Lost NZ Comics: Martin Emond's 657

Above: The cover of 657 by Martin Emond. Copyright the Martin Emond Estate 2015.

While researching my book From Earth's End in 2012, I interviewed several friends and colleagues of the late great Martin F Emond (1969-2004), to help build a picture of his life and work for a spotlight chapter in my book. Emond was one of the few local cartoonists to successfully find comics work internationally in the 90's, first in the UK at publications like 2000AD and Toxic, and later in the US - working for DC Comics and a variety of others. I've written about his life and career in a previous retrospective blog, that you can read HERE.

One of the people I interviewed was Paul Rogers, a cartoonist and artist who was studying graphic design at the Auckland Institute of Technology (now A.U.T.) at the same time as Emond. During his tenure at A.I.T. it was clear how talented Emond was, but his sole focus on producing comics art and paintings at the expense of other assignments did create friction with the institute. When he wasn't invited back to complete the final year of his diploma, Emond set his sights on breaking into the UK comics instead, and on advice from Rogers set about producing a sample comic he could send out to comics editors to get their attention. The result was 657, a comic about a group of misfit superheroes (Ash, Ignition and Carmine) on a road trip.

Above: A pin-up of 657 by Martin Emond. Copyright the Martin Emond Estate 2015.

As Rogers recalls, '657 was produced by Martin in the NZ summer of late 1989 - early 1990, as a portfolio piece which he sent to (UK comics writer/editor) Pat Mills c/o 2000AD to try and get work in the English comic market. These samples got Martin his first commissioned work (Accident Man for the UK publication Toxic), which then led to White Trash and other things'.

The comic included a ten-page story and a series of character pin-ups. The results are a bit rough, but you can clearly see Martin's knack for stylised anatomy and decorative design developing here, and his interest in outsider characters living on the fringes of society, forming their own dysfunctional family to survive - a theme he would return to and refine in his most personal strip, Switch Blade.

The following artwork scans for the entirety of 657 were provided by Paul Rogers, with special thanks to the Martin Emond Estate. Enjoy!

- AK!

Above: All 657 artwork and contents is copyright the Martin Emond Estate 2015.

Last Stop: Auckland Armageddon Expo 2014!

Above: Ant Sang and his new graphic novel collection of The Dharma Punks.

This is a late breaking announcement due to all the work surrounding the launch of Earth's End Publishing, but if you follow this blog and live in Auckland, chances are you already have your tickets for this long weekend's Auckland Armageddon Expo! It all kicks off with a preview night on Friday 24th (tomorrow) - from 6pm-9pm, and then three full-on days of pop culture madness, from Saturday 25th - Monday 27th of October!

This will be one of the most well attended conventions by local creators in several years, so I wanted to take this opportunity to spotlight the many great local comics releases you can get your hands on this weekend!

As seen above, Ant Sang will be attending Armageddon to sign advance copies of The Dharma Punks collected edition, the first graphic novel offering from Earth's End Publishing! (booth 95).

I'll also be there with copies of From Earth's End: The Best of New Zealand Comics, along with Damon Keen from the Faction Comics Anthology (3 issues available), and the Sheehan Brothers - creators of The Inhabitants, who also happen to have a new mini-comic debuting at the Expo.

Above: The latest Morgan children's book, Morgan Goes To Sleep, by Richard Fairgray, Tara Black and Terry Jones.

Square Planet will once again be attending with a variety of new comics and creators, which you can discover at Mega-booth 100! Richard Fairgray - best known for Blastosaurus, Ghost Ghost, Anoraks & Acolytes and now the Morgan series of children's books, will have new entries available for all of his titles, as well as some more surprises.

Above: Ralphi by Richard Fairgray.

Above: Robyn Kenealy by Richard Fairgray.

Above: Tara Black by Richard Fairgray.

Square Planet will also be launching exclusive cartoonist sketchbooks this year, featuring artwork from some of their upcoming collaborators, including Ralphi - creator of Ricky & Lyle, Robyn Kenealy - creator of American Captain, Tara Black - creator of I Fight Crime.

Above: Nothing Fits by Mary Tamblyn & Alex McCrone.

