Two new and welcome comic anthologies join the wide range of work that has sprung in response to the March 11 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters.
"Aftershock" and "Spirit of Hope" employ a range of approaches and styles unique to comics to choreograph the feelings and, in some cases, the experiences of artists and writers based in Japan and internationally. Both projects were initiated to raise funds for relief efforts for Tohoku and also, in the case of "Spirit of Hope," Christchurch.
"Spirit of Hope," which counted on contributions from more than 90 of the most established artists and writers working in comics, carries cover art by Jimmy Broxton and a further limited edition cover featuring art by Michael Allred. Printed on beautiful stock, the stories pulsate with color and with a characteristic urgency and energy that has driven both initiatives without compromising quality. As well as an impressive array of stories by the likes of Alan Grant, Peter Hogan and Tony Lee, there are a number of striking full-page artworks by artists such as Mark Buckingham, Al Davison, Simon Coleby and Natalie Abadzis.