Another full page from Long Gone Don today, you lucky people! Episode 10 arrives this Saturday, only in the Phoenix!
Lorenzo!
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Long Gone Don: From the Slums to the City
Another full page from Long Gone Don today, you lucky people! Episode 10 arrives this Saturday, only in the Phoenix!
Lorenzo!
Monday, 5 March 2012
World Book Week report and bedtime stories with the Etheringtons!
Last week Lorenzo and I toured the South West on a little mini World Book Day/Week tour. Over two and half days we managed to visit three schools and perform 10 shows to over 1100 pupils! Phew!
Coombe Dean School, Lipson Community College and Sir Bernard Lovell School were playing host to the madness and we were treated superbly by all concerned ... especially the students who provided the energy and ideas for some of the most inspirational, amusing workshops we've run.
I mean, come on ... if THAT isn't comedy gold, I don't know what is!
Many, MANY thanks to Sam Davey, Linda Williams, Alison Pope, Caroline Martin and all the staff who made sure the tour ran as smoothly as melted chocolate poured on a stack of warm pancakes.
- Robin
Coombe Dean School, Lipson Community College and Sir Bernard Lovell School were playing host to the madness and we were treated superbly by all concerned ... especially the students who provided the energy and ideas for some of the most inspirational, amusing workshops we've run.
But the highlight of the tour was without doubt the moment Lorenzo and I (upon request) jumped into a bed that had been assembled INSIDE the Coombe Dean School library and proceeded to read the first three chapters from Monkey Nuts to a surprisingly enthusiastic Year 7 group. Dividing the voices between us, Lorenzo tackled the Caption Boxes, Chief Tuft and Rivet, while I plumped for Sid, Goober, Burple and The Amazing Amazing. Hilarity ensued...
I mean, come on ... if THAT isn't comedy gold, I don't know what is!
Many, MANY thanks to Sam Davey, Linda Williams, Alison Pope, Caroline Martin and all the staff who made sure the tour ran as smoothly as melted chocolate poured on a stack of warm pancakes.
- Robin
Friday, 2 March 2012
Regina Magenta from Long Gone Don costume for World Book Day!
This is the absolute definition of cool: From the Twittersphere we were sent a pic of one of our young fans dressed as Regina Magenta (from Long Gone Don) for World Book Day!
Truly, truly AWESOME!
Lorenzo!
It's the attention to detail that makes this so completely and utterly brilliant - just compare the hairstyle and ribbon to the panel below. Amazing work - well done!!! The next challenge is to see if anyone can make their own Count Valush costume (pictured on the right).
Truly, truly AWESOME!
Lorenzo!
It's the attention to detail that makes this so completely and utterly brilliant - just compare the hairstyle and ribbon to the panel below. Amazing work - well done!!! The next challenge is to see if anyone can make their own Count Valush costume (pictured on the right).
World Book Day Tour and the arrival of Summer!
Yesterday was amazing for three separate reasons.
Firstly we completed our South West World Book Day tour in epic fashion - 10 shows performed to over 1100 children in two and a half days!!! We'll be posting a full report next week with some truly amazing pictures from the schools.
Secondly, it was - obviously -World Book Day. This is the greatest day for young readers around the country as EVERY SINGLE child up to the age of 18 can get their hands on a free book token which can be exchanged for one of eight different titles, including Skullduggery Pleasant, Where's Wally, How to Train Your Dragon and many more. To find out how to get your hands on the good stuff, either talk to your teachers at school, or visit the website HERE.
But the third reason why yesterday was particularly amazing ... and this is the BIG one ... is that March 1st marked the launch of my incredibly talented wife's debut novel, The Book of Summers!!
Mimi (writing under the name Emylia Hall) has created a breathtakingly beautiful story that is guaranteed to win adult fans all over the world. Readers in the UK, Australia and New Zealand can get their hands on a copy now (available in all good bookshops or online HERE), with the American and Canadian versions launching in June; Italian, Spanish and Portuguese later in the summer; and German, Dutch and Swedish copies next year ... which is basically awesome.
