tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77109963693966321732024-03-13T20:13:39.104-07:00The Imaginarium - Comics reviews and some other stuffLove comics? Me too!Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-89472902826275433382020-03-19T06:38:00.000-07:002020-03-19T06:38:04.185-07:00ZARJAZ Issue 36 - Comic Review<br />
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Yay! It's Zarjaz time again, and the yay is because I've been looking forward to this issue of the long running and constantly high quality 2000AD fanzine. This issue comes complete with a very smart cover from 2000AD droid Paul Williams.<br />
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A big part oif the anticipation is the conclusion of John Farrelly's 6 part Harlem Heroes story 'Feat Of Clay', which details the back story of the Heroes' main man John 'Giant' Clay. The last two episodes, written and illustarted by Farrelly, bring the story right up to date, with the last panel leading straight onto the first panel of the Harlem Heroes strip published in 1977. It's a nice touch, really, and concludes a satisfying, entertaining and emotional story that may wee be the best thing yet published in Zarjaz. Well done, that droid!<br />
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An unusual issue to the mag is an Ace Trucking story 'The Boppo Job', scripted by Jacob Bouvet and illustrated by Alex Paterson. Paterson doesn't try to copy the great Bellardinelli, and to his credit the art works well. the story itself is a fun one, with Ace as usual taking advantage of his Biffo GBH foir the flimsiest of reasons. A fun, breezy story.<br />
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Another seldom tackled character here is Bill Savage, who appears in David Fenn and Barry Renshaw's 'Savage: A Grave Result'. Fitting nicely into the 2000AD Savege strip, it's a subtle tale that isn't short of a bit of shootah blasting but still stays under the radar. Renshaw's art is decent and the script works well, making this a great read for fans of the Pat Mills strip.<br />
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Elsewhere it's Dreddword all the way, with some very different tales. 'The Flower That Grew From Bones' is operhaps the most orginal, as Michael Khazen's script sees Judge Mortis returned to Deadworld as something very odd has happened- life has returned! It's dark with a nice payoff, and the script is effectively brought to life (death?) by Sentinel comic's Ed Doyle.<br />
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The Dark Judges also feature in 'Back Again - For The First Time', as Mega City One sees an incursion by Death, Fear, Fire and Mortis from an alternate timeline, so whilst they ARE the real Dark Judges they're, like, different ones. Or something. Anyway, it's really an excuse for Daniel Whiston to do a nice story about a psi judge and a scared child, and he's very ably backed by Andy Richmond, who does a great job on the art.<br />
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There's a couple of light hearted two page stories written by myself in this issue, namely 'A Joe By Any Other Name' and 'Mean Machine Angel - This Here's A Story'. Aimed squarely at those of you who love short, sharp and funny Dreddisms, like the old Daily Star strips, they're both a lot of fun in a little space. Ian Beadle makes an impressive Zarjaz debut on 'A Joe By Any Other Name', really nailing Dredd's moserabkle bastard look, whilst Uwe De Witt brings a wonderful comic touch to 'This Hears A Story' that suits the script well.<br />
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inally there's 'Judge Purger', a Mega City vigilante story from Mike Kalin and Dave Deloe. Whilst it's fun to read with really nice, clear art, the story is just 'Perp does something, Dredd nails perp', which is a bit disappointing. It's about as 'meh' as Zarjaz ever gets, - not a bad strip, but underwhelming especially in light of the rest.<br />
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So there you have it - your guide to Zarjaz issue 36. For a few measly Galactic Groats (£3 plus post) there simply is no reason not to get this if you like 2000AD and want 'proper' stories like what we used to have. If you haven't read the last two issues and are worried about following the Giant strip, well you can easily buy those as well! Go on... you know you want to.<br />
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<a href="https://www.futurequake.co.uk/" target="_blank">Buy Zarjaz and others at: FUTUREQUAKE</a></div>
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Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-63183152430696354272020-03-19T04:50:00.001-07:002020-03-19T10:10:42.448-07:00ACTION - 2020 REVIVAL SPECIAL - Comic Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well if this doesn't take you back, then nothing will. Action is
legendary in UK comics circles as it was basically corrupting the
minds of our sweet, innocent children. The fact that the little brats
(me included) loved it was immaterial. The Sun made a fuss and WH
Smiths refused to distribute it unless changes were made. As a result
the next issue was pulped and redone, resulting in a comic
that had less bite than Gums the toothless shark from Buster.<br />
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Fast forward a few decades and those nice people at Rebellion
(2000AD, Roy Of The Rovers and much more) have released (or will do
soon, when the coronapocalypse eases off) a special one off
revisiting some of the legendary stories. The thing is, has enough
time passed that they can do it with a little bite? let's tale a
look...<br />
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First up is 'Kids Rule OK,, notorious for featuring on Action's
infamous cover where it appeared a kid was attacking a beat bobby.
