Monday, 25 November 2024, 11:16 am
Press Release: Hurry Up Ow Press
Late Dean Ballinger, 1973-2022 / Supplied
The extraordinary journey and artistic legacy of Hamilton’s own Dean Ballinger, whose imagination thrived even in the face of a devastating illness, are being commemorated through the release of two captivating volumes showcasing his unique graphic storytelling.
Dean Ballinger passed away at the young age of 48 in 2022 after a courageous battle with Motor Neuron Disease. Over the span of more than twenty years, he created an impressive array of comic strips and zines that explored a wide range of themes and styles—from quirky new mythologies and outlandish sci-fi adventures to thought-provoking conceptual art jokes and irreverent toilet humour that often pushed social boundaries.
A man of many talents, Dean is credited with coining the playful terms ‘Hamiltron’ and ‘The Tron’ to describe Kirikiriroa-Hamilton in the late 1990s, a creative endeavor he undertook alongside fellow radio DJ Greg Page and enthusiastic call-in listener Brian.
A dedicated group of Dean’s friends has come together to publish two remarkable books that not only serve as treasured mementos for his devoted fans but also aim to introduce his wildly imaginative art to a broader audience.
Mark Servian, the editor and project manager behind this initiative, explains that the two volumes collectively showcase three distinct genres of Dean’s artistic output.
“OHU stands out as a never-before-seen graphic novel, originally penned and sketched by Dean himself, and brought to life through inking and coloring by Aaron Christiansen. This vibrant tale is sure to delight audiences of all ages, providing entertainment for both adults and children.
“The second volume takes a unique form as a ‘book within a book’—the Dean Ballinger Anthology presents two alternating collections expertly bound together, highlighting Dean’s contrasting artistic styles, namely his art and his comedic work,” states Mark.
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OHU is a remarkable 116-page, fully illustrated graphic novel that invites readers on an imaginative journey alongside three quirky friends as they navigate a psychedelic landscape throughout Waikato. It can be likened to experiencing a “Yellow Submarine” adventure set against the backdrop of the lush Waikato—a creative homage presented in an Asterix-style format.
Dean initiated the development of OHU in 2014, collaborating closely with Aaron Christiansen, who helped refine the artwork during Dean’s last year of life.
“OHU beautifully fuses Dean’s deep-seated love for nature, history, and cultural connections into a distinctive, surreal, and enthralling narrative,” remarks Aaron.
“I became acquainted with Dean over a period of years as we both contributed to the Waikato student magazine Nexus, along with zines Bristle, Sonic Comic, and Dean’s anthology project titled Hamiltron: City of the Future. It was a privilege to spend Dean’s final year assisting him in completing OHU.
“Completing this project is not merely an act of finalizing Dean’s work; it is about preserving his unique voice on the page for future generations. Each aspect of this story is infused with Dean’s ideas, humor, and distinctive worldview. Honoring his original vision while bringing the narrative to life has been both a privilege and a joyous experience,” Aaron expresses.
The Dean Ballinger Anthology is a substantial collection comprising two intertwined volumes, totaling around 330 pages, which includes 20 full-color illustrations.
Editor Mark Servian emphasizes that Dean Ballinger’s creative journey encompassed two distinctive realms of graphic storytelling over a remarkable twenty-five-year span.
“This anthology of Dean’s comics and posters is ingeniously crafted as two back-to-back books, each featuring a unique front cover,” details Mark.
“The Tower and Other Graphic Tales, located at one end, showcases Dean’s more serious literary works, many of which were initially published as complete zines.
“It features his experimental comic pieces and science-fiction stories that delve into everyday experiences while weaving in new mythologies. The volume concludes with poignant narratives reflecting Dean’s personal battle with Motor Neuron Disease.
“The Art of the Puster: Hamiltron Underground Comix and Posters, presented at the other end, offers a glimpse into Dean’s lighthearted and humorous creations, originally published in student magazines and zines or displayed publicly in various formats.
“These one-page comics employ myriad comedic devices, ranging from clever visual gags to a raw, humorous take on Hamilton’s ‘bogan’ stereotype. While some pieces include outright ‘art wank’ and toilet humor unsuitable for younger audiences or delicate sensibilities, they are often imbued with irony and good intentions, leading many to chuckle at these cheeky strips.”
Mark expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to curate and edit this incredible compilation of Dean Ballinger’s phenomenal artistry and storytelling prowess.
The dedicated team behind the ‘Dean book’ project operates under the banner of ‘Hurry Up! Ow! Press,’ which comprises Dean’s wife, Kelly Taylor, along with colleagues Aaron Christiansen, Rohan Marx, Mark Servian, Richard Swainson, Wairehu Grant, and Lauren Kerr-Bell.
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How did the collaboration with Aaron Christiansen influence the completion of Dean Ballinger’s final projects?
### Interview with Aaron Christiansen on Dean Ballinger’s Legacy
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Aaron. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the remarkable works of Dean Ballinger and the new publications that honor his legacy.
**Aaron Christiansen:** Good morning! It’s wonderful to be here.
**Interviewer:** Let’s dive right in. Can you tell us more about the journey of *OHU* and how it reflects Dean’s unique worldview?
**Aaron Christiansen:** Absolutely! *OHU* is a vibrant, 116-page graphic novel that takes readers on a whimsical journey with three quirky friends through a psychedelic Waikato. It has an Asterix-style format, reminiscent of *Yellow Submarine*—it’s a celebration of imagination! Dean had a profound love for nature and cultural connections, and this story beautifully fuses those passions into a surreal narrative.
**Interviewer:** You worked closely with Dean during his last year. What was that experience like for you?
**Aaron Christiansen:** It was a privilege, honestly. I first met Dean while contributing to various projects like the *Nexus* magazine and several zines. Being able to support him in completing *OHU* felt like a sacred duty. It wasn’t just about finishing a project; it was about preserving his voice and unique ideas for future generations. Every illustration and narrative detail is infused with his unmistakable humor and insight.
**Interviewer:** The Dean Ballinger Anthology is quite a substantial collection. Can you give us an overview of what readers can expect from these two volumes?
**Aaron Christiansen:** Sure! The anthology consists of two intertwined volumes totaling around 330 pages and features 20 full-colour illustrations. One side is *The Tower and Other Graphic Tales*, which includes more serious works with themes ranging from experimental comics to science fiction, culminating in poignant pieces reflecting Dean’s battle with Motor Neuron Disease. The flip side, *The Art of the Puster: Hamiltron Underground Comix and Posters*, highlights Dean’s lighter, humorous side, showcasing much of his iconic comic work.
**Interviewer:** Dean’s battle with Motor Neuron Disease adds a poignant layer to his story. How do you think his experiences shaped his work?
**Aaron Christiansen:** His experiences enriched his storytelling. The struggles he faced fueled his creativity and depth, allowing him to explore themes of resilience and humor in profound ways. Despite the challenges, Dean never lost his zest for life or his artistry. That duality—of lightness and seriousness—shines through in both volumes of the anthology.
**Interviewer:** What do you hope readers take away from Dean’s works?
**Aaron Christiansen:** I hope they appreciate Dean’s unique voice and creativity. His work is a celebration of imagination, humor, and the beauty of human experience. Above all, I wish for readers to feel inspired by Dean’s resilience and to carry forward his legacy of creative expression.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Aaron, for sharing these insights into Dean’s life and his artwork. It’s clear that his legacy will continue to impact many.
**Aaron Christiansen:** Thank you for having me! It’s been a joy to talk about Dean and the lasting impact of his work.
