Sending coals to Newcastle
Well, that is virtually what Classical Comics have achieved via their latest deal with Ittosha Incorporated of Japan. The deal that they have signed is to sell their unique brand of graphical novel adaptations to the Japanese for translation and publication in Japan; aficionados of comic culture will immediately see the irony here, as there has been an almost one way traffic of Manga comics, programs and art to the UK for a number of years.
Manga, which is the Japanese word for comic book art has become synonymous with a particularly idealised form of art incorporating abstractly drawn characters usually set within a futuristic/ fantasy/ parallel worldly milieu and is particularly popular with British teenagers.
The Classical Comics format of presenting classical literary works has proved extremely popular worldwide and teachers especially, have commented upon how the vibrant and colourful way that these works are represented visually has helped to popularise them with many children who might otherwise not show an interest in these works.
Clive Bryant the Chairman of Classical Comics commented that just a Westerners find a fascination in Japanese culture he was sure that there was a reciprocal fascination in Japan for the British culture that was contained within his products.
It seems that he is right and initial trials have shown that his Classical adaptations are being very well received in Japan; we wish Classical Comics the best of luck and every success.