You’ll have heard that SelfMadeHero are the enormously proud UK publisher of Seconds, the brand new standalone graphic novel from the creator of Scott Pilgrim, Bryan Lee O’Malley. Since its Stateside release a couple of weeks ago, the noise and anticipation has been building amongst UK readers. Well, we can reveal that fans on this side of the Atlantic need wait no longer: WE’RE RELEASING SECONDS THIS WEEK!
Copies of the book, lauded by Guillermo del Toro and Scott McCloud (amongst others), have left the SelfMadeWarehouse and are on their way to the finest book shops across the land. This weekend, you’ll be able to get your hands on this object of beauty:
In mid-August, Bryan Lee O’Malley will embark on a nationwide tour, taking in the British Library, COMICA Comiket, the Edinburgh Book Festival, and loads of amazing comic book shops. Here are the dates for your diary (click on the links for details):
“In Seconds, Bryan Lee O’Malley plays the angst of youth against the fabric of a larger epic. In doing so, he enriches both. A great ride!” Guillermo del Toro
“Bryan Lee O’Malley’s Seconds is adorable, haunting, funny, and beautiful. A perfect recipe for a great graphic novel.” Scott McCloud
“Richly imagined and vibrantly drawn, Seconds is a funny, surprising, and enchanting read.” Publishers Weekly
“Seconds arrives with high expectations, and it meets them all, delivering the style and humour of O’Malley’s past works with greater emphasis on mood, detail, and complex character relationships.” The A.V. Club
Later this month, we’re bringing together some of the finest experts and creators in the business for a Guardian Masterclass in graphic novel creation. This in-depth, full-day seminar will cover everything you need to know about the art of the graphic novel, from developing an idea to pitching to publishers. It’s happening on Sunday 27th July, and tickets are available here.
Graphic novel guru Paul Gravett, co-curator of the British Library’s Comics Unmasked exhibition, kicks the day off with a history of the graphic novel art form, introducing key texts and exploring the possibilities offered by this unique medium. Novelist Toby Litt, writer on the brilliant Vertigo series Dead Boy Detectives, will lead a session on writing for comics. Guardian cartoonist Steven Appleby, who collaborated with Black Francis and Josh Frank on The Good Inn, will demonstrate how to bring a project to life through drawing. And finally, Karrie Fransman, creator of the The House that Groaned and many other fine comics, will discuss ways to find a publisher for your work, and how to pitch. It’ll be a laid-back, engaging affair – and there’ll be plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
The event takes place on Sunday 27th July, 10am-4pm. Venue: The Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Price: £99 (including lunch and refreshments).
For more info and to book tickets, click here. We look forward to seeing you there!
To tie in with its Comics Unmasked exhibition, the British Library is hosting a series of workshops aimed at aspiring comics artists – and SelfMadeHero’s founder and Publisher, Emma Hayley, is lending a hand.
Next Wednesday, 2nd July, Emma will join Ariel Kahn, Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at Roehampton University, in leading a workshop aimed at budding graphic novelists. Here’s the blurb:
“Pushing the Boundaries: From Pitch to Publication”
Whichever genre you choose to work in, discover how to push the limits of form to enhance the impact of your narrative. Learn how to create a professional script, approach publishers and target the right audience.
This is an intermediate to advance workshop aimed at those who already have a portfolio of work or a graphic novel in development. It includes exclusive after-hours entry to the Comics Unmasked exhibition.
The course takes place on Wednesday 2nd July, 18.30-20.30, at the British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB. Price: £40 / £35 concessions.
Antonin Baudry (aka Abel Lanzac), French diplomat and author of the bestselling political comedy Weapons of Mass Diplomacy (with Christophe Blain), will discuss France’s resistance to the Iraq War with the writers Frank Rich and Edmund White on Wednesday July 2nd at McNally Jackson, from 7pm.
This unique event brings together two of America’s finest writers and the author of the most successful European graphic novel of recent years. They come together to discuss the turbulent period during which Baudry worked as an advisor to French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin.
McNally Jackson is located at 52 Prince Street, (between Lafayette & Mulberry), New York City, NY 10012.
This Sunday, 22nd June, we’re venturing south of the river for The Literary Kitchen Festival at the Peckham Pelican, 92 Peckham Road, London, SE15 5PY. This week-long literary extravaganza culminates in a Journal and Imprints Fair on Sunday, 11am-4pm, showcasing some of the country’s finest independent presses, literary journals and creative writing enterprises. SelfMadeHero will be there, alongside And Other Stories, Quick Fictions, Influx Press, and many more.
What’s more, at 5pm, three of the UK’s finest comics artists – Steven Appleby (The Good Inn), ILYA (Room For Love) and Oscar Zarate (The Park) – will take to the stage to discuss graphic novels with Steve Walsh, bookseller at Gosh! Comics and co-presenter of the South London Hardcore podcast. The event also takes place at the Peckham Pelican and entry is completely free. Find out more here.
