Clearly, there's been much "Radio Silence" from Comicoz HQ (this website) for the past month. Most of it can be attributed to a recent four-week house sit in a nice scenic location a few hours drive from our home, and the fact (*curses*) the home did not have adequate internet capacity to download the Iron Outlaw files to the printer. And, on returning home recently, there was -- until this morning -- some difficulty in accessing the internet on our (my?) computer. Still, as some of you may already be aware, I was able to launch the Kickstarter campaign to the aforesaid book last night. And for those not aware, here's the link: click here.

While on 'holiday', I sent out a snail-mail letter (one of those things you write then place in an envelope and attach a stamp to help it get to its destination) to as many people who have asked me to let them know what's going on in the Comicoz World as possible. (IF you missed out, send me an email - [email protected] - and I shall attempt to add you to my mailing list.) In the letter, I shared the above illustration. It's a little introduction to a character called "The Cloak", and one of the next books to be released by Comicoz. Mike Higgs is the writer-artist, and he has been very patient with me while I have prioritised Iron Outlaw. I'm going to tell you a lot more about both the creative and the book in the months ahead. 

Someone I don't need to introduce to long term readers of this website, is our old mate Jim Hawk. Jim's the main character in John Dixon's Air Hawk comic strip, which I have begun reprinting in comic form (again!), this time from the original artwork and highlighting John's dailies, consecutively from 1963. I'm presently working on issue four with John's son Andrew and designer Don Ticchio, with plans to have that issue (and all past issues) available to everyone. Yes, even overseas readers! I was going to feature the wonderful cover artwork by Frantz Kantor (left), drawn way back in 2010. However, Frantz recently asked if he could re-draw the cover. Who was I to say "No"?! The brand-new spanking cover planned is on the right! You're one of the first to view it...!

The new comic -- as well as some exciting news moving forward after the fourth issue -- will be announced when that issue is made available via Kickstarter ...sometime after the Iron Outlaw campaign reaches its conclusion.

Of course, there are other comic and book projects in the wings, but I'm going to be spoil-sport and not share them with you today! Perhaps on another occasion! In the meantime, I have a public speech that I am due to give to a Rotary Club function in a little over a month's time. Now, what do you think I ought to talk about....??! 

So here we are! You are going to be among the first to view the video on Kickstarter to accompany the campaign for The Complete Iron Outlaw. There's going to be a Special Early Bird Offer that will give readers a substantial discount on the finished book....but will only be available on Kickstarter. 

I often get asked: Why are my books so expensive? Short answer: there are creatives to pay! From the designer of the book, the video creator, the price I paid for the original artwork, and of course the printing! But, the result for this book is  really going to be worth it! You must remember this has been an ongoing project for the past, er, can it really be... eight years?! The Complete Iron Outlaw is also slated to be a limited edition...so (plug, plug!) the best thing you can do is ensure you pledge for your own copy.

Kickstarter launch will be the 25th April 2025 and the campaign will run for only 45 days...! 

It's just one of those things. Tropical Cyclone Alfred threw as much chaos into my comic world as Diamond's financial troubles have! Mrs K and I were without power for almost five days, making life difficult to post anything here on Comicoz HQ, on Facebook, and even preparing the next Air Hawk! But today we're back online after the power was reconnected yesterday....

The Iron Outlaw Kickstarter project is just waiting on a video (due tomorrow) and then will be ready for an ANZAC Day launch. Air Hawk is coming along well. (I was actually dreaming about it last night, which gave me an idea for Issue #4 and announcing the plans beyond, even without Diamond.) Just before TC Alfred hit, I had an opportunity to meet up with friends Neville Bain, Graeme Cliffe, and Jeremy Macpherson. Our monthly meetings are always a joy, as they allow for the exchanging of ideas, and sharing of comic knowledge. Here's a picture of my friends from an earlier meeting...

Carlene and I are planning on a three-week house-sit shortly, so some of my computer work post-Alfred is trying to tie up all loose ends and preparing for more comic work on my return. Without power and while the sun shone, I've managed to get more reading in (both comics and books), including works by Will Eisner, Joe Sacco, as well as Archie Roach's autobiography. It's been an interesting time, but one I'm not keen to replicate any time soon!