New this year at the NZCC booth 169, we will have the graphic novel Nothing Fits from Christchurch creators Mary Tamblyn & Alex McCrone, as well as the latest edition of NZ's longest running comics anthology Funtime, edited by Jason Lennie. We'll also have the latest Bristle Annual #2, edited by Brent Willis.

Above: THRUST JUSTICE! by Brent Willis.

Speaking of Brent Willis, he has a new comic launching at Armageddon courtesy of Pikitia Press booth 153, the irreverent THRUST JUSTICE! Get a copy before it gets you!

Above: Moonbeard by Squires.

 Pikitia Press will also be selling Moonbeard by Squires - a 132 page comics collection, as well as titles from Sarah Laing, Barry Linton, James Davidson and more!

Above: The Time Traveling Tourist from Beyond Reality Media.

BRM will have a host of graphic novels and comics available from the Mega-Booth 100, including: Prepocalypse Vol.1, Warden Vol.2, The Time Traveling Tourist, and many more! Artist Alan Robinson will also be in attendance.

Above: Copies of the graphic novel Headlocked: The Last Territory by Michael Kingston & Michel Mulipola.

One of our friends Michel Mulipola has a new graphic novel out, Headlocked: The Last Territory - set in the world of professional wrestling. You can pick up a signed copy from him at the Arkham City Comics booth 95. Darick Robertson - artist of Transmetropolitian, The Boys and many of US titles will also be signing at the Arkham City Comics booth throughout the weekend.

Above: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as illustrated by co-creator Kevin Eastman.

Other international comics guests appearing at the Expo include the legendary co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Kevin Eastman (Sunday only); the writer of Chew - John Layman, and James Tynion IV & Kyle Higgins, co-writers with Layman of the weekly series, Batman Eternal.

So if you love comics, this weekend make sure you get along to Auckland Armageddon Expo, held at the ASB Showgrounds Greenlane, from October 24th - 27th. For more information visit the Armageddon Expo website HERE.

- AK!

WIN Tickets to From Earth's End at the Auckland Writers Festival 2014!

Next weekend I'll be participating in the Auckland Writers Festival 2014, giving a one hour talk on my recent book From Earth's End: The Best of New Zealand Comics, at the Auckland City Art Gallery, on Saturday 17th of May, from 1.15 - 2.15pm. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster HERE. Or visit the Auckland Writers Festival page HERE for more event details.

The talk will be a journey through the history on New Zealand comics, with plenty of rare, amazing visuals from some of our greatest forgotten comics and creators. As a special treat, there will also be original artwork from pioneering NZ cartoonist Noel Cook on display - not seen in public for over thirty years!

Now I have TWO DOUBLE PASSES to giveaway for this event! I'll be giving away one pass away here and one on the From Earth's End Facebook page HERE, so here's how it works: to go in the draw to win one of the passes I want you to leave a comment below (or on the Facebook page) telling me who your favourite NZ cartoonists is, and your favourite work by that creator (for example: Dylan Horrocks, Hicksville). Oh, and one entry per person!

Entries will close on Tuesday, 13th of May at 12 noon, and I'll be drawing the winners names that evening at 6pm and posting them here and on Facebook. You must be an Auckland, NZ resident to enter, as that's where the talk is taking place, and you'll need to pick up the tickets from the CBD prior to the event.

So get posting, and hope to see you there!

- AK!

From Earth's End comes to Auckland Writers Festival 2014!

I'm pleased to announce that I'll be taking part in this year's Auckland Writers Festival 2014, taking place May 14th-18th. Featuring in the Weekend Gallery series, I'll be giving a one hour lecture at the Auckland Art Gallery based on my book, From Earth's End: The Best of New Zealand Comics, taking place on Saturday, May 17th, from 1.15 - 2.15pm.

 I'll be discussing the history of New Zealand comics and their creators; covering our early comics pioneers like Noel Cook and Eric Resetar, examining the forgotten rise and fall of the local comics industry in the 1950s, through to the contemporary cartoonists of today. And as an added bonus, I've arranged for three pieces of artist Noel Cook's original artwork to be displayed at the talk. Part of the Auckland Art Gallery collection, these pieces have not been viewed in public since 1979 - so this is a great opportunity to see rare examples of one of our greatest cartoonists artwork up close!

