Like Christmas I appear once a year, or so it seems. I've been busy working on something for The Phoenix Comic which is a fantastic new weekly children's comic debuting in January. It features fantastic new strips from The DFC creators and many other lovely UK comics folks. If you know or have any children why not treat them and get them a subscription for Christmas? Or be utterly selfish and get one just for yourself.

If you're interested in something for an older age range then you can't go wrong with the graphic novel, Nelson, published by Blank Slate Books and lovingly edited by Rob Davis and Woodrow Phoenix, it features 54 artists all taking turns to tell the story of Nell Baker. I'm hugely proud to be a part of it, and I may be biased because I'm in it, but I think it's a brilliant book, an experiment that worked out incredibly well and also serves as an excellent snapshot of the UK comics scene and the incredible amount of talent therein. The proceeds from Nelson are going to Shelter so not only do you get lovely book you'll also be helping raise money for an excellent charity that helps a lot of people, you can buy it here or in all good comic shops.

That's the brazen, shameless plugging over with, now to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and giving. Here's my 'Elephant Of Surprise' comic strip I did a little bit over a year ago for Solipsistic Pop 3. Seeing as Sol Pop 4 is now out I thought it'd be a good time to share it on here and make it available to all. If the notion of a beautifully produced comics anthology bursting with creativity and wonderful comics then go take a look at the Solipsistic Pop website and see the superb job that Tom Humberstone does putting Sol Pop together.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and I'll see you on the other side.