I don't think I have had so many ladies being so attentive to what I had to say earlier this month! I gave a speech on "Australian Women Cartoonists: A Forgotten Contribution?" to the VIEW (Voice, Interests, and Education of Women) Club on February 4th. They do wonderful work and are non-religious and non-political. VIEW Clubs are "the only national women's organisation solely focused on supporting and advocating for the education of young disadvantaged Australians". You can find out more by clicking here.

I was pleasantly surprised at the reception to my speech. Everyone interested in what I had to say about such cartooning/comic luminaries as Hilda Rix, Ida Rentoul, Pixie O'Harris, May Gibbs, Molly Horseman, Kathleen O'Brien, Moira and Kathleen Bertram, Cathy Wilcox, Judy Horacek, Trudy Cooper, Jackie Ryan, Queenie Chan, and Teloka and Pi. And it was wonderful to have everyone in the audience participate in the interactive component of the speech! Based on the reception, I've been given an opportunity for a future speaking engagement on June 4th. (Now, what am I going to speak about this time...?!)

My last payment from Queensland Health took place in early February (almost twelve months since I last worked in the Psychiatric Emergency Centre). While I miss my colleagues and (most of) the patients, I can't say I miss the daily grind of trying to find beds for the most vulnerable in our society, those with a mental illness who need a bed to be admitted into. It's become a whole new world: trying to navigate the requirements of Services Australia, being home all day with Carlene ("Mrs K" or "Mrs Comical"), and working out some future plans for us together.

From a creative perspective, it's been somewhat frustrating with the situation at Diamond Distributors. I decided just at the point of solicitation to pull the plug on Diamond, fearing that money expended might not be recovered. It's meant that the planned John Dixon's Air Hawk #3 won't be heading into overseas comic shops as planned. (The book is being printed, however.) I'm a little perplexed as what to do with some of the cover/interior artworks ... and other properties ... that I have paid royalties for. But it's early days yet, and some things still need to be ironed out. A representative of Diamond has told me that they believe they will have the situation "under control" in a month or two, but -- as I told them -- I'm not holding my breath. There are other (still secret) projects that I was working on in the background (and, in some cases, still going ahead with) that have yet to be announced. For example, there will be a planned crowd-funder for Iron Outlaw (at last!) and a new-look Air Hawk: both of which should be made public in the next couple of months.

Here, below, are some images I shall share with you. Some of these pictures are appearing for the very first time. Another scoop for loyal readers of this infrequent, monthly, blog!! Until next time...     

Before printing takes place for our third issue, I'm making a special pitch to allow more people to become more familiar with Australia's greatest comic strip: John Dixon's Air Hawk. I'm offering the first 200 people (within Australia) to obtain a copy of Air Hawk absolutely FREE... Does that interest you? All you have to do is pay the $15* postage and packing costs. Seem too good to be true? Check it out here... now!

*I was trying to make this $10, but the bots behind Weebly won't seem to let me do this. So, I may try and include another comic I have published in the past to make up for this. What a bargain, hey?!

Okay! You want to try before you buy? Here! Check out a FREE Air Hawk adventure AND some history on creative John Dixon... Simply scan the QR code below...

Comicoz statement: Clearly today's announcement that Diamond Comic Distributors is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy is going to throw some of our plans into disarray. Specifically, getting Air Hawk into overseas retailers' stores. Possibly The Collected Cloak too. I'll have to review plans and come up with a Plan B. Obviously, this has happened before for Comicoz: Denis Jones & Associates, Novella Distribution...both fell by the wayside. The comic industry (especially the small-time publishers) won't have experienced such a shakeup since the demise of the black and white boom in the early 1990s. I imagine that most Australian publishers, who have focused mainly on the Australian market, will be well-insulated from today's announcement. Which way for the medium? Well, let's watch this space and see. It's certainly going to be an interesting ride...!

