Happy days!
Yesterday I got a nice note from Eddie Campbell (of FROM HELL and ALEC, etc) on HIS blog saying that he had checked MY blog and praised my comics on view here.
He is, along with Alan Moore, Grant Morrison and Harvey Pekar, one of my top four comic book influences. So to get the nod from him is very pleasing.
Now Im just waiting for something nice from Alan and Harvey (Grant already told me that I had a cool 60's haircut - so that will do!)
Sean
Friday, 16 March 2007
Monday, 12 March 2007
Pages here and below from the book BEAUTIFUL THINGS, which is my favourite book that I have done, so far. This first one page comic , FOR K, is a little tribute to my friend and yours, smiling Franz Kafka (art by Juan Chavarriga). The book is what i called 'poetic-comics' or 'Shi-Manga' as I think i termed it. Its not quite true, solater I called them short poetic stories in comic book form. The book, though not a strong seller, got a lot of praise for being a good example of a comic book that goes beyond the normal conventions/subject matter of comics.
Poet Hellen Kitson said about it: "Every piece had something to tell me, some observation or way of seeing that I hadn’t noticed before. There is depth, and poetry, and humanity in this collection of – yes, no other term will really do – poetic short stories. This book was a real eye-opener for me, and a beautifully-executed work of art." Comic lover and editor of Livewireworld.net said: "A book that genuinely deserves the tag 'essential reading' and which cannot come highly enough recommended." Mind you Matthew Badham slagged the book off something rotten, so it wasnt all good!
Actually, Kafka WAS a bit of a joker in private, as his close friends (such as Max Brod) noted. Much of his writing has a kind of odd humour to it.This side of him is neglected. 'Not a lot people know that', as Michael Caine never actually said.
A Paypal button is at the bottom here, to get the book direct from this blog:
Sunday, 11 March 2007
More from the BEAUTIFUL THINGS book. Cover by Benjamin Theil/Lee Harding. The cover to the book is actually white and red, but for some odd reason this version here is coming up in deep blue! - but I will leave it like that for now. At the top is a page from HOMECOMING, which is also Kafka related, art by Neill Cameron. At the bottom is CLOUDS, artwork by Sean Azzopardi. This one was not included in the BT book, but was from the same time and effort.
A page from the manga THE STORY OF LEE, by myself and artist Yishan Li. A 25 page preview of the longer story will appear in a major manga anthology book later this year. More of this story can be seen at:
http://www.webcomicsnation.com/boychildproductions/storyoflee/series.php
10 reasons why Comics are better than films
I have created an article about why comics are better than films, at this HELIUM site. Highly personal views and spelling mistakes galore!
http://www.helium.com/tm/194734/reasons-comic-books-better
http://www.helium.com/tm/194734/reasons-comic-books-better
Thursday, 1 March 2007
Forums should be more helpful to indie creators
One thing I wanted to comment on: a lot of comic book forums have a rule about people not 'pimping' their comics. I think this is wrong - or, at least, its throwing out the baby with the bathwater.
There should, I think, be a policy of allowing self publishers, and smaller publishing houses the right to tell people about their new books. Even if its only on one thread specifically for that purpose. The reason is that while big publishers have advertising budgets that allow them push their books, smaller creators do not. That is one of the main obstacles towards more creative, original work being seen in comics.
So, forums and the internet in general provide the 'great democratic leveller': they provide an outlet for new creators to tell people of their work for free or cheapish. That is the main value of the internet, surely - the open exchange of info? Most forums are run by just such indie level creators or dedicated fans. By not allowing other individual creators and small publishers to tell about their work and say where it can be bought they are cutting off a route that can help the vitality of the medium they adore. So its really shooting yourself in the foot.
I have been particularly disappointed by the attitude of some forums, who seem too concerned with being snobbish and excluding people. Even the word 'pimping' insinuates its something nasty you are pushing! Lets be more helfpul to indie comics - its a very hard world to make a success in. So, to the forums: yes, stop the big companies from using you as free advertising, but let the smaller creators who desperately need the exposure tell people about their stuff. At least on one thread!
There should, I think, be a policy of allowing self publishers, and smaller publishing houses the right to tell people about their new books. Even if its only on one thread specifically for that purpose. The reason is that while big publishers have advertising budgets that allow them push their books, smaller creators do not. That is one of the main obstacles towards more creative, original work being seen in comics.
So, forums and the internet in general provide the 'great democratic leveller': they provide an outlet for new creators to tell people of their work for free or cheapish. That is the main value of the internet, surely - the open exchange of info? Most forums are run by just such indie level creators or dedicated fans. By not allowing other individual creators and small publishers to tell about their work and say where it can be bought they are cutting off a route that can help the vitality of the medium they adore. So its really shooting yourself in the foot.
I have been particularly disappointed by the attitude of some forums, who seem too concerned with being snobbish and excluding people. Even the word 'pimping' insinuates its something nasty you are pushing! Lets be more helfpul to indie comics - its a very hard world to make a success in. So, to the forums: yes, stop the big companies from using you as free advertising, but let the smaller creators who desperately need the exposure tell people about their stuff. At least on one thread!
