th issue of The Walking Dead Charlie Adlard will be celebrating his 100th issue of The Walking Dead in January at Infintiy and Beyond. For those that haven’t seen details of events these as follows: TUESDAY 8TH JANUARY 7PM-9PM* An Audience With Charlie Adlard – £2.00 per person This evening event will feature a Q and A with Charlie, conducted by Alex Fitch, where he will discuss his run on the Walking Dead. Drinks and nibbles provided. This event is only open to a maximum of 50 people, on a first come first served basis. Attendees will receive a signed print and will be the first to see the as yet unannounced Infinity and Beyond Walking Dead #106 exclusive variant cover. Charlie will only be signing copies of #106 on this date. SATURDAY 12TH JANUARY 1PM-3PM* An open signing for all that can make it! Charlie will sign Walking Dead comics and books but attendees must purchase a copy of The Walking Dead #106 Infinity & Beyond exclusive cover. *Events and times subject to change and variation without notice More info on the Infinity and Beyond facebook page Infinity and Beyond, 31 Castle Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 2XB

Panel Borders: Nelson Continuing our month of shows looking at depictions of lives on the page, Dan Berry talks to four of his fellow creators who worked on the award winning anthology graphic novel Nelson, published by Blank Slate Books, including the book’s co-editor Rob Davis and artists Duncan Fegredo, Jonathan Edwards, Sarah McIntyre and Suzy Varty. Nelson depicts 54 days in the life of the titular character, a young and then adult female Londoner, who is born in the first chapter set in 1968 and we follow her life to middle age in the present day. Dan discusses the history of the project, the aspects of autobiography that were absorbed into each creator’s pages and the collaborative processes involved in working on a exquisite corpse method of storytelling. (Recorded at Thought Bubble Festival, Leeds 2011 and edited by Alex Fitch) Panels from Nelson by Dan Berry, Duncan Fegredo, Rob Davis, Sarah McIntyre, Jonathan Edwards and Suzy Varty (Originally broadcast 9th December 2012 on Resonance 104.4 FM) Visit www.archive.org, for more info and formats you can stream / download. Links: Nelson page at Blank Slate Books website Dan Berry’s website and podcast Rob Davis’ blog Sarah McIntyre’s website Comic Book Database pages on Suzy Varty and Duncan Fegredo Jonathan Edwards’ website Listen to Alex Fitch’s interview with Woodrow Phoenix about Nelson and previous interviews with Sarah McIntyre and Dan Berry Recommended events: Comic art exhibition: SCORE AND SCRIPT Devised by John Miers, curated by Comica co-director Megan Donnolley, featuring 23 of Britain’s finest comics creators: Sean Azzopardi, Elliot Baggott, Dan Berry, Andy Bleck, Richy K. Chandler, John Cei Douglas, Daniel Fennings, Andrew Godfrey, Daniel Merlin Goodbrey, James Hickman, Sally-Anne Hickman, Kripa Joshi, Mike Medaglia, Stuart Medley, Tanya Meditzky, John Miers, Douglas Noble, Gary Northfield, David O’Connell, Woodrow Phoenix, Andy Poyiadgi, John Riordan and Karen Rubins. There will also be a “Santa’s Ghetto” fair day on Saturday December 8, where comics and other artwork by the exhibitors will be on sale. Venue: Centre for Recent Drawing, 2-4 Highbury Station Road, London N1 1SB Dates: Exhibition runs Nov 22 – Dec 15 Times: C4RD is open Thur-Sat, 1-6pm, admission free More info about all events at www.comicafestival.com Laydeez do comics December 2012 NEXT MEETING… MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2012, 6.30-9.30pm The Rag Factory, 16-18 Heneage Street, London E1 5LJ Guests: Lucy Dale, artist http://lucy-dale.blogspot.co.uk/ Dr Anna Madill, University of Leeds Heather Wilson, artist This will be the final meeting in Laydeez’ much beloved home in East London, so please come along for tea and cake before we reconvene in the new year in Central London… More info: www.laydeezdocomics.com

