Dean Simons
@deansimons.bsky.social
He/Him. UK-based freelance culture writer/journalist [news & features]. Interests: world comics, comics history, digital comics + tech/gaming
Portfolio | https://linktr.ee/dean.simons
Support my work | https://ko-fi.com/deansimons
Follow ≠ endorsement
Portfolio | https://linktr.ee/dean.simons
Support my work | https://ko-fi.com/deansimons
Follow ≠ endorsement
a special promo video was just released celebrating (over) 40 years of Dragon Ball . With a special score by Hans Zimmer (?!), Toriyama’s original manga pages came to life. Also it announced next series of Dragon Ball Super is in production, subtitled “Galactic Patrol” (Moro arc from Super Manga)
[DRAGON BALL] 40th Anniversary Special Video
YouTube video by 東映アニメーション公式YouTubeチャンネル
youtu.be
January 25, 2026 at 2:36 AM
a special promo video was just released celebrating (over) 40 years of Dragon Ball . With a special score by Hans Zimmer (?!), Toriyama’s original manga pages came to life. Also it announced next series of Dragon Ball Super is in production, subtitled “Galactic Patrol” (Moro arc from Super Manga)
An Angoulême update. My usual explainer of a rather unusual set of circumstances.
After 53 years, FIBD is “officially” dead. For legal reasons. But a comics festival in Angoulême - the “comics capital” - will take place.
Also, explaining what is taking place next week
Hopefully it makes sense
After 53 years, FIBD is “officially” dead. For legal reasons. But a comics festival in Angoulême - the “comics capital” - will take place.
Also, explaining what is taking place next week
Hopefully it makes sense
ANGOULÊME: FIBD is over, a new event planned for 2027: The future is still in motion, with the jarring loss of FIBD, but comics will continue to be feted in Angoulême under different management
ANGOULÊME: With FIBD no more, a new comics event is planned for 2027
The future is still in motion but even with the jarring loss of FIBD, comics will continue to be feted in Angoulême, but under different management
www.comicsbeat.com
January 23, 2026 at 9:54 PM
An Angoulême update. My usual explainer of a rather unusual set of circumstances.
After 53 years, FIBD is “officially” dead. For legal reasons. But a comics festival in Angoulême - the “comics capital” - will take place.
Also, explaining what is taking place next week
Hopefully it makes sense
After 53 years, FIBD is “officially” dead. For legal reasons. But a comics festival in Angoulême - the “comics capital” - will take place.
Also, explaining what is taking place next week
Hopefully it makes sense
Did a review
Graphic Novel Review: In WHITE SHADOWS, death is always near
In White Shadows, a prince is stolen by a strange being, and the king calls upon the nobility to hunt the ‘creature’ and return the prince.
In White Shadows, a prince is stolen by a strange being, and the king calls upon the nobility to hunt the ‘creature’ and return the prince.
Graphic Novel Review: In WHITE SHADOWS, death is always near
In White Shadows, a prince is stolen by a strange being, and the king calls upon the nobility to hunt the ‘creature’ and return the prince.
www.comicsbeat.com
January 22, 2026 at 8:37 PM
Did a review
@derfbackderf.bsky.social doing press for the premiere of a French documentary about the making of his graphic novel My Friend Dahmer. Published by Abrams ComicArts (2012), the French edition was published by Ca et Là in 2013. The documentary for the Arte channel debuted this evening in France.
« Ami » de Jeffrey Dahmer, il raconte son histoire avec ce tueur en série qui « surgit sans cesse là où on ne l’attend pas »
Dans le documentaire « le Cannibale de Milwaukee » réalisé par Olivier Mirguet, l’auteur Derf Backderf revient sur la conception de sa BD culte « Mon ami Dahmer », récit de sa vie de lycéen aux côtés ...
www.nouvelobs.com
January 22, 2026 at 8:27 PM
@derfbackderf.bsky.social doing press for the premiere of a French documentary about the making of his graphic novel My Friend Dahmer. Published by Abrams ComicArts (2012), the French edition was published by Ca et Là in 2013. The documentary for the Arte channel debuted this evening in France.