This is a photo of me as a guest at Bristol Comic Expo 2006 with THE JAPANESE DRAWING ROOM book crew - I wrote this book, and Shaun Garner was the researcher/publishing editor (standing with daft look on his face). Japanese artist Sakura Mizuki drew it (sitting and almost smiling - but not quite!).
Bristol Comics Expo, 12th/13th May 2007:
This year will see a much expanded manga section, which will be put alltogether in a special 'manga alleyway'. The section is previewed at:
http://www.comicexpo.net/spotlight.htm
We have been working hard in the last few weeks to organise lots of guests and some panel discussions.
So far this is what is lined up:
-Tokyo pop, with their big display
-Sweatdrop studios, with a booth and special events.
And in a general 'manga booth':
-'Selfmadehero', a UK publisher launching their new manga adaptations of Shakespeare.
-Yishan Li, a Chinese artist, representing Demented Dragon and Yaoi Press (2 new US publishers that she had done books for, and who are also the publishers of my two new books)
- the London collective of Japanese manga artists 'Umisen-Yamasen' will be there (there might be as many as 5 of them attend!)
- Siku, with his new manga Bible books.
- Myself and Boychild Books, with 2 new manga books to show: 'Lafcadio Hearn's Japanese Ghost Stories', and 'Yaoi volume one'.
- Ilya, the editor of the Mammoth book of new manga, will be there with some of his manga 'mammoths'.
And the very lovely Paul Gravett hosting two manga discussion panels in the Ramada.
The special Japanese manga guest is:
Misako Rocks!
She is a Japanese lady living in the USA. A very unusual and interesting character - in a good way! - she will liven up the manga alley no end. She has contracts with major US publishers and her 'Byker Girl' book is out already. Misako also appeared on a BBC documentary about manga last year. Her bio says:
"Misako was born in Japan in 1977. She developed a love for comics and manga at an early age (right after she went to her elementary school) and drew her first comic at age 13. She moved to New York in 2001, and worked as a a puppeteer, face painter, animal balloon maker, and art teacher, while still developing her own work.
Misako's first break came when the Onion decided to use her to illustrate their now famous "Savage Love" column, which runs every week. Shortly thereafter, Misako scored a two-book deal with Hyperion and a three-book deal with Henry Holt for manga books. She's been featured in many magazines and newspapers, including Elle Girl and the New York Times, and the BBC recently featured her in a documentary about comic book creators.
Misako currently lives in Madison, Wisconsin,,, a quiet little hippie town where she spends her times riding her vintage bike, making hip hop, and eating lot of TOFU!"
Her website is at:
http://www.misakorocks.com
Hope to see you there,
Sean
_________________
www.boychildproductions.co.uk
http://www.webcomicsnation.com/boychildproductions/
Page one, scene setting for the upcoming book IRAQ INCORPORATED.
A graphic novel to be made in association with the well respected UK charity WAR ON WANT. Their mission is to:
"...fight global poverty by campaigning against the root causes of inequality and injustice and working in partnership and solidarity with poor people across the developing world." Boychild Books is teaming up with them to make an 80 page book focusing on the role of corporations like Halliburton and Bechtel in present day Iraq. The book will portray from a grass roots level how these corporations are operating for profit, not people. It is roughly in the vein of Joe Sacco's 'Palestine'. Written by Sean Michael Wilson, illustrated by Lee O'connor, it will be based on the extensive research carried out by War on Want.
http://www.waronwant.org/
www.boychildproductions.co.uk
A page from the upcoming manga book MOON MAGICK, by Sean Michael Wilson and Akiko Shimojima. (NB - created in Japanese reading style, go from right to left side of the page for the panel order). More pages can be seen at:
http://www.webcomicsnation.com/boychildproductions/chizuko/toc.php
2000 poems
Thought i would post some of my poetry too, for the love of it. These are prose poems of course, not in line and not rhyming either. Thats just the way i like it. These ones have a slight haiku influence, in their brevity, though they are not in that format either. Kafka and Borges are in there too, as always!
‘2000 poems’
Seán Michael Wilson - Poems written between Feb 2000 and Jan 2001
Now you are gone
Sadness at the heart, so what is new about that? Point me at the core of your being, the new birth in the world, a spark unseen in any other light. You individual star, flickering out. I’m in darkness, now you are gone.
Flowing
The flow of time has destroyed me, I have died in all my yesterdays, I will also die today, even in the moment. Who was it that started this poem? And who will finish it for me…
The Unfolding
Sublime power at the heart of the movement. Not everyone agreed with your smile. How strange that you should continue anyhow, strong hearted confidence and such repose. You talk like the tingling of ivory, a violin seems to alter the sound of the surrounding air, your voice rises on the crest.
Tell me about me, you don’t even know you. Everything is within that closed left hand, slowly unfolding…He talks just like himself, but looks a little different; she says she loves herself, but don’t let that stop you.
After all, you open you eyes on a new morning and feel blessed, don’t you? All those words are from here, lingering and waiting. You look at it, the geography of desire, the search for meaning, holy sepulchre from invisible substance made; not found on this planet until you came along. Show to us the products of that unfolding.
