Panel Borders: British bande dessinee
Continuing our month long look at ‘cross-cultural comics’, Alex Fitch talks to veteran British comic book writer Pat Mills about his forays into the French market over the last 15 years, writing such titles as Sha and Requiem Vampire Knight illustrated by Olivier Ledroit which have only been released in English in the last couple of years. Alex and Pat also talk about the latter’s collaborations with the late artist John Hicklenton which have found a greater and more appreciative audience in Europe, translated into French and other European languages and released as Graphic Albums, than they did in their country of origin.
Excerpts from Requiem Vampire Knight illustrated by Olivier Ledroit and Inspector Ryan by John Hicklenton, written by Pat Mills
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: Wikipedia pages on Requiem Vampire Knight, Pat Mills, Olivier Ledroit and John Hicklenton
Pat’s French language comics company: Nickel Editions
Read (the French language version of) Inspector Ryan by Mills and Hicklenton at 2000AD online
Read Pat’s eulogy to John on the Forbidden Planet blog
Listen to Pat’s previous appearances on the show
Recommended events:
City of Abacus at The Book Club
At The Book Club cafe and bar in Hoxton, London there is a month long exhibtion of the art from The City of Abacus by VV Brown and David Allain, illustrated by Emma Price and Lee O’Connor.
Opening hours: 8am-late Mon-Fri, 10am-late Sat/Sun
100 Leonard Street, London EC2 4RH
More info at www.wearetbc.com
Solipsistic Pop 2 at Orbital Comics
Pencil artwork from Solipsistic Pop 2 cover
Contributors: Kristyna Baczynski, Becky Barnicoat, Adam Cadwell, Stephen Collins, Joe Decie, Marc Ellerby, Sally Hancox, Anne Holiday, Tom Humberstone, Philippa Johnson, Daniel Locke, Lizz Lunney, Jack Noel, Mark Oliver, Luke Pearson, Octavia Raitt, Anna Saunders, Julia Scheele, Matthew Sheret, and Matilda Tristram.
There is a private view on the opening night where many artists will be available to talk to and sign books. Prints, comics and original artwork will be on sale from the majority of contributors, plus there will be music and refreshments.
Orbital Comics, 8 Great Newport Street, London WC2H 7JA