Panel Borders: Drawn Together – Aline and Robert Crumb Starting a month of shows about ‘lives on the page’, Panel Borders looks at graphic novels which depict the travails of human existence with books that straddle the divide between autobiography and fiction. This week, we’re proud to present Alex Fitch’s interview with Aline Kominsky-Crumb and Robert Crumb about their collection Drawn Together, published by Knockabout, which collects 40 years of their collaborative autobiographical comics, including guest art by their daughter Sophie and other luminaries of the American indie comics scene including Art Spiegelman and Charles Burns. Alex talks to Robert and Aline about the history of the project, how it displays the intersection of her feminism and his sex obsession and aspects of truth and fiction in autobiographical comics. Robert Crumb and Aline Kominsky-Crumb, interior and cover art from Drawn Together (Originally broadcast 2nd December 2012 on Resonance 104.4 FM) Visit www.archive.org, for more info and formats you can stream / download. Links: Info about Drawn together at Knockabout Comics website Original art from Drawn Together on flickr Official Robert Crumb website Recommended events: Comic art exhibition: SCORE AND SCRIPT Devised by John Miers, curated by Comica co-director Megan Donnolley, featuring 23 of Britain’s finest comics creators: Sean Azzopardi, Elliot Baggott, Dan Berry, Andy Bleck, Richy K. Chandler, John Cei Douglas, Daniel Fennings, Andrew Godfrey, Daniel Merlin Goodbrey, James Hickman, Sally-Anne Hickman, Kripa Joshi, Mike Medaglia, Stuart Medley, Tanya Meditzky, John Miers, Douglas Noble, Gary Northfield, David O’Connell, Woodrow Phoenix, Andy Poyiadgi, John Riordan and Karen Rubins. There will also be a “Santa’s Ghetto” fair day on Saturday December 8, where comics and other artwork by the exhibitors will be on sale. Venue: Centre for Recent Drawing, 2-4 Highbury Station Road, London N1 1SB Dates: Exhibition runs Nov 22 – Dec 15, fair day Saturday December 8. Times: C4RD is open Thur-Sat, 1-6pm, admission free. More info about all events at www.comicafestival.com Forbidden Planet signings Chicks Unravel Time – 05/12/12 Join Kaite Welsh, Juliet McKenna, Una McCormack, Iona Sharma, Elizabeth Bolton-Gabrielson and Laura Simpson unravelling time at Forbidden Planet London on Wednesday 5th December from 6 – 7pm! Chicks Unravel Time is the sister book to the 2011 Hugo Award-winning Chicks Dig Time Lords and features a host of award-winning female writers, media professionals and scientists, examining each season of new and classic Doctor Who from their unique perspectives. Join our guests as they celebrate female writers and all things Doctor Who. They’ll be free to talk about their writing, their love for science and for the show. This an evening to celebrate everything that chicks dig about Time Lords – and about Time itself! Wednesday 05 December 2012 18:00 – 19:00 Paul Cornell, reading from and signing his first urban fantasy novel LONDON FALLING – 06/12/12 The dark is rising . . . Detective Inspector James Quill is about to complete the drugs bust of his career. Then his prize suspect Rob Toshack is murdered in custody. Furious, Quill pursues the investigation, co-opting intelligence analyst Lisa Ross and undercover cops Costain and Sefton. But nothing about Toshack’s murder is normal. Thursday 06 December 2012 18:00 – 19:00 London Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR / more info at: http://forbiddenplanet.com/events/2012 Gosh! Comics: Bryan Lee O’Malley & Hope Larson Signing The last time we had Bryan Lee O’Malley in our shop was just before he got all gussied up for the red carpet premiere of Scott Pilgrim. That was two years ago so it’s about time we had him back — he still hasn’t seen our fancy new shop! This time he’s joined at the signing table by his phenomenally talented wife, Hope Larson, so you’re [...]

