Don't Forget the Comic

The DFC is sadly coming to a halt at issue 43 if no buyer is found before March 27th. This is of course tragic news and I could easily sit here and mourn its loss, be saddened by the abrupt end and curse the gods of comics for allowing such a thing to happen. But that's not important. What's important is to remember that the DFC did not fail. It achieved so much and, if economy hadn't stuck its smelly nose in, would have continued to do so. We never planned on a rocket journey for the magazine, but a gentle cycle ride, gathering followers and reputation as it went....it was expected to take time. The world economy, it seems, did not have time to give. Random House can't really be blamed if they just don't have the money to support the DFC any more...and the team certainly can't be blamed for anything as I've never worked with a more enthusiastic, fun, awesome bunch of editors, creators and publishers. While it was here, the DFC was true to David Fickling's vision - and what a vision it was. Pure comics. No ads, no cutbacks on quality - just well produced and high quality fun. The feedback and support we've seen from readers and their families, and -hell-from the creators ourselves have proved beyond doubt that the DFC was a success....and who knows what will happen from here. Friends and contacts that were made won't be lost. And I can't see many of those stories burying their heads forever....and David Fickling himself? Something tells me he will bounce right back with ten times more awesome. Thank you to everyone who supported us and the comic. You're all wonderful.

The DFC spreads its tendrils to Amazon

YES! No escape! Okay - so, if this week's DFC-in-Tesco-shocker wasn't enough to get your comic juices flowing, try THIS ONE on for size! Yes, the DFC subscription bundle pack, now available on Amazon - a perfect Christmas present for them (or you)! I'm excited to see this as it's another method of getting this fab collection of comic goodness out there to those that need it. Featuring the likes of Kate Brown, Jon Aggs, Phillip Pullman, Tony Lee, Dan Boultwood, Jamie Smart, Sarah McKelvie, Laura McHowell, the Etheringtons, Neill Cameron and oh goodness, LOTS of creators (and me!), it's well worth a look. And if you have a friend or relative who's a kid or a big kid, this could just be the Christmas present they never knew they wanted ^_^

What's new?

So, Birmingham came and went. As always, I loved chatting to people and generally being let out of my box! haha. The next box-opening is coming up on the 25th and 26th of October when I head down to London for the MCM Expo. I can't wait - it should be a good one! I'm verrry excited to be meeting up with Svetlana Chmakova of Dramacon fame on the Friday, as she's coming along to the show as a guest. If you like her work, be there! Of course, I'll also be there, and so will a host of other rather spiffy people. Where to start?..Oh, I can't..so head to the site and check the guest/comic village drop downs to see the goodness. Anyone here going for the Manga Shakespeare cosplay prizes? I'm so impatient, I want to know! haha After that, on the 29th, I'll be appearing at the Waterstones in Lakeside, Essex, for a special Halloween Manga night. I'll be having a chat with people and hopefully we can all revel in the glory of comics and Halloween combined. If you're in the area and want to come, make sure you book tickets now as apparently they're going fast! ^_^ Work-wise, I feel pretty festive now, having just finished a 5 page winter special for the DFC. The special thing about this one is that I decided to try colouring the whole thing myself - I had a colourist working with me on the main arc due to time restrictions, but I really enjoyed having a bash at this one. You won't of course see it until December, but the DFC will keep you well and truly entertained before that. And Much Ado About Nothing is now hitting that scary half way point. Hopefully it's all downhill driving from here on in! Take care all, Ems^_^

Violet all ready for the DFC

Next week (issue 13), Violet finally hits the pages of the DFC! WOOOO! Her run starts with reprints of her Guardian strips, but in just a couple of weeks' time we'll be starting on the actual Violet storyline. I really hope you can join the revolution and go subscribe to this amazing weekly comic....make Violet happy ^_^