Have you got Crab's yet?
Originally conceived as an animation, ‘Crab’s Eleven’ is a unique addition to the Graphic Novel (comedy) library. It combines an eclectic mix of media including photographing plasticine models, 2D elements finely hand-drawn with mark-making using inks and felt tip pens and digital colouring.
The use of special effects and digitally rendered lighting and backgrounds create the finished look. Old and new methods are equally combined to give the novel its unique style.
Crab’s Eleven’s creators, Simon Mackoon, who has a degree in Fine Art, and Paul Angell with a degree in Digital Screen Arts - are graduates of the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, Surrey.
Their working methods - and the fact that they live in different counties - meant that the novel took three years to complete. Simon works full-time as an Artist/Illustrator in his bedroom/studio in Newbury, Berkshire. Paul works full-time as a CAD specialist in Brighton, East Sussex, working at home on the novel at evenings and weekends. They communicated by e-mail and MSN Messenger, collaborating carefully to ensure that precision was maintained.
This novel will be followed by sequels and tempting ‘Crab Cakes’: mini comics focusing on separate characters in their own right. ‘Crab’s Eleven’ website will be launched this year through which the novel and mini-comics can be previewed and brought. Mackoon and Angell are also branching out into merchandise relating to their creation, which will be featured on the website.
Go check out their work at www.crabseleven.co.uk.
