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!

Return the SALUTE!

 

Yay! A welcome return to the UK's largest wargaming show this weekend in London for SALUTE! Amazingly will be my fourth time exhibiting with my comics, art & more and each time I'm feeling more comfortable with the event being as its, obviously, not a traditional comics one. However being as many of my comics have a historical or fantasy basis there is a crossover with people's interests who would not otherwise likely come across my work. 

This year I'm in a different corner of the Excel convention space at TJ16 which, as you come in, is towards the back, bottom right as you'll see on the website's main map here. If you're able to attend, please stop by and say hello!

Thought Bubble 2025!

Delighted to be confirmed for this year's Thought Bubble Comic Convention, the UK's premier (with Macc-Pow and Enniskillen!), pure comics festival. Follow their website for updates!

Denmark Return!

Copenhagen Comics 2025 Poster by Craig Frank

Delighted to have the opportunity to return to our spiritual Comics home this summer!

Martin Flink's distinctive 2004 banner artwork

Since making the initial trip in time for the first 'modern' Danish comic convention, komiks dk, all the way back in 2004, Dave West and I as Accent UK regularly made the trip at subsequent events, (see here for a few of them!) through committee, venue and re-branding changes to Copenhagen Comics until covid, brexit and changes of our own brought things to an end.

I'm further delighted to confirm that Dave West will again be my travel and table sharing buddy as we attempt to roll back the years and try not to bore everyone about the good old days when it felt that we were trailblazing pioneers of British comics or something like that anyway!

Trailblazing Pioneers of British Comics or just a couple of naive chancers?

It was thanks to an encounter with Copenhagen Comics committee members and some old Danish pals  at last year's Thought Bubble Festival that led to Dave and I sharing a pint and discussing the possibility of returning and here we are now confirming plans. It will be different with another new venue and need to showcase samples of our latest endeavours, but we'll look forward to it and seeing who remembers us, Mange Tak for the opportunity!