2024 hasn't been the best of years for me and things aren't going to improve but I know millions are worse off so I won't drone on about the downside. Fatigue from CLL continues to be a problem but on better days I did enjoy working on some fun comics and attended conventions in Manchester, Macclesfield and London, and get to Blackpool a few times for a break. Even started the year with an invite to the old BBC HQ to celebrate 600 issues of Doctor Who Magazine.
It occurs to me that I spend about 90% of my life on my own these days, so meeting up with friends really means a great deal to me and it's been a pleasure to catch up with those of you I was fortunate to spend time with. One big highlight of the year was receiving a LFCC Hall of Fame award in July for my 40 years in comics. That has pride of place on top of my bookshelf.
A big thank you to friends for the laughs and great company, and to everyone who's invited me to a show or supported my art over the past 12 months.
I'll get my state pension next April so all being well and depending on health I'm pleased to announce that I'll retire and focus on selected commissions, self publishing, and selling more of my old artwork. So 2025 could be an exciting year.
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Update:
I'm sorry my Reflections on 2024 post was a bit downbeat in places. I'm trying to remain optimistic and I do have plans for 2025 as long as my health holds up.
All being well you'll see the return of BRICKMAN in one comic, SGT. SHOUTY in another, the 6th issue of COMBAT COLIN, and that's just the first half of 2025. I have lots of plans for self publishing and I won't be giving up on mainstream comics completely when I retire. So watch this space for future developments!
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7 comments:
Lew, good luck and all the very best for the coming year. If you ever need to off-load any old annuals/complete years of collected issues, I'm sure there'll be many takers, including me.
I don't actually have that many annuals and I'm saving those. It'll be mostly American comics and books I'll be getting rid of from my collection.
Happy New Year Lew. It’s been a tough one, that’s for sure. I’m happy to see you’re positive about 2025 though, looking forward to retirement and remaining positive. You’ve brought so much positivity to so many lives, I’m sure you’ll have the support for whatever you choose to do after retiring. I’ve somehow got a positive outlook too (after the year it’s been), so here’s to 2025 being a better one for us both. 🍻
Hi, Lew. Sorry for the late response but wanted to congratulate you on your upcoming retirement. You say that that you won't be in The Dandy Annual 2026. Does that mean that the 2025 edition will be your last? If so, I'll miss your strips as I always enjoyed them.
Sorry, Lew. I forgot to login before sending my previous post.
Hi Sid, Thank you. The Dandy Annual 2026 (out this August) won't have anything by me in it but I'll have three 2 page Dinah Mo stories in The Dandy Annual 2027, to be published in August of 2026.
I'll still continue with my strip for Doctor Who Magazine for as long as they want me / as long as I'm able.
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