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.