CLASSICAL COMICS SCOOP SILVER IPPY WITH THEIR FIRST BOOK

The all-British graphic novel Henry V, has been awarded a Silver Medal at the 2008 Independent Publishers Awards (the “IPPYs”) in America.

This year’s contest attracted a total of 3,175 entries and saw the Original Text Henry V, which was released in November 2007, win runner-up in the Graphic Novel/Drawn Book- Drama/Documentary category.

“The quality of this year's entries has been totally amazing” – Independent Publisher

Chairman of Classical Comics, Clive Bryant said, “We are absolutely delighted to win this award with our first book. To see this dream become a reality, and then to gain recognition for our books has been a truly emotional experience. In fact, we’ve had such a positive response to both Henry V and Macbeth that we’ve increased the number of titles in production”.

Classical Comics’ pioneering multiple text versions of well-loved literature have proven to be a success around the globe, particularly with students and teachers, who welcome this vibrant, colourful way of introducing the classics.

Two further adaptations, Frankenstein and Jane Eyre, are due to be published in September this year; with another five titles being released between October 2008 and January 2009. - www.classicalcomics.com

IPPY Award ceremony May 30^th during Book Expo America, LA

Classical Comics are new UK publishers who are creating engaging versions of literary classics, by converting the timeless stories into stunning, full colour graphic novels.

Spearheaded by Clive Bryant, Chairman, following his successful exit from a business start-up, he was joined by Karen Wenborn as Managing Director in May 2007. The core team was cemented when Jo Wheeler became Creative Director soon afterwards.

To quote Clive 'Neither Karen or I have a publishing background, but we're both strong businesspeople, and are probably overly enthusiastic about books, literacy and education. Jo comes from a print background, so we rely on her to make sure the end product is right.'

As well as meeting the criteria of being strong in colour, dynamic in action, vibrant, engaging and exciting, the books have a myriad of applications in education across all ages and skill levels.

The team of scriptwriters include teachers, playwrights and novelists, while the artists range from newspaper stalwarts to Spiderman creators and Eagle award winners.

"I'm fascinated by your approach to the play and its language. I find them gripping, dramatic and, although for me the original Shakespeare is always my reason for turning to these plays, I think that what you are doing in illuminating and making perhaps more lucid, especially for young people, is clever and meaningful."

- Patrick Stewart, Actor

"This is a fun way of getting into the stories. Plays are not meant to be read but to be seen. The illustrations in these books are an easy way of following what is going on.
The genius of Shakespeare is in the language but for some students understanding it can be a struggle. It will be useful for teachers to have three different versions of the text."

- Ian McNeilly, director of the National Association for the Teaching of English