Small Press Hits the Big Time (This Week Only)

The new issue of the Judge Dredd Megazine (cover dated 7 March) contains a rather fantastic survey of the British small press scene by Matt Badham. Over seven full-colour pages, Matthew concisely describes the current self-publishing movement, and gives lots of space to a number of independent creators like the Rubins sisters, Solar Wind‘s Paul Scott and yours truly. A long way from the usual puff piece, it’s a well-written, informative and entertaining feature. It’s also very nicely designed, with lots of relevant visuals.

After having to drive into Southend this morning to find a copy at the local WH Smith (as no newsagents in the Leigh-on-Sea area sell the Megazine or even 2000AD), I was pleasantly surprised to find the lengthy article towards the front of the magazine, rather than tucked away between the ads right at the back.

The only slightly disappointing thing is that after Matt discusses how it’s still difficult to get hold of small press books, the article fails to give direct contact information for any of the titles mentioned beyond a suggestion to ‘Google the creators’ to find their websites. This seems a little at odds with the presumed intention of the article, to help promote small press comics and their creators, although it’s likely that it’s an imposed restriction from above.

But it really is an excellent piece. Well done Matt and Megazine publishers Rebellion.