Forbidden Planet International finds us funny...

All-ages sequential tales, principally aimed at the younger reader, do not often make headlines in the world of comics.  They tend to be ignored in favour of whatever superhero fare is currently doing the rounds.  Which is why the support of Forbidden Planet International has always been such a joy.  They were the first to champion the DFC comic and now they are at the forefront of supporters who sing praise for The Phoenix.

On Saturday they posted the third in a series of special Phoenix 'Weekenders', a collection of their favourite highlights from the latest issue, and guess what?  Long Gone Don made the cut!...

... literally, as this excerpt featuring Castanet's dangerous brother, Juju, clearly demonstrates)...

Nothing like some comedy action to start the week, eh?

The Phoenix is available to purchase by subscription from the website HERE, or from lots of amazing bookshops, a map and list of which can be found HERE!

World Book Day Action

Yesterday marked the 16th World Book Day, that special day when children from over 100 countries celebrate the magic and fun of storytelling.  The central aim of the event is to encourage young readers to explore the many pleasures to be found from reading.  This is a value we Etheringtons hold dear, and try to promote whenever we host a show, so we were delighted to be invited to the Brunel Academy in our home town of Bristol to perform two special World Book Day workshops for their Year 7 and 8 students.

The staff had created some wonderful promotional materials for the day.  This is what I call a collage.

These shows are actually pretty hectic, as we tend to bounce around on stage for hours, and between workshops Lorenzo and I always try to relax.  Fans of my brother's artwork will be interested to know that it's during these quiet interludes that he conjures some of his best sketches.  Here's one of my favourite sneaky shots of him in action.

And so, after a great day of sharing our hints, tips and secrets with over 400 students you'd think we'd be spent, right?  Well, as it turns out I still had enough juice in the tank to indulge a new hobby.  Have I missed my calling as a ballerina?...

Maybe not.  Boy, that bar felt high ... and I probably should have limbered up first...

Many thanks to Sarah Middleton and all the staff and students of Brunel Academy for making us feel so welcome on World Book Day.

RHSCE and Komixx Entertainment option Monkey Nuts Animation!

Today we are delighted to announce that the animation rights for our debut graphic novel series, MONKEY NUTS, have been optioned - and by the same partnership that recently picked up Jamie Smart's Fish Head Steve!  Woo Hoos all round!

Here's the full press release for your delectation.

Random House Children's Screen Entertainment (‘RHCSE’), a full-service UK production house created by Random House Children’s Publishers UK (‘RHCP’) and Komixx Entertainment (‘Komixx’), has optioned the Monkey Nuts comic series by celebrated authors, The Etherington Brothers.

Monkey Nuts is a vibrantly illustrated, slapstick action comedy series set on the Isla de Monstera, home of the world's only tap-dancing, banana-loving, rust-fighting, coconut-talking, crime-busting organisation, and the latest project from RHCSE based on the David Fickling Comic (DFC) library, an imprint of Random House.

Andrew Cole-Bulgin, Partner and Head of Film & TV, RHCSE comments: “Monkey Nuts, is a fantastically fun-filled property with richly detailed characters that will directly appeal to boys 8-12 years of age. It’s a wonderful series and the action-packed comedy storylines will doubtless sweep children along with each adventure.”

Robin Etherington, series author, comments: “We created Monkey Nuts for boys who were not only looking for engaging stories but, more importantly, wanted their reading experience to be both funny and fun. There has always been a significant gap in the kid’s market for humour, and the same dearth of great comedy exists in the world of cartoons. We’re therefore delighted to have the opportunity to widen the Monkey Nuts brand with RHCSE and Komixx. The team at Komixx share our passion and commitment both to the quality and vision for the series. And most importantly, they want the end product to be FUN.”

Philippa Dickinson, Managing Director, RHCB comments: “As with many books from the DFC Library, Monkey Nuts is perfect for children due to the hilarious plots and appealing, slapstick characters. The Etherington Brothers have always produced imaginative storylines and stunning, complex illustrations, and Monkey Nuts is no exception.” 

There you have it, folks - a rather fun day to be in the comics biz.  We'll bring you more information as and when it breaks.

It' a BOY! Announcing the arrival of Edward Doogan Etherington!

It is my absolute joy to let you all know that on Thursday 28th of February my incredible wife, Esther, gave birth to our son, Edward Doogan Etheringon. I thought about trying to draw something to celebrate this indescribable day, but I'll never have the skills to capture the true enormity of the emotions Esty and I are filled with. Plus, I'd much rather be cuddling and playing with my wonderful son than drawing pictures of him. To my Esty I can never truly say thank you enough for the bravery it took to bring our little pal into this world, and I know that with you holding one of his hands, and me holding the other, he will be wrapped in love each and every day of his life.

I leave you with a few images by the talented Pacal Campion, who knows a bit about how all this stuff feels...

I love you, Eddie!

Lorenzo!x

Win this super-rare Von Doogan Souvenir Poster!

That's right, chums! We're currently half way through The Great Air Race adventure with Von Doogan in The Phoenix, which means you don't have many chances left to win one of these exclusive giant posters! To be in with a chance of snagging one, see the latest copy of the world's best weekly comic! Each week's Doogan winner ALSO receives a very special certificate of Airborne Awesomeness, but I can't show you that, because it's Top Secret!

Click the pic to go LARGE!

Lorenzo!

Imagine Children's Festival Report!

