Friday, July 17, 2015

The PANZ 2015 Book Design Award Winners Announced!


Last night the PANZ 2015 Book Design Award winners were announced in a ceremony held in Ponsonby, with three NZ comics related books notching up a win!


I Am Doodle Cat designed by Lauren Marriott (also know as cartoonist Ralphi) for Beatnik Publishing won the Best Children’s Book Award. The judges noted they "appreciated its bright, engaging colour palette supported by hand-rendered text integrating beautifully with the playful illustrations".


The Curioseum: Collected Stories of the Odd & Marvellous won the Best Cover Award for designer/cartoonist Sarah Laing and Te Papa Press. “A great example of how a children’s book need not be childish,” said judge Cameron Gibb. “The Curioseum is the story version of a 'wunderkammer’, supported by delightful illustrations and the use of hand-rendered type for chapter headings, all making for an engaging and fun read.”


The graphic novel Meariki: The Quest for Truth, was judged Best Educational Book. Designed by Shannon Jahnel Lanktree and a collaboration by Huia Publishers and Ministry of Education, “Mearikiuses many devices well to create a visually engaging read: the illustrations are rich and intricate,” was Vincent’s enthusiastic comment. “Colour reinforces the sense of drama and the range of characters is imaginative – who doesn’t like spider-riding zombie witch queens?”

So a great result, and best wishes to the winners and to their continued success!

- AK!

Thursday, July 9, 2015

EVENT: Bristle Annual #3 Launch Party!



Above: Bristle Annual #3, cover by Lorenzo van der Lingen.

If you're in Wellington this weekend, head along to the launch party for Bristle Annual #3! The latest release from the long running anthology edited by Brent Willis, features comics by: David Tulloch, Aaron Christiansen, Indira Neville, Tim Danko, Renee Lyons, Matt Kelly, Sarah Laing, David Piper, and many more. All this and an eye-popping cover by Lorenzo van der Lingen! The launch party is taking place at the Bristol Hotel (upstairs) at 131-133 Cuba St, Wellington on Saturday the 11th from 5pm to 7pm (and maybe later). 

You can also pick up copies of Bristle Annual #3 the following weekend at the Wellington Winter Zine Market on Saturday the 18th at Thistle Hall (293 Cuba St), from 12 - 5pm.

- AK!