I think we all owe Mimi a big thank you for starting the summer early.
- Robin
Firstly we completed our South West World Book Day tour in epic fashion - 10 shows performed to over 1100 children in two and a half days!!! We'll be posting a full report next week with some truly amazing pictures from the schools.
Secondly, it was - obviously -World Book Day. This is the greatest day for young readers around the country as EVERY SINGLE child up to the age of 18 can get their hands on a free book token which can be exchanged for one of eight different titles, including Skullduggery Pleasant, Where's Wally, How to Train Your Dragon and many more. To find out how to get your hands on the good stuff, either talk to your teachers at school, or visit the website HERE.
But the third reason why yesterday was particularly amazing ... and this is the BIG one ... is that March 1st marked the launch of my incredibly talented wife's debut novel, The Book of Summers!!
Mimi (writing under the name Emylia Hall) has created a breathtakingly beautiful story that is guaranteed to win adult fans all over the world. Readers in the UK, Australia and New Zealand can get their hands on a copy now (available in all good bookshops or online HERE), with the American and Canadian versions launching in June; Italian, Spanish and Portuguese later in the summer; and German, Dutch and Swedish copies next year ... which is basically awesome.
I think we all owe Mimi a big thank you for starting the summer early.
- Robin
Four new members of Von Doogan's Secret Army!
Episode Five: ‘The The Telltale Cell’
- solved by EMILY & KYLE BEEDEN
Episode Six: ‘The Big Poker Face’
- solved by ELLA EASTON
Episode Seven: 'The Knotty Problem’
- solved by OSCAR STRONG
Awesome work guys, and remember, YOU have a chance to help Doogan and become an honorary member of his puzzle cracking army each week only in The Phoenix!
Lorenzo!
Monday, 27 February 2012
Cardiff Comic Caper!
On Saturday Lorenzo and I visited the capital of Wales for the Cardiff International Comic Expo. Like Alice in Wonderland, I made the mistake of consuming the contents of a bottle marked 'Drink Me' before I was snapped in the following pic, and I continued to shrink all day. Compare me to Lorenzo below, who had gobbled a whole plate of those quick grow 'EAT ME' cakes.
There are many reasons to pop along to a comic show and meet us Etheringtons but high on that list is the chance to get one of our books daubed with a Lorenzo original sketch. He does NOT believe in scrimping on the details...
We always see a lot of familiar faces at these shows but there's a special joy to be had from meeting new creators just joining the party. One of those who particularly impressed us was Rianne Rowlands. Her artwork was superb, a punchy killer combo of great design and superb colouring, but her passion for illustration didn't stop there ... just check out THIS tattoo. Amazing work by tattoo master Jesse Smith ... it took 12 hours to complete - ouch!
But no sooner had the show come to an end than the next appeared on the horizon!
The Bristol International Comic Expo, on May 16th-17th, will be our 25th UK Comic Convention - and if that isn't worth celebrating then what is? To mark this momentous occasion we'll be launching a brand new ultra limited edition sketchbook - ONLY 25 COPIES (did you see what we did there?).
Now, anyone who's had the opportunity to dip into Lorenzo's giant 2005-2010 Deluxe edition will know the quality of the work held within those pages, so trust us when we say these babies are going to disappear fast. In the spirit of fair play it'll be first come to Bristol, first served - so grab a ticket and get there early.
See you in May comic fans!
- Robin
There are many reasons to pop along to a comic show and meet us Etheringtons but high on that list is the chance to get one of our books daubed with a Lorenzo original sketch. He does NOT believe in scrimping on the details...
