Twenty years of Whatever Comics

If you stroll down the high street, towards the old Westgate, you will find the last surviving comic book shop in Canterbury, “Whatever Comics”. Its owner, Manny, along with his wife, have been successfully running the store for 20 years.

They both believe that there is no secret behind outliving other shops but merely hard work and being passionate about the things they do.

Manny, please tell me, wouldn’t you rather have some fair and square competition?

We’ve always had it. In all the years we’ve been in business this is the first year since we started not having any competition from another comic shop but we still continue to have competition from places like Waterstones

What do you have to say about the lack of interest young people show towards reading a good old comic?

Now, I think the tables have turned quite considerably, maybe 20 years ago people weren’t so interested, but now I think the comic book is a medium that has gained a lot more respect than what it had in the past and we only have to look at the amount of films that are being made from comic books now. I mean 20 years ago I would buy a Superman t-shirt and girls would run away, now girls wear Superman t-shirts. And the fact that the bookshops, the big boys, are interested in stocking the product as well it’s another indication that it has become a lot more mainstream.

Do you avoid selling any particular type of comic or graphic novel in your shop?

Only comics that may bore the reader on being of extreme bad taste. As a retailer I have to have a certain amount of care on the product that I sell and I’ve got a responsibility not to stock comics that are so offensive that in the event of a parent coming in and seeing it on the rack next to a copy of Spiderman is going to get seriously worried about their child coming into the shop and buy comics. The last thing I want do is aiming out children from the shop because they are the next generation of comic book readers.

Have you noticed any increase in sales after X-men or The Watchmen hit the cinemas?

Some films, more than others, increase sell in the shop, Watchmen is one. I tend to say “no” to some of the merchandise for some of the films. I stayed clear of a lot of the Watchmen stuff because a lot of it was crap and a lot of people that didn’t know what the watchmen are wouldn’t buy it leader.

That’s always a good fun to seeing new movie based on a comic character, especially when they got it right but its painful when they did it wrong.

I told my friends I was going to interview you and actually some people wanted to know if you ever take into consideration employing students as sales assistants in your store.

Employment of people in the past has never been in the part time basis because we don’t make a fortune from this business so we can’t afford to pay a fortune. But if the right student comes with the right attitude and we would make enough money to pay him, we certainly consider it.

One thing that I’m curious about is your relation with the clients. You probably get angry when people take the comics out of their plastic covers or even worse, spill drinks or ice cream on them. How often do these things happen and how do you handle such situations?

Strangely enough, not as often as you might think most people are quite respectful. You do get the very small percentage of people that come in the store and have no idea what the product is. With people like that the idea is not to get angry and try to educate them.

And also, it’s something you can’t enforce. Accidents happen, like small child comes in drops a book on the floor and bends it you can’t force the mother to buy it unless she wants to.

Did you ever think about organizing one-day events where you would invite famous writers as Chris Claremont (co-creator of X-men) or Alan Moore as guest speakers?

We did signings in the past, with artists like David Lloyd. Soon, we’re hoping to have a launch of the second Wolfman book in our store, later this year.

One last question: what are the three vital things that should be considered before opening a comic book store.

First of all, do your research well. Two, believe in what you’re doing and three, be prepared to work bloody hours to achieve it.

[photos provided by Mike Radulescu]

Don’t drop it, it's not hot! Juggling fever hits Canterbury

Strolling down the busy high street in Canterbury on a sunny day, Rosanne spotted Coco juggling on the sidewalk. She kept gazing at the colorful balls that he tossed in the air. Cascade, fountain, shower and columns, they all looked amazing to her. She had seen him perform before and felt it would be polite to show a token of her appreciation. But in the same time, she found herself in a peculiar situation as she could not help asking herself whether it’s polite or not to drop a few coins in his hat :“Am I helping a begger or paying for a show?”

