Comics in Australia & WesternsPRESENTED BY: HAYDEN FRYER

Comic Writer / Illustrator / Publisher

Who is…?

- Established in early 00’s- First Publication in 2002- Over 20 Single Issues- 5 Collected Volumes- Writer / Artist / Publisher

Publications / Credits

Australian Comics

Over 200 comics produced annually. Majority of comics are self-published. Produced outside of, “Day Jobs”. Wide spectrum of work across various

genres, formats and creative focuses. An under represented area of the

Australian creative industries. Literary “middle-class” and difficult to

define for cataloguing/promotion. Historic, “Boom and Bust” Cycle.

Awards / Events / Marketplace

Pop Culture Conventions. Zine Fairs & Trade/Local Events. Library Events (The best ones!). Direct Market / Retail Outlets. Online Distributors. Ledger / Stanley/ Aurealis Awards.

Comics Medium and Visual Language

Sequential illustrations to tell a narrative.

Storytelling flexibility allows supporting elements to the core visual narrative.

Highly adaptable & versatile form of “direct exchange“ storytelling.

Works can be easily produced by both multiple & singular creators.

Limited only by the creator’s choices with what appears on the page itself.

Westerns in Australian Comics

Historically -1940 to 1960 Mainly Australian influences early on. Colonial era stories; bushranging, etc. Large range of titles, driven by genre

popularity in the late 50’s. Import Ban Lifting and Television.

Contemporary – 1980 to 2010 Genre survived the 80’s in Daily Strips. Resurgence of titles in late 00’s and 10’s. Modern variations introduce mixed

genres and draw on popular culture. Genre motifs a common reference point.

Questions…?