Panel Borders: Writing Misfits Concluding a month of shows about writing superhero stories, Panel Borders moves its attention from the comic book page to the small screen as Alex Fitch talks to Howard Overman about Misfits, the E4 award winning drama about teenagers with superpowers doing community service. Alex and Howard talk about the genesis of the show, writing episodes that engage with other genres such as time travel and ‘zombie noir’, his experiences on other shows such as Dirk Gently and Vexed, the travails of having to write certain characters out and introduce new ones, and the latest news on the Misfits movie. Misfits logo (Originally broadcast 25th November 2012 on Resonance 104.4 FM) Visit www.archive.org, for more info and formats you can stream / download. Links: Official E4 Misfits website including a comic book adaptation of the pilot episode Wikipedia pages on Misfits and Howard Overman Misfits fanpop page Recommended events: Comica Festival 2012 week three recommended events: Comica Festival 2012 week four Teatime Launch for Recipes from The Kitchen Drawer Helen Ashley makes & sells special Comica Cookies for a teatime launch of her book of graphic recipes – all welcome! Where: Eggs Milk Butter, 192 Southgate Road, London, N1 3HU When: November 25, 2012 2-5pm Dante’s Inferno Launch Party: Sinners & Demons Celebrate Hunt Emerson and Kevin Jackson’s graphic adaptation of this diabolical literary classic! Where: Italian Cultural Institute, 39 Belgrave Sq, SW1X 8NX When: November 30, 2012 6.30-8.30pm Comic art exhibition: SCORE AND SCRIPT Devised by John Miers, curated by Comica co-director Megan Donnolley, featuring 23 of Britain’s finest comics creators: Sean Azzopardi, Elliot Baggott, Dan Berry, Andy Bleck, Richy K. Chandler, John Cei Douglas, Daniel Fennings, Andrew Godfrey, Daniel Merlin Goodbrey, James Hickman, Sally-Anne Hickman, Kripa Joshi, Mike Medaglia, Stuart Medley, Tanya Meditzky, John Miers, Douglas Noble, Gary Northfield, David O’Connell, Woodrow Phoenix, Andy Poyiadgi, John Riordan and Karen Rubins. There will also be a “Santa’s Ghetto” fair day on Saturday December 8, where comics and other artwork by the exhibitors will be on sale. Venue: Centre for Recent Drawing, 2-4 Highbury Station Road, London N1 1SB Dates: Exhibition runs Nov 22 – Dec 15, fair day Saturday December 8. Times: C4RD is open Thur-Sat, 1-6pm, admission free. More info about all events at www.comicafestival.com Gosh! Comics events Bryan Lee O’Malley and Hope Larson signing The last time we had Bryan Lee O’Malley in our shop was just before he got all gussied up for the red carpet premiere of Scott Pilgrim. That was two years ago so it’s about time we had him back — he still hasn’t seen our fancy new shop! This time he’s joined at the signing table by his phenomenally talented wife, Hope Larson, so you’re getting two great creators for the price of one signing line. It’s all happening on Friday the 7th of December, from 5pm to 7pm and you are invited. Find out who borrowed your Scott Pilgrims, ring them up and demand them back. If you can’t make it on the day and would like to request a signed book then send us an email to info@goshlondon.com and we’ll sort it out for you. Friday, December 7, Gosh! Comics, 1 Berwick Street, London, 5pm to 7pm More info at www.goshlondon.com

Panel Borders: The work of Gail Simone In a Q and A recorded at last Autumn’s MCM Expo, Alex Fitch talks to comic book writer Gail Simone about her career so far, from breaking into the industry via her influential blog ‘Women in Refrigerators’ and early strips for Bongo Comics to her recent runs on Birds of Prey and Secret Six. Gail discusses the changes to Batgirl in the DC New 52 range of comics, her acclaimed superhero retirement story Welcome to Tranquillity and her co-authorship of Firestorm with writer Ethan van Sciver. Comics by Gail Simone: Treehouse of Horror / Welcome to Tranquility / Wonder Woman / Secret Six / Batgirl Visit www.archive.org, for more info and formats you can stream / download. Links: Gail Simone’s tumblr site / twitter page MCM Expo website Listen to Alex’s interview with Gail’s regular collaborator Nicola Scott and the 2011 Thought Bubble panel on writing comics featuring Gail, Andy Diggle, Robin Furth and Al Ewing Recommended events: Comica Festival 2012 week three Comics: Refreshing Parts Other Literature Can’t Reach! Hannah Berry curates a special comics night with Glyn Dillon, Simone Lia, Sarah McIntyre, Dave McKean and more. Where: Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3GA When: November 19, 2012 7pm Krent Able’s Book of Mischief Party & Club Night Revel in Krent Able’s viscerally satirical celebrity skewerings now in book form. Where: Gosh! Comics, 1 Berwick Street, London WIF 0DR When: November 20, 2012 6.30-8.30pm & later! Doug Sneyd: Playboy Artist A night of drinks & discussion with the legendary Playboy Magazine artist talking with Jason Atomic. Where: Orbital Comics, 8 Great Newport Street, London WC2 When: November 23, 2012 from 7.30pm Make Mine Manga!: Free Japanese Comics & Cosplay Party Party with Christina Plaka & Emma Vieceli who share their passions for creating manga & Japan’s pop culture. Where: Goethe-Institut, 50 Princes Gate, London SW7 2PH When: November 24, 2012 6.30-9.00pm