WAR COMICS!

My latest release is an affectionate exploration of the evolution of British war comics portrayal of military subjects from the 'gung ho' heroism of Victorian story papers, through World War patriotism and eventually the so called 'golden age' of 1970's action and adventure comics.    

The journey is framed from the viewpoint of a news vendor's family experiencing those historical and industry changes first hand and illustrated in the art style appropriate to the publications of the time.

Initially inspired by a commission from the National Army Museum, this was a fun and thought provoking project to pull together and I was delighted to again work with Matt Soffe who did a great job of colouring according to each period's industry practices and available technology.

It's both a nostalgic look at bygone eras but also a reflection on the potential power and influence the comics medium may have on its readers. While war comics may have all but disappeared from British newsagents (hang in there Commando!), there are plenty of graphic novels dealing with the subject of both historic and contemporary conflicts which I highlight and included in my talk at the recent Battles Through History event.  

I had a few advance comics of this at Ardingly which I'll also bring to Wow Comix's 'Spooky-Con' in Sale on Saturday 1st November followed by its official launch at the Thought Bubble Comic Art Festival where I'll be in the 2000AD Hall, table B46!

Battled Through History!

What a fun time the other weekend returning South to The Battles Through History military show where I was delighted to again be invited as a guest author and with others tucked up nice and cozy in the Norfolk Pavilion, as Storm Amy did its best to disturb proceedings outside.

When we did briefly venture out, there was plenty going on which sadly we only caught a fraction of, although at least we had excellent panoramic views of the showground arena displays from our pavilion grandstand. Thanks to the organisers and all who braved the weather to help out or put on a display and special thanks to those who popped by our table or attended our talks.

Please visit the show's facebook page for many more images.

Me, James Dix (Die Hards, wargamer and soon to be author)
with author pals,David 'djp' Palmer and Kevin Brazier 

Yes 'Lawrence' was there too!

Battle Talking!

 

Battles Through History Returns!

Delighted to support the return of Battles Through History, a multi-period military show in early October, last year was great fun and this year promises to be bigger and better. The full programme of events is about to be published so please keep an eye on their website here or their regularly updated facebook page here, where I was delighted to provide some header artwork as shown above!

Travelling Through Time!

Well what a fab fun time we had waay down south in the previously unvisited (by us) South of England showground in West Sussex showground for Battles Through History!

As previously mentioned this was the first of a new annual multi-period military living history show with many attractions from the fantastic arena battle and drill displays, encampments, vehicles, vintage village, traders market, wargames, steampunks, pirates & more!

I was invited to join their military authors upstairs in the fancy Norfolk Pavilion which had fab panoramic views of the arena showground below where we all had a fun time given a schedule of interesting talks and presentations in the well appointed facilities. 

For a first event it was very well organised but there were some unexpected late difficulties with signage which ultimately resulted in a reduced footfall for our area. That said we had a fine community spirit going and did what we could to make ourselves more visible and the situation improved over the weekend with those who found us being supportive of our work and leaving us positive about next year.

Karen & I helped fly the Steampunk Flag at the show!

 

With fellow Zulu inspired author DJG Palmer & Alec 

With Gentleman and 'Chosen Man' Jason Salkey!

We managed a couple of strolls round part of the vast showground during our lunch breaks and got a very small taste of the scale of the show and the varied sights and attractions on offer. Here then is a  snapshot of what we encountered which I'm sure doesn't do the event justice. All in all though, we really enjoyed the show and plan to return next year if we have the opportunity, Huzzah! 

Napoleonic War Display!

American Civil War Battle

WW1 Sussex Yeomanry in Action!

The Hampshire Pipe Band!

Deborah II on loan from Norfolk Tank Museum!

A small sample of the many military vehicles on display!

'The Thin Red Line' original army tunics (sadly not Zulu War)

A War game diorama of Tel-El-Kebir!

The UK Virtual Military Show!

Battles Through History!

Really excited about this forthcoming event! It's a brand new large scale multi-period historical re-enactment show with lots and lots of extra features including living history, military vehicles, movie props, model making etc and a military author pavilion of which I've been invited to!

The show has been planned for a long-time and I've been 'onboard' for some time - you may have had a flyer from me or in my special ZULU: Water Cart Rescue packs but its finally here, funny how these things creep up on you when you're busy!

Please visit their informative website for full details of the many re-enactment groups attending, the programme and many varied attractions including a Steampunk Corner from the Surrey Steampunk Convivial which I'll be sure to visit :)

I'll be based in the glamourous sounding 'Norfolk Pavilion' where I'm also providing two talks; 

Saturday 10:40: Some You Win, Some Zulus! 

Join Comic Creator Colin Mathieson for an illustrated talk on the making of his graphic novel, Zulu:Water Cart Rescue, inspired by a real life dramatic event not featured in the famous Michael Caine movie. Hear about his creative journey from a small Scottish town to the legendary Rorke's Drift battlefield!

Sunday 10:40: History of War Comics! 

From Victorian Story Papers, Boy's Own Adventures to Commando, The Victor and modern conflict journalism, illustrating war has proved a rich and inspiring subject for artists and writers as an effective means of reaching a wide and youthful audience. Join Comic creator Colin Mathieson in this informal talk and illustrated presentation of how comics have portrayed war over the last hundred years.