We always see a lot of familiar faces at these shows but there's a special joy to be had from meeting new creators just joining the party. One of those who particularly impressed us was Rianne Rowlands. Her artwork was superb, a punchy killer combo of great design and superb colouring, but her passion for illustration didn't stop there ... just check out THIS tattoo. Amazing work by tattoo master Jesse Smith ... it took 12 hours to complete - ouch!
But no sooner had the show come to an end than the next appeared on the horizon!
The Bristol International Comic Expo, on May 16th-17th, will be our 25th UK Comic Convention - and if that isn't worth celebrating then what is? To mark this momentous occasion we'll be launching a brand new ultra limited edition sketchbook - ONLY 25 COPIES (did you see what we did there?).
Now, anyone who's had the opportunity to dip into Lorenzo's giant 2005-2010 Deluxe edition will know the quality of the work held within those pages, so trust us when we say these babies are going to disappear fast. In the spirit of fair play it'll be first come to Bristol, first served - so grab a ticket and get there early.
See you in May comic fans!
- Robin
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Monday, 20 February 2012
Cardiff Comic and Animation this weekend!
We'll be there with copies of Baggage, Monkey Nuts, El Sketchbook Lorenzo Deluxe Collection and Malcolm Magic! See you there!
Lorenzo!
Thursday, 16 February 2012
Photographed! The rarest Doogan treasure of all!
Lorenzo!
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Welcome to BroilerDOOM!!
Another little peek into the world of our epic adventure in comic book form, Long Gone Don. Here Don experiences an uncharacteristically friendly reception from local Broilerdoomians. Don continues his adventure in episode 7 of The Phoenix this Saturday!
Lorenzo!
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
300 young minds + two young-at-heart Etheringtons = FUN!
As you are probably now aware Lorenzo and I spend a lot of time on the road visiting festivals, book shops, libraries and schools all over the country. It is wonderful to be invited to speak to children of all ages, and share some of our tips and tricks while enthusing about the pleasure to be found in writing, drawing and reading.
Last week we journeyed south west to the world famous town of Glastonbury to spend a day with the pupils of Millfield Preparatory School. And when I say 'the pupils' I mean year 3,4,5,6,7 and 8!!! Wow!
We made excellent use of the largest projection screen I've ever seen and we had an absolute ball. Nice of them to provide me with a drum kit as well...
Thanks to Vicky Hayes for organising the day and all the staff for making us feel so welcome (the coffee and the lunch were exceptionally good!). Special thanks, as ever, go to the students who contributed to some truly hilarious workshops.
We look forward to returning in the future!
- Robin
Last week we journeyed south west to the world famous town of Glastonbury to spend a day with the pupils of Millfield Preparatory School. And when I say 'the pupils' I mean year 3,4,5,6,7 and 8!!! Wow!
We made excellent use of the largest projection screen I've ever seen and we had an absolute ball. Nice of them to provide me with a drum kit as well...
Thanks to Vicky Hayes for organising the day and all the staff for making us feel so welcome (the coffee and the lunch were exceptionally good!). Special thanks, as ever, go to the students who contributed to some truly hilarious workshops.
We look forward to returning in the future!
- Robin
Monday, 13 February 2012
Von Doogan salutes - Jack Holt!
Perhaps you'll be next! The Dangerous Adventures of Von Doogan continues HERE! You have a chance to win each and every week! Why not check out the awesome issue 6 preview HERE!
Lorenzo!
Friday, 10 February 2012
Influencing Apes! Rwanda Revealed part 2
Rwanda is a lush country. The sun beats all year round but the rains arrive with regularity allowing the thousand hills of this remarkable nation to bloom and flourish. Tea, coffee, corn, maize and innumerable fruit and vegetable crops spring from the fertile soil in all directions and barely an inch of the earth is left untilled.
Higher up, in the heart of the Virunga mountains - a chain of volcanoes stretching along the border between Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo - the environment takes on a denser rain forest quality, as giant bamboo, hagenia trees, shrubs of all varieties mosses and lichen all battle for dominance. And it's through this foliage that we trekked, ably assisted by our fantastic local Rangers.