Simplefeeling
The focus of sexual energy, I’ve wanted this for a long time. Ever since that time I first saw you. I thought I liked you; now you’re here, I’m wrapped in your arms. Later, you’re asleep and I gaze at your dark hair and blue eyes - do you know how wonderful you are?
Close
Come closer before I push you away; there is something that you want, and I have it in spades. Pulling you in like a spider may, closer to my embrace. Come closer within my range. I call a sweet number to charm you off, you are a mystery always, laughing on every street corner, pulling me in.
The tyranny of time
That summer’s gone, a magic smile uncaptured, bronzed skin just right. Touch me again tomorrow, or I’ll go crazy. Recovering takes time, of which I still have plenty. But now I am older I sense the ending of time approach like a wall coming in closer to my body, getting ready to end me.
Sweet meaning
The longing for love, you are an object of that desire, the deepest feelings finally revealed, a shared devotion in every breath. I can tell you now about my childhood, while ‘uncharacteristic’ tears overwhelm me. Schizophrenic thoughts at the doorstep, a bastion is what you are. Between the sheets, my only distraction; building up to something sweet, sweet and sour being every moment, every moment meaning what?
The cure
It must be declared directly, but they are so coy, neurotic twists in infinite variety; and anyway isn’t charm charming? They become so confused, tender caress begins the affair and tears end it. Remember that girl who angrily scored her number out of your book, just 2 hours after writing it there? Don’t hide so much away behind that poetic shield. It is invisible after all, a delusion of grandeur. Deep being in your heart, a new style is now born; borne of all the recent trips down many a London lane. Imprint and I can do it! That city’s busy air, running around inside your mind, a thousand of their kind, and now a thousand more. All shifts of troublesome psychology, and you are just one more; only special to the special ones, who left you confused and in tears. Who is hidden in that grave? A lost love never realised, though there for 30 years; now become a pain forever. And you are searching,like a seeker,for the cure.
‘2000 poems’
Seán Michael Wilson - Poems written between Feb 2000 and Jan 2001
Now you are gone
Sadness at the heart, so what is new about that? Point me at the core of your being, the new birth in the world, a spark unseen in any other light. You individual star, flickering out. I’m in darkness, now you are gone.
Flowing
The flow of time has destroyed me, I have died in all my yesterdays, I will also die today, even in the moment. Who was it that started this poem? And who will finish it for me…
The Unfolding
Sublime power at the heart of the movement. Not everyone agreed with your smile. How strange that you should continue anyhow, strong hearted confidence and such repose. You talk like the tingling of ivory, a violin seems to alter the sound of the surrounding air, your voice rises on the crest.
Tell me about me, you don’t even know you. Everything is within that closed left hand, slowly unfolding…He talks just like himself, but looks a little different; she says she loves herself, but don’t let that stop you.
After all, you open you eyes on a new morning and feel blessed, don’t you? All those words are from here, lingering and waiting. You look at it, the geography of desire, the search for meaning, holy sepulchre from invisible substance made; not found on this planet until you came along. Show to us the products of that unfolding.
Simplefeeling
The focus of sexual energy, I’ve wanted this for a long time. Ever since that time I first saw you. I thought I liked you; now you’re here, I’m wrapped in your arms. Later, you’re asleep and I gaze at your dark hair and blue eyes - do you know how wonderful you are?
Close
Come closer before I push you away; there is something that you want, and I have it in spades. Pulling you in like a spider may, closer to my embrace. Come closer within my range. I call a sweet number to charm you off, you are a mystery always, laughing on every street corner, pulling me in.
The tyranny of time
That summer’s gone, a magic smile uncaptured, bronzed skin just right. Touch me again tomorrow, or I’ll go crazy. Recovering takes time, of which I still have plenty. But now I am older I sense the ending of time approach like a wall coming in closer to my body, getting ready to end me.
Sweet meaning
The longing for love, you are an object of that desire, the deepest feelings finally revealed, a shared devotion in every breath. I can tell you now about my childhood, while ‘uncharacteristic’ tears overwhelm me. Schizophrenic thoughts at the doorstep, a bastion is what you are. Between the sheets, my only distraction; building up to something sweet, sweet and sour being every moment, every moment meaning what?
The cure
It must be declared directly, but they are so coy, neurotic twists in infinite variety; and anyway isn’t charm charming? They become so confused, tender caress begins the affair and tears end it. Remember that girl who angrily scored her number out of your book, just 2 hours after writing it there? Don’t hide so much away behind that poetic shield. It is invisible after all, a delusion of grandeur. Deep being in your heart, a new style is now born; borne of all the recent trips down many a London lane. Imprint and I can do it! That city’s busy air, running around inside your mind, a thousand of their kind, and now a thousand more. All shifts of troublesome psychology, and you are just one more; only special to the special ones, who left you confused and in tears. Who is hidden in that grave? A lost love never realised, though there for 30 years; now become a pain forever. And you are searching,like a seeker,for the cure.
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