Das Petrou
Das grew up in Islington, North London and read voraciously from an early age, avoiding anything recommended by figures of authority. Enid Blyton gave way to Richmal Crompton's Just William stories. Alongside books, Beezer and Topper opened up a whole new world. Aged thirteen he discovered The Psychopathology of Everyday Life by Sigmund Freud, and became a fan. Chapters of Freud were interrupted by interludes of what Stan Lee and Jack Kirby could deliver for just 5p a time.
Das wrote Ring of Roses over two years of commuting by train from Brighton to London. It incorporates a wide range of reading and influences, from British history, French existentialism, a study of secret societies, the death of Pope Paul I, and a dash of Alan Moore. It is about to be re-issued in a special edition by Titan books, for the first time in colour, this July. Following the first publication of Ring of Roses, Dark Horse commissioned a James Bond comic book from Das, which he titled Light of My Death. It was the first post-Ian Fleming storyline set in the Cold War, and has built a cult following over the years. Das is currently completing his first novel, a supernatural thriller. Represented by: Diana Beaumont Titles Ring of Roses (Titan Comics, 2015) |