It's set in a Britain where the adult population has been decimated
by a plague (wait a minute...) and kids basically run rampant.
Scripter RamV has done indie and DC work, whilst artist Henrik
Sahlstrom did Judge Death in the 2000AD Villains Special. The story
is okay, mostly action with a plot that made me wince, and doesn't
have a remotely British feel about it. There's many more more
interesting takes on this that could have been played with, but it's,
well, it's okay. Sahlstrom shines throughout, though, and his action
work is spot on, bringing the strip up considerably.<br />
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Next up is 'Hellman', previously Hellman Of Hammer Force, Action's
foray into the WWII genre. It was a good story originally,
concerning a German tank commander who was not a fan of the Nazi
party but still loved his country and did his duty. If I'm honest,
this sort of thing is perfect for the likes of Garth Ennis, who loves
both tanks and Germans who aren't caricatures, and bugger me sideways
if Rebellion didn't think the same thing, as he's teamed up with
veteran artist Mike Dorey (who actually drew the original) on this
very tale, named Twilight Of The Reich. Fans of Ennis' previous tank
stories will lap this up, mainly because it's excellent. Hellman and
his crew decide to help a family fleeing the Russian advance on
Germany (they've broken down) and have to face down four Russian
tanks plus infabtry as a result. Mike Dorey's black and white art is
fantastic, whilst Ennis's script is chock full of humanity not to
mention some explosive action. I seriously can't find fault with this
in any way, which is no surprise given the pedigrees involved.<br />
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Oddly, Rebellion has opted to put a new story in rather than make
it all about the classics, in the shape of 'Hell Machine',
thakfully NOT based on their Zombie ARmy 4 game (phew). It's
scripted by Henry Flint, usually known for his awesome art on the
likes of Judge Dredd and Shakara, and he also privides half the art,
with Dredd artist Jake Lynch doing the second half (though mimicking
Flint's work perfectly). It's a bloody odd one, this. It's set in a
knackered society and we follow heroine Tase through a bunch of mad
shit that I can't even pretend to understand fully. There's nice
vsuals, and it's pretty interesting if you don't get a headache
trying to work out what the fuck's going on.<br />
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Last but one is the return of Action's Jaws rip off, 'Hookjaw'.
