A Bit of a Review of the Year 2012

I know it's late, but I don't want to get into the habit of just missing out the even numbered years. Nevertheless, let's look back at 2012, the Year I promised would be the Year of the Trilogy. Which it wasn't. But it was too.

I started off with the foolhardy notion that I could draw something everyday and blog about on a weekly basis. I did a total of nineteen Draw Everyday posts. Which is pitiful. I reckon I might give it another go. The pressure of having to blog something was a good motivator, but also a hinderance, in that I got hung up with having something ready for public consumption. Bottom line is, people are glad to see anything, and with Twitter and Instagram, those are probably the best places for such updates.

While I was waiting for the Sugar Glider 3 script from Daniel, I went to see The Artist at the cinema. There's a scene within a scene where one of the characters reminded me of Don Quixote from Sugar Glider 2, and after looking at the film's poster, an idea was set in motion that resulted in the most popular post of 2012 on the blog, and also the idea of promoting the free web serialisation of Sugar Glider with DVD box-esque posters. We quickly decided to do posters for the main title based on some of our favourite independent films, some of which related to the content and themes of the books. Then we thought it would be hilarious to parody more schmaltzy, sentimental romantic comedies for the two Sugar Glider Stories books to reflect their ensemble cast.

In February, there was still no sign of the SG3 script, but this little lady made an appearance, courtesy of Laura Swaddle.

March was spent mostly building up for the fourth Leeds Alt Comics Fair which took place in April. It's consistently one of the best comics events I've attended. I had time to work on a small mini comic called Column, about my thoughts on public art. I was going to do a larger and longer version if there was any interest, but I think it served more as an incentive or reward for people buying more than one comic. Here's my poster again, I was dead chuffed with it.

The merry merry month of May is home to my birthday, so not a lot of comics work going on there. However, I did find time to work on Nightbus 3, which at this point was pretty much simply called Nightbus. The lack of numeration was a conscious decision to not put off people who may think they were missing out on one and two, but simultaneously, could have been confused as an issue one. Comics, eh? Interestingly, a few people have said that it works as a starting point as well as an ending. I'm pleased to have created something that ends, not on a bang, but a full stop and an ellipsis.

In August, I went to the City of Lights to be proper romantic on mine and my wife's second anniversary (naturally), track down some BDs (success), capture a giant Totoro (he escaped), visit the Robert Crumb Retrospective (extensive) and cross the canal Saint-Martin and la Seine a few times (#riverfans). I adore Paris and love that they take comics seriously there, without question, clarification or defensiveness. I got the new Lewis Trondheim book for Christmas. It is an absolute joy. I'm going to write a comic in French. It'll be mint.

About a week later, I was at the Carlisle Megacon, another small to medium event that was lots of fun to attend. Sales weren't great, but I think this is the first of its kind in the area, so hopefully word of mouth will ensure a greater footfall next year.

Nightbus launched online in October, in time for Thought Bubble and the Canny Comic Con. It's been met with positive reviews and good sales so far. I'm really pleased with the book and the series as a whole. You can see a great leap forward from the first 'snapshot' to this one. I feel that my writing, really came into its own here, both in terms of visual storytelling, dialogue and story. It's something I've been looking forward to getting back to for so long. Leaving a trilogy unfinished is poor form, so I was glad to get back to those characters even if it was just to give them the send off they deserved.

What's new for 2013? Well SG3 is on its way, I can't guarantee a specific launch date, but you'll find out soon enough. And after I finish the second of my two trilogies? I plan to take a little break from comics. I'll concentrate on learning a few new tricks in Photoshop and Illustrator and maybe just drawing. I have plans to work with Daniel on something soon though, so don't get too upset.

I'll take this opportunity to say a massive cheers me dears to everyone who's helped to make 2012 a superawesome year, and will hopefully be there to make 2013 even better.

