Funtime Comics is a Christchurch, New Zealand based collective of comic artists and writers whose aim is to provide a forum for the promotion and discussion of the comic medium, promote New Zealand comics and encourage local writers and artists through the publishing of their own comics. Funtime publishes the Funtime Comics Anthology, and a variety of other comics, many of which are collaborative efforts, featuring stories and artwork from local and international comics artists.
Contents
History
Funtime Comics was formed in 1990 by a group of comic artists and enthusiasts from the University of Canterbury.
The first anthology was published the following year under the editorship of Bean McGregor, Jason Brice (founder of Comics Bulletin) and Nigel Campbell, with the name Funtime coming from a competition for the title and cover banner won by Debra Boyask. Edward Dewe assumed the editorship for the next three issues in 1992-1993. Issue 2 was the first published under the series title Funtime Comics Presents, the name by which it was known until Issue 22.
Issue 5 came out in November 1993 under the editorship of Darren Schroeder. He remained editor up until the publication of Issue 21 in 2005. It was during Darren's long-standing editorship that the Funtime anthology extended its range to include contributions from other parts of New Zealand and overseas. He also established the tradition of monthly Funtime Workshops at which members draw comics and drink tea and eat animal biscuits. His efforts also extended to the promotion of New Zealand comics through the creation of the most comprehensive and authoritative resource on New Zealand Comics, the website New Zealand Comics - Comics.org.nz.
Current editor Isaac Freeman has produced four issues of the regular anthology since mid-2007. In 2011 a special issue of Funtime Comics Anthology was released in response to the devastating earthquake of 22 February 2011 in Funtime's home town of Christchurch, New Zealand. Contributors from all around the world sent work for the special issue and all proceeds from the sale of the comic went to the Red Cross.
Achievements
Isaac Freeman and Funtime Comics published issue 23 (January 2009) under the new series name Funtime Comics Anthology. With the publication of this issue it is now believed to be New Zealand's longest-running title, in years and number of issues.
In 2006 Issue #20 of Funtime Comics Presents, Unau Prolepsis, won Best Anthology of 2004-2005 in the Black River Digital 'Eric' Awards.
In 2006 the Funtime Comics hosted website New Zealand Comics - Comics.org.nz received the following two awards:
A Funtime Comics workshop is featured in the Shirley Horrocks documentary The Comics Show, alongside individual interviews with Funtimers Jared Lane, Isaac Freeman and Darren Schroeder. A DVD version features extra interviews with Funtime artists Ruth Boyask and Bob Gibbons.
Anthologies
Funtime Comics Present
Funtime Comics Anthology
Anthology Contributors
Well known New Zealand comic artists Jared Lane, Bob Gibbons, Isaac Freeman, Debra Boyask and Ruth Boyask are long-term contributors. Funtime has been instrumental in launching the comics/animation careers of several New Zealanders. For example, Craig Gillman (winner of the Favourite New New Zealand Artist - Gibson Awards 2006) and Andrew Kepple (perhaps best known for his animutation French Erotic Film and now working as an animator in Alberta, Canada). Regular international contributors include Zlatko Krstevski from Macedonia, Claudio Parentela from Italy and sisters Mary Knott and Beppi from Baltimore, United States.