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Fickling gears up for comic launch

19.02.08 Caroline Horn

Philip Pullman will be one of the contributing authors to the launch issue of a new children's comic this summer, published by David Fickling and backed by Random House. The weekly publication will be aimed at children aged eight to 12 years, but with appeal for the whole household, said Fickling.

The DFC comic will initially be available only via subscription and will cost about £3 per issue. The first issue will be published on 30th May and subscribers will receive their copies in specially-designed coloured envelopes with "Your Comic" across the front.

"I have wanted to publish a comic for years and, now that we can sell subscriptions online, the business model has become possible," said Fickling. Each issue will include 36 pages of original stories and no advertising. It will be supported by a website at www.thedfc.co.uk and the content also be developed into books and annuals.

Fickling approached authors and illustrators to come forward with ideas for The DFC. Philip Pullman’s strip is called John Black and is about a mysterious boy sailing in the Pacific. Other contributing authors and illustrators are John Aggs, Dave Shelton, Neill Cameron and Garen Ewing. Some of their strips have already appeared in the Guardian under The DFC banner, helping to raise interest in the forthcoming launch.

"I've always loved comics, and when I first heard about the DFC, I leapt at the chance of being involved," said Pullman. "The chance to work in this wonderfully fluid and exciting form was too good to miss. I've had a lot of fun with the story of John Blake, and I hope readers will enjoy it as well as all the other great things in the DFC."

Random House is backing the project but has not put a figure on its investment. It hopes to grow subscriptions "steadily", said RH marketing director Janine Giovanni. Marketing will include online marketing, press, sampling and cross-promotional opportunities to reach both parents and children, although no details were yet available.

Childrens Caroline Horn David Fickling

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