Toenail Clippings#3
Toenail Clippings, as implied, is a fragment of something a lot bigger. In this case, a collection of short accessible works by artists (who the editor claims have no interests in comics) create comics.
With this, I felt really relaxed, and under no pressure to impress with my words. I'm tired and this, Toenail Clippings, is absolutely brilliant.This really is the way to do it, a pride accomplished presence of consolidated effort and organisation: is it too much to hope for UK creators to produce something like this? From it's fine packaging and enthusiastic distribution to it's substantial and welcoming comic strips. Toenail Clippings really does have something for everyone: and it's viewable whatever mood you're in. Toenail Clippings #3 is, oh quote me, unmissable.
Toenail Clippings Issues 1-3 are available for £2.95 from Smallzone,
Toenail Clippings 1-3 is also the only comic booklet solely distributed by me (thank god) from Andrew Luke, 5 Stanley Avenue, Bangor, BT20 5EN and orders are very welcome indeed.
A4, clr cover, 32 pgs
Xander and Friends
Gary Parkin, creator of some thirty comic books between 1997-1998 returns with this mini-comic, which hones in on a visual style very similar to Ralph Kidsons. No bad thing at all. A collection of short pen-full tales of universal forms and somewhat specialist scenery. The tales are a lot more delicate, mellow. Yet as Frederic Werthram if he were alive may have said, "displays scenes of gore and graphic violence amidst tales of childhood adventure and ordinary healthy scenarios that are entirely inappropriate". Gary's work is as unassuming and impressive as usual. Unchallenging, on the brink of predictability, a well-spent five to ten minutes in very good company.
A6, clr cover 24pgs, 50p from Gary Parkin, 8 Newbury Way, Cusworth, Doncaster, S. Yorks, DN5 8PY.
Email garyrparkin@hotmail.com for further details.