UK; The road starts to take its toll
I'm beat. After Spain and France, there are blisters on my hands from doing signings — one signing, if not two every day. Then I have to be on a train or a plane by 8 or 9 am every morning to go to the next city. I’m starting to forget where I am or what language to use to say Hello. A country that speaks English melts what's left of my brain.
In the middle of this photo is my good friend Bryan Talbot. We are standing in GOSH! Comics. Most people reading this know who Bryan is, but for anyone new, he is the award winning author of the graphic novels The Tale of One Bad Rat and The Adventures of Luther Arkwright. Bryan has a new book coming out called Alice in Sunderland. On the left is Josh Palmano, the owner of GOSH! Comics. Bryan took me by Josh's shop to introduce me. What a great place, two floors of excellent comics and GNs. GOSH! isn't on this year's tour, but it definitely will be next time!
As far as the current World Tour goes, the UK is a mixed bag. The books are selling well, but our UK publisher, Harper Collins, released the new color BONE months ago, with no regard for our simultaneous releases across the rest of Europe. There is no publicity or any media interviews scheduled, and no advance announcement for our signings as far as I can determine. The signing at Foyles was actually cancelled due to lack of interest! At least the manager at Foyles had the decency to call that morning and admit their publicist was out sick and hadn’t told anyone about the event… Most people would have let me show up and die a little inside.
But things aren’t all bad; fifteen people show up at Borders and even though it’s a small group, we had a good time.
No one from Borders actually spoke to us, but Vince Laine, an ex-Borders employee looked after me. He took most of these pictures.
One reader showed up because he had heard about BONE on a podcast out of New York called Indie Spinner Rack.
This guy's favorite pocast is called Comic Geek Speak. He called to leave them a message and I chimed in.
The next evening we had a signing at the legendary comic shop Forbidden Planet, and it is a knock out.
I should have known my own people would rally!
Thanks to everyone at Forbidden Planet! Because of you, I leave London on a high note. Now, on to Norway!
Hey Jeff, it’s really dissapointing to read about the UK release of the book and the seeming lack of interest from the publisher here. When I read on this blog that you were coming over to the UK I had a look on the publishers wbesite but they had no info at all, really pathetic. I was happy to see the Forbidden Planet turnout was good, it was just a pitty I couldn’t be there to meet you (I have met you twice before though).
Good luck with the rest of the tour, I am enjoying reading about your adventures.
Kev
Comment by Kevin Richter — November 11, 2006 @ 8:56 am
Ah! I forgot to mention about the podcasts. I have been listening to Indie Spinner rack for quite a couple of months now and it really is a podcast worth listening to, especially as they always recommend Bone as one of the great comic reads. The podcast is probably the only one around that focuses purely on indie comics and they do a fantastic job of it, and they know how to entertain as well, some really funny moments on the show.
Kev
Comment by Kevin Richter — November 11, 2006 @ 8:59 am
Wow sounds like you had a great time desprite the wearyness. That’s really dissapoint about all of the lack of interest. i can’t thinking of the kids who where looking foward to those. Bummer. Those comic shops are HUGE!!! It must have been great visiting those. I noticed the hand brace in the photo’s I have a question ok this might sound dumb but other than the mentioned blisters does your hand cramp up from all of those signings. I was just wondering because my sister and I have that same thing happen when we draw a lot and it’s can be very painful. I hope your hands feel better soon and have fun in Norway!
Comment by Jeanette — November 12, 2006 @ 9:32 pm
I just wanted to let you know that I’m really enjoying reading about your trip. It’s great that you’re taking the time and effort to write about it. Best of luck with the rest of you’re travels and if you ever plan on stopping in Georgia (USA), please let me know.
~TW
Comment by Tony Wilkey — November 13, 2006 @ 2:16 am
Montreal next ? Yip yip !
Comment by paul — November 13, 2006 @ 3:27 pm
I was out shopping yesterday evening in the centre of London and saw the One Volume edition of Bone – I bought it without hesitation and spent the rest of the evening uttering inarticulate sounds of admiration and envy. I’m just annoyed that I didn’t pick it up earlier, read this blog and realise you were coming to London!
Anyway well done mate – your combination of draftsmanship, acting, story and characterisation is a joy to behold!
Comment by Dan — December 7, 2006 @ 9:14 am
Hi Jeff, I was in Forbidden Planet the night you were doing a signing. It was great to meet you, and I’m sorry you got such a crappy reception here in London. Hope that doesn’t put you off from making a return visit!
Comment by Bulent — January 19, 2007 @ 6:32 pm