British publisher SelfMadeHero earlier today announced its publishing plans for the first few months of 2014. They include a biography of painter Vincent van Gogh by Dutch artist Barbara Stok, a political satire set during the Iraq War by Abel Lanzac and Christophe Blain (!), the true story of boxer Hertzko Haft, who survived Auschwitz to become a heavyweight prize-fighter, and a collaboration between David Camus and Nick Abadzis (Laika, Hugo Tate) that involves Orson Welles and a Cuban cigar-roller.
Earlier the company announced plans to publish Rob Davis' The Motherless Oven and Black Francis' The Good Inn in 2014.
You can find the full descriptions below.
February
TERRA AUSTRALIS
Based on the real-life voyage of discovery of Admiral Arthur Phillip, who became the first Governor of New South Wales and founder of Sydney, this dramatic historical account traces the First Fleet’s journey from London to establishing the initial settlements. Written by LF Bollée, drawn by Philippe Nicloux, and published to coincide with Admiral Phillip’s bicentenary, this is a 500-page epic bringing history to life. Paperback, £16.99 (512pp). Published on 6 Feb.
March
VINCENT
Vincent Van Gogh is arguably one of the world’s most popular artists and a man who led a turbulent, tragic life in pursuit of his dreams. During his short stay in Arles, Provence, he had one of his most intense, creative periods which is the focus of this biography by Dutch writer and illustrator Barbara Stok. The second in SelfMadeHero’s Art Masters series. Paperback, £12.99 (144pp). Published on 6 March.
THE BOXER
Sixteen-year old Hertzko Haft is sent to Auschwitz where his formidable fighting skills help him to survive. Fleeing to America after escaping the death march, he becomes a heavyweight prize-fighter, and is later inaugurated in the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. A remarkable and gripping true story of heroism and the human spirit. Written and drawn by Reinhard Kleist (Johnny Cash – I See A Darkness). Paperback, rrp £14.99 (200pp).
April
CELESTE
The first original story from I. N. J. Culbard, best known for his H. P. Lovecraft adaptations, Celeste is a compelling piece of science-fiction about the choices we make and the courage it takes to make them. Three tales follow the lives of a lovestruck couple on the London underground, a suicidal comic artist in a demon-haunted Japanese forest, and two strangers stranded on a gridlocked LA freeway. A futuristic meditation that appeals to both fans of movies and graphic novels. Hardback, rrp £15.99 (192pp).
WEAPONS OF MASS DIPLOMACY
Award-winning political satire based on the life of former PM and Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin. Set during the Iraq conflict of 2002-3, Alexandre Taillard de Vorms loves making poetic speeches and cosying up to the elite. Familiar world leaders are amongst the large cast but they are all given fictional names. Written by Abel Lanzac, a former speechwriter for De Villepin, and illustrated by Christophe Blain, it belongs to the traditions of TV series The Thick of It and Steve Bell’s If…. newspaper strip. It has recently been adapted into a critical-praised film under its original French title, Quai D’Orsay. Hardback, rrp £16.99 (200pp).
May
THE CIGAR THAT FELL IN LOVE WITH A PIPE
Orson Welles’ latest movie, The Lady From Shanghai, starring his wife Rita Hayworth, is about to be released when he receives a box of his favourite cigars. He loses himself in daydreams of the person who made them, Cuba’s most famous cigar roller Conchita Marquez, whose colourful story unfolds in the plumed smoke. Written by David Camus, best-selling author of Knights of the Kingdom, and UK-born artist Nick Abadzis. Hardback, £14.99 (128pp).