EXTRACTS: Illustrators issue 8 © 2014 The Book Palace (96 PAGES in Full edition)

94 The Bookshelf ‘The Mire’ is the second story in a trilogy of tales by the extremely talented Becky Cloonan. This self published book is a brilliant evocation of a world where things are never quite what they seem, beauty is transient, and death is omnipresent. Having self-published her first comic book while still in her teens, Becky is a powerful artist and storyteller and her handling and pacing of this tale of doomed love is a joy to behold. Rendered in moody black and white with grey tones adding an extra fillip of angst to the proceedings, her work draws upon Manga influences but exhibits a strong awareness of illustrative and painterly sensibilities which extend far beyond the confines of comic books. Running at 24 pages, this story despite, its relative brevity, will burn its way into your subconscious in a way that will steer you back into its chilly embrace whenever you feel the need for comics that go beyond the ordinary. Briefly available as a printed comic, it is now easily available as a digital download for less than the cost of a packet of crisps. So there is no excuse to pass up on this amazing production. A Little Piece of England A Tale of Self-Sufficiency By John Jackson Illustrated by Val Biro Hard-bound 232 pages JJ Books £12.99 ● illustrators is also available in the USA from budplant.com John Jackson is without doubt a man of extraordinary energy and drive. His account of how he managed to build up a small holding and introduce his family to a life of self-sufficiency in the countryside makes for a really engrossing read. From village characters such as the steely schoolmarm Miss Fitch, and Julia the village oracle, through a cavalcade of guinea pigs, horses, cows and chickens, the story of the Jackson’s Kentish sojourn is full of colour and incident. Throughout the whole narrative John Jackson’s charming and philosophical stance on life shines through his text. He even describes HMInlandRevenue as “nice people doing pretty thankless jobs”. In addition to Jackson’s captivating text, the book is beautifully illustrated by Val Biro, who is now well into his tenth decade and still producing stunning artwork, of which these amazing black and white illustrations with echoes of Thomas Bewick and S.R. Badmin, are just a tiny percentile of an extraordinary output that has included covers for the Radio Times through pulse-pounding ‘noir fiction’ novel covers to self penned children’s books such as ‘Gumdrop’. All in all a book to keep. Curious Warnings The Great Ghost Stories of M. R. James Edited by Stephen Jones Illustrated by Les Edwards Hard-bound 600 pages Jo Fletcher Books £15.00 From its glutinous burgundy hued leather bound cover to its black edged pages this book is a quality production of some of the creepiest stories you are ever likely to encounter. Montague Rhodes James in common with many of the protagonists in these darkly unsettling tales was an academic and antiquarian, with a penchant for creating ghost stories. Edited and, perhaps controversially, re- punctuated by Stephen Jones, this book is the most comprehensive collection available of James’ writing and in addition is further enriched by a well researched and fascinating afterword by editor Stephen Jones including biographical details and an examination of spin-offs in the form of James adaptations for film, TV and radio. Jones work on the text, including some revelatory annotations, helps make certain aspects of James’ prose much more accessible to a modern audience. In addition, Les Edwards hauntingly disconcerting illustrations in black and white line and monochrome add another veneer of unease to the occasion. This is a book that will deliver onmany levels, and will be one to refer back to as nights draw in and chill descends. The Mire By Becky Cloonan Digital Download Available from Amazon Kindle Store: £0.37/ $0.99 Comixology for Android: £0.69/ $0.99