Joann Sfar’s Inspiration The French director & author of The Rabbi’s Cat, Klezmer & others talks about his inspirations. Where: Institut Français, 17 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EL When: November 24, 2012 1.30-2.30pm More info about all events at www.comicafestival.com Additional Gosh! Comics events Celebrate independent comics …with Luke Pearson, John McNaught and Kyle Platts, signing their work on 23rd November from 7pm Batman / Judge Dredd signing …with Glenn Fabry and Simon Bisley 2pm-4pm, November 24th Gosh! Comics, 1 Berwick Street, London W1F 0DR South Kensington Kids Festival …runs from 21st to 25th November and features screenings of French animated films The Gruffalo’s Child, and Ernest and Celestine, plus talks and drawing jams by Quentin Blake, Emile Bravo, Joann Sfar, Axel Scheffler and many more. Institut Français, 17 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EL Idle Hands Comix indiegogo campaign Short film maker and illustrator Paul Cheshire is launching a new annual British comics anthology for 2013 and needs your help to fund it. Examples of his SF / LSD inspired work can be found at http://www.idlehandscomix.com and ‘perks’ for funding the 100-150 page anthology can be found at http://www.indiegogo.com/Idlehandscomixcampaign

Book List: Graphic albums and picture books In advance of next week’s South Kensington Kids Festival which celebrates picture books and graphic novels for children, Alex Fitch talks to four creators whose work contains elements of each medium. Andi Ewington discusses his novella “45” which divides the text and illustrations of superhero comics onto separate pages and the spin-off comic Blue Spear, co-written by Com.x publisher Eddie Deighton; while, in an interview recorded at the London Film and Comic Con, novelist Robert Rankin talks about his first graphic novel Empires which moves his celebrated monochrome cover illustrations onto every page of a new steam-punk sequel to The War of the Worlds. Also, children’s illustrators Oliver Jeffers and Axel Scheffler talk about their recent picture books This Moose belongs to me and Superworm. Jeffers looks back at his parallel career as a fine artist, on display in the collection Neither here nor there, and Scheffler discusses partnership with writer Julia Donaldson on memorable books such as The Gruffalo and The Highway Rat. Covers of Neither here not there by Oliver Jeffers, The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, Empires by Robert Rankin, 45 and Blue Spear by Andi Ewington (Originally broadcast 15/11/12 on Resonance FM) For more info about this podcast and a variety of other formats you can download / stream, please visit the home of this episode at www.archive.org The South Kensington Kids Festival runs from 21st to 25th November and features screenings of French animated films The Gruffalo’s Child, and Ernest and Celestine, plus talks and drawing jams by Quentin Blake, Emile Bravo, Joann Sfar, Axel Scheffler and many more. Links: Andi Ewington‘s blog Overrun website Com.X website Oliver Jeffers‘ website / portfolio Listen to Oliver Jeffers and David Almond discuss their work with Sarah McIntyre Robert Rankin‘s fan club Read Empires online London Film and Comic Con website Axel Scheffler‘s page at scholastic.co.uk Info about Scheffler at childrensbookillustration.com Official Gruffalo website Recommended events: Comica Festival 2012 week two Laydeez do comics present: Alison Bechdel Acclaimed American graphic novelist Alison Bechdel talks about her new book Are you my mother? with the Laydeez do comics team Where: Foyles, 113-119 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0EB When: November 12, 2012 6pm to 8pm Posy Simmonds: Comedies of English Manners For forty years, The Guardian cartoonist has chronicled Britain’s ever-changing society with laser-sharp precision. Where: Foyles, 113-119 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0EB When: November 14, 2012 6pm for 6.30pm start Oliver Frey: The Graphic Gay Gaze Meet Britain’s most provocative artist & storyteller of adults-only homoerotic fantasies Where: Foyles Bookshop, 3rd Floor Gallery, London WC2H 0EB When: November 15, 2012 6pm for 6.30pm start Comics: Refreshing Parts Other Literature Can’t Reach! Hannah Berry curates a special comics night with Glyn Dillon, Simone Lia, Sarah McIntyre, Dave McKean & more. Where: Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3GA When: November 19, 2012 7pm More info about all events at www.comicafestival.com Thought Bubble festival 2012 COMICS FORUM 2012 CONFERENCE Comics Forum 2012 kicks off with a range of great talks on multiculturalism in comics by top speakers from around the world! Themes to be discussed include: negotiation, monstrosity, integration, functions of comics, challenging assumptions, reconfiguration, conflict and representation. Tickets cost £10 (one day), £20 (two days) or £30 (four days (includes weekend Thought Bubble convention pass, saving £10)). Leeds Central Library, Exhibition Space, from 9am – 4.45pm, 15th and 16th November (limited entry) Please visit comicsforum.org for full details & to book tickets. The Ballad of Halo Jones in Leeds Lass O’Gowrie Productions and Scytheplays are incredibly excited to announce that[...]

