The Observer newspaper has been running a graphic novel short story competition for the past three years, but this is the first time I’ve ever entered. The winner was announced on Friday and printed in Sunday’s Observer: Viven McDermid’s story Paint.
What I love about this competition is the way it really makes everyone work an extra bit harder on their comics and also how it throws up new artists and unconventional styles and stories. More often than not I’ve never even heard of the artists in the winning pool – the competition seems to draw creators from all kinds of artistic backgrounds. This is great, as part of the competition’s remit is to discover new and emerging talent, as well as publicising the medium as a whole. People often seem to view it as a technical ‘who’s the best’ kind of competition and I think that’s a bit unfortunate. It’s all about testing what can be done with the medium and stretching the boundaries a bit.
My entry, Blip, is below. I had huge fun doing it. Congratulations to Vivien and runner up Joff Winterhart and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone else’s entries.
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[The Forbidden Planet blog has more details on the winners.]
I really enjoyed that, David. Thanks very much!
Thanks David – glad you enjoyed it.
That was great fun! Really liked it!
That is very cool.
Beautiful strip, gorgeous colours.
Nice work, David. So bright and fresh with such a dark message. Well done!
Nice work, David. Great idea, looks lovely and it’s charming but not without some bite. Love the idea of Water’s hair and the talking fish.
Martin: thanks ! I enjoyed your entry too – brilliant dialogue!
Thanks Matt!
Thanks Paul – really enjoyed yours and Jason’s tale. Been loving your stuff on Huzzah, too.
Thanks Rob – your story was totally brilliant! Fantastic colours and great fun.
Thanks Faz – I do like stories with a bit of ‘bite’. That’s nicely put (I think I’ll use that!). Enjoy following your blog, btw.
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Hi David,
Just thought I’d drop you a line as I’m trying to get all these entries compiled into a self published book. Currently there are 9 people on board (including myself) and it could be something pretty special. Drop me a line if you want to join or a comment here:
http://www.brokenkode.com/2009-comica-jonathan-cape-observer-competition
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Lovely strip, Dave. Beautiful drawing and colours, as always.
Thanks, Francesca! Nice to see you on Sunday. You are now our official Angouleme mum!
Hi David, thanks for the comment on my blog. I just followed your link here and read your Comica entry. Lovely story and very different style to Tozo. I’ll come back and check out more of your stuff when I have a mo…