Leeds Alternative Comics Fair Round Up

Sugar Glider hanging out at LACF4

Last Saturday was the 4th Leeds Alternative Comics Fair, and as usual, it was a boatload of fun, well attended and a really relaxed atmosphere all round. Sales were good, and unusually, Nightbus did really well. Maybe because they were central, maybe because everyone in Leeds has copies of Sugar Glider, maybe because I was doing an offer on them. Anyway, that offer is now on at the online shop. As are any of the comics you may not have picked up at the weekend.

My table at LACF4

The fair is always a really sociable event, but this was my first LACF without my Geordie compatriots, Ben Clark and Andrew Waugh, although Andy did manage to return to the UK via Leeds so was able to pop in to say hello. I was also joined by Paper Jam Comics Collective members Paul, Britt and Lydia. And in keeping with previous events, the punters and the other exhibitors were a delight too. Special mention should go to James 'Couk' Downing, who had the enormous task of sharing a table with me, Dan Berry, who I had some cracking conversations with about paper and John Allison, who lent me his scissors. Kristyna Baczynski was there too, but I only spoke to her briefly, usually because we were both frequently speaking to punters. I suppose that's a good thing really. I also had a brief chat with Adam Cadwell about his new undertaking, Great Beast. If you don't know about it, you really should by now. Thanks as well to hosts Steve and Hugh, once again, gents, you've put on another great show.

Looking forward to LACF5!

New Stuff for LACF

I'll have a new book out at the 4th Leeds Alternative Comics Fair on Saturday! It's called Column and within its few pages are a few sketches and thoughts on public sculpture. It's only a teeny tiny A6 mini, but it's a new book!

I didn't think I'd have anything new for the fair and when I saw what my fellow exhibitors have got on offer, I thought I'd make this happen. I originally wanted to do this on a much bigger scale, A5 size, and with a larger page count, but time would not allow. This way, I can have something new on the table and also judge the response. If people like it, I'll do a follow up and needless to say, not all of the material in Column will be reproduced in its hypothetical sister publication, so it's still worth getting. Plus the print run is really short. And I might only have it available at conventions...

Speaking of time running short, I'll have a handful of tote bags bearing the Grainger Street sign and I might, maybe, possibly, if the planets align, have some Sugar Glider bags too. Maybe.

You can also pick up the Sugar Glider back catalogue, SG badges and stickers, Grainger Street, Show & Tell and Nightbus.

Do pop along if you're around. Saturday 28th April, 12-5pm at a Nation of Shopkeepers, Leeds.

Leeds Alternative Comics Fair 4 Update

I proper can't wait for the next LACF. It's next Saturday from 12-5pm at A Nation of Shopkeepers, Leeds and is sure to be the cultural event of the season.

Hugh's Poster

You'd better keep checking the blog for updates on who's coming and what new things they'll have. Exhibitors Kristyna Baczynski and Andy Sykes have new comics and merch, and our gracious hosts, Steve Tillotson and Hugh Raine will be launching new titles too.

Steve's Poster

Exhibitors include John Allison, James ‘Couk’ Downing, Kristyna Baczynski, Adam Cadwell, Andy ‘Hexjibber’ Sykes, Oli East, Dan Berry, Karoline Rerrie and of course, Steve and Hugh

Couk's Poster

I've got new stuff too, but I'm not telling you what it is yet so there. You'll have to make do with my LACF4 poster rounding off this gallery.

My poster

Get yourself down there and buy some comics if you're nearby. Or even if you're not. You know how to work a train station, right?

My LACF4 Poster

I'm really looking forward to the Leeds Alternative Comics Fair. It's one of the besets events in the comics calendar. So much so that more often than not, I repay our esteemed hosts Steve and Hugh with a poster, here it is. Let me know what you think. Se laisser lire les bandes-desinées.

The fourth Leeds Alternative Comics Fair will be held on Saturday 28^th April, at A Nation of Shopkeepers, which has proved itself an ideal venue with its great atmosphere, interesting food menu and a well-stocked bar.