Fondly remembered for lashings of gore and the interesting experience
of cheering on a killer shark, Hookjaw was a firm favourite. Karl
Richardson delivers a dialogue free script, though he's billed as
Quint Amity here, whilst Dan Lish provides the art. It concerns a
fishing vessel who have a captured killer polar bear (Shako, natch) on board,
and Hookjaw's interference in this fact. I won't spoil what happens
here, but suffice to say it's laden with gore and violence and is a
ton of guilty fun that needs to be continued! Full marks to Lish,
who's colour art owes a debt to the likes of Robert Crumb yet has a
style all of it's own that works really well.<br />
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Finally we have 'Dredger', Action's take on Dirty Harry mixed with
The Sweeney. Zina Hutton scripts, with her only previous
comic work being on a Judge Anderson story, and she's backed up by
well respected veteran comics artist Staz Johnson. Although the
art is fine, the story is rather bland, not halped by an odd
lettering style that simply looks wrong. I wanted something gritty
and streetwise, I got a lame James Bond knock off. Definitely the
worst strip in the bunch in every aspect.<br />
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So, as with all of Rebellion's specials, it's a mixed bunch. It's
rare that everyone likes everything, though, and I'm sure that your
opinion will differ to mine. Of course you need to buy it to find
that out, and even though it's not top of my list this Action special
is certainly worth checking out, once you've fought your way through
the zombie hoards to get it...<br />
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<a href="https://treasuryofbritishcomics.com/catalogue/RCS2062" target="_blank">BUY FROM REBELLION HERE</a><br />
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<br />Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-60036224379736224612020-02-03T03:34:00.002-08:002020-02-03T03:34:48.952-08:00GET WOKE - Comic Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After starting my own project on Kickstarter I started looking at other people's and then actually backing a few because, well, I like comics! Oneof these is Tim West and Kevin McCullough's 'Get Woke', which I wanted simply because it looked like my kind of bonkers.<br />
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John Woke (and yes, there is a 'wake up, Woke!' joke in there) is an American teenager raised on conspiracy theories. Whilst on a school trip to Washington D.C he gets involved in a ritual sacrifice which results in him meeting the Earth defending team of Elvis Presley, Princess Diana, Michael Jackson, Bigfoot and JFK's brain. I swear I amnot making this up...<br />
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If the above, frankly insane summary above made you want to see what the fuck this is allabout then I urge you to give in to your desires, as 'Get Woke' is not only mad as a box of frogs it's very funny as well. Ably illustrated by McCullough and well colored by Dimas Mohammad, it jumps from the page at every opportunity. The star forme, however, is West, who delivers some sparkly dialogue that will annoy some of the more wimpy minded out there but I loved it. Such as:<br />
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'Satanic paedophiles answer to lead as well as Lucifer, but a cross will protect you from even the mnost rapey of demonoids.'<br />
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Princess Diana! 'She has boobies! Quick, misogynise her!'<br />
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And much, much more. I had a blast reading this one and can't wait for issue two, which has to come because of the cliffhanger ending to this one.<br />
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<br />Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-44332629925976521202020-01-08T02:03:00.002-08:002020-01-08T02:03:30.244-08:00BILLY'S BOOTS Volume One<br />
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Released: 6th February 2020<br />
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Originally the title of a daft Tiger strip in the early 1960s, Billy's Boots was repurposed in Scorcher in 1970, which is where this volume joins him, right at the start of his very lengthy adventures. Fred Baker was to become a veteran at this sort of strip, going on to write the likes of Tommy's Troubles and Hot Shot Hamish, amogst others, but there's something iconic about Billy's Boots that allows it to overshadow his other work.<br />
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the Billy of the title is young Billy Dane, a lad who loves football but is pretty rubbish at it. By the end of the first two page chapter, however, he's found a rather old pair of boots in the attic (he lives with his Nan) and discovered they somehow allow him to kick like a pro. This, essentially, is the plot, and we follow Billy as he strats playing for hsi school team and more, with the boots not only making him pass, shoot and dribble better, but also literally making him run to the right area of the pitch. Basically, Billy Dane is a big fat cheat but unsurprisingly it's not presented that way!<br />
