Bryan Talbot @ Leicester Libraries
I’ve been remiss in mentioning that we went to see Bryan Talbot talk about Grandville & the Anthropomorphic Tradition at Leicester Central Lending Library on Thursday 7th May.
Bryan’s talk was part of the ongoing strand of BLAM! comic events organised by Leicester Libraries. They do a wonderful job on these events and their guests have included Paul Gravett, Al Davison, Matt Smith (2000AD) and John Freeman. Jay was also involved in a BLAM! event about Breaking into Comics. Interested in forthcoming BLAM! events then keep an eye on the Leicester Libraries website or follow The Book Doctor on twitter.
Having been to Bryan’s talks on One Bad Rat and Luther Arkwright I was looking forward to this, and wasn’t disappointed. He provided an entertaining and informative history on the use of anthropomorphic characters. From early pictograms, to newspaper strips (such as Rupert the Bear), to use in the art world (Coolidge’s dogs playing poker), to use in hit European comics (Black Sad).
Bryan illustrated some of the influences he used in Grandville, such as guest appearances by Snowy the dog, and how some panels were based on classic paintings. I always feel I’ve learned a lot about art, and the pure craft of comics, after a Talbot talk!
If you have the chance to see any of Bryan’s talks then I highly recommend them, and if you haven’t read Grandville yet, then why not? If you live in Leicester, you can certainly borrow it from the library 
