ROK Comics releases Iron Moon digital graphic novel

Britain's dedicated mobile comics publisher ROK Comics, has just launched a digital edition of the steampunk graphic novel The Iron Moon, a creator-owned comic story by acclaimed Commando comics artist Keith Page and film writer Stephen Walsh.

Described as 'Rorke's Drift in Space', The Iron Moon is a fast-paced steampunk-inspired adventure starring no-nonsense adventuress Charlotte Corday and is now available worldwide for iPad from the Apple iTunes store.

In the story, the twentieth century is just around the corner and Queen Victoria is hale and hearty as she heads into the second century of her reign. The British Empire stretches from the white cliffs of Dover to the red skies of Mars. Go-getting men and women of the imperial dominions flock to the colours, eager to make reputations and fortunes in the wilds of high space.

Take lieutenant Charlotte Corday, for instance. Born in what used to be known as France, she has risen to prominence through the ranks of the Royal Space Navy and now finds herself up to her neck in her greatest escapade yet. Watch as she travels to the mysterious Iron Moon! Marvel as she grapples with a conspiracy that may see the galaxy plunged into war! Goggle as she meets new and strange races, both mechanical and biological! Ponder how she manages to put away so many cups of tea! And prepare to have your brain scrambled as she scoops us up and carries us to the very limits of this universe... and into the next!

ROK Comics partnership with Stephen and Keith is one of several new agreements with comics publishers and comic creators. These include the release of an iPad edition of the first issue of the adventure anthology comic STRIP Magazine, published by Print Media Productions, which includes a special 'prequel' strip for The Iron Moon.

Iron Moon writer Stephen Walsh has written multiple volumes of DC Thomson's Commando Picture Library, as well as the graphic novel The Acid Bath Case (illustrated by Kellie Strom). He co-wrote the feature films How Harry Became A Tree, released in 2001, directed by Goran Paskaljevic and the upcoming Where The Sea Used To Be, directed by Paul Farren. He's currently working on a documentary about John Ford with the director Sé Merry Doyle, as well as preparing further adventures of Charlotte Corday with Keith Page.

Inspired by the great British comics artists of the past such as Frank Hampson, Don Lawrence and Joe Colquhoun, Keith Page has worked full-time in comics and illustration for some 17 years. Subjects have ranged from television-related material such as Thunderbirds, science fiction, and his current war stories of all periods for Commando. A variety of Keith's work can be seen on www.keithpageukcomicsartist.blogspot.com.

ROK Comics recently launched its first fully originated comic, TEAM M.O.B.I.L.E. which is initially being published as a weekly web comic (at www.theteammobile.com), followed by roll out on iPad and other devices.

The company has previously published creator-owned and licensed strips for mobile, with three iPhone apps – Ligeia the Vampire by Rodrigo Diaz Ricci, The Mobile Gospel by Rich Diesslin and Madd Science by Steve English.

Further iPhone and iPad apps, working with a number of different publishers, are in development.

• The Iron Moon can be downloaded for £4.99 at: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/the-iron-moon/id472627046?mt=8


• Visit ROK Comics at: www.rokcomics.com


• A print edition of The Iron Moon is available from Print Media Productions – www.printmediaproductions.com

Cartoon Days of Christmas challenge launched by 'Mobile Gospel' cartoonist Rich Diesslin

Comics creator Rich Diesslin has just announced the 9th Annual On-line The Cartoon Days of Christmas, which aims to offer cartoonists interested in some free promotional fun.

This year's Cartoon Days of Christmas will begin on 1st December and run until 5th January 5th at www.the-cartoonist.com. Cartoons need to be submitted by 28th November in order to be posted on the web site.

Each cartoonist will have a page featuring two or more cartoons on the theme of humor in the Christmas season.

"It will be G-rated fun for the whole family and help to keep the hustle and bustle of the holidays in perspective," says Rich.

How it's looked in past years can be found at www.the-cartoonist.com/tcdc_july.html

Rich, whose 'Mobile Gospel' is available as a ROK Comics-produced iPhone app, is known for his freelance cartoons and cartoon books on a variety of topics including his recent e-book KNOTS Scouting, Out-to-Lunch general and Gospel cartoons.

"This foray into Christmas humour is one of the ways the cartoonists can draw attention to their cartoons, blogs and web sites," Rich enthuses."It's free publicity for those participating, and this year they will again be able to have two cartoons added to the gift shop to generate a little bit of revenue next year."

What you need to participate:

• RSVP e-mail to Rich so you can be kept up-to-date on any developments

Basic stuff needed for your web page:

• Two or more cartoons on Christmas (G or PG-rated)
• A brief biography (one or two paragraphs)
• A banner and/or contact information
• E-mail them to Rich by 28th November 2011 via RLDesATaol.com
• Promote the event to your contacts
• Enjoy the show!

Content will be screened for suitability on a family-oriented web site! Further information is available upon request, including interviews and graphics as needed.