Spotted this list from French publication Nouvel Obs. It was posted December 22, 2025. The title is pretty much "17 Comics To Gift Someone You Don't Know Very Well".
Most (13/17) I believe are/were available in English. Some digital only via Europe Comics. It's a curious mix.
Most (13/17) I believe are/were available in English. Some digital only via Europe Comics. It's a curious mix.
17 valeurs sûres en BD à offrir à quelqu’un que vous ne connaissez pas bien (la sœur de votre collègue)
Du « Photographe » au « Combat ordinaire » en passant par « Tamara Drewe » et « Aya de Yopougon ».
www.nouvelobs.com
January 22, 2026 at 8:19 PM
Spotted this list from French publication Nouvel Obs. It was posted December 22, 2025. The title is pretty much "17 Comics To Gift Someone You Don't Know Very Well".
Most (13/17) I believe are/were available in English. Some digital only via Europe Comics. It's a curious mix.
Most (13/17) I believe are/were available in English. Some digital only via Europe Comics. It's a curious mix.
Animated Star Wars in Disney+ era has been consistently great with quality of animation coming leaps and bounds from the early days of Clone Wars.
Intrigued by elements teased for Maul: Underworld, bunch of Jedi apprentices on the run, and the Emperor’s Inquisitors after Maul
Intrigued by elements teased for Maul: Underworld, bunch of Jedi apprentices on the run, and the Emperor’s Inquisitors after Maul
Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord | Official Teaser Trailer | Streaming April 6 on Disney+
YouTube video by Star Wars
youtu.be
January 22, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Animated Star Wars in Disney+ era has been consistently great with quality of animation coming leaps and bounds from the early days of Clone Wars.
Intrigued by elements teased for Maul: Underworld, bunch of Jedi apprentices on the run, and the Emperor’s Inquisitors after Maul
Intrigued by elements teased for Maul: Underworld, bunch of Jedi apprentices on the run, and the Emperor’s Inquisitors after Maul
Finally, a character that will actually make me more than 5% interested in Avengers: Doomsday
Kermit the Frog will return in Avengers: Doomsday
YouTube video by Kermitment - A Muppets Podcast
youtu.be
January 22, 2026 at 4:53 PM
Finally, a character that will actually make me more than 5% interested in Avengers: Doomsday
Reposted by Dean Simons
Soli Deo Gloria wins 2026 Fnac France Inter Comics Prize
Soli Deo Gloria by writer Jean-Christophe Deveney and artist Édouard Cour (Dupuis) was picked the 2026 recipient of the Fnac France Inter Prix BD. The winner, chosen by a final panel of journalists and booksellers, was announced live on…
Soli Deo Gloria by writer Jean-Christophe Deveney and artist Édouard Cour (Dupuis) was picked the 2026 recipient of the Fnac France Inter Prix BD. The winner, chosen by a final panel of journalists and booksellers, was announced live on…
Soli Deo Gloria wins 2026 Fnac France Inter Comics Prize
Soli Deo Gloria by writer Jean-Christophe Deveney and artist Édouard Cour (Dupuis) was picked the 2026 recipient of the Fnac France Inter Prix BD. The winner, chosen by a final panel of journalists and booksellers, was announced live on daily morning show La Grande Matinale on January 7 during a special day of programming devoted to comics.
