User Blog:
Never Mind The X-Men, Its X-Mas!

At this time of year, black-belts and red puffer jackets are in. However, before you congeal cotton buds for that handcrafted beard, why not consider the loving homemade gifts already for sale? Comics activists including Andrew Geczy and Matt Reynolds here at Alltern8 and others, have already compiled some lists of easy to pick up comics. The independent press offers items offers items cheaper and often so personalised that the recipient knows they're one of a kind. And how better to have the gift delivered than right from the cartoonist's own hand?

For the admirer of Pretty Things...

Shopping at fairs, I prioritise picking up the work of Sally-Anne Hickman. Yes, always great value for money. They're instantly recognisable, emanating sound mellow vibe covers made from wallpaper and glittery stick-ons. Lovely little things, with energetic and youthful scribblings of the author's comic-book diary, full of character and conversation. In one of my favourites, "Have you got all your cds & things?" we get an honest, fearless and involving tale of a friendship at departure point. These are pocket-size, affordable and lovely graphic novels, all of them. You can email Sally-Anne at sallyshinystars (at)hotmail(dot)com or contact her on Facebook, a link for which can be found alongside some samples at her blog. You should be able to pick up her books for £4 or less.