Here we are again! With so many personal projects on the go, I'm worried I won't do this post justice. But let me give it a fair crack! Once again, for the fourteenth year in a row, I will announce what I believe to be the "Best Australian Original Comic in 2024". Of course, if you have not been here before, there are things I must tell you. (And, for those who come back annually to read my writings, my apologies for repeating myself! Simply skip to the paragraphs after I list all the past 'winners'...)
I make this purely subjective selection based on Australian comics/comic books that I read over the past year. Of course, I don't read everything, and I am not aware of everything published. The lucky people at the Comic Arts Awards of Australia have PDFs and Original comics sent to them. I don't have that luxury. (Feel free to send me copies of your comics if you wish, although Australia Post may not deliver them to me on time!!) I make the selection on the birth date of one of Australia's greatest comic writer/artists, Monty Wedd. I like to honour Monty that way. Monty's family have no say in choosing the 'winner': it's my own subjective decision. The 'winner' receives no financial reward, not even a trophy, just the acclaim of being mentioned in this listing. And I refuse to allow one of my own publications the honour. So, Rob Feldman and John Dixon (the people I published in 2024) both miss out. It's only fair, right?! 

Past winners are grinners, and these people have been grinning since being selected in the past:

​2011: Insanity Streak - Striving for Quantity by Tony Lopes
2012: Kinds of Blue (anthology) Karen Beilharz (editor, contributor)
2013: The Long Weekend in Alice Springs by Josh Santospirito
2014: The Anzac Legend by Dave Dye
2015: Struggle by Darren Close
2016: These Memories Won't Last (interactive web comic) by Stuart (Sutu) Campbell
2017: Post Traumatic (anthology) by Bruce Mutard
2018: A Week in Warrigilla (web comic) by Teloka Berry and Pricilla (Pi) Wu
​2019: The Phantom (Issue #1850) by Matt Kyme (writer/artist), Graeme Jackson ('digital special effects') and Roger Stitson (editor); Frew Publications (publisher)
2020: COVID-19 Diary (web cartoon-'article') by Jason Chatfield
​2021: The Riddle of the Grey Malkin, by Glenn Lumsden (writer), Jason Paulos (artist), Glenn Ford (editor); Frew Publications (publisher), running in Issues #1899-1903 and #1905-1907 of The Phantom comic
2022: Flock (Chapter 1) Created, written and illustrated by Paul Mason, Edited by Amanda Bacchi, Lettered and designed by Wolfgang Bylsma; published by Gestalt Publishing Pty Ltd.
2023: Adventure Illustrated (Number 2). (Anthology). Edited and produced by Gary Chaloner. Issue features a Cyclone Force story with Killeroo (by Gary Chaloner, Darren Close, Graeme Jackson), Greener Pastures (by Tim McEwen, Michael Michalandos), Red Kelso (by Gary Chaloner).  Published by Cyclone Comics. 

I've had more time on my hands since not working full-time in March, which means I have been doing more reading. More than comics to be honest. Classics. Novels. Some old. Some new. I've also been watching more streaming services than ever. (I have to do something to ensure Carlene, or Mrs K as she is sometimes known, continues to wish to be married to me!) I've also had to do those things that make up a happy marriage: cooking more, cleaning the home (including TRYING to get my music-come-comic room into better shape!), working in the yard, and even some 'handyman' stuff. (Those who know me would be amazed!) But that's not why you are reading...

With twenty-one (yes, twenty-one!) issues of Burger Force under her belt, Brisbane-based Jackie Ryan stands tall in Australian comic circles. How many other comic series have reached even double digits? And, at her most recent comic launch in late 2024, Jackie confessed that she was only just getting started: she has mapped out, that is planned, a total of 42 issues to this title! So, she's only half-way there!!
​
And I don't want to get started either - although there might be a future Inkspot article I ought to write - because very few Brisbane/South-east Queensland comic creators and cartoonists get the credit I feel they are due. At the Australian Cartoonists Association's annual convention a month ago there was a panel detailing their research into local Australian comics from 1980 to 2000. Yet no one from the panel has talked to anyone from Brisbane!

​There's so much creative work going on here and Jackie's a prime example. Burger Force is such a unique comic: the artwork is a "combination of software and hand retouching" of photographs (taken from December 2008), Jackie's writing has improved over the course of the series, with her panel placement and selection exceptional. She self-produces an exemplary comic series that you really ought to check out. Here's a link to her website (click here) to allow you to do just that.