Panel Borders: Writing serialised comics Continuing Panel Borders’ month of shows looking at the writing of superhero comics, Alex Fitch talks to writers Gail Simone, Andy Diggle, Robin Furth and Al Ewing about their work on British and American titles, in a panel discussion recorded at last year’s Thought Bubble festival. Gail and Andy discuss their work for DC Comics and contributing to anthology titles, while Robin talks about adapting Stephen King’s The Dark Tower for Marvel Comics and Al discusses moving from 2000AD to his first work on American strips. Thought Bubble 2012 runs from 11th – 18th November, culminating with a two day comics convention on 17th and 18th November at Royal Armouries, Leeds. Covers of Green Arrow by Andy Diggle, Batgirl by Gail Simone, Jennifer Blood by Al Ewing and The Dark Tower by Robin Furth Links: Andy Diggle’s website Gail Simone’s tumblr site Al Ewing’s blog Page on Robin Furth at The Dark Tower wiki Thought Bubble website Recommended events: SCI-FI-LONDON: EAST SCI-FI-LONDON movies its yearly satellite event (formerly Oktoberfest) a month later and a few miles East, as the Stratford Picturehouse hosts this post-apocolympic event… Premières include a new feature adaptation of Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis starring Maureen Lipman, there’s another chance for anyone who missed Brandon Cronenberg’s debut film Antiviral at the London Film festival to catch up with the this excellent body-horror thriller and the usual MST3K and Anime all-nighters. 9th-11th November 2012, Stratford Picturehouse, Theatre Square, Salway Road, Stratford, London E15 1BX More info at www.scifilondon.com Comica Festival 2012 week two Line Hoven: Scraperboard Workshop Learn to make your own scraperboard illustrations from the acclaimed German graphic novelist. Where: Goethe-Institut, 50 Princes Gate, London SW7 2PH When: November 11, 2012 11am to 5pm Laydeez do comics present: Alison Bechdel Acclaimed American graphic novelist Alison Bechdel talks about her new book Are you my mother? with the Laydeez do comics team Where: Foyles, 113-119 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0EB When: November 12, 2012 6pm to 8pm Posy Simmonds: Comedies of English Manners For forty years, The Guardian cartoonist has chronicled Britain’s ever-changing society with laser-sharp precision. Where: Foyles, 113-119 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0EB When: November 14, 2012 6pm for 6.30pm start Oliver Frey: The Graphic Gay Gaze Meet Britain’s most provocative artist & storyteller of adults-only homoerotic fantasies Where: Foyles Bookshop, 3rd Floor Gallery, London WC2H 0EB When: November 15, 2012 6pm for 6.30pm start Comics: Refreshing Parts Other Literature Can’t Reach! Hannah Berry curates a special comics night with Glyn Dillon, Simone Lia, Sarah McIntyre, Dave McKean & more. Where: Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3GA When: November 19, 2012 7pm More info about all events at www.comicafestival.com The Ballad of Halo Jones in Leeds Lass O’Gowrie Productions and Scytheplays are incredibly excited to announce that their much-lauded adaptation of writer Alan Moore and artist Ian Gibson’s comic book series, The Ballad of Halo Jones, is to be re-staged as part of Thought Bubble, the week-long comic arts festival held in Leeds from Sunday 11th to Sunday 18th November. The Production is officially sanctioned by the publishers of 2000AD, Rebellion and has the blessing of both original writer Alan Moore, and artist Ian Gibson who created the memorable 50th century landscapes in the strip. Location: Leeds’ The Library Scream Pub Dates: Sunday November 11th (7.30pm), Monday November 12th (7.30pm) and Saturday November 17th (12.30pm and 2.45pm). Tickets are £10.00 each, 50% discount for concessions. Tickets are available online at www.wegottickets.com or on the door. Idle Hands Comix indiegogo campaign Short film maker and illustrator Paul Cheshire is launch[...]

