THIS PAGE CONTAINS TEXT FROM THE PRESS SHEET

FOR A SELECTION OF HIGH RESOLUTION JPGs FOR PRESS PURPOSES - CLICK HERE

PRESS SHEET TEXT:

The 39 announces the publication of the continental-style graphic novel, "WEARING A SMILE - A ROMANTIC COMEDY ABOUT NUDITY". The book is the first novel about nudity - in graphic form or otherwise - and unusual in Britain as a comic book that's not primarily for children.

WOULD YOU GO NUDE FOR THE ONE YOU LOVE?

"WEARING A SMILE - A ROMANTIC COMEDY ABOUT NUDITY" tells the story of Sylvie, the most beautiful girl in the world. Nicholas would do anything for her. Anything. Anything, that is... except go on holiday with her entire family wearing nothing but a smile!

MODERN SCREENPLAYS MAKE PERFECT COMIC BOOKS

"WEARING A SMILE - A ROMANTIC COMEDYABOUT NUDITY" is based on a screenplay by Henry Cobbold, screenwriter of Billy Zane's "LAKE CONSEQUENCE" and David Duchovny's "RED SHOE DIARIES", and illustrated by Tim Major, regular illustrator for "THE NEW STATESMAN" and "THE EROTIC REVIEW". "Screenplays are a good base for graphic novels", says Henry Cobbold, "In designing the book I was effectively 'directing' my screenplay. I recommend the process to all screenwriters who have projects considered too adventurous by bankers or film companies."

IS NUDITY THE LAST ABSURD TABOO?

Why nudity? "Because, bizarrely, everyone is fascinated by nudity," continues Henry Cobbold, "in Britain, in particular, we're scared of it, amused by it, shocked by it, turned on by it... invariably unsettled by it. We go to great lengths to suppress it, yet happily pay money to see it. Frankly, in this country, nudity is the last absurd taboo."

THE BRITISH ARE MISSING OUT ON A POPULAR CONTINENTAL BOOK FORMAT

The "Bande Dessinee" is a continental book format most familiar to British readers in the TINTIN and ASTERIX books. Every bookshop in France has a large section devoted to "BD"s, that comprises graphic novels and comic book albums for all ages. Themes echo those of popular movie-making - adventure stories, detective thrillers, sex comedies, science fiction, horror and erotic fantasy. "They are by no means only for children," says Henry Cobbold, "in fact Britain is fairly unique in believing that comics are only for kids. Graphic novels for grown-ups thrive all over the world, particularly in markets like the U.S. and Japan. There are a few British exceptions - notably Bryan Talbot's "THE TALE OF ONE BAD RAT" - but these are usually only for young adults and typically carry a comfortable literary or educational theme."

"WEARING A SMILE - A ROMANTIC COMEDYABOUT NUDITY" is first in a series of continental-style "BD"s that The 39 will publish for British and international markets.

"WEARING A SMILE - A ROMANTIC COMEDY ABOUT NUDITY" is available worldwide from http://www.wearingasmile. It costs £12.50 (including shipping) within Europe and £14 - appox. $20 - (including shipping) outside of Europe. Payment is accepted by Visa, MasterCard and personal check in Pounds, Dollars or Euros.

Readers can find more information on "WEARING A SMILE - A ROMANTIC COMEDY ABOUT NUDITY" at http://www.wearingasmile.com