Time to hang up my Intuos for a while. The kids are on holiday, the goose is getting fat, and the Xmas excitement is well and truly building in the Wicks household!

It's been an amazing year for all things comics. Martin and I have made great inroads into the world of self-publishing, making rather a big splash at our first few comics cons. Talking of Martin, he too has his hands full in a sprog-sense this Xmas. His first born, a beautiful baby girl, popped out just in time for the festive season, and it was wonderful to have the Buxton family visit at the weekend, with all of them looking so well. I'm sure you'll hear all about it from Martin as soon as he can relax long enough to sit at his keyboard. :)

My two have been drawing a fair bit the last few days, and their last few efforts are definitely worthy of posting on this site. With Spiderman as the theme, I proudly present my two boys' Xmas galleries:and:Chips off the old block, to be sure :)

Last, and ever so slightly least, Jack in the Box is developing nicely. Issue 3 is printed, and looks stunning. Redlin Print have outdone themselves, and Martin and I are incredibly pleased with the result. Fans of JITB are in for a treat, if only because of the printing! It will be available to buy online on the official JITB website...coming very soon, complete with snazzy 3D animations courtesy of a Mr Richard Ellis. Watch this space, it will be worth it.

And so, before I immerse myself fully in Chrimbo matters, JITB readers might be happy (and a little surprised) to hear that we're already 25% through book 4. Here's a taste of what's on the way::Have a Merry Christmas, and we'll bring you loads more news in the New Year.