'Plastic Comics' is born… with a Big Bang!' 06/04
Launched 2nd June

By Nema McMorran

Cyprus' first ever published comic book has hit the streets! Its creator, Tasos Anastasiades, hopes the mag will inspire "a whole new industry of comics…" which will "further enrich our culture".
'Plastic Comics' (P.C.) takes its name from the modern material that surrounds us in our everyday lives, and more specifically from the action figures that have significantly influenced Tasos' drawing style...

Plastic's first issue, "Creation", features 'Nasia' (from 'NASA'), a feisty, well-endowed space heroine, whose "unique genetic material" sends her on a quizzical cosmic mission into the future to save humanity from man-made self destruction. But this is no ordinary hero comic story, it goes much deeper with underlying philosophical/social issues and references to the relationship struggle between the sexes since the beginning of time, represented through the 2 other main characters: 'The Great Guru' & Eve, AKA 'Adam & Eve', "the first cosmic creatures of the universe." …And watch out for the evil serpant who has also taken on a fresh guise!

Tasos firmly believes in his own unique style, in relation to all aspects of comic creation, and in moving away from traditional comic design practice, from the layout of text & visuals to the impulsive rough sketch style drawing of his characters. He aims to encourage readers to read between the layout, and actively participate, by setting the pace through visual changes in the layout of text and image. He also achieves this by cross-referencing within the storyline; the way we're forced to stop and re-think, analyse and make connections is reminiscient of Tarantino or Hitchcock, two of the artist's main creative influences.

Tasos, also graphic designer & illustrator, currently lectures at Cyprus College. He taught previoulsy at Intercollege and recently founded the I.T. OMIC Art Studio where he teaches the art of comic book design.

'Plastic Comics' has already received positive response internationally, from the likes of www.ComicArt.gr and North American Manga publisher 'Tokyopop'. Plastic has even had a proposal from 'Penthouse' magazine, yes Penthouse, who have commissioned Anastasiades to create a couple of illustrative little numbers for their June/July publications!

Which finally brings me to express our congratulations to Plastic Comics for 'filling the gap' and begs the question, that Nasia should probably still be asking herself as she takes this erotic leap - "what will happen to me in the new creation?" ????

Make sure you get your hands on Issue#1 of Cyprus' first comic! The book is produced in A5 size, colour format and will be sold quarterly in both English & Greek at selected bookshops for Cyp3. (Contact us or Plastic Comics, details below)
Also visit Tasos' exhibition of special edition prints(onto canvas) of his illustrations (APOKALYPSE Gallery until 16th June).

If you're a comic artist / illustrator interested in contributing to future issues then please send copies of your work to:
Plastic Comics - P.O.Box 25377, Lefkosia, 1309 Cyprus
Tel: +357 99470720
E-mail: tanastasiades@hotmail.com
Website: www.plasticcomics.com