www.comicsbeat.com
January 20, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Soli Deo Gloria wins 2026 Fnac France Inter Comics Prize
Soli Deo Gloria by writer Jean-Christophe Deveney and artist Édouard Cour (Dupuis) was picked the 2026 recipient of the Fnac France Inter Prix BD. The winner, chosen by a final panel of journalists and booksellers, was announced live on…
Soli Deo Gloria by writer Jean-Christophe Deveney and artist Édouard Cour (Dupuis) was picked the 2026 recipient of the Fnac France Inter Prix BD. The winner, chosen by a final panel of journalists and booksellers, was announced live on…
Reposted by Dean Simons
Hannah McCann’s ST. BRIGID & ME wins First Graphic Novel Award 2025
Hannah McCann’s graphic memoir about abortion rights and folklore in Northern Ireland, St Brigid & Me, has been named the 2025 winner of the UK's First Graphic Novel Award
Hannah McCann’s graphic memoir about abortion rights and folklore in Northern Ireland, St Brigid & Me, has been named the 2025 winner of the UK's First Graphic Novel Award
Hannah McCann’s ST. BRIGID & ME wins First Graphic Novel Award 2025
Hannah McCann’s graphic memoir about abortion rights and folklore in Northern Ireland, St Brigid & Me, has been named the 2025 winner of the UK's First Graphic Novel Award
www.comicsbeat.com
January 20, 2026 at 5:31 PM
Hannah McCann’s ST. BRIGID & ME wins First Graphic Novel Award 2025
Hannah McCann’s graphic memoir about abortion rights and folklore in Northern Ireland, St Brigid & Me, has been named the 2025 winner of the UK's First Graphic Novel Award
Hannah McCann’s graphic memoir about abortion rights and folklore in Northern Ireland, St Brigid & Me, has been named the 2025 winner of the UK's First Graphic Novel Award
Reposted by Dean Simons
Influential 2000 AD precursor ACTION to release 50th Anniversary Special in April
Influential 2000 AD precursor ACTION to release 50th Anniversary Special in April
The special issue of the influential – and controversial – British comic precursor to 2000 AD will feature four all-new iterations of classic stories from the original anthology, spearheaded by Garth Ennis
www.comicsbeat.com
January 15, 2026 at 9:46 PM
Influential 2000 AD precursor ACTION to release 50th Anniversary Special in April
January 14, 2026 at 10:11 PM
Spotted this on BBC News. West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster proudly showing off surrendered weapons.
And now I am wondering where you need to go for authentic blood wine in the West Midlands. Wolverhampton? Coventry? #startrek
And now I am wondering where you need to go for authentic blood wine in the West Midlands. Wolverhampton? Coventry? #startrek
January 14, 2026 at 6:28 PM
Spotted this on BBC News. West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster proudly showing off surrendered weapons.
And now I am wondering where you need to go for authentic blood wine in the West Midlands. Wolverhampton? Coventry? #startrek
And now I am wondering where you need to go for authentic blood wine in the West Midlands. Wolverhampton? Coventry? #startrek
Another thing I try to do when I cover awards:
If it is small press or self published with limited distribution, I will look up the website or place where people can find the book being nominated. Often it isn’t easy to find and I end up having to link to an Instagram page.
If it is small press or self published with limited distribution, I will look up the website or place where people can find the book being nominated. Often it isn’t easy to find and I end up having to link to an Instagram page.
January 14, 2026 at 1:56 PM
Another thing I try to do when I cover awards:
If it is small press or self published with limited distribution, I will look up the website or place where people can find the book being nominated. Often it isn’t easy to find and I end up having to link to an Instagram page.
If it is small press or self published with limited distribution, I will look up the website or place where people can find the book being nominated. Often it isn’t easy to find and I end up having to link to an Instagram page.
One of the things I often have to do, particularly with awards put together by those outside the comics community/scene, is look up and fill in the creative teams on books. Often they just credit the writer. NAACP was one example but it is depressingly frequent. I hope it changes in future.
NAACP Image Award 2026 nominations roll in
NAACP Image Award 2026 nominations roll in
The full nominations list for the 57th NAACP Image Awards were announced Monday. For the third year, graphic novels were included in the list. Comics inspired media also had a pretty good showing with 13 total nominations between them
www.comicsbeat.com
January 14, 2026 at 1:45 PM
One of the things I often have to do, particularly with awards put together by those outside the comics community/scene, is look up and fill in the creative teams on books. Often they just credit the writer. NAACP was one example but it is depressingly frequent. I hope it changes in future.
Reposted by Dean Simons
Thought Bubble: The Yorkshire Comic Art Festival 2026! Dates coming soon!
Join our mailing list to be the first to know: thoughtbubblefestival.com/mailinglist
Join our mailing list to be the first to know: thoughtbubblefestival.com/mailinglist
January 14, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Thought Bubble: The Yorkshire Comic Art Festival 2026! Dates coming soon!
