Today we have something, or rather someone, special to share with you on The Phoenix blog ... a brilliant young comic-making talent, a potential Phoenix creator for the future and a thoroughly brilliant chap: Lewis Wilkinson!
We met Lewis Wilkinson at a workshop we held in conjunction with the fantastic Robin Etherington at the Imagine Festival at the end of February. Robin and ourselves were super impressed with his work and his passion for comics and storytelling. So we thought we'd give him the chance to tell us a bit more about himself. One to watch for the future. Take it away Lewis!
1. Firstly, tell us a bit about yourself. What is your name and how old are you?
Hello I'm Lewis and I'm 13 years old.
We met Lewis Wilkinson at a workshop we held in conjunction with the fantastic Robin Etherington at the Imagine Festival at the ed of February. Robin and ourselves were super impressed with his work and his passion for comics and storytelling. So we thought we'd give him the chance to tell us a bit more about himself. One to watch for the future. Take it away Lewis!
2. And how long have you been reading comics for?
I first started reading comics when I was 8 years old. My first comic was the 70th Anniversary edition of The Beano in July 2008. I soon discovered The Dandy and subscribed to both.
3. Have you always drawn your own comics?
I've drawn my own comics since discovering The Beano
4. When did you start drawing and why?
I've been drawing since I was able to hold a pen, probably when I was three. I just felt that I had to draw and create comics.
5. What's your favourite bit of work you've done? And where did the idea for it come from?
My favourite piece of art are my most recent comics. They are currently mostly inpired by the comics in The Phoenix and The Dandy.
6. What is it about comics that you like?
I love comics. They bring you into a fantasy world. They make you laugh and leave on a cliff hanger dying to know what happens next. The artwork and stories excite me. I can't wait for them to drop through the door (The Phoenix and Beano).
7. Any favourite artists and writers?
Jamie Smart
Jamie Smart is a brilliant artist. His art is so big, bold and colourful. He draws for The Phoenix, Beano, Dandy, Mega and Dr Who. He's drawn for The DFC and Toxic magazine int he past and has published two 'Find Chaffy' books. He has also produced great web comics like Whubble.
The Etherington Brothers
I enjoy their gripping adventure stories. Robin creates fine stories which fit with Lorenzo;s incredible and detailed artwork. I really loved reading Baggage and Monkey Nuts from The DFC Library. They were so gripping. I love reading Long Gone Don in The Phoenix every week and enjoyed Yore! ever so much in The Dandy. (I hope they return to the digital Dandy or even The Beano). I wish I could complete a Von Doogan Puzzle. They are so tricky.
Lew Stringer
As well as a comic history genius Lew has been giving us humorous comics since the 1980's. He's written some of my favourite Beano and Dandy strips and I know he also drew for Viz and some American comics. My personal favourite though is 'Tom Thug' from Oink comic. Oink was amazing, like a Viz for kids. I was pleased to see Tom Thug live on in Buster comic.
8. Do you still think there is a place for paper comics or do you think everything should be digital only?
The Dandy went digital only last year and I thought it was a shame, but better Digi-Comics than no comics at all I suppose, but I prefer the real paper comics. The good thing about Digi-Comics is the sound and interaction.
9. If there was one thing you could say to someone who doesn't read comics what would it be?
Read comics!!!!
10. And what would you like to be doing in 10 years?
Writing comics and having my work published. I hope The Phoenix is still going in 2023 I'd be honoured to work for it.
And we'd be honoured to have you!
A MASSIVE thank you to Lewis, we'll look forward to hopefully seeing you within the pages of The Phoenix in the future!
