The following is a not remotely complete baggle of inspirations, admirations and loves. Because it does not remotely matter what order they're in, here be giants.
Arthur Ranson
An early induction into beautiful comics. Sitting in the dentist, terrified, then forgetting completely through reading an episode of Mazeworld in 2000AD. If only dentists still had 2000AD in their waiting rooms. Sigh. Shamballa, his Psi Anderson epic, stands as one of my all time favourites.
Kate Bush
A musical and lyrical genius and a beautiful, beautiful person. Kate Bush is comfort and The Ninth Wave is the best ever half of an album to be based on Tennyson.
Decadence
UK indie comic supreme, Decadence is a collaboration between LANDO and Stathis Tsemberlidis, ultra talented fine liners. A great influence to get up off my sessile ass and into independent publishing.
Katsuhiro Otomo
Heard of Akira? Of course you have! Search all six volumes for an unnatural or uncomfortable pose and you will be exercising futility. Surely Otomo has the distinction of bringing every westerner ever to manga.
Simon Davis
Sinister Dexter is only sinister dexter without this man's art. Finally getting the recognition he deserves beyond comic enthusiasts with his fantastic portraits. It is a testament to his art that his comic work and portraiture is indistinguishable in effort.
Orbital Comics
Amongst London's best comic havens, none can be winner. But if there were a winner, it might well be Orbital. Gallery exhibitions, a plum array of indies, and people who know what they're talking about.
Ursula K Le Guin
Le Guin's writing and philosophies have been integral to how I view the world. She also taught me it is worth sharing something you love and aspire to- chances are someone will care as much as you do.
Shaun Tan
Shaun Tan illustrates perfectly; the stories make sense on their own, but the illustrations make them so much more! Read any of his illustrated stories and see if you are in the same mood on the other side.
Again, again, thank you for the unending, and ever appreciated inspiration. Oh and to all friends and family who are annoyed you're not on this page (you know who you are!), I love you all.