The fair showcases a small, but diverse cross section of comics creators mainly from the North of England. Because there's such an intimate event, you, the punter, can wander around, chat to the creators and really have a good look at everything on offer. So you missed something? Have a drink and come back for more. Don't miss this great opportunity to grab a boatload of comics, zones, books, posters, cards and handmade curios.

Exhibitors at the fair this time include John Allison, Oliver East, James Downing, Kristyna Baczynski, Dan Berry, Adam Cadwell, Karoline Rerrie, Andy ‘Hexjibber’ Sykes, organisers Steve Tillotson and Hugh Raine and my good self. I'm looking forward to meeting up with exhibitors from the last three fair once again and of course, meeting some of the newcomers.

It's free entry and it's on from midday until 5pm. More details can be found at the LACF site http://leedsalternativecomics.wordpress.com, or with a Facebook search for “Leeds Alternative Comics” or you could follow @leedsaltcomics on the Twitter.

The 4th Leeds Alternative Comics Fair

I'll be exhibiting at the 4th Leeds Alternative Comics Fair on the 28th April. I'm really looking forward to meeting up with LACF chums old and new at one of my favourite events in the small press calendar. The list of exhibitors so far can be found here and you can also have a look at Steve and Hugh's super awesome posters. I've done one too, but I won't show you until it's on the LACF site. You'll have to make do with a preview...

A Bit of a Review of the Year 2011

I was going to call this post The Year of the Sugar Glider, but that seemed a bit conceited. Other things happened in 2011 aside from the runaway successes of SG, I just can't remember them.

I won't labour the points too much, but the year kicked off with a deluge of positive reviews of Sugar Glider issue one, which had been released in the November of 2010. In 2011, SG1 was joined by three more Sugar Glider titles, Sugar Glider Stories 1 was launched at the 2nd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair and finally, we got round to doing a Newcastle based launch for SG2. A thousand thank-yous to Mike and the crew at Travelling Man Newcastle. Finally, Sugar Glider Stories 2 was released at Thought Bubble. All of the titles have received positive reviews and any of the niggles about yet another superhero comic have been ironed out by issue two. This isn't a superhero comic, it's a comic about a girl who happens to have an absurd extra-curricular pursuit. Oh, and there's superheroes.

Speaking of conventions, the last of the year was an absolute delight. More is written elsewhere about how awesome and essential the Canny Comic Con was, but from my perspective, it was great to be able to meet Sugar Glider fans who had followed the series from the start, and new fans who were intrigued by this new Geordie heroine. The day itself was so much fun and I can't wait for next year's event.

One of the most wonderful and humbling and joyous things about doing Sugar Glider has been the fan art. We received a boatload at the start of the year, and it's kept coming with each release. A lot of people have taken to Susie so much as to spend some time drawing her. I think that's the greatest compliment. If you've got any fan art, of Susie in or out of costume, or indeed any of the Sugar Glider cast, email it, post it on Twitter, or the Facebook fan page or send a carrier pigeon.

New Year's Resolutions? Well, the obvious one is to get Sugar Glider 3 out, thus completing the trilogy. This is a big one for me really as I haven't completed a series since I first got into comics. Having said that, issues one and two have been so special, it would be a crime to rush the conclusion. Expect SG 3 before the end of 2012.

Secondly, I'd like to get super organised for comics fairs, preparing an emergency comic con kit esssentially. The reason being, I make that promise every time we do an event and always forget something. Never again. Plus, I don't do a massive number of events, so it would be good to get through them sans stress.

And finally, sort out the website. Andy Waugh has been badgering me about this for aaaaages, and his new site is amazing. I'm jealous. I want one too. So there.

Right, I think that's all for now. See you all on the 2012 side.

Leeds Alt Comics Fair, Thought Bubble and Canny Comic Con

October, November and December were fun months due to each one taking in a comics event and inviting us along for the jaunt.


