Spazzmoid webcomic drops!

Since wrapping up The Shiznit, Bob Byrne has been promising to bring his acidic stylings to 'The Internet'. Behold Spazzmoid! As Bob might say 'April Fools Day mother-figgedy-fuckers!'

Mindpuss launch party

Ronan Kennedy's Mindpuss #1 launches next Thursday (2 April), at Toners pub on Baggot St, Dublin.

The launch kicks off at 8 and it should be a good opportunity to meet some Irish comics creators.

Brian Cowen Caricature

Brian Cowen, Taoiseach of Ireland - sort of like our village head man - does not require a great deal of caricaturing. He is the very embodiment of our grotesque culture, a man who's chief claim to fame is a vulgar nickname.

When an artist snuck a nude portrait of Cowen into the Royal Hibernian Academy - a la Banksy and lots of other artists - RTE, the national broadcaster, reported it on the main evening news. The Taoiseach made his displeasure known, causing RTE news and its Director General to issue grovelling apologies to Cowen the following evening and withdraw any instances of the image.

'The powers that be' naturally sent the police to intimidate radio talk show host, Ray Darcy, and threatened prosecution against the artist, Conor Caspy, for criminal damages of the Royal Hibernian Academy.




The fact that our national broadcaster cravenly apologised for offending Cowen's sensibilities is of near insignificance compared to the institutional corruption that exists in Irish political and economic life. Pathetic.

(via Damien Mulley and Irish Election)

Brendan and the Secret of Kells

Congratulations to Tomm Moore, Cliodhna Lyons and all at Cartoon Saloon for bringing The Secret of Kells to our cinema screens! It's getting great press and as you can see from the trailer, the artwork is fantastic.

It's out this week. The Comic Cast recently interviewed Tomm Moore. Also check out the beautifully illustrated storybook - a nice helping of Irish graphic history - published by O'Brien, to tie-in with the movie.

(via Forbidden Planet)

Free Comic Day/24 Hour Comic Day

Tomorrow (Saturday, 18 October) is Free Comic Day/24 Comic Day.

Free Comic Day/24 Hour Comic Day

Next Saturday (18 October) is Free Comic Day/24 Hour Comic Day.

The Irish Comics Wiki moves

The Irish Comics Wiki has moved; chief editor, Patrick Brown, has moved it to the wikia platform, which will be familiar to readers of wikipedia. This is a great project, which has been really embraced by Irish comics creators. Do check it out, if you're at all interested in Irish comics.

Irish Comic Challenge 12

Round 12 of the Irish Comic Challenge is now open.

Described as an open mic night for comic artists, comic creators are challenged to produce a one-page strip on a pre-decided topic or theme.

It's a bit of fun for the contributors, tests their skills (presumably) - a bit like 24 hour comics - and seems to provoke some interesting creative responses.

The last round was themed on 'The End of the World,' so this round's theme (stories from school days) is decidedly lighter.

Contributors are invited to take inspiration from the wonderful Playground Law, but I hope the creators draw on their personal experiences of excruciating shame and embarrassment.

Incidentally, Playground Law also provides a handy questionnaire to help you choose a career. It seems I am best suited to become one of the following:

1. Webmaster
2. Urban Plumber
3. Grotesque Hermit

Vote Bob!

Congratulations to Bob Byrne, talented illustrator and comix writer/artist, who has been nominated for two Eagle Awards, one of the top awards that recognise comic artists!

Good news for Bob, who has been plugging away diligently (if scatologically!) for many years, and is one of very few world class comics artists in Ireland. Hopefully this provides some inspiration for wannabe comics writers/artists out there. Oh, and if you like his work and care for comics, please vote for Bob.

While voting for Bob on the Eagle website, I also discovered a couple of great online comics.

Although I've always thought the prospect of online comics was interesting (since I read Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics), I've found that quality of artwork is an entry barrier. Being hot for good illustration, I am delighted to endorse Dr. McNinja and particularly Girl Genius.