Phoenix rises again (From Oxford Mail)

Phoenix rises again

11:00am Saturday 7th January 2012 in News

THE first new edition of an Oxford comic will hit the shelves today, more than two years after editors were forced to close its predecessor.

The Phoenix is the rebirth of The DFC which ceased publication in 2009.

The comic, which is produced in Beaumont Street, Oxford, is aimed at helping youngsters aged eight-11 to read.

It will be sold in Waitrose supermarkets and some newsagents after a mystery financial benefactor guaranteed production for at least two years.

Editor Ben Sharpe, pictured front with managing director Caro Fickling, left, and colleagues, said: “We are now tremendously confident. Having the support of Waitrose is obviously massive, but the world is in a slightly different place than in 2008. Parents and teachers have a greater understanding of the importance of this kind of comic.

“It is a completely unpressured reading experience for children and it is very accessible. It is all about entertainment and the enjoyment of stories.”

The weekly comic is printed in Banbury and is priced £2.99. For details on subscriptions visit thephoenixcomic.co.uk