Reality Check: Manhwa and metamorphosis Two events taking place this weekend are ideal places for fans of fantasy and science fiction to visit – SCI-FI-LONDON: EAST and Manhwa: Korean Story and Painting – each in venues not known for exploring those genres. Alex Fitch talks to director Chris Swanton about his adaptation of Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, screening Sunday 11th November at Stratford Picturehouse and to comic book creator Min-Woo Hyung regarding the art he’s exhibiting at the Korean Creative Content Agency, 1-3 The Strand. Alex and Chris discuss why the director chose a hard to translate novel by Kafka as his directorial debut, following a career as an editor on such projects as the BBC’s Ghostwatch, and Min-Woo talks about his career as a Manhwa creator from his debut Chronicle of a Hot-blooded Judo King to his latest project Ghostface and his most famous series Priest, which was adapted as a Sci-Fi blockbuster in 2011. Poster for Priest 3D, art from Priest and Ghostface by Min-Woo Hyung, poster for Metamorphosis, cover of Ghostwatch (Expanded podcast of an episode of I’m ready for my close-up, broadcast 09/11/12 on Resonance 104.4 FM) For more info about this podcast and a variety of other episodes you can download, please visit the home of this episode at www.sci-fi-london.com More info about SCI-FI-LONDON: EAST (9th-11th November) at www.scfilondon.com and Manhwa: Korean Story and Painting (1st-21st November) at www.manhwa101.com Links: Min-Woo Hyung’s pages on lambiek and Comic Book Database Wikipedia pages on Priest manhwa and movie Chris Swanton’s filmography on IMDb Wikipedia pages on The Metamorphosis film adaptation and novel Metamorphosis official film website Recommended events: SCI-FI-LONDON: EAST SCI-FI-LONDON movies its yearly satellite event (formerly Oktoberfest) a month later and a few miles East, as the Stratford Picturehouse hosts this post-apocolympic event… Premières include a new feature adaptation of Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis starring Maureen Lipman and Cory McAbee’s latest SF musical comedy Crazy and Thief. There’s another chance for anyone who missed Brandon Cronenberg’s debut film Antiviral at the London Film festival to catch up with the this excellent body-horror thriller and the usual MST3K and Anime all-nighters. 9th-11th November 2012, Stratford Picturehouse, Theatre Square, Salway Road, Stratford, London E15 1BX More info at www.scifilondon.com Comica Festival 2012 week one Grandville Bête Noire Premiere: Bryan and Mary Talbot The Badger is back in the third of the phenomenal Grandville series of anthropomorphic steampunk romance thrillers! Where: Foyles, 113-119 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0EB When: November 9, 2012 6.30-7.30pm Launch Party: The Strumpet and Ink+Paper Celebrate the release of these sparkling new issues with the publishers & contributors. Where: Orbital Comics, 8 Great Newport Street, London WC2 When: November 9, 2012 7-9.30pm Alois Nebel: Opening Gala Screening & Live Music Party Jaromír 99 introduces a premiere screening of the animated movie & performs the original score. Where: Riverside Studios Gallery, Crisp Rd, Hammersmith, W6 9R When: November 9, 2012 8.15 Film 9.45 Party Comica Comiket Fall 2012 Independent Comics Fair Discover the very best in comics & enjoy the Drawing Parade of superstar artists, all for free! Where: Bishopsgate Institute, 230 Bishopsgate, EC2M 4QH When: November 10, 2012 11am to 7pm Line Hoven: Scraperboard Workshop Learn to make your own scraperboard illustrations from the acclaimed German graphic novelist. Where: Goethe-Institut, 50 Princes Gate, London SW7 2PH When: November 11, 2012 11am to 5pm More info about all events at www.comicafestival.com The Ballad of Halo Jones in Leeds Lass O’Gowrie Productions and Scytheplays are incredibly excited to announce that their much-lauded adaptation of writer Alan Moore and artist Ian Gibson’s comic bo[...]