[Coco, juggling in the park]

Since ancient times, juggling shows have been part of many cultures across the world, like Chinese, Indian, Greek and Roman civilizations. In some history books there is mentioned that warriors would display their skill to their enemies, sometimes managing to end a conflict before they even began. Kings and noblemen, in Europe, looking for new ways to be entertained, paid bards and jesters to include juggling acts in their performance along poetry and storytelling.

Throughout the Middle Ages some religious clerics even accused the ones that performed various juggling props (like the diabolo - a spool which is whirled and tossed on a string tied to two sticks held one in each hand) of practicing witchcraft.

Today, even though techniques and tricks remain almost the same as 1000 years ago, juggling is still practiced on the streets, in the circus or at home and enjoyed by kids (and adults as well) all over the world. For those who enjoy seeing colourful balls and sticks thrown in the air it might be just o moment of entertainment but for the ones that actually practice it, well, it’s whole culture, a way of expressing oneself.

Ever since I started University in Canterbury, I have coincidentally met quite a few people that performed at least one form of applied juggling and each of them were tremendously fond of it. I found out that it is part of the 21^st century urban culture and it has moved a long way from an act in the circus.

Coco, a 20 year old Romanian student at Canterbury Christ Church University and a master when it comes to the diabolo, introduced me first to “the way of the juggler”. He is very passionate about his hobby and would prefer not to address to his juggling abilities in that manner, stressing the fact that it is more than what you would regularly call a hobby. In Romania and in Poland he took part in several workshops where he taught seven -year olds to juggle and perform tricks. “It’s not just showing off in front of the kids. I went to places where people live in poor villages, don’t have Xboxes or laptops and just try to make them forget about their problems and enjoy the fun of juggling. It just sets you free”. When he does that, he doesn’t ask for any money in return. “The great time I have and the wonderful people I meet, that’s my reward.”.

[The Diabolo]

In the weekends, Coco spends time at Kent University where he practices new tricks along with other juggling fans, part of the Circus Society . The society is something that existed at the Uni for some time, but never really providing anything beneficial. Danny Gray, with a group of friends who were all keen spinners and jugglers tried to form some sort of breakaway group more focused on teaching workshops and putting on display in and around the city. Over the last half year they’ve been doing it on a much bigger scale than ever before.

Members of the old (failing) society at Kent where thankful that Danny took the reigns, as it were and actually tried to do something with the group. He finds it rewarding as “beginners also give positive feedback at the weekly sessions, as well as showing real enthusiasm and drive to learn and develop skills, which is naturally a boost to their own self esteem”.

Danny admits that: “juggling or just generally showing off with any circus skill is in general a great form of expression.” I was impressed to learn about his feelings when it comes to the art itself: “The fusion of creative flair, fluidity and rhythm along with the mental aspects of maths, pshysics and timing which you’re constantly thinking about as you perform, make it not only a great thing for entertainment, but self-expression and self-improvement in terms of coordination”.

If you ever passed the parking spot in front of Laud building, at Christ Church, you probably noticed the green unicycle tied with a red cable to an iron pole. It belongs to Thom Denton, a student that has a plan of setting up the CCCU Circus Society.

“I have people who juggle, about 10 of us so far, but we haven’t registered properly as a society. I hope to find more people within the university who are like minded and enjoy having a good toss about. Hopefully, at a later date, we can get some links going with the Kent Uni Circus Society, as that would be perfect, and could lead to some great collaborative work. I think towards the end of the year a good charity thing could be on the cards if I can think of a way to get it sorted”.

When the bright sun and the good weather invites them out, Thom and Coco enjoy juggling on Canterbury’s high street. “When I juggle in the street I’m not particularly forthcoming with getting crowds around, I generally end up playing music and dancing along whilst doing my juggling” adds Thom. Coco admits you can’t live off juggling on the street, but for a student, having fun and making a few extra pennies is the perfect combination: “There’s nothing wrong with people dropping coins in my hat. Is it strange that people pay for entertainment? Nine out of ten times, I do it for free anyways”.

