Getting my Groove Back....

I returned to Brisbane early enough to attend last Saturday's Minicomicon, held at The Edge, near the State Library of Queensland. I had initially been a little reluctant to do much after leaving Cairns, given my recent pre-occupation with my youngest daughter. However, when New Caledonian friends Elysabeth and Niko texted to say they wanted to catch up with Carlene and me  again, it seemed an ideal place to take them.

Elysabeth and Niko (as seen by and copyright) Ajna Artist.

And it was well worth attending! The event was organised by Alisha Jade (well-known to all Oi Oi Oi! readers as the creator of the on-going Seven serial), and featured an array of local and interstate (mostly) mini-comic makers. I was impressed with quite a few talents, and some are worthy of mention here....

Gavin Thomson has known I have liked his comic Bob for some time. I bought a copy of the First Printing when it was available via Lulu. I am pleased to say that it is now available as a Second Edition from Gavin's own imprint, Sketch Book Scribbles. Here's a link to his blog. This is a comic that is both funny and sad, the story well-paced and deeply moving and satisfying. Well worth adding to your collection: I highly recommend it. Sadly, Gavin had to work on the day of the Minicomicon -- as one who works shift work, I know what that is like! -- so, we didn't get chance to say "Hullo!" Look for an all-new Burnard the Lonely Bunyip story to appear in an upcoming issue of Oi Oi Oi!

And, what, I hear you ask, is the latest on Oi Oi Oi!? Well, this is a posting about the Minicomicon, so I will leave that discussion until later (or, most likely, my next posting). 

I found Beatrice Bravo's minicomics charming (even though I only bought one!)... This is what minicomics are all about! Entitled "FoodVenture Comics!!!", this was a photocopied recipe how-to-make mini.  (Yes, three exclamation marks on the title to the Ginger Chicken Noodle edition I bought!!!) At only $3 each or six for $10, this was great value, especially those just setting out on life's pathway who need some simple and fun ways of learning how to cook. You can find a link to Beatrice by clicking here. I bought a copy because I thought it a great way of demonstrating that comics can be educational. And besides, one of my nephews needs to learn how to be more independent around the home. So he will be getting a copy as a subtle hint!

Some of the wonderful minicomics I bought on Saturday...Images Copyright the individual artists. *And I have not contacted all to use these at time of writing....

I really love SpAE's artwork and storytelling! I believe I have invited her to contribute to both Oi Oi Oi! and another Comicoz project to benefit beyondblue a little later in the year. And if I haven't -- I need my head read! This is mature storytelling (and beautiful artwork) that packs a punch (I particularly liked the powerful "Train Girls" story from Issue 2 of Sweet nv. I wish now that I had picked up the last copy of Issue One when I had the chance earlier in the afternoon. (I was told I was beaten by Alisha herself!)