Panel Borders: Millar World Starting a month of shows on Panel Borders about the art of writing superhero comics, Alex Fitch talks to Mark Millar, a 2000AD alumnus who now has his own anthology comic CLiNT, featuring popular alt-superhero saga Kick-Ass and other strips intended for forthcoming movie adaptations. Alex and Mark discuss the latter’s experiences in British and American comics, the relationship of his Catholic faith to strips American Jesus and Saviour, and the genesis of super-villain heist caper Super Crooks with film maker Nacho Vigalondo. (Originally broadcast 04/11/12 on Resonance FM) Covers of 2000AD Prog 842, Swamp Thing #159, American Jesus: Chosen #1, CLiNT vol. 2 #1, Super Crooks #1 Visit www.archive.org, for more info and formats you can stream / download. Links: Mark Millar’s website and wikipedia page Titan publishing page on CLiNT SFX article on Millar’s involvement in forthcoming Marvel movies Listen to Alex’s interview with director Nacho Vigalondo and transcript Recommended events: Comica Festival 2012 week one Comics, Manga & Co.: Launch Party The opening night of this major touring exhibition celebrating the best in contemporary German comics. Where: Goethe-Institut, 50 Princes Gate, London SW7 2PH When: November 5, 2012 7.00-9.00pm Kevin O’Neill: An Extraordinary Century Kevin O’Neill reveals all about the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’s Century trilogy. Where: Foyles Bookshop, 3rd Floor Gallery, London WC2H 0EB When: November 8, 2012 6.30-7.30pm Grandville Bête Noire Premiere: Bryan & Mary Talbot The Badger is back in the third of the phenomenal Grandville series of anthropomorphic steampunk romance thrillers! Where: Foyles, 113-119 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0EB When: November 9, 2012 6.30-7.30pm Launch Party: The Strumpet & Ink+Paper Celebrate the release of these sparkling new issues with the publishers & contributors. Where: Orbital Comics, 8 Great Newport Street, London WC2 When: November 9, 2012 7-9.30pm Alois Nebel: Opening Gala Screening & Live Music Party Jaromír 99 introduces a premiere screening of the animated movie & performs the original score. Where: Riverside Studios Gallery, Crisp Rd, Hammersmith, W6 9R When: November 9, 2012 8.15 Film 9.45 Party Comica Comiket Fall 2012 Independent Comics Fair Discover the very best in comics & enjoy the Drawing Parade of superstar artists, all for free! Where: Bishopsgate Institute, 230 Bishopsgate, EC2M 4QH When: November 10, 2012 11am to 7pm Line Hoven: Scraperboard Workshop Learn to make your own scraperboard illustrations from the acclaimed German graphic novelist. Where: Goethe-Institut, 50 Princes Gate, London SW7 2PH When: November 11, 2012 11am to 5pm More info about all events at www.comicafestival.com The Ballad of Halo Jones in Leeds Lass O’Gowrie Productions and Scytheplays are incredibly excited to announce that their much-lauded adaptation of writer Alan Moore and artist Ian Gibson’s comic book series, The Ballad of Halo Jones, is to be re-staged as part of Thought Bubble, the week-long comic arts festival held in Leeds from Sunday 11th to Sunday 18th November. The Production is officially sanctioned by the publishers of 2000AD, Rebellion and has the blessing of both original writer Alan Moore, and artist Ian Gibson who created the memorable 50th century landscapes in the strip. Location: Leeds’ The Library Scream Pub Dates: Sunday November 11th (7.30pm), Monday November 12th (7.30pm) and Saturday November 17th (12.30pm and 2.45pm). Tickets are £10.00 each, 50% discount for concessions. Tickets are available online at www.wegottickets.com or on the door. Who is Ana Mendieta? exhibition Art from the graphic novel Who is Ana Mendieta? by Christine Redfern and Caro Caron is on display at Space Station Sixty Five gallery, Building One, 373 Kennington Road, London SE11 4PS Exhibition runs until November 4th, more info at http://spacestat[...]