Our mission? To spend an hour with Rwanda's famous Gorillas - this was something I had been dreaming about for months...
His name is Bwenge, which means "Intelligence" and watching this regal statesman of the forest go about his business, it is not difficult to understand why. You only have to look into a Silverback's eyes (something I was instructed NOT to do but simply couldn't stop myself!) to see the mind at work.
Then, suddenly I found myself shuffled to the front of the group, within a mere three metres of this living wonder. My delight should be evident to all!
A second after the photo above was taken Bwenge decided that he had had quite enough of my googly eyes and knuckled towards me. In the most uncool fashion imaginable I attempted to run to safety only to lose my footing and stumble into the bracken. Scrambling clear I felt both foolish and exhilarated for the Silverback had only been moving to a new eating spot, clearly favouring the greenery I'd been hiding in. He wasn't in the least threatened by my presence: in his eyes I was less bothersome than a mosquito!
Our hour of privilege finally came to an end and we all trekked down the mountain, grinning like idiots. There are only 13 gorilla groups living in the Virungas and only one visit to each family is allowed per day which makes this experience all the more special and one I heartily recommend, should you ever visit this remarkable country. Even better, team the visit with a trip to the Nyungwe Forest and the breathtaking canopy walk.
Now, I had always wanted to tell a story about a primate, and that dream was realised with Sid's adventures in Monkey Nuts Book 1 ... but this AMAZING experience has refueled my desire to generate another tale of ape-based action so watch this space for more news, friends!
- Robin
Higher up, in the heart of the Virunga mountains - a chain of volcanoes stretching along the border between Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo - the environment takes on a denser rain forest quality, as giant bamboo, hagenia trees, shrubs of all varieties mosses and lichen all battle for dominance. And it's through this foliage that we trekked, ably assisted by our fantastic local Rangers.
Our mission? To spend an hour with Rwanda's famous Gorillas - this was something I had been dreaming about for months...
After two hours of pretty sweaty hiking - during which an advance tracking team constantly relayed the position of our target family group back to our rangers - I suddenly saw a dark shape in the distance, moving peacefully through the green. We had arrived and our minds were blown.
The infants and females were stunning. Playful, elegant and utterly oblivious to our presence. I was so busy snapping away that I initially failed to notice when the leader of the pack arrived.
Let me say this in all honesty. Nothing can quite prepare you for coming face to face with a Silverback...
His name is Bwenge, which means "Intelligence" and watching this regal statesman of the forest go about his business, it is not difficult to understand why. You only have to look into a Silverback's eyes (something I was instructed NOT to do but simply couldn't stop myself!) to see the mind at work.
Then, suddenly I found myself shuffled to the front of the group, within a mere three metres of this living wonder. My delight should be evident to all!
A second after the photo above was taken Bwenge decided that he had had quite enough of my googly eyes and knuckled towards me. In the most uncool fashion imaginable I attempted to run to safety only to lose my footing and stumble into the bracken. Scrambling clear I felt both foolish and exhilarated for the Silverback had only been moving to a new eating spot, clearly favouring the greenery I'd been hiding in. He wasn't in the least threatened by my presence: in his eyes I was less bothersome than a mosquito!
Our hour of privilege finally came to an end and we all trekked down the mountain, grinning like idiots. There are only 13 gorilla groups living in the Virungas and only one visit to each family is allowed per day which makes this experience all the more special and one I heartily recommend, should you ever visit this remarkable country. Even better, team the visit with a trip to the Nyungwe Forest and the breathtaking canopy walk.
Now, I had always wanted to tell a story about a primate, and that dream was realised with Sid's adventures in Monkey Nuts Book 1 ... but this AMAZING experience has refueled my desire to generate another tale of ape-based action so watch this space for more news, friends!
- Robin
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
Don on the run
Read Long Gone Don every week, HERE!
Lorenzo!
