Those wonderful folk at The Story Museum (a venue we've previously performed at - see HERE for details) hosted a superb party with more treats than we could possibly consume. Just look at the spread!
I ate least thirty scones with cream and jam. And I'm proud of that.
The next three hours whizzed by as we attempted to chat to James Turner, John Aggs, Patrice Aggs, Jamie Littler, Emma Vieceli, Kate Brown, Andrew Wildman, Dan Hartwell, Woodrow Phoenix, Philip Pullman, Ted Dewan, Warwick Johnson-Cadwell, Sarah McIntyre (whose photos I've pinched!) Gary Northfield, Neill Cameron, Ben Sharpe, Laurence Beck, Matt Baxter, Ross Fraser, David, Tom, Will, Caro and the entire Fickling gang, and all respective partners, co-creators, friends and wunderkinds. Speeches were given (David, Caro and Ben each utilizing fine voice and finer words to great effect), toasts were made, plans were concocted and a new comic for children was ushered into the world with deserved fanfare.
(Why do Emma, Andrew and Mimi look like they're having their picture taken with a cardboard cutout?)
Best of all there were LOADS of children present! I spent as much time chatting to young readers and fans as I did munching cakes (it was a close run thing, then I skipped an eclair). Now, we can wax lyrical about the quality of our comic product all day long but the real test comes when it's thrust into the hands of a critical reader. Thankfully the verdict from all concerned was .... AWESOME!
Oliver, seen above, knew how to play the game. He managed to acquire signatures and sketches from EVERY artist and writer in the room!
After the party had wrapped the grownups (in age if not intelligence) adjourned to a nearby pub and continued making merry till the small hours.
Many thanks to everyone who made Saturday possible, and the many MANY more who have helped launch this bold creative enterprise. Our nation's children need great comics and as the Phoenix takes to sky the future looks that much brighter.
You can pick up a subscription (in four varieties: 5-issue taster, 3-month, 6-month or 1 year bundles) HERE!
- Robin!
