Within the UKComics programming to present the works of British artists in the comic, Paul Gravett's book called 1,001 comics you have to read before you die. It seems that in France they have changed the title and left it in 1,001 comics that must be read while you live, which the author thought was more appropriate although in the French edition on the cover his name does not appear. On the Spanish cover appears the figure of Judge Dredd and on the spine the work The Walking Dead. In the English edition also Judge Dredd appears and in the American of the protagonist is Captain America.
The book presents that, 1,001 comics, of all times, all styles and all possible countries. It seems to me an essential work as a query to identify works that children can start reading. The history of the comic is linked to the strips that were published in the newspapers in the middle of the last century. This support allowed the authors to develop new forms of communication that are still new, current and attractive. In the image you can see The Spirit, a work by Will Eisner in the 40s of the last century and the kids will love it. Although Paul commented that it was in his retirement when Will Eisner, who has already passed away, continued to do magnificent works. I also totally recommend them, I was lucky to see Will Eisner in 1995 in Gijón and I was fascinated in the same way his work does.
Paul's work is a great compilation in which More than 60 professionals from all over the world have collaborated. Alfons Molins has participated in Spain and there is a large selection of Spanish comics. In El Mundo Lucía González lists and describes each of the selected Spanish works. They appear, among others, Mortadelo and Filemon and a play for girls called Esther which continues to be published successfully in Spain. In the 70 I remember that Bruguera published it.
Another of the fascinating works, for its duration, its imagination and its closure always the same, is Little Nemo in Slumberland, which can be seen in the image. Its author is Winsor McCay and I loved the image that Paul used in his presentation and that I link here. In it you can see this artist working between paper and ink and never better. It is an image that belongs to the past and illustrates the enormous work and dedication that these pioneers put into their work. In a digital age, seeing someone working with that decoration is surprising.
They also talked about other authors, such as Jack Kirby and Stan Lee that helped create the universe of Marvel with fantastic characters and with a lot of emphasis on superheroes that we can now see in the cinema in one more example that the comic transcends the pages. Another artist that Paul presented with great emphasis was Hugo Pratt, the creator of Short Maltese a navigator that sails the seas while coinciding with historical events. I don't know Corto Maltese very much and it is certainly part of that wish list that I have to review.
There was also room for the Japanese manga with Astroboy as the most important representation of this style that in Spain already occupies entire plants in comic stores. It is worth taking a look with the kids to access this fantastic universe with a lot of influence on movies and television series.
In Europeans he introduced himself to René Goscinny with his Astérix el Galo, which he made with the cartoonist Albert Uderzo although he is also well known for Lucky luke. Also mentioned Jean Giraud, who just passed away, with his Lieutenant Blueberry although I find it more fascinating when it's called Moebius.
Another author who commented was the British Allan Moore He has published essential works such as Watchmen, From Hell or The League of Extraordinary Men among many other essential works.
When Paul was done, I was lucky he sat next to me and recommended that I take a look at Posy Simmonds, who was in UK Comics and although I have not been able to see her, she told me that she is one of the most successful contemporary artists. So I extend your recommendation to all readers of Peques and More.
And is that comics are current art, are in museums, organize exhibitions, have festivals and fill movie theaters. I think that Paul's work is a good reference to enter the fascinating world of comics and show our children that it is a very valid universe, with important market outlets, with recognition and with many followers who are also very faithful .
Take the opportunity to congratulate the ABC Museum, the British Council and UBIK Europe For this great organization in which it has contributed to spread the British comic and we hope that there will be more editions and more sessions and that they are encouraged so that the little ones also participate.
In the images you can see Paul Gravett, by his side the translator Elena who did an impressive job so that the message of the full rapporteur arrived, and Pablo Dopico de Godos who is a journalist, cultural manager and teacher in addition to having taught workshops of comics for children.
1001 comics to read before you die (LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT)
Today in amazon for 0¤