Join our mailing list to be the first to know: thoughtbubblefestival.com/mailinglist
Join our mailing list to be the first to know: thoughtbubblefestival.com/mailinglist
More award coverage.
More to come.
More to come.
NAACP Image Award 2026 nominations roll in
NAACP Image Award 2026 nominations roll in
The full nominations list for the 57th NAACP Image Awards were announced Monday. For the third year, graphic novels were included in the list. Comics inspired media also had a pretty good showing with 13 total nominations between them
www.comicsbeat.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:06 AM
More award coverage.
More to come.
More to come.
Took them a little while to make this available but the Nintendo Year in Reviews are up. I thought I hadn’t played that much on my Switch this year. Clearly I was wrong.
See yours at year-in-review.nintendo.com
See yours at year-in-review.nintendo.com
January 13, 2026 at 8:34 PM
Took them a little while to make this available but the Nintendo Year in Reviews are up. I thought I hadn’t played that much on my Switch this year. Clearly I was wrong.
See yours at year-in-review.nintendo.com
See yours at year-in-review.nintendo.com
More awards coverage...And more to come (I have a growing list)
If there is a local, national or international award involving comics that I've missed - do give me the heads up
If there is a local, national or international award involving comics that I've missed - do give me the heads up
GLAAD Awards 2026 Nominations Have Arrived
Last week brought the nominees in contention for the 37th GLAAD Media Awards. As ever, we have a smorgasbord of a list (especially in the comics and graphic novel categories). The winners will be announced March 5 at a special ceremony in Los Angeles
Last week brought the nominees in contention for the 37th GLAAD Media Awards. As ever, we have a smorgasbord of a list (especially in the comics and graphic novel categories). The winners will be announced March 5 at a special ceremony in Los Angeles
GLAAD Awards 2026 Nominations Have Arrived
Last week brought the nominees in contention for the 37th GLAAD Media Awards. As ever, we have a smorgasbord of a list (especially in the comics and graphic novel categories). The winners will be announced March 5 at a special ceremony in Los Angeles
www.comicsbeat.com
January 12, 2026 at 8:28 PM
More awards coverage...And more to come (I have a growing list)
If there is a local, national or international award involving comics that I've missed - do give me the heads up
If there is a local, national or international award involving comics that I've missed - do give me the heads up
Started my next read.
Technically breaking my “no sequels, only standalone novels” rule of past two years with this standalone sequel: “Urth of the New Sun” by Gene Wolfe.
I recall its precursor (“Book of the New Sun”) like a mesmerising fever dream. Hopefully this won’t take months to finish
Technically breaking my “no sequels, only standalone novels” rule of past two years with this standalone sequel: “Urth of the New Sun” by Gene Wolfe.
I recall its precursor (“Book of the New Sun”) like a mesmerising fever dream. Hopefully this won’t take months to finish
January 11, 2026 at 4:33 PM
Started my next read.
Technically breaking my “no sequels, only standalone novels” rule of past two years with this standalone sequel: “Urth of the New Sun” by Gene Wolfe.
I recall its precursor (“Book of the New Sun”) like a mesmerising fever dream. Hopefully this won’t take months to finish
Technically breaking my “no sequels, only standalone novels” rule of past two years with this standalone sequel: “Urth of the New Sun” by Gene Wolfe.
I recall its precursor (“Book of the New Sun”) like a mesmerising fever dream. Hopefully this won’t take months to finish
Finished this last night. Never got as disturbing as those few chapters but a gripping read towards the end.
Currently reading Stephen King’s ‘The Shining’. I have read a handful of King novels over the years and a few other novels in the “horror” category but chapters 25 through 30 actually scared the crap out of me. Don’t remember the last time a book has done that.
January 11, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Finished this last night. Never got as disturbing as those few chapters but a gripping read towards the end.
