Interview:
Publisher Tom Humberstone - Launching Solipsistic Pop #2

 "Solipsistic Pop is a biannual anthology designed to spotlight the best in alternative Comic art from the UK."

The first issue was part fashionable show-off object full of comics such as,

"Meanwhile": Robbie Wilkinson's deranged fantastic Kahlenberg and the fever mind demons of the Social Security Agency offices.

Rachel Reichert beautifully colouring a spider into a butterfly.

Monotone sleepwalking and premonition by Anna Saunders.

Phil Spence's iconic Ninja Bunny, unconfined in Eastern landscapes

Friendship and stability amongst the televised generation, in Tom Humberstone's real "Special Guest Appearances"

Tom is the one of the great folk identified with Solipsistic Pop and with Volume 2 launched only a few days ago, it seemed we might like to read an interview with him.

Andy Luke: Hi Tom, I really enjoyed your American election coverage.

Tom Humberstone: Thanks Andy. That seems like a long time ago now. I really miss it actually. I'm hoping to return to America for a prolonged period of time again as soon as I can. If only for the bagels...

AL: I get the impression Sol Pop people are all young, thin, talented and incredibly gorgeous. What's in it for old wrinkly jaded fatties like me?

TH: No, I'm pretty hideous. But if the work implies an inherent beauty within all the contributors, I'll take that compliment. There are some artists involved in Solipsistic Pop who I've only spoken to via the internet. The work is, of course, the most important consideration when putting together the line-up. Physical appearance should have very little to do with the artists or the audience. Maybe I should have gone for a funny answer though...

AL: In your reading, do you have any particular stand-out favourites? For me Mark Oliver's "Quadropticon", a comic which will be readable whichever way up you hold it, is quite seducing...
 

TH: It'd be unfair for me to single out any particular highlights of either book. Best to leave that to someone more objective. Most reviews of the first book selected different pieces to discuss which is what you hope for with an anthology. Everyone taking part is in there because I love their work and want to publish it so it's safe to say I'm a massive fan of everyone involved. You're right though, Mark's Quadropticon is an amazingly inventive piece and well worth wall space in anyone's house.

(cont/d)