Above Left: an early Noel Cook sci-fi comic Adrift in Space (1940/50s). Right: Cook outside the Auckland Art Gallery, 1979. Copyright the Noel Cook Estate 2014.

For more information on Noel Cook's career and the turbulent history of comics in New Zealand, you can find From Earth's End: The Best of New Zealand Comics in stores now! (or purchase online HERE). Here's a brief sample of some of the great press its picked up since its release in November:

'From Earth's End: The Best of New Zealand Comics is Kinnaird's lavish survey of local comics past and present, bringing back the lost world and showcasing the one that grew, and is still growing...' - NZ Listener

'...an achievement of great beauty – a satisfyingly weighty paperback filled with colour and a breadth of imagery and concept that is truly breathtaking. This book belongs on a coffee table where it can be stumbled across and dipped into, with new discoveries waiting to be made on every page.' - Metro Magazine

'...the history of comics, and New Zealand comics in particular, remain a mystery to most, and From Earth's End goes some way towards rectifying that, while still remaining incredibly entertaining. It's essential for anybody who has had a passing interest in local comics, and a beautiful book in its own right.' - The New Zealand Herald

'This is a fantastic book, and I use that word in its comic book ‘sense’ and in my own. The level of research, the full prints of stories or sequences, and the respect Kinnaird clearly has for his topic and the artists who work in the genre is very clear. He knows his stuff and it shows.' - Booksellers NZ

'The purpose of this book is to help New Zealanders rediscover their comics legacy, to join Kinnaird "at Earth's end and celebrate one of our nation's best kept secrets". The secret is out now and is one every New Zealander should let themselves in on.' - New Zealand Books Quarterly Review

From Earth's End: Adrian Kinnaird: Saturday May 17th, 1.15 - 2.15pm, Auckland Art Gallery Auditorium.

Tickets: Earlybird $20 (before Weds 14th May), standard $25, Patron $15, student $12.50. You can purchase tickets online HERE, or in person at the Aotea Centre Box Office or any Ticketmaster outlet, or phone (09) 970 9700 or 0800 111 999 (note that service fees may apply).

Above: The Etherington Brothers. Artwork copyright the Etherington Brothers 2014.

If you're interested in comics, cartoons and illustration, here are some other Writers Festival sessions that might appeal:

Mad Comics: The Etherington Brothers: Sunday May 18th, 10 - 10.30pm & 1 - 1.30pm, Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Drive. Tickets are FREE and available HERE.

UK cartooning brothers Robin (the writer) & Lorenzo Etherington (the artist) produce all-ages comics, including the graphic novels Monkey Nuts and Baggage, as well as a host of licensed comics including: Transformers, Star Wars, The Terminator, Kung Fu Panda and many more. They will be sharing their adventures in words and pictures in front of a live audience, great for ages 5-10, so bring the kids along for some infectious cartooning fun!

There will be a morning and afternoon session, on Sunday May 18th, 10 - 10.30pm & 1 - 1.30pm. These are FREE family events, but tickets will need to be collected for space allocation, order them HERE.

Above: A cartoon by Michael Leunig. Copyright Michael Leunig 2014.

Living Treasure: Michael Leunig: Sunday May 18th, 4 - 5pm, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Drive.

Tickets: Earlybird $20 (before Weds 14th May), standard $25, Patron $15, student $12.50. available HERE.

In 1999, Michael Leunig was declared an Australian Living Treasure. A cartoonist, poet and cultural commentator, his drawings and philosophies have delighted and inspired generations – and been stuck on countless fridges. In conversation with writer Kate De Goldi, he talks about his work, his life and his latest titles Holy Fool and The Essential Leunig: Cartoons From A Winding Path. This session will also feature live on-stage drawing!

So book now for some great comics related events! For more information on the Auckland Writers Festival, May 14-18th 2014, check out the official website HERE.

- AK!

EVENT: Comics at Writers Week 2014!

The New Zealand Festival is currently underway in Wellington, with the Writers Week section kicking off tomorrow. 

Above: Let Me Be Frank #1, by Sarah Laing. Copyright Sarah Laing 2014.