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Book Brunch serves up a side helping of Etherington!
Okay, this one's a little belated, but dropping it ahead of my NEXT post-haste post-Rwanda post (trying saying that ten times fast!) seems rather apt.
Last Thursday, Book Brunch - that online bubbling cauldron of tasty publishing titbits - got wind of my tiny African escapade and decided to spread the good word even FURTHER.
Which is basically awesome.
In case you're struggling to read the TINY text on this screengrab, my comments read something like this:
"When I was first approached with the opportunity to visit Rwanda my mind turned instantly to the unforgettable events of 1994. I had no distinct concept of the country or its people outside the remit of that unforgettable tragedy. But there is nothing greater in life than witnessing first hand the strength of human nature and so, thanks to a good friend working with Paul Kagame's government, I found myself transported to the 'Land of a thousand Hills' - a verdant, vibrant country more captivating than I could ever have imagined.
Last Thursday, Book Brunch - that online bubbling cauldron of tasty publishing titbits - got wind of my tiny African escapade and decided to spread the good word even FURTHER.
Which is basically awesome.
In case you're struggling to read the TINY text on this screengrab, my comments read something like this:
"When I was first approached with the opportunity to visit Rwanda my mind turned instantly to the unforgettable events of 1994. I had no distinct concept of the country or its people outside the remit of that unforgettable tragedy. But there is nothing greater in life than witnessing first hand the strength of human nature and so, thanks to a good friend working with Paul Kagame's government, I found myself transported to the 'Land of a thousand Hills' - a verdant, vibrant country more captivating than I could ever have imagined.
"But I wasn't simply here to enjoy the sites, I had a mission: to bring comic books to a nation that had never seen one before, and to try and teach the basics of comic storytelling to as many children as possible."
Erm. Actually, that's exactly what it says!
MANY thanks to Book Brunch for making this visit a newsworthy piece.
- Robin
Monday, 6 February 2012
Come see us at the Cardiff Comics Expo!
Lorenzo!
Thursday, 2 February 2012
School is OUT!
"Pinch, punch, YESTERDAY was first of the month" ... which means a new slice of Etherington-inspired Prime action for your eyes!
In "School is Out!" things get a little toasty for Jack and the Autobots after a series of bizarre gas explosions destroy four neighbourhood schools. Fearing Decepticon involvement, the team splits up to monitor the remaining buildings but all is not as it appears ... and the results are explosive!
Horacio Domingues rejoins me on art duties with some fantastic pages.
And remember, if you can't find a copy at your nearest newsagent then simply order a subscription HERE!
- Robin!
- Robin!
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Von Doogan's Army!
Episode Zero: ‘The Chattering Totem of Tukaluk’
- solved by AMY PERKINS
Episode One: ‘The Nine Locks’
- solved by WILLIAM MACKIE
Episode Two: 'The Big Mysterious Package of Mysteries’
- solved by JAMIE TODD
Episode Three : 'The Big Engine Trouble Puzzle'
- solved by SOPHIE KING
HUGE congratulations to all those who sent their solutions in, and if you didn't win, have HEART! There's another opportunity to become an honorary Dooganeer each and every week, only in The Phoenix!
Want more Doogan? You can get clues to each puzzle, watch the Doogan trailer and keep up to date with the puzzle master himself on his very own web page HERE!
Lorenzo!
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Making friends and comics ... Rwanda Revealed part 1
Last Friday I arrived home to England but, due to a monumental 22 HOUR door-to-door return trip, I proceeded to spend most of the weekend - and yesterday - sleeping! With my batteries now fully charged I feel ready to reveal the magic of Rwanda and its people.
But there is SO much to share! Where do I begin? Strangely enough (and anyone who's read the opening chapter of Long Gone Don will appreciate the symmetry here) I want to start at the end.