Thom, a little upset on the people’s perception tries to clear things out: “Street juggling is not begging. Begging involves sitting on your arse, asking for change from people. Street juggling is a way of busking, although it relies on the kindness of strangers in a way, requires skills in that area that you’re performing. For all the people who throw nothing into your hat, you are effectively putting on a free show. Someone will give money to a beggar because they feel that they should, either through shame or guilt. Someone will give money to a busker, however, only if they are impressed in some way by what you are doing”.

But Coco and Tom also managed to earn “real” money by putting out a genuine juggling show. A few months back, the duo featured a performance in one of the most popular pubs in Canterbury, the Jolly Sailor. Well, not exactly inside the pub, as their performance included spitting fire and juggling with flaming sticks. Apart from the occasional “irritably eager” member of the audience who insisted trying to juggle with the burning toys, the clients were very cheerful and appreciative towards the pub’s initiative.

[Thom and Coco outside Jolly Sailor's garden]

If you would like to sign up to a juggling club, don’t hesitate to visit www.jugglingdb.com. They have a list with almost all the societies across the UK. And, if you’re willing to support the future Chirst Church Circus society, feel free to contact Thom Denton.

Council puts market move on hold

A press release announced that City council plans to move Canterbury market to Iron Bar Lane and refurbish St George's Street are to be put on hold until summer 2012.

The council had planned to do the work in 2010 but bidget restraints have led to the scheme being put back. In addition, the Traffic Regulation Order inquiry that was held at the end of last year could not be determined due to a technicality with the drafting of the Traffic Regulation Order notice.

Although a Traffic Regulation Order is already in place to ban all vehicles from Iron Bar Lane for the existing Wednesday market, a new one is required for the move of the Friday market. A new inquiry will be held in 2011, nearer the time of the move.

Executive member responsible for markets, Rosemary Doyle said: "Unfortunately due to the budget situation, we are not able to carry out the improvement work to St George's Street until 2010, so the market move has also been delayed."

"I am pleased with the efforts of the market traders recently to improve the appearance of the stalls and the range of the goods for sale, and I look forward to seeing further improvements in the future.

Bellow, you can listen to the report I did on the subject with my colleague, Silvia Aloman:

Council puts market move on hold by voice22

You can now find the streets merchants on the High Street but City council's plan is to relocate them on Iron Bar Lane.

Romanian Cuisine: Nachos

He may have long, curly luscious hair and a manly beard, but Nachos is not Mexican. Also, his nickname may sound Latino and crispy, but the only thing you can do to Nachos, is dance. To the music that he plays. If you ask where? well, you must have been out of Canterbury for some time now.


Leaving behind the sunny western part of Romania, in 2007 Nachos arrived in rainy England to start Christ Church University in Canterbury. Not long after his arrival, he became popular amongst his fellow nationals as he always brought music to parties thrown in campuses and made everybody happy (especially after numerous beers) that they could hear the tunes from back home. Narcis Rădoi - his real name - knew what made people tick when it came to music.

With some experience gained playing at a few clubs from Romania, he took his chance and started spreading his mixtapes to as many clubs and bars in Canterbury that he could. He gained recognition after DJ-ing at a few official parties and it was suggested by his friends he should regularly be the DJ of the night.

A week after a particular sensational party in one of Canterbury’s renowned club Loft, he received a call from the music manager of Alberrys, the drum and bass club of the same town, calling him for a test. As DnB was one of the genres that he was known for playing, he went, he showed what he got, everybody was happy and he got called again and again and again...

On a gloomy Wednesday afternoon, I went to see Nachos preparing for a gig and he briefly answered my questions, in his enthusiastic manner. About music, about Dj-ing, about his future career.
Nachos, for how long have you been dj-ing now?
Well...I think it's almost 5 years now.

Can you remember the first time when you played at a proper party?
Yes I do. I was 15 and it was a drum and bass party...almost 300 people showed up.

How many tracks did you mess up when you first played and how many do you mess up now? Well, when I first started I think I messed all of them up(laughing).I don't really thing I mess up a lot now. Probably would say 1 or 2 a night.

