Yellow
Advertiser 
(UK Regional Newspaper)
3 April1998
Strange Fiction
EXCLUSIVE by Matt Adams
A
Southend writer/artist is publishing a graphic novel collection of his award-winning
comic book series.
Gary Spencer Millidge is compiling the first six issues of 'Strangehaven' into
a 176-page paperback due for release next month.
The book 'Strangehaven: Arcadia' tells the story of Alex Hunter, who wakes up
from a car crash to find himself in a mysterious West Country village where
nothing is quite as it seems.
A Southend resident for most of his life, Gary draws on local scenery and architecture
to provide the inspirations for his fictitious village.
Southchurch Hall
The mysterious lodge - home to the clandestine rituals of the village's secret
society - bears a striking resemblance to Southchurch Hall, and Strangehaven
village pub The Minotaur is actually The Bull Inn in Hockley.
Similarly, Gary modelled his tea room on Rochford's Beehive, and brief appearances
are also made by traditional Leigh butcher Shinn's and Alma Motors in Glendale
Gardens.
Since it was first published back in 1995, Strangehaven has reaped numerous
industry accolades, including the 1997 National Comic Awards for Best Self-Published/Independent
Comic.
36-year-old Gary explained why he decided to self-publish his work: "I've
always enjoyed writing and illustrating, and I've learned the basics of comic
storytelling over the years by reading so many of the things.
"Combined with my knowledge of the retail side of the comics industry and
my various experiences in business and promotions, self-publishing my own comic
seemed the natural thing to do.
"It all just fell into place and Strangehaven has gone through the roof
- it's far exceeded my expectations".
Strangehaven: Arcadia is published by Abiogenesis Press, PO Box 448, Southend,
SS1 2FN, and available from Into the Void in Victoria Plaza, Southend.
©1998
Yellow Advertiser Newspapers
If you've read any notable pieces concerning Strangehaven that may have escaped
our attention and does not appear here, we'd like to hear about them! E-mail
us at webmonkey@millidge.com
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All
text and images (c) copyright Gary
Spencer Millidge/Abiogenesis Press All rights reserved.
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