Shane "Sizzle" Syddall is another Brisbane local that doesn't get his fair share of kudos. His Comx Studio imprint (click here) has released no less than twenty-two comics in the past year. Furthermore, his infectious enthusiasm for and organisation of the local (and national) comic scene needs much wider recognition. I can't say I have purchase all of his comics in the past year, but there are some that just stand out and need mentioning as among the year's best.

No Man's Land  by Shaydin Dew is an indie, slice of life comic by this talented South Australian creative, and is well-worth your look.

Leigh Chalker falls under Shane's Comx umbrella by running an almost-weekly "Chinwag" session with Australian creatives. Here's a sample!  ;) Click here. But Townsville-based Leigh's also a comic creator himself: I've just purchased his comic Battle For Bustle, a Dystopian Sci-fi tale worth your while.
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However, Stellarlands by Max Ferrada (writer) and Ben Worrell (artist) is my pick of all of the Comx Studio publications released in 2024. Two issues were released in 2024 (the second came out last month), with plans for eight in the series. Essentially a Science Fiction tale of epic proportions (and I'm not one for using that "e" word), the comic is professionally presented and kept my interest throughout its forty pages. There was an added bonus (in Issue Two) of a few "Gallery" pages, that showcased the artist's process and proposed work for the following issue. I'm always a sucker for those sorts of things! 

Kickstarter remains a means by which I discover new Australian comics. Now that I am soon to become a pensioner, my financial support of comics via this means is going to be severely curtailed. For the main, I find that the added postage to the costs of the comics featured can sometime dissuade me from supporting these campaigns, and the added bonuses that are of no interest to me (posters, enamel pins, postcards, bookmarks, playing cards) don't tempt me to spend further, unless of course they are genuine bonuses. I'm here for the comics, people! There are two creatives that I did return to support in 2024, however.

I have always enjoyed Rene Pfitzner's use of colour and his sense of fun. He's been financing his comics via Kickstarter almost annually for about the past five years, and this year's offering Goblins verses Trolls ("Issue 1") was, I felt, worth supporting. Rene first came to my attention when I read a story written by Karen Beilharz that Rene illustrated for her Kinds of Blue anthology (way back in 2012). Even though Rene doesn't mention that - or his appearance in Issue 8's Oi Oi Oi! - on his website (click here), he obviously still maintains a friendship with Karen, who edits this volume. It's colourful. It's fun. The 34-page story is to be continued. (Even with Rene's successful track record, this fills me with fear, given the history of Australian comics that have fallen by the wayside following such a statement.) But the bottom line? It was worth supporting.

Last year, Killeroo appeared in Gary Chaloner's Adventure Illustrated comic to my loud acclaim. This year he appears in Stuart Black's The 4Horsemen in a tale entitled No Remorse. The indicia indicates this is a co-production between Stuart's Furious Monkey Fist Comics and Darren Close's OzComics imprints. I'm not sure who's marketing the comic (it's not on Darren's website here), but maybe it will be by the time you read this. All the other Killeroo books seem to be there. This 80-page (plus) full-colour comic is full-on action all the way! As I have said before, Killeroo remains one of the best modern Australian comic creations around, so it's good to see him featuring in other character's adventures. I like Darren's handling of his own character best, so his "selected inks" (and the artwork to "Cover B") were the highlights for me in this issue.

Once again for me, the comic event of the year was Comicstreet. In the middle of Brisbane city's busiest thoroughfare, the Queen Street Mall in the middle of winter, with creators selling nothing but comics. No cosplay. No American comics. (Dr Paul Mason selling his copies of Frew's The Phantom the only acceptable exception!) Most pleasing of all: the number of interstate exhibitors attending among the Brisbane creatives. Which allowed me the opportunity to view works from out of the state. (Even though Carlene and I also attended Woolongong's Comic Gong, I don't think I spent much time viewing other people's work as much as I would have liked.)