Well, at least you're honest. Do you still play at Alberrys?
Yes I do. Every day now.

That must be tiring! Some students work serving tables or flipping burgers. Your job is spinning records for drunk people. How do you feel about that? How much do you enjoy it?
Well, it's true. I don't enjoy it as much. Sometimes it's ok but most of the time it's just work, like any other job.

I don’t believe you. Isn't dj-ing all about...music and partying?
Not really. Playing music is one thing but playing music for the people, the right way, is another. So for me it’s mostly work and it’s fun every once in a while.

Do you think people that come to Alberrys, come especially for your music or for them it's just another night out?
Well when I started playing there...they didn't care but after a year I do actually get regulars that come there because I am playing, depending on the night and on the event.

Do you play somewhere else besides Alberrys?
I am a resident at The Bizz every Friday night and I am a resident for Corrupted Dj's playing monthly in Pacha and Ministry Of Sound

I’m glad you brought that up. Ministry of Sound. That must be big for you.
Well it actually is. I first played at Pacha last month and my first event at Ministry is scheduled for the 29th of February.

Could please tell me, how you managed playing for such famous London clubs? I started off by doing some funky house events and some guys that I did events with started their own thing and they called me, as I called them for mine.

So, having the chance to play at the MOF was a returned favor…you either must have great friends or you're just lucky.
Not really. I played at an event and got in touch with them. They got me a trial set in Pacha, then when they saw what I did. They called me again. I did not get any help, even with people coming to see me, nor did I have any luck involved.

How are the London club people different than the ones in Canterbury? Are they more aware of the music that they listen to?
Not very different. If they know the song they like it. You can't play songs that they don't know or in the style that they don't like or they will boo you off stage

But the feeling of playing in front of so many people must be different than at the Student's Union… Well, I think it's less pleasurable because you have to concentrate more.

Do people still call you for private parties?
Yes they do.
Last year, wherever I went to a party, you were there cranking it up. Is it the same now? Depends on the party. Now I do parties that involve proper sound systems. Last Sunday I played at the Kent College Winter Ball.

Alberrys, The Biz, Ministry Of Sound and college balls. And you still have time for Uni work? Ha-ha, yes, I manage somehow. Everything is indeed time-consuming.

Did you ever use dj-ing as an excuse for not meeting a deadline?
Unfortunately, even if I wanted to, I did not.

Why not? You think playing at the Ministry of Sound in front of 1000 people is not a good enough excuse for a late hand-in?
Well, I do put my Uni work on high priority. So until now I have yet to hand in a late assignment...

Why do you think people call you up for their parties? Is it because of your style of playing or of the tracks that you bang? I don't think that everybody just loves drum and bass.
Well I haven't played a set that was just drum and bass in a while now. Mostly I play whatever the occasion.

So you change your style of playing according to the party? Yes...definitely. Lately, at most of the parties I played rnb, hip-hop, house and dubstep more than DnB. Some drum and bass tracks always go well at the end...but now I focus more on urban.

Keeping in mind the vibe of the parties and the scale of fun people have, which of the Canterbury clubs you think is the best?
If you like having a lot of people around, not really caring about the music, I would say go to Chill or Baabars, but in Alberrys the music has been and will always be better. I know this because deejays from Chill and Baabars often come to Alberrys on Saturdays to see me play.

In the end, I would like to ask you what your plans are for the near future. Do you ever think about playing in Ibiza?
For the near future I would like to finish some sound projects that I am working on, as my promo will come out in February 2010 on C3 Records and I am hoping to get some good feedback on this. As for Ibiza, this summer I have played there in Godfathers and Viva, and am hoping that by next year I can play in bigger clubs in that part of the world.

I thought it would be best to stop talking about any other issues, as the only ear left out for hearing my questions was covered, (like the other one) by a pair of black headphones. Here is a man that fights for his right to party by actually being in the center of it.

You can check Dj Nachos' productions by visiting his Soundcloud account.