Manawatu cartoonist pens new book

Manawatu cartoonist pens new book

Meet ‘Belle’, a right little ‘Miss’ from the Manawatū...

Former book illustrator Brent Putze has taken a dream that many a cartoonist holds dear, namely to publish a book of their inked creation, and made it happen. Spurred on by friend and book designer Anthony Behrens, Putze and his pens have worked for several years to get his cheeky cartoon ‘Belle’ into print. Many late nights, ink splotches and print proofs later, the pair are now poised to launch ‘Belle – the book’ to her fans at an event this Friday.

The adults in Belle’s cartoon world are never seen, but in real life she’s attracted a large family of grown-ups who are helping her get onto bookshelves and coffee tables around the country. Behrens and his Swampthing Media Design crew are the brains-trust behind Belle’s rendering in colour; local publishers

HauNui Press are assisting with book promotion and distribution; and the cartoon-loving staff of The Palmerston North City Library are joining in to host an evening of fun to introduce the region’s new cartoon queen to the page.

‘We’re very grateful to have received support from the Creative Communities scheme to help publish Belle. ’ says Brent. ‘She rails against ‘the system’ (and brussel sprouts and Saturday morning chores) but it’s the system in part that has helped bring Belle to life!’

The book retails for $25 or $50 for a limited edition ‘Belle Bundle’ (a signed original drawing of Belle, a set of 5 Belle postcards, 6 stickers and a packet of lime jelly (Belle’s favourite food)).

Belle’s book launch is this Friday, 20 November, at 5.30pm on the First Floor of the Palmerston North City Library. All are welcome to attend and hear the author, along with special guest Gary Whiting, speak (and watch the cartoonist at work). Any local budding or practising cartoonists are encouraged to attend, for the team behind Belle are keen to plan some community cartooning events in 2016 and would love to know who is out there and who could be interested in being involved.

Books will be available at the launch or from all good booksellers nationwide (or online at www.haunuipress.co.nz) from 20 November.

Find out more about the launch, book and author at www.haunuipress.co.nz.

ENDS

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