Today is 5th January, the birth-date of Monty Wedd, one of Australia's greatest comic book writer and illustrators.  Monty would have been 98 years "old" today -- if her were alive. It's the date, I usually make my announcement of what I consider to be The (with a capital "T") Best Australian  Original Comic Book for the past 12 months. It is, as I have said before, purely a subjective award, one chosen by me, and has become a bit of a "tradition" as being the first Australian comic award announced each year. Well, unfortunately, one thing is going to stymie the announcement of the totally honorary "Award" this year.... I am working night duty!

I have in my mind, the work that I would like to honour. And, each year, I drag it out over this day's posting. This year, I thought I could 'drag it out' over a few days postings! So, look forward to the announcement in the days to come. In the meantime, let's give thanks to Monty Wedd -- his family kindly allowed me to publish another of his works in the past twelve months.... (In case you've been living under a rock, it's called "Bold Ben Hall" and I have been spruiking and praising it wherever I can this year!)

So, what has been worth celebrating in Australian comics over the past twelve months? Let me first share some that came into my consideration.... after a few days' work/sleep....  

Animation Award went to Matt Bissett-Johnson.

Jeff will be appearing at the 2018 Stanley Awards being held in Old Parliament House, Canberra, next weekend. I hope to post photos after I return home myself...
Check out the whole Conference line-up here: www.cartoonists.org.au/stanleys/conference/2018
Or, to book, go here (it's open to the public!): www.cartoonists.org.au/stanleys/register/public

The work this organisation does in promoting the cartoon arts is amazing. That they do it mostly with a band of volunteers is even more astounding and something that my beloved Australian Cartoonists Association somehow needs to emulate. I shared a room with life-long cartoon-fan Ian McCall and stayed for the Rotary Cartoon Awards, held on the Saturday night. It was pleasing to see so many members of our Association there, and being able to share the evening with some of the winners was an experience I won't quickly forget. ​

The Manager
National Cartoon Gallery
PO Box 1483
COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450

Dear Margaret,

                                 RE: Proposed Extensions to The National Cartoon Gallery

I recently attended the Rotary Cartoon Awards’ 30th Anniversary in the (newly named) National Cartoon Gallery, where I learnt of your plans to expand the Gallery. As an Australian comic historian and comic publisher, I'd like to add my voice in the need to do so.

Cartoons (and comics) in this country still tend to suffer the age-old stigma of being childish and disposable, yet Australian proponents of the mediums are continually being recognised around the world as being the best in the field. That your band of volunteers have been able to overlook this discrimination and carefully house and catalogue over 23,000 cartoons, shows that there is a depth to this unique art form that escapes many. 

This Coffs Harbour collection is growing annually. While there will be a need to preserve these cartoons acquired over the past thirty years, internationally there is also a growing historical and culture importance attached to the cartooning arts as I am sure you are aware. The Cartoon Museum in London opened only recently (in 2006) and has considerably less items in its inventory. The world’s largest, The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum in the United States is now administered by Ohio State University.

Belgian’s Comic Strip Centre, in Brussels, is perhaps the best-known, with a recorded 200,000 visitors annually. Opening in 1989, this Museum features a restaurant, a comics’ store, rooms with original comic (and animation) artwork, and a permanent exhibition dedicated to the history of the local medium – in short, not too dissimilar to your plans!

Margaret, I’d like to publicly add my voice to the chorus of those seeking support for your proposed extensions. This is an opportunity to preserve a little-appreciated medium for future generations who will thank you for your persistence and foresight. Although I am enamoured with the medium, as you know, I’m excited to feel I am a part of this.
 
Kind Regards,
Nat Karmichael,
Inkspot Editor and Deputy President, 
Australian Cartoonists Association.
 
Australian comic commentator and
Principal of Comicoz,
An Australian comic publisher.
www.comicoz.com