Female-fronted comics anthology boosted by contributions from Glyndŵr students

The latest edition of a renowned female-led comics anthology has been boosted with contributions from Wrexham Glyndŵr University students and alumni.

‘Dirty Diamonds’, an ongoing series for female and femme-identifying comics authors, published its latest volume earlier this year, with 22-year-old Glyndŵr student Lucy Galloway, from Shrewsbury, among those who contributed.

Lucy, a student on Glyndŵr’s Illustration, Graphic Novels and Children’s Publishing degree, submitted her work after being told about the anthology by a friend.

She was delighted to see it accepted for the ninth edition of the series, which has grown in prestige so much that it is now listed in the United States Library of Congress.

“The anthologies draw a lot of contributions – there are more than 60 creators in just one book for the ninth edition,” explained Lucy.

“That’s quite something for a series which started with just four creators and just kept on building.

“There are some really interesting stories in it – and a diverse range of voices. It’s all about being a woman in today’s society. Several of the stories are quite personal and autobiographical, which also makes for an interesting anthology – mine is about my Asperger’s diagnosis and how it impacted my life.”

As well as Lucy’s work, other students from Glyndŵr have also seen their work published in the Dirty Diamonds series – fellow student Marian Sloan, who like Lucy is also in the third year of the Illustration, Graphic Novels and Children’s Publishing degree, is in the same anthology as is alumnus Caitlin Stilgoe. Another Glyndŵr alumnus, Alex Assan, has also seen her work published.

Lucy puts the success of Glyndŵr students in getting work published in anthologies such as Dirty Diamonds down to the support of staff on her course.

She said: “It’s a really lovely community here. The staff are super supportive and have a lot of experience in their field – it’s great to have them on hand for advice.

“It’s nice, too, to be able to know you can draw on that support when you are putting your work together. Ultimately, what I would like to do is self-publish my own comics – bringing my work together and making a living from that. This course is helping me to follow that dream.”

Dan Berry, programme leader on Glyndŵr’s BA (Hons) and M Des Illustration, Graphic Novels and Children’s Publishing course, said: “I’m delighted that Lucy has joined the growing roster of talent who have contributed to the Dirty Diamonds anthology.

“Our course is designed to help students to develop the skills they need in the modern comics industry, and we encourage students to get their work out there – something Lucy has certainly managed!

“Getting published in an anthology like this is great for your portfolio – and it demonstrates to students like Lucy just how good their work is.”

You can find out more about the BA (Hons) and M Des Illustration, Graphic Novels and Children’s Publishing course here.

A new course has also been launched for 2019 entry with a special focus on comics. The programme covers the practical, professional and artistic aspects of writing and illustrating comics of all kinds, from graphic novels to strips, to webcomics. The programme will equip you for a successful career in the creative industries.

More information about the new course can be found here.