First up was the 3rd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair, an event that has cemented itself as one of my favourites because it's in a pub. It's also an intimate affair, deftly organised by Hugh 'Shug' Raine and Steve Tillotson. LACF offers a diverse cross section of the UK small press scene, based mainly in the north, but with guests from much further afield too. As a result, there's something for everyone and a chance to speak to all of the exhibitors, something that's just not possible at the bigger events. I was sharing a table with Andy Waugh and we had a lovely time in spite of freakishly high temperatures and sunny conditions keeping punters away from the venue. You can check out Hugh's photos from the event here.

This little Susie made her first appearance at LACF, and proved to be the most popular thing at the table. As I'm sure you'll remember, it was made by my sister from another mister, Scarlet Pyjamas for my birthday way back in May. Someone suggested, in jest or in a stroke of genius perhaps, that she should come free, Beano-style, with a copy of the comic. As only one is in existence, that may be a bit of a bother...


Back in Leeds for Thought Bubble in November, it was the festival's first outing as a two-dayer. I was going for the weekend, sharing with Andy on Saturday and Helen Entwisle on the Sunday. We had a great one, and struck a nice balance between good sales and meeting comics mates new and old. My Sugar Glider co-creator, Daniel Clifford was also at TB, launching his new venture, Art Heroes, which you should check out. Here's a photo of mine and Andy's work entertaining the troops.

The last event of the year was a new one, the Canny Comic Con is the first comics event that has taken place in Newcastle in over fifteen years, it is the only major comics event in the gap between Inverness and Leeds and it was an absolute pleasure to be at Newcastle City Library to sell our wares. There was an electric atmosphere, with a crowd representing a range of ages and backgrounds. For me it's always a pleasure to sell stuff in Newcastle as that's where all or most of my work is set. Newcastle is essential to Sugar Glider, so it makes sense to get into the Toon and talk to its denizens about their superhero. It wasn't intentional, but our latest title, Sugar Glider Stories 2, even has the new City Library on the front cover! If you want to see what it all looked like, head over here. If you want to hear some interviews with exhibitors and guests head over here. Sales on the day were excellent, but more importantly, we got the chance to speak to returning Sugar Glider fans. Thanks for taking the time to stop by guys! Also a massive thank you to Alex and Stace who organised this wondrous day is such an effortless manner. I'll leave you with a photo of me and Andy at our table.

All in all, it was a great run of events to finish up the year. Three very different cons, but all were essential and I left them all with a great buzz for making comics and I'm looking forward to the next event in 2012.


Hopefully see you then.

The 3rd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair

If you're in or around Leeds on Saturday 1st October, get yourself to A Nation of Shopkeepers for some comics, zines, art and craft related fun. I'll be exhibiting alongside my comics comrade, Andrew Waugh (Ooooh! New website!) and on our table you'll have the pleasure of perusing and purchasing all of the Sugar Glider series so far, including Sugar Glider #2, the "Empire Strikes Back of comic books" according to Geek Syndicate. I'll also have a prints from Sugar Glider Stories and SG badges. As ever, there'll be Grainger Street and Nightbus. Andy will have his joyous offerings, Coupledom and Hermit, a modern fable that you really should have by now. We'll also have our illegitimate joint creation, Show & Tell, a flip book with a taster of Waugh and a snifter of Bainbridge.


Also at the fair will be our chums from previous LACFs and some new folks. The Leeds Alt Comics Blog has exhibitor profiles for each of the newbies. I recommend you have a looksee. The full list of exhibitors can be found here.


So if you're around on Saturday, do say hello.

2nd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair Aftermath

@GB_COMICS Well that was mint. #LACF2

I think that sums things up the weekend's events rather succinctly. The Leeds Alternative Comics Fair is fast becoming my favourite comics event for a number of important reasons: the vibe is relaxed, the fellow exhibitors are jolly pleasant people and the punters are good crack too. The event is small and that just adds to the intimate atmosphere.