On our last full day in Kigali - the capital city of 'The Land of a Thousand Hills' (more on that later) - I visited Remera Catholique 2, a large primary school in the Remera district. The trip had been organised by my good friend Kate Haines and Stephen Mugisha, the founder and president of the Rwanda Book Development Initiative. One of the brilliant aims of RWABODI is to 'develop a culture of reading', and that is where I come in ... for Rwanda is a country that had NEVER read a comic book!!!
The reaction from the children was ... erm ... quite frankly amazing.
As if the lack of comics wasn't enough of a brain melt, you need to understand that Rwanda only switched from French to English as one of its official languages (the other being Kinyarwanda) TWO YEARS AGO!
So as I stepped into the classroom, armed only with a huge pile of Monkey Nuts/Baggage and a special version of our GO NUTS activity sheets, I was ready for a challenge.
The children however were more than ready to listen, to learn, to laugh a LOT (see if you can spot my drawing of Sid, or some questionable stick men!) and to get involved.
Lorenzo and I have visited a lot of schools in the UK where books are increasingly scarce but still available. That is not the case in Rwanda. Most of the books in the school library are curriculum based, or factual and there simply aren't any books for the children to read for FUN! Leaving Remera Catholique 2 with the knowledge that the adventures of Sid and Rivet and Randall will soon be worming their way through the hands of hundreds and hundreds and HUNDREDS of kids was a fantastic feeling. They might not understand every word on the page but I know for a fact they're going to have a blast looking at the pictures!
And the good news continues as Aaron, the teacher whose class I met, was keen to keep the comic spirit alive with further lessons in storytelling.
HUGE thanks to Kate and Stephen for giving me this incredible opportunity; to Lauren Bennett and the kind folks at Random House for providing the books; and to all the children and staff at Remera Catholique 2 for being ... well, for being basically awesome.
Rwanda ROCKS! More soon when I'll be revealing how I influenced an ape...
- Robin!
But there is SO much to share! Where do I begin? Strangely enough (and anyone who's read the opening chapter of Long Gone Don will appreciate the symmetry here) I want to start at the end.
On our last full day in Kigali - the capital city of 'The Land of a Thousand Hills' (more on that later) - I visited Remera Catholique 2, a large primary school in the Remera district. The trip had been organised by my good friend Kate Haines and Stephen Mugisha, the founder and president of the Rwanda Book Development Initiative. One of the brilliant aims of RWABODI is to 'develop a culture of reading', and that is where I come in ... for Rwanda is a country that had NEVER read a comic book!!!
The reaction from the children was ... erm ... quite frankly amazing.
As if the lack of comics wasn't enough of a brain melt, you need to understand that Rwanda only switched from French to English as one of its official languages (the other being Kinyarwanda) TWO YEARS AGO!
So as I stepped into the classroom, armed only with a huge pile of Monkey Nuts/Baggage and a special version of our GO NUTS activity sheets, I was ready for a challenge.
The children however were more than ready to listen, to learn, to laugh a LOT (see if you can spot my drawing of Sid, or some questionable stick men!) and to get involved.
Lorenzo and I have visited a lot of schools in the UK where books are increasingly scarce but still available. That is not the case in Rwanda. Most of the books in the school library are curriculum based, or factual and there simply aren't any books for the children to read for FUN! Leaving Remera Catholique 2 with the knowledge that the adventures of Sid and Rivet and Randall will soon be worming their way through the hands of hundreds and hundreds and HUNDREDS of kids was a fantastic feeling. They might not understand every word on the page but I know for a fact they're going to have a blast looking at the pictures!
And the good news continues as Aaron, the teacher whose class I met, was keen to keep the comic spirit alive with further lessons in storytelling.
HUGE thanks to Kate and Stephen for giving me this incredible opportunity; to Lauren Bennett and the kind folks at Random House for providing the books; and to all the children and staff at Remera Catholique 2 for being ... well, for being basically awesome.
Rwanda ROCKS! More soon when I'll be revealing how I influenced an ape...
- Robin!
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