Monday, May 12, 2008

Thank you!



"The previous proudest moment of my career was when I became the first comic artist to draw incestuous dinosaur sex in a mainstream UK publication - now I have a proudest moment I can tell my mum about"
(Photo by my belovèd, the apochromatic Dr. F.)


At the risk of sounding like Richard Attenborough at an Oscar ceremony, I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for me. Being nominated was more than I'd anticipated; actually winning was just beyond all expectation. It's pleasantly startling to know that my work made an impression of this kind.

I also want to give particular thanks to the following individuals:

  • Ian Edginton - it's my collaborations with Ian, for Dark Horse and 2000AD, that have really brought my career on in the last five years or so. Without Ian, I wouldn't be where I am today.
  • Matt Smith, Tharg-In-Residence - for not doing the sensible thing by prodding us out of his office with a broom when Ian and I came to him with pitches like "It's an ocean liner! It's got a demon on it!" or "Imagine Professor Moriarty crossed with the Child-Catcher General from Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang - but with an extra spine!" Congratulations on you own Eagle Award, btw.
  • My Belovèd, Dr. F - without whom, there'd simply be no point.
  • Shane Oakley - for setting me on the path and giving me a bit of attitude.
  • Finally, the late, great Steve Whitaker - for friendship, support, instruction and ideas - in particular, for shoving the work of Alberto Breccia in my face and telling me why it was so good until I eventually understood. Without that inspiration, I would not have produced the work that won me this award, and I dedicate it to his memory.

I keep my precious Eagle Award under heavy guard at all times.

12 comments:

Jay said...

Hey! That's great! Well done. I had no idea who'd won any of the Eagles this year - I think most people I spoke to on the Sunday missed out too, and I've yet to find the results online (cue a bombardment of links...)

Made up for ya! : )

Jay

Richard said...

Nope, no sign of the awards yet. Maybe tomorrow?
But well done to you Matt for the award. Much deserved indeed.

FQP Dave said...

Totally deserved and one thing I noticed (being in the rabble at the back) was that when you got up to accept 'everyone' was quiet. Huge respect.

Chris Weston said...

Congrats, Matt!

Graeme Neil Reid said...

Superb and well deserved. Only fitting for all the excellent work you've produced of late including the double page spread in Stickleback that made me swear out loud when I turned the page. My wife was not pleased.

Congrats Matt!

Gary Crutchley said...

Go Matt!
Congrats mate, well deserved

Anonymous said...

Seconded!
Hope the Games industry don't get you TOO quick!

Wallow, you deserve it...

Proudhuff

Anonymous said...

Good Lord, man! Well, perhaps it's not the medal and /or knighthood I've been lobbying for, but welcome recognition of your sickening talents, nonetheless.

Cheers!

Jim

Anonymous said...

About time that huge talent of yours got some recognition, young man. (And nice of you to pay tribute to Steve W.)

Declan Shalvey said...

Congrats again Matt, well deserved!

Dec.

David F. Chapman said...

Many, many congrats dude. You certainly deserve it. How cool is that? Debs and I send out heartfelt congratulations! (Keep in touch, y'hear!)

Anonymous said...

Congrats, Matt. Look forward to you being in ImagineFX. We'll try and spell your name right ;-)