This was the first comics fair that Andrew Waugh and I have ever attended where there was no stress, panic or heart attacks during setting up. We were kindly offered sharesies with Dr Geoff Banyard of Fetishman comics fame, and we were flanked by printmaker Helen Entwisle on our left. Thanks for the great company guys! It's always a pleasure to see Kristyna Baczynski, Adam Cadwell, Gareth Brookes and organisers Steve Tillotson and Hugh 'Shug' Raine. Lest we forget new chum John Allison and PJCC legend Ben Clark.

Andy had a successful day, selling out of his latest acclaimed title, Hermit and his B-sides and rarities comic, Blether. Our joint effort, Show & Tell also sold well, as did Sugar Glider (only one left of the first printing!) and Sugar Glider Stories, which seems to have gone down equally well with small press and mainstream readers.

Pictures of the event and our remarkably blue table can be seen here.

More Reviews, Fan Art, Exhibition and LACF

Sugar Glider Stories got its first review at Comic Buzz yesterday. It's a glowing review, here's a snippet:

"Strong, driven stories with vivid well drawn characters, there is some real talent working here, and they offer a fresh and exciting contrast to the mainstream."


The whole review can be read here.


Also this week, Comics Bulletin gave the main title, Sugar Glider #1 a rather pleasant review. Which can be read here.

I was rather chuffed with this line:

"Gary Bainbridge provides chunky, expressive linework reminiscent of something from Oni or one of those indie graphic novels about how awfully difficult it is to be middle class and have no real problems in life."


Some valid points are raised, but the overall potential of the character and stories we're telling seems to permeate through. Hurrah! Comics Bulletin also mentions SG's threads: "The costume itself is a strong design, combining a simple and effective black and white scheme with some realistic touches." It's the second time recently that people have complimented the Sugar Glider uniform, which is really encouraging! I'll expect you all in cosplay at the next comics fair.

Speaking of which, the 2nd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair in on this Saturday. Come see me and Andy and buy some comics and have a bit chat!

Also this week, the Paper Jam Comics Collective are officially launching their latest anthology, History ...And That, at Made in Newcastle via the medium of a group exhibition. I have three prints in the show which you can purchase for a mere pittance!


Also, we've been receiving a massive amount of Sugar Glider fan art, it's all online on the Facebook page. Go see! Now do your own, because we'll feature some of the best in Sugar Glider #2!

Sugar Glider Stories

Sugar Glider Stories is now finished and on sale over the Interwebs at my humble Shop, and also at Daniel's shop. For those of you who missed the big reveal, here is the cover that, surprisingly enough, didn't kill me...

The book looks at the lives and events of characters other than Susie, and also sets the scene for further developments in the main title, which you folks will see in Sugar Glider #2, due for release in the Summer. Or thereabouts.


Sugar Glider Stories was edited and written by Daniel and myself, and features art from numerous small press legends, newcomers and passers-by: Martin Eden, Matthew Craig, Graham Pearce & Jim Cameron, Lee Grice, Andrew Waugh, Martin Newman & The Christian, Dan Gilmore, Simon Cavanagh, Kevin 'Gio' Logue, James Cornell and Ian Mayor. You can read interviews and rants with each of the creators at Daniel's new blog. I'll take this opportunity to offer profound thanks to each of the contributors, you've really done something special here, guys! There's also a couple of strips written by me and drawn by Daniel!


For those of you who want a physical copy and a conversation with my good self, you can come to the 2nd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair on Saturday 19th March, at A Nation of Shopkeepers, Leeds and pick up a copy there.

2nd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair

The 2nd Leeds Alternative Comics Fair is just around the corner, so I offered to do a poster as a cheers me dears to Steve and Hugh for putting on the bestest show in the small press comics calendar. The fair takes place in Leeds on Saturday 19th March. See you there!

A few things to mention...

