To be honest, I always have a problem writing stuff like this, editorials and such; I don't know if it comes over too arrogant or pretentious, or just plain boring. The man who knew too little attempts to sound important! But I was thinking that there maybe readers of this who are tempted to create their own comics, to self publish but may well be terrified of where to begin; or may just lack the confidence to put their work out on show for the world to enjoy or pull to bits. I'm no expert myself, but this is how ENGINE COMICS started out, on a train travelling backwards, with drunk Man Utd supporters at one end and a squealing toddler at the other, and a decision that would ruin my bank account forever!

A few years ago, I was on the way back to Liverpool after a weekend in Stockport with my girlfriend, chatting away on the phone to another comic hopeful, Dave, about various projects we'd like to do if given the time and page space. I was doodling away as I do, just messing about with shapes. We suddenly realised that instead of sending stuff away in the hopes of getting printed, we should attempt to self publish. At that time, I had no idea how. The first thing we discussed was the 'company name'. Being on a train, all rail associations came flooding into my head: PLATFORM, SUBWAY, etc. All pretty shite it has to be said. But I liked the look of the Subway symbol as a logo; simple, effective. It eventually morphed into a badly drawn cog, and much mobile phone credit later, into ENGINE COMICS. Perhaps not the most inspired name, but it sort of stuck.

Many moons earlier I had attempted something similar, called INFINITY, then INVICTUS COMICS. Unfortunately, perhaps like a lot of self-publishing, it started out well with lots of interest and big ideas. After the other few people who were helping to pull it all together, pulled out, I was left with some nice ideas and willing contributors, but no comic. If anyone out there remembers and submitted ideas to INVICTUS (I remember the names), or even better wants to contribute, please let me know, and you'll be on my free mailing list forever!

The main motivation, besides printing our own stuff, was to give other creators a fair deal, to treat them with the respect they deserve, even if it was just one story they wanted to do, to make sure they wouldn't have to worry if they would ever get their work back, never mind printed and read.

Until Bristol's COMICS 2001 I didn't realised how many self-publishers were out there. It was amazing to me that such a strong community existed, yet perhaps never gets the publicity and acknowledgement it deserves. Since that time though, the small press presence in conventions seems to double each year, which can only be a good thing. Discussion panels and workshops, various support groups and the growing internet presence can only mean the profile of independents, self publishing and small press generally will grow and strengthen

Perhaps the main hurdle facing would be self-publishers is printing, or rather the cost and reliability of the service. The smaller the print run, the more it costs per unit. Thankfully there are moves to fix this problem from a few areas to provide a good deal to creators; Shane Chebsey's SMALLZONE has recently moved into the printing arena, as well as offering to design websites. It is this kind of commitment that small press needs to flourish, as well as more retailers taking notice of the abundance of talent in their own country.

ENGINE doesn't claim to be revolutionary by any means; we're just doing what everyone else is doing, making comics. But as a collective we will try to be vocal and help promote communication between writers and artists, and maybe push and help them to start doodling their own logos on their own trains. A clumsy metaphor, but you never know where that train may take you.

It mebers or joining the group, contact Dave West at http://www.devacomics.com/Accent_UK/.

So you've decided you like what you see and want more. We like you. You have taste. At the moment, we're working on a way to bring you a fast and reliable online ordering service, looking at various systems for optimum efficiency. While that is developing, you can order simply clicking on ORDER FORM Then contact the editor by email for the postal address, print out the form with the relevant details, and post a cheque or postal order for the full amount, including postage and packing. All ENGINE COMICS are sent in secure packaging.

Comics could not exist without readers. Therefore it is essential we receive feedback on our comics, on our website, on anything that takes your fancy. Send all your missives direct to Barry Renshaw, Editor, at editor@enginecomics.co.uk. It's all his fault anyway.