Tempo Lush Comics

Richy K. Chandler started Tempo Lush, his small press comic publisher, back in 2007, with the slogan, Comics for the Cosmically Enlightened. The slogan was meaningless, but it amused him at the time.

Over the years, Tempo Lush has regularly released comics, anthologies and picture books, either written and drawn solely by Richy, or in collaboration with other creators.

Lucy the Octopus first appeared in print, as a Tempo Lush publication, before going on to being a webcomic, then later a hardback collection available through JKP.

Recent Tempo Lush releases include Amelia the Fox, but listed below are a few other highlights from over the years. Some are long since sold out, but many are still available to purchase through the Tempo Lush Etsy Store.

Rosie and Jacinda

Richy created Rosie and Jacinda, the teenage romantic comedy manga with a hint of fairytale, with his friend Zarina Liew.
Zarina provided all the art for the first issue, joined by stellar artists Francesca Dare, Inko, Chie Kutsuwada and Jade Sarson for the follow up, Rosie and Jacinda: Demon Cloud.

Tempo Lush Tales

An anthology of comics written by Richy K. Chandler and drawn by a host of contemporary comic creator talent, including Matt Boyer, Francesca Cassavetti, Martin Eden, Tim Hassan, Steve Horry, Inko & Chie Kutsuwada, Mike Medaglia, Aaron Murphy, Van Nim, Karen Rubins and Paul Shinn.
Richy explored some comic ideas which might work beyond his own art style, brought to life by other talented artists.

Keara Stewart provided special creator portraits and Steven Walsh wrote the foreword.

Available to buy online on the Tempo Lush Etsy Store here!

Tempo Lush Tales of the Tanoox

For the follow up to Tempo Lush Tales, Richy called upon many friends to help create a comic anthology on the theme of positive transformation, with every story involving the mysterious Tanoox in one way or another.

Some creators took part by writing and drawing a wide array of comics, while others contributed art to a jam-comic based on lyrics of an old song Richy had written, Bugleberry Tree.

Featuring the work of Nas Bee & Angela Wraight, Matt Boyer, Chonto, Kim Clements, Francesca Dare, Emmeline Pui Ling Dobson, Anna Dowsland, James Hickman, Sally-Anne Hickman, Amber Hsu, Inko, Chie Kutsuwada, Jessica Martin, Mike Medaglia, John Miers, David O’Connell, Chibi Shibby, Paul Shinn, Rachael Smith, Keara Stewart, Tammy Taylor and Lisa Woynarski.
Foreword by Laydeez Do Comics creators, Sarah Lightman and Nicola Streeten.

“What Chandler has achieved here is a comics collection whose very existence promotes and advances the ideals it stands for. This isn’t merely a comic about positive change as storytelling material; it’s one that encourages us to think about making a difference ourselves. It’s also a book that provides a showcase for some of the most exciting voices on the small press scene at the moment and mirrors this column’s own belief in championing worthy practitioners. Feelgood comics at their practical and constructive best, Tempo Lush Tales of the Tanoox is a commendable and vital anthology offering.”
Andy Oliver, Broken Frontier 

Available to buy online on the Tempo Lush Etsy Store here!

Bang! Crash! Whizz!

This was a fun, little bedtime story with the excellent Sally-Anne Hickman providing artwork.

Mum and Dad just want to relax after putting their son to bed but he keeps getting up to mischief. They might not have noticed if not for a strange array of loud noises coming from his room… 

Alidade / Space Pilgrim

Richy joined forces with Karen Rubins, Mike Medaglia, Tim Hassan and Francesca Dare for one intense weekend and created Alidade, a fun adventure comic from scratch!

Alidade available to buy online on the Tempo Lush Etsy Store here!

The following year, Richy organised a second artist retreat with Karen Rubins, Tim Hassan, and Francesca Dare, this time joined by Paul Shinn. This resulted in the experimental narrative, Space Pilgrim, with each artist contributing to every picture in a collection of prints.

Bear-shaped Mini-Comics Box Set

A set of A4 mini-comics on various paper-stocks that can fold up and be stored in the belly of a bear, including tales of Govinda the Meditating Rabbit, and the first ever appearance of Lucy the Octopus!

Here’s a 2009 short video showcasing the box set…

Tempo Lush Treats

A collection of comics and drawings largely made up of Richy’s contributions to various comic anthologies over the years, including a tale of Japanese spirits, a bad dream, a visual poem and a breakfast recipe!

Available to buy online on the Tempo Lush Etsy Store here!