Thought I’d close out 2022 with a look at a few of my favourites from the year. I gravitated to story telling over and over, rather than food. I know, I know, I’m as shocked as you are, but this was a spectacular year for story tellers.

Top of the topical list was the entire EUROPA 2022 Local Tales & Myths catalogue. The series produced some stunning artwork as well as stories that explored unique origin myths and folklore. 

Each time I scroll through the page, I pick different favourites. I feel so fickle. One that has remained on my list is Türkiye’s handling of the folk tale Köroglu, 
 

 
They tapped comic book writer & illustrator Selçuk Ören for this series. He recreated the story with interesting modern artwork, and it works so well. Ören is such an accomplished storyteller. 

Second set took me awhile to settle on and I changed my mind about a dozen times. In the end,  Azores’ Legend of the Pêro Botelho Gutter illustrated by Jorge Macedo was the winner. 
 

Wait, there’s more!

       

 
 

Vietnam Post’s Nguyễn Du created this set and it’s my favourite design of the year, right across the board. The colours, the ability to tell a coherent story without words and layout are everything I love to see. Plus its a charming story  I had never heard. Have to thank Vietnam Post for introducing me to this folktale. 

And as a bonus, collectors get a starfruit shaped souvenir sheet. Okay, so I did sneak in some food content. v

I’ve been searching for information on Nguyễn Du, who has designed quite a few stamps, but so far have come up empty, which is a shame. This artist deserves greater recognition. 

Let me know which stamps made your list. I always love hearing from you. 

 This article first appeared as the feature article in the Jan. 1, 2022 Newsletter. Subscribers get perks. 

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