When does a comic 'qualify' for my selection and when does it not? Well, this is my list of comics that I saw last year, and if I say a comic is in, it's in! George Rex (sometimes known by Georgina Chadderton) published this second edition of Tidbits in 2024, so I say it's IN. Sadly, because 'George Rex' was in Adelaide (perhaps preparing the next Papercutz Comic Festival?), she wasn't in attendance at Comicstreet. But her partner Owen Heitmann was. He suggested I try this comic. Some may argue it's a zine, at only 24 pages and a zine-like size. But, to my mind: it's a comic! And a lovely one too. Humour (including the self-depreciating kind), references (I'm sure you noted the Daniel Clowes homage on the cover), descriptions of creative block, and more. I loved it's gentle humour. Short and sweet; and one of the year's best...irrespective of what year it was first published! Here's where you can buy a copy (click here). 

Talking (as we were) about Owen Heitmann: he was at Comicstreet. And he recommended this self-published comic, Sun Sand & Self-Doubt. My only doubt about including it here, was it was published in 2023 (or so the indicia says); but please read what I said about this matter earlier. Again, zine-sized and 28 pages (plus cover) with a limited colour palette, one just mustn't judge a book by its cover. The story is well-written for a much younger audience (pre-teens perhaps), and even though the illustrations are simply drawn it has a positive message which comes through loud and clear. Owen admits it's not strictly autobiographical (although it wouldn't have mattered if it was) and it was a well-deserved Silver recipient at the recent Comics Art Awards of Australia. It gets my vote for being one of the best comics I read in the past year. Give a copy to someone you love. (Click here.) ​

Neale Blanden's talent was recognised at a previous Ledger Awards (now the aforesaid Comic Arts Awards of Australia) ceremony. His work is not to everyone's taste. Some would see it as scribbles, some see the art in it. All praise to Gary Dellar and his Reverie imprint for taking a punt on what some would think commercial suicide. Although short (28 pages, including covers) and predominately black and white (except the cover), the themes of life as a cartoonist are ones that many creatives know and experience, but are usually unwilling to share. Until now. I found Bland! funny in a Robert Crumb-sort-of-way. It's not really like any other comic. Recommended for those who are willing to try something new and unique. Click here, but only if you are the adventurous type.

I have recently mentioned this volume on my Facebook Page, where I waxed lyrical about it. (Because I need a bit of a break from this typing, maybe I could reproduce what I wrote then?!) Matt Emery and Marty Trengove together have published a limited (100 copy) edition of this oversized paperback that deserves to be in the library of everyone who has a passion for modern Australian comics. Running well over an impressive 100 pages — I’m not sure exactly, as the pages are not numbered — this book documents Marty’s more personal comics works mostly from the 1980s and 1990s.

Marty is best-known for his brilliant Roscoe the Dawg, Ace Detective miniseries from US publisher Renegade Press, from 1986-1987. Some of that material from the era, in the form of breakdowns of Roscoe's first issue are included within this book. And that’s the spirit of this publication: it’s intended as a raw overview of Marty’s personal world. Don’t expect polished artwork here. In his extensive notes within the publication, Marty clearly feels anyone reading this work will be “eavesdropping”!

And he’s quite right, you know. None of the works here were intended for publication, but the collection of these works gives an insight into an important Australian comics artist who documented his life during that time in this art form we call comics. It’s simply an important record of the era. Indeed, Marty’s reflections on his history in a short four page “interview” with Matt Emery are an essential component to Australia’s comic story.

I bought the book from Matt on Facebook and copies of the small print run are still available. If you have a passion for Australian comics, make sure you grab your copy through Matt here via Messenger. Then, your next problem: where to place it in your library? I’d suggest next to your copy of Bonzer — it’s just a little shorter, but it’s equally essential. 

Some quick Honourable Mentions:
Walking the City of Literature was drawn by Judy Horacek and produced by the Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature Office. It's not a comic as such. I'm even unsure when it was published. It's more a map of Melbourne City and surrounds, showing the location of all (or most) of the bookshops in that city. An invaluable treasure for those of us who love doing this. Every city needs one of these!

