Imagineers #5
Posted on October 13, 2001
This leisurely eye-stroll through the affairs of the small press community offers relaxed read and refreshing lack of pretentious hyperbole. Both the mildly amusing six panel strip of Tim Brown and the innocence of the publication's 'Let's Make Comics' catch-phrase set the tone and provide sound indication of this title's direction.
The issue in question sees the ego-massaging treatment of interview worthiness dished out to Martin Eden of 'O-Men' fame, 'Cheronna' creator Richard J Smith, and the uh, legendary Dave Morris. It's all unassuming stuff, confidently handled and fluidly presented. Though a little doting at times and lacking any semblance of profundity, all are strangely comforting reads, easy on the brain.
Also on offer are two pointless short pieces: one, a convention report that is not so much a record of events as a laughably self-involved step-by-step guide to manipulating professionals into sketching characters you've created yourself; and the second, a wishy-washy well-meaning instruction on maintaining creative endeavour, which seems targeted towards an early-teens audience.
TRS2 finds itself in the mix as well, Andy Luke lending a much needed critical edge to the publication. And the two-page 'Creator Contacts' provides opportunity for like-minded creative thinkers to devise ways of promoting their skills. A worthwhile service, methinks.
A kind of one-man-and-his-dog Comics Journal, then, Imagineers #5 quietly celebrates the stars of small press publishing and delivers half-hearted rummage through their behind-the-scenes lives. Though some design tweaking is required, and perhaps a less flimsy, less subdued approach is essential for credibility, Shane Chebsey and friends nonetheless provide that which no other paper publication provides: a warm glimpse at the dedication and ambition of striving small pressers seeking only to be recognised in a creative context.
This leisurely eye-stroll through the affairs of the small press community offers relaxed read and refreshing lack of pretentious hyperbole. Both the mildly amusing six panel strip of Tim Brown and the innocence of the publication's 'Let's Make Comics' catch-phrase set the tone and provide sound indication of this title's direction.
The issue in question sees the ego-massaging treatment of interview worthiness dished out to Martin Eden of 'O-Men' fame, 'Cheronna' creator Richard J Smith, and the uh, legendary Dave Morris. It's all unassuming stuff, confidently handled and fluidly presented. Though a little doting at times and lacking any semblance of profundity, all are strangely comforting reads, easy on the brain.
Also on offer are two pointless short pieces: one, a convention report that is not so much a record of events as a laughably self-involved step-by-step guide to manipulating professionals into sketching characters you've created yourself; and the second, a wishy-washy well-meaning instruction on maintaining creative endeavour, which seems targeted towards an early-teens audience.
TRS2 finds itself in the mix as well, Andy Luke lending a much needed critical edge to the publication. And the two-page 'Creator Contacts' provides opportunity for like-minded creative thinkers to devise ways of promoting their skills. A worthwhile service, methinks.
A kind of one-man-and-his-dog Comics Journal, then, Imagineers #5 quietly celebrates the stars of small press publishing and delivers half-hearted rummage through their behind-the-scenes lives. Though some design tweaking is required, and perhaps a less flimsy, less subdued approach is essential for credibility, Shane Chebsey and friends nonetheless provide that which no other paper publication provides: a warm glimpse at the dedication and ambition of striving small pressers seeking only to be recognised in a creative context.
28 A5 pages, £1.50 - available from www.smallzone.co.uk