The Actress and the Bishop in Colour and B&W invites readers into the whimsically surreal world crafted by legendary artist Brian Bolland. This digital collection showcases the unique blend of sharp humour, tender humanity, and quiet absurdity as it follows two unlikely housemates navigating the small tragedies and peculiarities of suburban England. Bolland’s immaculate linework, enhanced by the subtle yet evocative colour palette, breathes fresh life into these tales, revealing warmth beneath their satirical and gently blasphemous surface. The tone floats effortlessly between ethereal and earthy, offering stories that are as touching as they are mischievous.
The anthology features six stories, each capturing moments in the curious lives of the Actress and the Bishop: “Go Boating” introduces us to their ventures on the water; “Throw a Party” explores the chaos and comedy of social gatherings; “And the Thing in the Shed” delves into the mysterious and macabre; “Go to the Seaside” captures seaside escapades tinged with nostalgia; “Go Shopping” portrays everyday errands with a twist; and “Take Up Sport” showcases the duo’s attempt at physical pursuits. Each story is presented with a rhythmic, propulsive rhyme that grounds the whimsical narratives in a charming nursery-tale style. Lettering by Bambos Geargiou and design work by Amazing15 further complement Bolland’s art, with Lee Milner providing expert restoration.
Accompanied by an appreciation from Jim Woodring and an insightful interview with Brian Bolland by John Freeman, this issue offers both fans and new readers a rich contextual experience. The juxtaposition of colour and classic black-and-white presentations underscores the timelessness of these stories, which blend mundane domesticity with moments of surreal humour and heartfelt connection. The Actress and the Bishop is a gently absurd yet deeply human exploration of companionship, longing, and the weirdness lurking just beneath the surface of everyday life.