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As with any continuing strip there is a need for drama, so Billy's life is never smooth. He gets bullied, loses the boots, loses them again, has them fall apart, moves to up North where people don't like soft southern shites etc etc. It's just one thing after another, though as a reader you never really fear for him. What you do is carry on reading to see just how he gets out of whatever scrape fate has chucked him in. Billy's a decent, honest boy, so you always root for him whatever happens. Watching over him is the boots' former owner, the legendary 'Dead Shot' Keen, and when he's on the pitch Billy finds the boots make him play exactly as 'Dead Shot' would have done. Yes, this is now a horror story about a big fat cheat who has haunted football boots! Strewth!<br />
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In this 112 page volume we're presented with art by Colin Page, Mike Western and Tom Kerr, all of whom do a great job, and it's nice that the whole thing is in colour, as Billy was lucky enough to get the star treatment back in the day. It's entertaining throughout and a fine example of a fun sports strip that won't give anyone nightmares unless they REALLY think hard about what's going on in it. Personally, I love it, and hope we get the aforementioned Tommy's Troubles and Hot Shot Hamish (as well as Mighty Mouse, please) in the near future. Rebellion may be dipping into their treasure trove carefully, but once again they've showed great skill in selecting this lad for the first XI.<br />
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<a href="https://treasuryofbritishcomics.com/catalogue/?edition=cheapest" target="_blank">Treasury Of British Comics shop</a><br />
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<br />Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-62551990518556904362020-01-02T08:30:00.001-08:002020-01-02T08:30:46.511-08:00SECTOR 13 ISSUE 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Never mind all the fuss over Brexit, one thing that's stablein Ireland is the Belfast based 2000AD fanzine Sector 13. doing their best to take the worlds created in the comic in new directions and succeeding nuicely.<br />
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Printed in A4 size on nice, thick stock, Sector 13 always impresses before you even open it up. The Sector 13 fan group has a good few cosplayers amongst it's numbers, and a couple are used to nice effect on the photo cover, with Simon Crockett and Graham Alexander doing a good job as Titan inmates. Zarjaz!<br />
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The mag starts off with a continuation of Judge Knight's long walk from the previous issue. We were left with a revelation about organ leggers and other skullduggery, and the first strip carries on where that left off, although with a handy one page recap. The story actually continues directly into teh second strip, titles 'Home', though now it shifts to photo-story mode, and features some very impressive visuals. It's gripping stuff, and certainly left me wanting more. Scott Twells' minimalist art in the first part is quite effective (especially when there's a big explosion), and the photo strip follow up benefits from great costumes and model work.<br />
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'Borrowed Time' is next, a twisty slice of light horror that would have been at home is the pages of Misty back in the day. Morgan Brinksman's uncluttered, clear art compliments Julia Round's script nicely, and all in all the story works very well.<br />
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We're introduced to a couple of new Strontium Dogs next, as Billy Camo and Hurt Box hunt a mutant terrorist. This is an interesting one, mainly because writer WD McQuaid has managed to create an original planet and race of aliens, coupled with the very interesting Hurt Box. Between it all there's a strong story here with a pleasing conclusion, although I have to say I found Patrick Brown's art a bit too scratchy for my tsates although it does get the job done.<br />
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'Coltard The Conquerer' follows, and it's a funny one off about the daily doings of a galactic dictator. It's not easy being a dictator, especially with the likes of Blade Braxtin always trying to spoil things with his heroics and square jaw. It's aperfect few pages of daft after some serious stories, and Glenn Matchett's sperkling script is lifted even higher by Cat Byrne's wonderful, colourful cartoony visuals. A perfect example of self contained silliness, this is my favourite thing this issue, and I like the fact evil space dictators wear bunny slippers.<br />
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A bit of a coup next, as 'Horse Sense' is a fantasy one off written and drawn by 2000AD alumni Will Simpson. It tells of an unnamed hero and his horse Phoebes, as he bascially goes into an old temple and fights a bunch of monsters. Narrative-wise there's not much going on, as the whole point seems to be that if we had as much sense as horses we wouldn't go off fighting monsters. That aside, though, it really does look glorious, with Simpson's black and white action scenes jumping from the page. A light tale, masterfully executed.<br />
