Press Release
For over thirty years, Bryan Talbot has been creating some of the most complex and genre-shattering graphic novels ever published. From his steampunk epic The Adventures of Luther Arkwright, to his touching story of homelessness and abuse The Tale of One Bad Rat, to the upcoming anthropomorphic thriller Grandville, Talbot has been on the cusp of cutting-edge creativity. But of all his stories, Alice in Sunderland is perhaps the best example of his talent, and the work that has now earned Talbot an honorary doctorate from the University of Sunderland.
Alice in Sunderland is a tale that is equal parts fantasy, history, and sharp humor. Publishers Weekly called it “[a]freewheeling, metafictional magnum opus.†The combination of historical accuracy and its ability to stretch various visual mediums raises Alice in Sunderland to something more than an entertaining graphic novel. It is a story that is self-reflexive, educational, and thought provoking, while enrapturing readers far more than a standard textbook.
The University of Sunderland is recognizing the value of Alice in Sunderland and the rest of Talbot’s work by awarding him an honorary doctorate for his “outstanding contribution to the Arts as [a]writer and graphic artist†at their annual award ceremony at the Stadium of Light.
According to comic historian Paul Gravett, this is one of the few times a doctorate has been given for work in the comic medium, proving that comics have achieved the level of respect by academic institutions they have so long deserved. Talbot joins the ranks of such esteemed creators as Charles Schultz who received an honorary doctorate in 1966, and Art Speigleman who receive the prestigious degree in 1996.
And although there is no doubt that Talbot’s doctorate represents a milestone in the industry, it does not signal the end for a man whose canon is constantly improving.
Dark Horse is proud to announce that Bryan Talbot will be signing at San Diego Comic-Con in support of his upcoming book Grandville on Wednesday, July 22, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; on Saturday, July 25, from noon until 1:00 p.m.; and on Sunday, July 26, from 11:00 a.m. to noon.
Talbot will also be hosting a special lecture titled “Grandville and the Art of Anthropomorphic Comic Tradition†on Sunday, July 26, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please see Dark Horse employees at booth #2615 for further details.