This year's event features a variety of comics related panels, starting on Saturday 8th of March with 'Reading For Writers' at 9.30am. This two hour panel features Linley Boniface, Beattie’s Book Blog author Graham Beattie and Commonwealth Short Story Prize winner Emma Martin discussing their reading habits, and Let Me Be Frank cartoonist/writer Sarah Laing provides a confidence-boosting briefing on how best to absorb a comic!

Tickets are $45, and you can find more information on the talk HERE.

Above: The cover of Incomplete Stories by Dylan Horrocks. Copyright Dylan Horrocks 2014.

Later that evening, Dylan Horrocks will be celebrating the launch of his new comics collection, Incomplete Stories, with a release party - along with fellow Victoria University Press author Caoilinn Hughes' new poetry collection, Gathering Evidence. This is a FREE event, taking place Saturday, 8th of March at the Exchange Atrium, 24 Blair St, Wellington Central, from 7.30pm. See the event page HERE for more details.

There are also plans for a Incomplete Stories launch in Auckland later in March, so keep an eye out for that.

Above: American cartoonist Allison Bechdel.

The Festival will also be hosting acclaimed US cartoonist, Allison Bechdel. Creator of the widely published comic strip Dykes to Watch Out For, she has also produced two bestselling graphic memoirs, Fun Home (2006) - which chronicles her childhood memories and her difficult relationship with her father, and Are You My Mother? (2012) - an exploration of her relationship with her mother and her time spent in therapy. Bechdel will be discussing her work and more, with community art space director Moira Clunie. The panel will be taking place on Sunday, 9th of March at 1.45pm at the Embassy Theatre.

Tickets are $18, check out the Festival page HERE for more details.

Above: The 'Comicsville' line-up: (from left) Adrian Kinnaird, Robyn E. Kenealy, Dylan Horrocks and Jonathan King.

Next up, From Earth's End: The Best of New Zealand Comics will be spotlighted in the 'Comicsville' panel, on Monday, March 10th at 10.45am at the Hannah Playhouse (formally Downstage Theatre). I'll be joined on stage with three of the featured cartoonists from the book: Dylan Horrocks - author of Hicksville; Robyn E. Kenealy - author of Roddy's Film Companion and the webcomic American Captain; and cartoonist/film director Jonathan King - author of Threat Level. We'll be discussing the exciting developments and growth of the New Zealand comics scene of the last few years, including the publication of From Earth's End and Dylan Horrocks' latest collection, Incomplete Stories.

Tickets are $18, check out the Festival page HERE for more details.

Online ticket sales are available now through the Writers Week events page HERE or Ticketek HERE. Some events are selling fast, so book you tickets now!

- AK!

From Earth's End and Alison Bechdel come to Writers Week 2014!

The New Zealand Festival is on once again in Wellington this February & March, with the Writers Week section taking place from Friday 7th - Wednesday, 12th of March. And I'm pleased to report there will be a very healthy showing of comics related events this year!

Above: The 'Comicsville' line-up: (from left) Adrian Kinnaird, Robyn E. Kenealy, Dylan Horrocks and Jonathan King.

From Earth's End: The Best of New Zealand Comics will be spotlighted at the 'Comicsville' panel, on Monday, March 10th at 10.45am at the Hannah Playhouse (formally Downstage Theatre). I'll be joined on stage with three of the featured cartoonists from the book: Dylan Horrocks - author of Hicksville; Robyn E. Kenealy - author of Roddy's Film Companion and the webcomic American Captain; and cartoonist/film director Jonathan King - author of Threat Level. We'll be discussing the exciting developments and growth of the New Zealand comics scene of the last few years, including the publication of From Earth's End and Dylan Horrocks' latest collection, Incomplete Works.

Tickets are $18, check out the Festival page HERE for more details.

Above: The cover of Incomplete Works by Dylan Horrocks.

As mentioned, Dylan Horrocks has a new comics collection on the way, Incomplete Works, which will be launched at the Festival with a party celebrating its release - as well as Caoilinn Hughes' new poetry collection, Gathering Evidence, hosted by publisher Victoria University Press. This is a free event, taking place Saturday, 8th of March at the Exchange Atrium, 24 Blair St, Wellington Central, from 7.30pm.

See the event page HERE for more details. There are also plans for a Incomplete Works launch in Auckland later in March, so keep an eye out for that.

Above: American cartoonist Alison Bechdel.

