First couple of reviews are in for ‘Talking To Strangers‘. Very positive reviews so far, with minimal negative critique. That’s always great with an Anthology, as it’s a very hit-or-miss project to take on.

First of all, I’d like to say that this anthology exhibits something I love to see in comics: a writer who obviously works closely with the artists illustrating their work. The style and presentation of each story in this anthology clearly matches the content, and the artists have obviously been given room to let their own story-telling styles influence the flow of each piece. I’d be tempted to say it’s worth picking up Talking to Strangers for this fact alone, but that would cut the review a bit short! – Paul Duffield
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You should really check out Paul’s recent blog post about his Cover Process here. It’s well worth the read.

The book’s strengths actually lie in its varied nature. Each story is unique in the kind of story it tells as well as the style with which it is executed. Where one story is chilling, another might be celebratory. Where one functions as fable, another runs toward parable. The author shows range and invention and with one exception the collection is an easy and fun read, by turns thrilling and sweet and tragic. – Seth Hahne
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On a totally off-topic side note, my sister recommended I listen to Bon Iver and I’ve really been getting into his work. Check it out while you read the reviews.

I wanted to sum up the event, but so much had happened that I feel a little overwhelmed every time I try to put it all into words. Let me just run through the highlights.

London Expo, quite honestly, Rocked! I always look forward to this event, but this year more so, as it marked the release of my new book, Talking To Strangers, which is now available to buy online.

The Artists Vs. Writers showdown was fantastic fun, with us Writers coming out on top, surprisingly by beating the Artist’s at Pictionary, no less! We received equal points for the word game Taboo, mind you. I hope they do it again next year. Not sure they’d invite the same teams again, but I’ll definitely be around to watch it! Quick Edit: Nana took some photos of the Showdown here.

Didn’t really buy much this year. Picked up a copy of Morris The Mankiest Monster by Sarah McIntyre, because we like her a lot and her artwork is always worth owning! Got a copy of Derek the Sheep signed by Gary Northfield, a very nice guy with a wonderful sense of humour. It shows in his work. From the Sweatdrop table, I grabbed Selina’s latest titles, ‘Sunny’s Field’ and ‘Bellringers 2′ (not yet available online, but hey, did you know she launched a new webcomic? Go check it out!)

Finally got round to picking up a copy of Nana’s new book, Twelfth Night (did I ever get round to mentioning that Faye’s book, The Merchant of Venice, was out too? … I didn’t?!? *shock-horror* I should be shot!!).

Caught up with Paul and wrangled a signature out of him on a couple of artbooks. Lovely work, as always! How I wish he’d release a new comic both written and illustrated by him. It’s been too long dude!! … Quizzed Kate with regards to when her collected book, The Spider Moon, will be officially released. It’s fairly soon, so keep an eye out. It will be in HARDCOVER!! I’m quite excited about that.

What else? … Oh, never had this happen to me before – Had a gentleman recognise my name off my badge, turned out to be a Clarence Principle fan and seemed genuinely excited to learn that I had a new book out. Nice guy, called Ennis I believe? Gosh, hope I got your name right dude! I suck at remembering names.

I’ve had people walk up to the Sweatdrop table many times to tell me how much they enjoyed Clarence before, but those were people who actually came looking for me. This time round, it’s been a varied mix of people returning the next day after reading the new book to tell me how much they loved it! Wasn’t expecting feedback that soon. Great feeling, that.

Due to carrying a lot of books to the event, I wasn’t able to bring my camera along. So instead, here are some photos from Joanna’s camera that both her and I took. Also, have a link to Flickr with a collection of everyone else’s photos!

The latest Sweatdrop Podcast is out. Always worth a listen for fun and giggles. A little drinking game for you: Take a shot every time someone says “Yes” XD see how long you last.

Emma Vieceli has launched Dragon Heir: Reborn – totally redrawn and available as a webcomic online.

Also, I’ve been invited to take part in a fun event at the upcoming London Expo on Sunday 25th, 14:00-14:40. Details follow –

Expo showdown – Writers Vs Artists

The concept: Two teams of 5. One team of Writers and one team of Artists. Two rounds. One Pictionary and one Taboo. You see where we’re going with this! We’ll finally find out who is in fact better. Writers or artists!

The Writers: Tony Lee, Antony Johnston, Kieron Gillen, Andy Diggle and Fehed Said

The Artists: Dan Boultwood, Ben Templesmith, Jamie McKelvie, Jock and Faye Yong

Should be a laugh, especially Pictionary. My Art Skillz!! Come, let me show you them XD