This column is called The Real Mainstream. I thought I'd better take some time to explain why...
If you look at 90 percent of the comics you find in your average retailer, you'll find a lot of similar titles with similar themes, right? These are the products of the major labels and they take up 90% of the shelf space - but do they cover 90% of the possible themes and genres?
You're right if you're thinking the answer is no.
Luckily, its possible to obtain comics with these themes in, but you have to look outside the major labels to get them. I know there are exceptions but mostly it is the case that you have to look outside the so-called "mainstream" in order to find comics which could appeal to a majority of the people - not just those who like superhero related action.
That’s the concept here - that the majority of the possible themes, genres and issues can be found in independents, therefore, the independents are providing a much wider (potential) readership and appeal than major labels.
...and I am here to document them for your pleasure.
Comic Title: Spiral Dreams
Publisher: Astral Gypsy Press
Writer/Artist: Al Davison
About the Comic:
Theme: Spiral Dreams is an unusual comic in many respects, the like of which I have never seen before in this medium. Spiral Dreams consists of a series of dream memories arranged sequentially. As such, it can be funny, unnerving, distracting, bizarre, thought-provoking and interesting in the way that only dreams can be. The work is sincere, personal and demanding of our respect. As a work it stands utterly unique in the comics world.
Artwork: Varies from basic and unrepresentational scrawls to beautifully rendered and lifelike images of people and situations. Usually, this kind of artistic uncertainty will diminish an independent title, however, in this case that aspect of the art actually improves it. The range of differing artworks captures the essence and nature of dreams in an astonishing way and the work loses none of its essential power because of any artistic inconsistency.
Appeal: Does not have general appeal - the majority of comics readers will be unable to appreciate the work due to a lack of understanding and patience, however, if approached by those with an open mind and a certain amount of patience, the comic is brilliant, thought provoking and ultimately discussion provoking.
Ideal Starting Point: Anywhere. Because of the nature of the work you can jump in at any point.
Format: Variable. Issues one and two of the comic are reproduced in an A5 format on regular paper with a card cover with black and white printing throughout. The newest issue (three) is A4 size with black and white reproduction internally and a colour print pasted onto the front. The book Spiral Dreams is in an unusual size somewhere between A5 and comics size. The book has a glossy, colour cover and black and white pages throughout.
Regularity: Irregular. Basically, comics are published whenever Al Davidson feels like it.
Back catalogue/Books: 1 book has been published "Spiral Dreams" and 3 comics have been published. Also available is Al Davison’s Autobiography "The Spiral Cage".
Availability: The book "Spiral Dreams" can be bought from many comic shops, however, the issues of the comic are difficult to get hold of in a regular comic shop but can be obtained directly from the publisher. Go to Astral Gypsy Press or write to: Astral Gypsy Press, 160b Ivydale road, Nunhead, London, SE15 3BT.
About the publisher: Created as a vehicle for publishing Spiral Dreams - the publisher of the comic is Astral Gypsy Press. The book was published with Slab-O-Concrete Publications. Astral Gypsy Press has a website which can be found at: www.astralgypsy.com.
Other works of note: The Dreaming (story and art) issues 20-21, The Dreaming issue 41 (written by Caitlin Kiernan), The Spiral Cage - an interesting and moving autobiography of Al Davison, Hellblazer (artwork in Paul Jenkins run), Tainted (with Jamie Delano), The Minotaur's Tale, Vermillion (with Lucius Shepard) and The Illusive Dragon.
If you know of any independent comics which you love and think should be publicized OR are the creator of such a comic then contact me here with as much information as possible and I’ll investigate and pass on the information in these articles.
Glenn needs your feedback! Have your say on the Real Mainstream on The Real Deal message board.