The Festival will also be hosting acclaimed US cartoonist, Alison Bechdel. Creator of the widely published comic strip Dykes to Watch Out For, she has also produced two bestselling graphic memoirs, Fun Home (2006) - which chronicles her childhood memories and her difficult relationship with her father, and Are You My Mother? (2012) - an exploration of her relationship with her mother and her time spent in therapy. Bechdel will be discussing her work and more, with community art space director Moira Clunie. The panel 'Drawing From Life' will take place on Sunday, 9th of March at 1.45pm at the Embassy Theatre.

Tickets are $18, check out the Festival page HERE for more details.

Online ordering for all of these events is available from February 7th. So lots of great comics events to enjoy, so start saving and if you aren't based in Wellington, make your travel plans now!

- AK!

UPDATED: From Earth's End Book Signings!

Above: A display of From Earth's End: The Best of New Zealand Comics, in-store at Paper Plus, Newmarket, Auckland.

From Earth's End: The Best of New Zealand Comics should be available now from your local bookstore! And of coarse all good comic-book stores - particularly Arkham Comics Auckland, Retrospace Auckland, Mark One Hamilton and Graphic in Wellington!

Due to the stormy weather conditions last week, I've had to reschedule my book signings - so my appearances are now as follows:

- Wednesday, 13th of November at Whitcoulls Corner Store, 210 Queen St, Auckland, from 12.30pm-12.45pm.

-Thursday, 14th of November at Arkham Comics, Royal Oak Mall (upstairs near McDonalds) - Shop 45a/691 Manukau Rd, Royal Oak, Auckland, from 6pm.

- Saturday, 16th of November at Whitcoulls 226 Lampton Quay, Wellington, from 12.30pm - 12.45pm.

- Saturday, 23rd of November at Whitcoulls Sylvia Park Shopping Centre, 286 Mt Wellington Highway, from 12.30pm-12.45pm.

There may be more to be confirmed, so check back here for future dates.

In the meantime it's already gotten some pretty great media coverage and positive feedback, with a great review over at the NZ Herald that you can read HERE, and I did a fun interview with David Larsen on how I got into local comics in last week's NZ Listener (dated Nov 9-15th).

I've also just written a guest blog over at the Random House NZ website, talking a bit about the history of New Zealand comics and their (almost) demise due to a teenage sex scandal in the late 1950s - which could almost be ripped from todays headlines, as juvenile delinquency once again grips the nation. You can read this post HERE.

- AK!

EVENT: From Earth's End: The Best of New Zealand Comics Book Launch!

Above: The cover of From Earth's End: The Best of New Zealand Comics. Copyright Adrian Kinnaird 2013.

Its been a long time coming, but From Earth's End: The Best of New Zealand Comics is finally here!

The official launch will be taking place next Wednesday, 30th of October at the Auckland Central Library, Whare Wananga Room on Level 3 from 6pm with nibbles and refreshments.

From Earth's End: The Best of New Zealand Comics is the first major publication dedicated to local comics culture. It features an in-depth overview of the history of comics in New Zealand, from the early pioneering cartoonists to the bestselling graphic novels of today. It features stories from 30 of New Zealand's best cartoonists and a look into the influence of comics on our culture, with exclusive interviews with artist Dick Frizzell, film-maker Vincent Ward and more!

Published by Random House NZ, it clocks in at a substantial 448 pages, with an RRP of $59.99! There will be exclusive copies available on the night (cash and eftpos available).

I'll be joined by Dylan Horrocks for an behind the scenes panel starting at 6.30pm in which we'll discuss the origins of the book, and take a retrospective look at New Zealand comics through the decades.

The panel will be followed at 7.20pm with a signing by myself and some of the attending featured artists.

There will be an After Party following the event at Brooklyn Bar, 332 Queen St, from 8pm (just across from the Library).

The event is free, but booking is recommended - you can RSVP at the Central Library by ph: 3770209 or by emailing: karen.craig@aucklandlibraries.govt.nz. Or you can join the Facebook event page HERE.

If you can't make it on the night, the book will be available at bookstores everywhere from Friday 1st of November, and can also be pre-ordered online from Mighty Ape HERE.

I'll also be doing a bit of a signing tour in the coming weeks, so keep an eye out here for more details!

- AK!