After the First Leeds Alt Comics Fair, naturally enough will follow the Second Leeds Alt Comics Fair. Last September's event was on reflection, my favourite comics event of the year. These things are never down to sales, but this event seemed to balance quality banter and camaraderie with a consistent footfall of punters who were willing to take a gander at our work. The second event will take place on Saturday 19th March, and the Nord-est will be represented by myself and Andy Waugh.

Sugar Glider's debonaire scribe, Daniel Clifford and PJCC member Martin Newman were on the radio last night talking comics with BBC Tees' Bob Fischer. In between the highly pleasant tunes, Daniel and Martin talked anthologies, zombies and touched on the creative impulse behind Sugar Glider. You may listen again for a week after broadcast.


Daniel also has a new website for you to add to your bookmarks and RSS feeds, in which he will be revealing the full list of contributors to Sugar Glider Stories. Each contributor has been interviewed by The Sidekick Cast's host, Gavin Jones.


Oh, and if you're interested, Sugar Glider Stories will be out hopefully in time for Leeds Alternative Comics Fair.

Leeds Alternative Comics Fair Round Up

If you haven't seen the abundance of reports on the Leeds Alt Comics Fair, then this is no different. Except probably not as well written.

I took the train down from the Toon with my esteemed colleague and associate Mr Andrew Waugh, and we met up with the Newcastle Comics scene's benevolent estranged uncle, Ben Clark.

Here's Ben at 12:09, shortly after ordering the first pint of the day. Yeah, that's right, we were selling comics in a bar, and Nation of Shopkeepers was a truly welcoming host, with plenty of space for our wares and fine eats and drinks. I stuck with tea. Earl Grey. Hot.

So good, I was mooved to have an udder.

Our hosts were Hugh 'Shug' Raine and Steve Tillotson, who were kind enough to hand pick the creme de la small press. Andy, Ben and I were proper chuffed to be invited and showered Steve and Hugh with plaudits during the course of the afternoon. Here's Hugh directing punters to his stand.

Our table was next to the highly talented Kristyna Baczynski who makes highly delightful comics, prints, illustratins and ephemera. I also had a chat with Manchester's comics Tsar, Adam Cadwell and the supercool Gareth Van Brookes, who's new comic had everyone in tears. Of joy. Presumably.

This was as perfect a comics fair as there can be, mint hosts, good crack from the punters, pleasant table neighbours, and we actually sold stuff at a small event. If anyone wants to know, the Paper Jam Comics Collective's latest anthology Art... and that was the most popular of our offerings. Thanks for keeping it small press, Leeds! See you at Thought Bubble.

Some bizarre facts about the Interwebs

If you Google Jack Fallows' überawesome comic Gentleman Ghost, (image search, obviously) you get a load of rubbish from DC concerning their copyright infringing character, but you weirdly get a drawing of GG by yours truly. This is quite funny for me, but no doubt crushing for young Fallows.


Bloggers new stats feature tells me I periodically have a rush of viewers to the site, followed by month long periods of nothingness, I get more visitors from the US than UK and my most popular post has nothing to do with my artwork, comics collaborations, appearances, charity work or that statue of me they're erecting in Dubai, but a juvenile post concerning comics characters looking like celebrities.


But most importantly of all, if you want to follow the exploits of me and my esteemed colleague Andrew Waugh at Leeds Alternative Comics Fair tomorrow, you should follow me on that Twitter. @GB_COMICS is what you need to click on.

Leeds Alternative Comics Fair Poster

I did this the other night for the Leeds Alternative Comics Fair

It's the Venus de Milo playing in her super awesome band, you should go see them.

Leeds Alternative Comics Fair

I'll be in Leeds to flog some comics at an event helmed by Steve Tillotson of Banal Pig fame and Hugh 'Shug' Raine, who you may know from Reet! comics. It all looks like rip-roaring fun, all the details are on the posters by Stevo (below), and Shug (further below). If you want details about the exhibitors and further info about the fair, the blog is here and the twitter is @leedsaltcomics.