"Comics erode the most fundamental habits
of humane, civilized living."

Bill Pearson

The American DreamSam Zabel and the Magic Pen
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Book launch: Chris Slane’s new graphic novel!

April 7th, 2011

Nice Day for a War
The mighty Chris Slane, one of New Zealand’s greatest cartoonists, is launching his new graphic novel tonight in Auckland. Nice Day for a War – Adventures of A Kiwi Soldier In World War 1 by Chris Slane and Matt Elliott recreates the experiences of Matt’s grandfather Corporal Cyril Elliott, who enlisted as a teenager and soon found himself struggling to survive in the trenches of the Western Front. The book is part graphic novel, part illustrated history book – and 100% pure Chris Slane greatness.

Those of you who remember Chris’ earlier graphic novel, Maui: Legends of the Outcast (written by Robert Sullivan), or his many other great comics, will know that this is an event worth celebrating.

So come along to the Grey Lynn RSA tonight, pick up a signed copy and toast Chris and Matt (you can even buy an ANZAC Day poppy).

Nice Day for a War – the Adventures of a Kiwi Soldier in World War 1
by Chris Slane and Matt Elliott

6.00-8.00pm Thursday 7 April

Grey Lynn (RSA) Returned services Social Club upstairs.
(Kids allowed upstairs)
1 Francis Street, West Lynn shops, Grey Lynn/Westmere, Auckland.
(50 steps from Moa, and Harvest Wholefoods)
Click here for map
Enter main door, turn left and follow the chair lift rail up the stairs to the cosy lounge bar.

Even if you can’t make it tonight, you can buy Nice Day for a War from good NZ booksellers everywhere, or online.

New page: the Magic Pen

March 9th, 2011

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The rest of this chapter is a bit rude and NSFW, I’m afraid. Please be advised and proceed with caution.

New page: The Magic Pen (ADULTS ONLY)

February 16th, 2011

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Please note this page is Not Safe For Work (depending on your work, of course).

A Valentine to those who care.

February 15th, 2011

Click here to read 'My World'

Click here to read 'My World'

My World is a comic I drew in 2009 for Ctrl.Alt.Shift Unmasks Corruption and first posted here last year.

Today I want to dedicate My World to human rights activists around the world, and to all those striving for democracy and freedom, from Bahrain to Burma, from Suva to Tehran. To Bradley Manning and his friends and supporters, and to everyone everywhere trying to tell the truth about war and occupation, injustice and corruption. To love, and peace, and compassion.

And I want to send an especially big shout out to the “Fellowship of Tahrir.”

Happy Valentine’s Day.

P.S. If you want to send flowers, may I suggest a donation to Amnesty International instead?

The Fellowship of Tahrir

February 9th, 2011

Like many people, I’ve been following the extraordinary events in Egypt via a range of sources, including Al Jazeera and Twitter. One of the biggest revelations – for me, anyway – has been the way Twitter offers a chance to follow the thoughts and comments of people in the thick of things on the other side of the world.

So yesterday (February 8th), I was following various Egyptians’ reactions to the emotionally-charged interview with Waed Ghonim on Dream TV. And two tweets from Pakinam Amer, an Egyptian journalist and blogger, stood out to my nerdy eye:

egypttwitter1

A quote from the Koran? Words of inspiration from some great Arab political leader? Nah. The first is a line from Aragorn; the second from Gandalf. Somewhere in Cairo, this young Egyptian journalist had turned to Lord of the Rings for comfort and inspiration.
Read the rest of this entry »

Shaolin Burning!

February 2nd, 2011


Apologies for the lack of new Magic Pen pages this past week. Page 56 is turning into one of those pages that takes a week to draw, which has thrown things off schedule. It is, however, getting there…

While you’re waiting, please check out this very important event: the launch of New Zealand cartoonist Ant Sang’s brand new graphic novel, Shaolin Burning.

Ant Sang is one hell of a cartoonist, and a fabulous guy. His serialised story, Dharma Punks, was one of the most impressive New Zealand comics I’ve ever seen, and his inspired work as lead designer on the TV show Brotown has made his style familiar to everyone in the country. Shaolin Burning deserves to sell like crazy – and I can’t wait to read it!

The book is published by Harper Collins, and has already been spotted in some bookstores. The official launch party is tomorrow night (Thursday, 3 February), in Auckland. There’ll be original artwork on show, limited edition prints, copies of the book to buy, and Ant himself to stalk and admire.

Wild horses couldn’t keep me away, and if you’re anywhere near Auckland, I hope I’ll see you there!

P.S. If you can’t make it to the launch, don’t despair. The exhibition will be up till the 18th of February. Details can be found on Adrian Kinnaird’s excellent NZ comics blog, From Earth’s End. And, of course, you can still rush to your local book store for your very own copy of Shaolin Burning!

New page: The Magic Pen

January 26th, 2011

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ADULTS ONLY
Note that this page of The Magic Pen is mildly NSFW (depending on your work, of course).

New page: The Magic Pen

January 21st, 2011
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New page: The Magic Pen

January 19th, 2011
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To The I-Land: the Comics of Barry Linton

December 22nd, 2010

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Click to read the story


This is a story first published in Look This Way: New Zealand Writers on New Zealand Artists, edited by Sally Blundell (published by Auckland University Press). It’s an appreciation, in comics form, of one of my all-time favourite cartoonists, the great Barry Linton.

Happy Holidays!