Poo-Heads is a hardcover book "written by young people (Carter and Marlow Wright) for young people" and illustrated by Stu Thornton. While the fact it's in many, many bookstores (admirable), the 'To Be Continued' at the end of its 173 pages was a disappointment. For me at least.

Stuart McMillan is only young. And talented. This minicomic was originally published online in 2012 (that long ago?!) and it is still available here. Yes, it's FREE to read. There are others as well. Later this year, Stuart will have his first Graphic Novel published. He is "One to Watch" as they say on the professional book review sites, and I for one am waiting...

A Work in Progress was written, drawn, produced by Aśka in 2023. She/they live in Western Australia, which is why I am saying it took me so long to be able to read it! It's ideal for anyone wanting to break into making comics. This small publication was on the recent Comic Arts Awards of Australia's shortlist, but it's on my recommended reading list. Make sure her/their webpage is on your reading list...! 

Q: How long has it been since we saw a full-blown Greener Pastures comic? A: Too long!

Writer Tim McEwen, in his editorial to Issue #8, muses that it's a good 26 years since he and co-creator Michael Michalandos worked on an issue! Last year, it almost seemed that Tim was trying to be "the hardest working man in Australian comics"! He seems to have been at every festival and every show in the country (well, maybe except Comicstreet) in order to promote this comic. Which shows both his passion and pride in Trevor's latest episode. And with good reason!

Greener Pastures #8 is a delight. Not only is it a great jump-in introduction for newer readers, but it's also a showcase for just about everyone in the comic industry to join in and celebrate the character's return/30th Anniversary. 36 black and white pages of pure fun. (With colour cover.) If you don't already own a copy, you just haven't got out enough in 2024!  Here's where to hunt Tim (and/or Trevor) down... Click here.   

How many creatives work in isolation, away from the maddening crowd of the comics community? I'm asking rhetorically, of course. How can we know?

At the Australian Cartoonists Association's annual conference*, Dr Richard Scully introduced me to an Australian comic creative's work totally unknown to me. He supplied me with this comic (right). It's a large (210cm x 295cm) graphic novel format, almost with the same printing qualities of, say, an Asterix volume. The copy I was given had no indicia, no contact details, not a thing to indicate where it came from. How frustrating! To add to the puzzle, the pages were numbered (in the volume pictured) from 399 to 475! Old comic expression: "What th--?!" 

The comic is well-written, with humour overtones, and 'good girl' artwork (ie some might find it sexist in this day and age). Dr Richard eased my curiosity (somewhat) and gave me a postal address to contact the author. Just after the Christmas holiday, a small parcel (with Issues One and Two inside) arrived in the mail. Grant Barlow is the author from country Victoria, Ben Sullivan the artist.

Grant says the plan is "to write Australia's biggest comic". Although he acknowledges "biggest doesn't necessarily mean the best", he's now completed about 12 volumes and is now up to "about 1000 pages so far". Grant insists that Jackie and Tiffany is a comic and not a graphic novel, and "part fiction, part memoir". We've only had one lengthy conversation on the phone, and I am sure there will be more. I'm looking forward to being able to read the other volumes and adding this series to my list of essential Australian comics.

*You learn so much from ACA Conferences. If you are not a member, please consider. Get in touch and I can sent you a Membership Application Form now that I am the ACA's new Membership Secretary!

Finally, the time has come to announce the 2024 Best Original Australian Comic....

One thing I like to see in comics is innovation. Or an ability to reflect the mood of a particular era. Even a willingness to expand the medium. In the past, when making this annual selection, I have chosen webcomics that I felt did that, or interactive comics that I felt spoke in human terms to me as a person, and even comics that reflected a different issue to topics normally covered. Or that educated me. The comic medium's potential remain limitless. This year, I found a special comic that struck a resounding chord with me.

It also posed a dilemma. It was funded via crowd-funding, yet I didn't see it. (It chose to raise funds via Pozible rather than Kickstarter.) Another dilemma. It's indicia indicates it was published in 2023. Yet, by the time I had a copy in my hands, in early January 2024, I had already made my selection for Comicoz' Best Australian Original Comic for 2023. Not only that - dilemma upon dilemma! - by the time I had begun to formulate ideas of who to include here and who to exclude, this comic had already been placed on the Comic Arts Awards of Australia's shortlist for comics published in 2023. I felt there was no way I could ignore this publication.

