DAWN OF THE UNREAD is a graphic novel webcomic exploring Nottingham’s literary history created by James Walker. Now, this is quite an impressive project in its specificity and its execution. The underlying mission here is to spark the imagination of new readers and have them rediscover the world of fiction and, most importantly, their local library! To that end, this webcomic is interactive and contains very compelling content. A new installment is published on the 8th of each month. Let’s take a closer look at some of the previous chapters.
Above: Artist Francis Lowe discusses his collaboration with Adrian Reynolds for their “Little Boxes” chapter, published on 8 June 2014.
In “Little Boxes,” you are treated to a variety of interesting facts about Batman lore with a Nottingham connection. Did you know, for instance, that Wollaton Hall was Wayne Manor in one of the Batman films? Well, the focus here is the nearby village of Gotham. And, yes, total Batman connection beginning with Washington Irving bestowing that nickname on Manhattan. We end up making a detour to H.P. Lovecraft. This is a very cleanly drawn comic with just the right touch of whimsy.
“Little Boxes” by Adrian Reynolds and Francis Lowe
Read it here.
Above: Cartoonist Steve Larder, with Alan Gibbons, discusses bringing Geoffrey Trease back to life in “Books and Bowstrings,” published on 8 January 2015.
With “Books and Bowstrings,” you get it all. Steve Larder, author of “Rum Lad,” provides a punk aesthetic with his quirky artwork. With the help of some literary ghosts, byway of Sherwood Forest, the local libraries are on their way to regaining the old spirit.
“Books and Bowstrings” by Alan Gibbons and Steve Larder
Read it here.
Above: Illustrator Amanda Elanor Tribble discusses her collaboration with Aly Stoneman for their chapter, “Ms. Hood,” published on 8 December 2014.
“Ms. Hood,” takes up a contemporary Robin Hood theme to great effect. The artwork is bold and engaging. The story manages to fit in a lot of food for thought.
“Ms. Hood” by Aly Stoneman and Amanda Elanor Tribble
Read it here.
“Dawn of the Unread” is an interactive graphic novel for PC, Mac, iPad, tablet and mobile. Be sure to visit right here.
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Thanks for the review. Dawn of the Unread is an amazing project to be involved with. Every story has a different feel and style, and contributors include Eddie Campbell, underground cartoonist Hunt Emerson, and indie artist Carol Swain. Coming up we have a piece from a creator known for quality work on the superhero side. My role has been to pair writers and artists, and steer them through to a quality comic. Some of our contributors are new to comics, and include award-winning novelists Nicola Valentine and Alison Moore. As well as writing Little Boxes for Dawn of the Unread, I also script the sf webcomic Dadtown – http://dadtown.net.
Thanks so much for your comments, Adrian. Much appreciated!
I love that artwork. “Cleanly drawn.” What a great way to breath life into the old local library. Much of my late childhood and early teens was spent hermetically sealed in a quiet corner of the library. Japanese manga is famous for this style of education coming from the early Buddhist scriptural tradition which educated on mythology and morals using cartoon style depictions of anthropomorphic animals and Yokai. (goblins) Speaking of educational comix, here’s my latest. https://sharmarama.wordpress.com/2015/03/20/fire-vs-tv-part-2-super-normal-primordial-you/
Very cool! Thanks for sharing, Lee. I can always count on you for some good commentary and insight.
You’re more than welcome. Cheers for the mojo!