Ian Gibson Art News

Glossy art magazine the Art Review showcases 30 stars of Tomorrow in its March 2008 edition and, although he's not featured on the actual list it self, 2000AD and Annie Droid artist Ian Gibson makes a play for some of Charles Saatchi's spare cash by illustrating the cover of the magazine.

Annie Droid is one of several ROK Comics being translated into Chines for ROK Comics Chinese partners.

Web Link: www.artreview.com

ROK Comics Pick: Bedside Manner

Meet Mister Hawk

Bristol-based comic artist and writer Kev F Sutherland, a contributor to weekly British comic The Beano and who regularly provides comics lessons to schools and other groups, is one of the latest creators to give ROK Comics a try.

In addition to the fun strip here Mister Hawk, which runs for three episodes he's made "free to view" on ROK Comics, also on view are strips such as the R-rated Mr Punch and Bristol Superhero.

We like Mister Hawk because despite the supernatural connotations it reminds us of one of our favourite British strips, "Spot the Clue with Zip Nolan".

Kev is currently writing and drawing comedy adventures starring The Bash St Kids, Dennis The Menace and others, in the weekly Beano comic and annuals. He's also the comedian who does The Sitcom Trials (you might have have seen him in London and Edinburgh and, hopefully, on TV), and is also a close associate of The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre, "and I turn up at parties caricaturing people (my last solo show was Kev F Draws The Crowds, you can guess what the unique selling point was)", says Kev.

• Visit his web site at: www.myspace.com/kevfdrawsthecrowds

Martin's Match of the Day

Martin Baines, artist on ROK Comics strip Billy Bang, has been busy working on the BBC's new, weekly, Match of the Day magazine which is being launched by the BBC tomorrow.

The comic series charts the lives of famous footballers for the magazine, which is aimed at the 8-12 market.

Inspired by the iconic programme, Match of the Day magazine aims to position itself as the must-read title for all young football fans and will be packed with star interviews, match results and tables from the weekend, the hottest football gossip, posters, quizzes and competitions.

The magazine also includes an eight-page pull-out skills guide, encouraging children to get active and to increase their chances of becoming a star of the future.

The first issue features an exclusive interview with Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Supporting the magazine, motdmag.com will feature bespoke football games and up to the minute statistics, which users can personalise to their own team.

"Match of the Day is one of the biggest brands in sport," says publisher Duncan Gray says, "and we’re hoping to build on this success with Match of the Day magazine.

"Research has shown there is significant demand for a title aimed at 8-14 year olds focused not only on the star teams and players, but also encouraging young football fans to increase their own knowledge and improve their own game."

"I'm very excited about the launch of Match of the Day magazine," says Editor Ian Foster, "and am confident that the mix of star interviews, results, gossip and skills advice will prove hugely popular with football-mad youngsters."

• Match of the Day magazine is on sale every Tuesday

• Left: Billy Bang, written by Mike Knowles and drawn by Martin Baines