I wonder if we will ever get an English edition of Yaro Abe’s manga Midnight Diner (Shin'ya Shokudō - 深夜食堂). The live action series has been available for years but no interest in a localisation of the manga. I presume it isn’t a particularly easy sell - art style and genre-wise. Plus it is ongoing
January 10, 2026 at 11:06 PM
I wonder if we will ever get an English edition of Yaro Abe’s manga Midnight Diner (Shin'ya Shokudō - 深夜食堂). The live action series has been available for years but no interest in a localisation of the manga. I presume it isn’t a particularly easy sell - art style and genre-wise. Plus it is ongoing
Might see if I can somehow get a ticket for this event at London's Natural History Museum. Or maybe cave for one of the bits of merch online (if anything is left)
I also would like to see what they do around the museum. Change some exhibit descriptions, perhaps? 'Hope, the Wailord'?
I also would like to see what they do around the museum. Change some exhibit descriptions, perhaps? 'Hope, the Wailord'?
All the rare Pokémon merch you can buy at the Natural History Museum’s upcoming pop-up shop
Catch exclusive plushies, pins, and more at the exclusive event this month.
www.timeout.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:16 PM
Might see if I can somehow get a ticket for this event at London's Natural History Museum. Or maybe cave for one of the bits of merch online (if anything is left)
I also would like to see what they do around the museum. Change some exhibit descriptions, perhaps? 'Hope, the Wailord'?
I also would like to see what they do around the museum. Change some exhibit descriptions, perhaps? 'Hope, the Wailord'?
Award news.
This required a tiny bit of guesswork but I am very curious how the actual awards will turn out.
This required a tiny bit of guesswork but I am very curious how the actual awards will turn out.
The JACK AND ROZ KIRBY AWARDS take shape
We now know that these brand new awards will cover a total of seven categories
We now know that these brand new awards will cover a total of seven categories
The JACK AND ROZ KIRBY AWARDS take shape
We now know that these brand new awards will cover a total of seven categories
www.comicsbeat.com
January 8, 2026 at 7:24 PM
Award news.
This required a tiny bit of guesswork but I am very curious how the actual awards will turn out.
This required a tiny bit of guesswork but I am very curious how the actual awards will turn out.
Very busy week for award news and trying not to overstuff.
Anywho...this contains three established awards opening for submissions v recently + news missed from December: a brand new award in France by national broadcaster FranceTV, and the British Book Awards introducing a graphic novel category
Anywho...this contains three established awards opening for submissions v recently + news missed from December: a brand new award in France by national broadcaster FranceTV, and the British Book Awards introducing a graphic novel category
AWARDS ROUNDUP: Eisner Awards, Graphic Medicine Awards & Cartoonist Studio Prize open submissions, and more
In this edition of ye olde Awards Roundup: three annual awards - including the Eisners - have opened for submissions, France introduces yet another comics award, and the British Book Awards…
In this edition of ye olde Awards Roundup: three annual awards - including the Eisners - have opened for submissions, France introduces yet another comics award, and the British Book Awards…
AWARDS ROUNDUP: Eisner Awards, Graphic Medicine Awards & Cartoonist Studio Prize open submissions, and more
In this edition of ye olde Awards Roundup: three annual awards - including the Eisners - have opened for submissions, France introduces yet another comics award, and the British Book Awards introduce a graphic novel category (which is also open for submissions)
www.comicsbeat.com
January 8, 2026 at 7:23 PM
Very busy week for award news and trying not to overstuff.
Anywho...this contains three established awards opening for submissions v recently + news missed from December: a brand new award in France by national broadcaster FranceTV, and the British Book Awards introducing a graphic novel category
Anywho...this contains three established awards opening for submissions v recently + news missed from December: a brand new award in France by national broadcaster FranceTV, and the British Book Awards introducing a graphic novel category
Wow that’s an interesting list.
The best of 2000 AD in 2025 – as chosen by you! What were the most popular covers and stories from last year? Find out 👉 https://bit.ly/4boouhJ
The best of 2000 AD in 2025 – as chosen by you!
Each year we ask Earthlets to tell us which of Tharg the Generous's offerings from your planet's most recent trip around its puny sun were their favourites – and they've voted in droves! While democracy may be under strain at home and abroad, in the 200...
bit.ly
January 8, 2026 at 1:23 AM
Wow that’s an interesting list.