Yesterday I traveled to London to host the closing show for the Imagine Children's Festival, at the Southbank Centre.  As with all new children's festivals I had no idea what to expect, but the good people behind Imagine had claimed that they would be allowing children to take over the Southbank Centre ... and they did not disappoint!  As I reached the venue I was delighted to discover that every window, pillar, table and wall in the building was emblazoned with colourful characters like these two friends below...

I headed for the Clore Ballroom, the giant performance space that would be home to my comic antics.  Streams of lights were hung from the ceiling giving the room a festive feel. And there were lots and lots and LOTS of children.

But before I took to the stage, the place completely emptied.  My slot was preceded by a brilliant Pantone pen sponsored colouring event that the kids ripped into with wild enthusiasm.  All the paper and pens and general excitable mess had to be cleared away, which meant that I suddenly found myself staring out into an empty foyer with only five minutes to go.  It's hard enough performing without the assistance of my brilliant brother, but doing it to an empty room would have been a low point.

I was, however, worrying unnecessarily.  Summoned by the compere the crowd appeared ... and then appeared ... and then kept on APPEARING!

There were children of all ages present, from four to fourteen, and they truly helped make this a very special event.  I even experienced my first stage invasion - just look at this little fellow go!

After holding the giggling loon upside down on stage, I managed to locate his parents (that trick always works) and the show charged onwards.  Afterwards, every child was given copies of the Etherington Brothers' free comic workbook AND a free copy of the Phoenix Comic.

Then I headed to the Foyles stand for a book signing, which brings me nicely to the very best bit of performing live - meeting the next generation of creators.

The remarkably talented boy below is Lewis - a huge comic fan (Phoenix, Beano, Dandy and more) and a superb artist and writer.  He had brought with him a HUGE pile of his own comics (he's written over a hundred issues!) just for me to look at ... and I was simply blown away by the boy's talent.

His characters, colour work, invention and understanding of how a good comic strip WORKS, left me speechless.  Only thirteen years old and he's already a pro.

Phoenix fans should keep a look out for Lewis and his wonderful work, as he'll be popping up on Twitter, the blog and possibly even in the comic soon.  This one's a real talent to watch out for.

Many thanks to Tom and all at the Phoenix for bringing our comic fun to London and for all the folks at the Imagine Festival for allowing me to prance around the stage like an idiot.  I had a great time and we look forward to returning next year.

The DFC Paperback Library is COMING!

We've some VERY exciting news to share today.  August the 1st is set to be a HUGE comic day, as it will see the release of not one, not two, not three, not four, not five ... but SIX comic adventures in pocket-money-priced paperback form!  WOO HOO!

Random House and David Fickling Books are breathing new life into the amazing DFC Library Collection by launching the first wave of paperback tales from some of the biggest names in children's comics and books.  What a line up it is...

Monkey Nuts Book 1, Good Dog Bad Dog, Mo-bot High, Super Animal Adventure Squad, Vern and Lettuce, and - collected for the first time EVER - Jamie Smart's incredibly funny Fish Head Steve!!!

At £6.99 a pop these books are sure to make friends wherever they land. Pre-orders are now available from Amazon HERE!

We'll be talking more about where to find these books later in the year (when we'll be confirming launch action and festival dates) but now's the time to start spreading the good word.  If this collection does well then there'll hopefully be a second series.  And that might include Baggage ... and some all new Monkey Nuts action!

But first things first, go out and tell the world - the all-ages comic explosion is coming.  Children deserve great stories, parents need help tracking them down, and book sellers need to know that they're stocking the good stuff ... so let's make sure they ALL know about this brilliant collection.

The Etherington Brothers @ The Imagine Children's Festival

If you planning to be in London this weekend, and you fancy a giggle, why not treat yourself and head for the Southbank Centre, where I will be attempting to represent BOTH brothers in a special live show at the Royal Festival Hall!  Whoop!

I'll be appearing as part of the Imagine Children's Festival, a week long explosion of events for young readers and creators and lovers of books, art, dance and acting.

The action comes to an end on Sunday 24th, and as part of the closing festivities I will be taking to the stage to bring the world of storytelling and drawing to life with the help of lots and lots of giggles.  Best of all, it's FREE!!!!  Every child/parent in attendance will get a bonus FREE (I do like that word) copy of our comic-making workbook. How's that for a special offer?

So, if you're in the mood to peek inside the creative mind of an Etherington to find out where all our ideas come from, just head to the Southbank Centre. I'll be onstage at 3pm in the Royal Festival Hall.

Be sure to stop by and say hello!

- Robin

Most awesome Valentines Day animation everrrr!

Awesome animation by David Besnier. Click the image (opens in new window), watch, then forward to the one you love!

Lorenzo!

Long Gone Don Environments...

A few Vistas from the most recent episodes of Long Gone Don from the Phoenix!

Enjoy!

Lorenzo!

Sneak Peek at this week's DON!

Broilerdoom is slowly going insane...!

Lorenzo!

 

Taking Liberties

Happy Tuesday to you all!

Today it's time for a regular dose of Cybertronian celebrations, as we usher in a new issue of Titan's Transformers Prime comic.  This title had only just hit the newsstands and it's a corker ... and yes, it features a new Etherington adventure! Whoop!

In Protecting The Lady, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee are tasked with ... well ... protecting the lady!  The lady in question is the Statue of Liberty - that mighty symbol of independence.  It seems that cheeky scamp, Megatron, is keen to deal a body blow to the very spirit of humanity by destroying the statue live on air!  Can the Autobots foil his scheme?  I sure hope so!

You can pick up a copy of the comic pretty much anywhere, and you can order it online HERE!