There is so much variety in comics being published in Australia today. Sure, there's not the ease of accessibility that the newsagents once offered. The discovery of a new comic and the reading of the wonderful array of different stories being told fills me with hope for the medium. This comic that I selected this year proved that comics can appeal to both young and old. And this one underlines the fact that it is the young people of today who are going to ensure comics continue as an artistic medium. This year's best comic encouraged that continuum. The Comicoz Award for Best Original Australian comic that I first read in 2024 is...                                             

Drum-roll, drum-roll, drum-roll....


​ 

SQUISHBOOK published by Squishface Studio and edited by David Blumenstein.

Here's what the editorial page said: "Squishface Studio is a collective of comic book artists in Melbourne, and Squishbook is our first big fat book: a collection of comics, and advice about making comics for kids. We collaborated with Melbourne comics artists , writers, and Grade Two's from Kensington Primary School to put together an 'annual-style' book full of stuff any kid who loves drawing  will enjoy."

And that's exactly right! The large (210cm x 295cm) 84-page book contains comics, drawing tips, writing ideas, wild suggestions ... and just shares the total joy and fun in getting young people excited and engaged in the whole process. AND ... it came with stickers, a small pencil case, with pens, and more! The book covers all manner of things that even a ten-year-old Nat Karmichael would have loved!! Because that's the thing: to get more people interested in writing, drawing, creating comics, there's a need to engage with young people. Sharing comics with young people, making comics for young people, showing young people how the process works. This is THE best 'how to' book on the process of making comics. EVER.

The whole team needs to be congratulated on an exceptional comic book. I'm going to ignore the fact that the indicia states the book was published in 2023. I don't care that the book didn't win a Bronze, Silver of Gold at the recently held Comic Arts Awards in Canberra. Not only did the book share the joy of the making of comics, but there was the personal interaction with young people. Editor David Blumenstein was travelling the country sharing with the young people his book was aimed at. He arrived in Brisbane in June... perhaps disproving my earlier rant that Brisbane gets forgotten!

So, a great big Thank You to all at Squishface Studios, and all these wonderful people: Editor/Writer/Artist: David Blumenstein. Contributors: Ben Hutchings, Sarah Howell, Jo Waite, Scarlette Baccini, Briar Rolfe, Alex e Clark, Patrick Alexander, Jin Hien Lau, Ive Sorocuk, Alex Pavlotski, Nicholas J. Johnson, and Warwick Holt. (I hope I have not forgotten anyone!)

While Squishbook may have 'won' the Comicoz Award this year, it's the fact that the fruits from this book won't be seen for another ten or so years, when the young creatives who have taken part in these workshops start to produce their own comics for more Australians to enjoy. That's a legacy that this comic will leave. That's why Squishbook is one of the most important comics to have been published in recent times...Australian or otherwise.

Want to know when the Squishface crew are coming your way? Click here! Agree with this article? Disagree? Happy to hear your opinions!​

In the fortnight from November 30th to the middle of December, there’s been what has seemed like an endless parade of award events within the Australian cartooning world, that I decided to assign myself the job of recording some of them for posterity! (I won’t comment on the Stanley Awards, as I have already covered them. I’m sharing this article for consideration by Steve Panozzo, The Australian Cartoonists Association's Inkspot editor.)

The Comic Arts Awards of Australia.

The Comic Arts Awards of Australia (formerly known as the Ledger Awards) were held within the Australian Cartoonists Association’s conference schedule. This was arranged with the goodwill of both organising parties. Let’s commended both for ironing out any impediments in allowing the event to take place. It allowed attending members of the ACA an opportunity to experience the thrill of a different type of award ceremony.

The major difference between the awards of the CAAA’s and the Stanley’s is the method of selecting the winners. While the ACA’s Stanley Awards are chosen by one’s peers, the members, on a popular vote (except for the Hall of Fame inductees and the Jim Russell Award recipient), the CAAA’s awards are chosen by different committees, with each committee member deemed an ‘expert’ in their field.

Organiser Daniel Rathbone and MC David Quinn introduced the ceremony to an expectant, excited audience. There was standing room only for latecomers! No messing about, the Ledger of Honour Awards (for past creatives and those with an influence on the local medium for twenty-five years of more) were speedily announced. The “Dead-Set” Ledger of Honour was awarded to James Charles (“Jimmy”) Bancks, creator of Ginger Meggs. Dillon Naylor was a popular choice for the Living Ledger of Honour, presented by long-time fan and ACA Member, Jeremy Macpherson.

​The other awards were for comics published within the 2023 calendar year and were selected by the judges prior to the ceremony from an earlier-announced shortlist. They were accepted in person by most recipients, or remotely by those unable to attend, as follows:

Bronze:
Amphibia Nor Part 2 by Logan French, Bradley Adan, and Kieran Jack.
Bazza the Bogan Barbarian: Vampires and Vegemite by Sorab Anthony Del Rio, Don Ticchio, Emerson Dimaya, Alzir Alves, Edvin Estrada, and Adam Ramos.
Mandatory Fun by Mike Greaney.
Manta #1 to #10 by Jorden Allen -Barr.

Silver:
A Fistful of Pain by Ryan K Lindsay, and Louie Joyce.
Adventure Illustrated by Gary Chaloner, Graeme Jackson, Michalandos, and Tim McEwen.
Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures by Jason Pamment.
Ghost Book by Remy Lai.
Octane Render: Cartoonists Talk About A.I. Art by Davide Blumenstein, and Emile Friedlander.
Ruined by Sarah Winifred Searle.
Sun, Sand & Self-Doubt by Owen Heitmann.

Gold:
Deadsheet by Benji Bajorek.
Everything Eventually Connects by Sarah Firth.

I just want to thank all the people who contributed to Rob Feldman's Kickstarter campaign. We've just posted a Facebook video (click here to see) that we recorded while we were signing the books and rewards last Saturday. I'm happy to report that all the Rewards have now been sent out. Making, I believe, a lot of people happy this holiday season. Meantime, I have to start thinking about plans for 2025...

Today, I'm desperately trying to get all my email ducks lined up. I thought this month would be a little "quieter" for me, but it's turning into an even busier month than November! Where do I start??! Why not the Big One: The 2024 Stanley Awards. I may have to come back to the other activities (the Comic Arts Awards of Australia, the Rotary Cartoon Awards, future plans for 2025 and beyond) a little later...

The Australian Cartoonists Association’s 40th Annual Stanley Awards was held at Old Parliament House (in the Museum Of Australian Democracy in Canberra last Saturday night. I was honoured to present one of the Bronze Awards (for Comic Book Artist). Here were the Finalists...

I was a bit nervous giving the speech (as always!) but warmed up and enjoyed the opportunity. It ended up being a tie between Dean Rankine and Dr Paul Mason! (Megan Herbert accepted Dean's on his behalf and I accepted Dr Paul Mason's on his behalf.) Here's a list of the other recipients on the night. Bronze Awards went to: ​
Animation Cartoonist - Edmund Iffland, 
Book Illustrator – Dean Rankine, accepted on his behalf by Megan Herbert.
Comic Strip Cartoonist – Ian Jones (Bushy Tales), in Ian's first-ever win! 
Illustrator - David Rowe,
Editorial/Political Cartoonists - David Rowe (again!),
Event Cartoonist – a disbelieving Steve Panozzo, 
Illustrator – Judy Nadin, and, 
Single Gag Cartoonist – Judy Horacek.
Here's a picture of the happy recipients with MC of the night, Peter Berner. And, wait! Who's that in the front??!

It was an absolute honour and most humbling to accept the Jim Russell Award "for significant contributions to Australian cartooning..." presented to me by my close mate, Rob Feldman! Other major winners included Arthur Mailey, Unk White, and, Gary Clark ... into the Australian Cartooning Hall of Fame. Capping off an incredible night was David Rowe, the Cartoonist of the Year with the Gold Stanley.

Naturally enough, I was in a state of shock, so I didn't take as many photographs as I normally do. But here are some highlights from the night...