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The final entry is another self contained future shock, 'Lethal Weapons', written by Ed Whiting (his first for Sector13). It concerns an arms dealer who has to think of a new way to do business in a world that's attained peace. It's pretty good, though a had me scratching my head a few times, and Mike Slattery's art is a good fit. Logically, it doesn't hold up, but the pay off is original and I still enjoyed it.<br />
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So there you have it, as Sector 13 swerves away from 2000AD for half the mag and is none the worse for it. What you have is the best of both worlds, all wrapped up in high production values. As ever, this comes reccommended, and if you haven't tried any have a go at getting back issues if they're available.<br />
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<a href="https://www.boxofrainmag.co.uk/sector-13/" target="_blank">BUY IT HERE!</a><br />
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<br />Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-77055390369242663902019-11-07T07:55:00.001-08:002019-11-14T03:20:38.174-08:00ZARJAZ ISSUE 35<br />
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Borag Thungg fellow 2000AD fans, it's that time again, as a new issue of Zarjaz is lovingly crafted and stuffed so full of thrills it glows in the dark. Featuring a superb cover by 2000AD John Davis Hunt featuring everyone's favourite softly spoken sniper it looks great, but what's inside...<br />
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The first strip sees the cover star getting a short and sweet four pager, as Joe Pineapples gets to play at 'D1VORC3'. Zarjaz stalwart Richmond clements delivers a tight script with a nice little twist on the final page, whilst Alex Paterson's visuals are excellent.<br />
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Next up, as ever, it's ol' stony face himself, in Dave Hailwood's homage to cheap monster movies, as Judge Dredd tackles, of all things, a giant slug in the VERY appropriately titled 'Judge Dredd Vs The Slug'. Featuring some really nice visuals from Brett Burbridge, the light hearted story is a decent slice of Dredd that's fun and features a couple of nice homages to classic trashy movies. Although the final panel, for me, doesn't work at all, I really enjoyed this one.<br />
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Unusually for Zarjaz there's a two parter this issue that features Mr Blue Skin, the ever popular Rogue Trooper. Daniel Whiston has crafted a time traveling tale that sees Rogue going back to the WW1 trenches to, um kill some mutants, or not, or something else. I've read this a few times now and I still don't understand the plot, genuinely. The basic idea is a fun one, and Michael Walters excels on art duties, but the end result doesn't satisfy like it should.<br />
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It's the return of a very old character as we get to the middle of the mag, as The Visible Man features in Matt Sharp's 'Comic Rock' revival, suggested by the classic and much covered 'Blue Moon'. Short (two pages), sharp and amusing, it's a nice break that's handled very well by artist Michael Walters.<br />
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Next up we have 'Feat Of Clay'. In fact, this issue features the third and fourth part of John Farrelly's Harlem Heroes prequel, which I was looking forward to after gushing over the first two last issue. The story continues as young John Clay starts his Aeroball career and events get even more dramatic. Once again it's the issue's highlight, compelling and well told with decent art that excels during action sequences. the only downside, once again, is the wait until we get the final parts.<br />
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The last strip this issue sees another old school character, but perhaps one people never expected to see again, as the greedy space monster Bonjo (he's from beyond the stars, don't ya know) returns to cause havoc. Although more brainless than ever (we last saw his brain being stepped on by M.A.C.H Aardvark), Bonjo is stopped in his rampage by none other than Captain Klep and Dash Decent, who's shrink rays set off a very unusual, very topical and very funny course of events. Matt Sharp's script is spot on, making me giggle a good few times, whilst Ed Doyle provides perfect art that captures the story's cartoony vibe. <br />
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All in all, another good issue, long may it contunue<br />
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Feat Of Clay 9/10<br />
Bonjo 8/10<br />
Joe Pineapples 7/10<br />
Dredd 7/10<br />
Comic Rock 7/10 <br />
Rogue Trooper 6/10<br />
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<a href="https://www.futurequake.co.uk/zarjaz/zarjaz-35/" target="_blank">Buy It HERE</a></div>
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<br />Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-82147235796424717412019-10-15T03:05:00.001-07:002019-10-15T03:05:30.695-07:00EDGE OF EXTINCTION, ISSUES 1-3 COMIC REVIEW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Being a comics creator outside of established publishers is not an easy life. There's plenty of great titles out there that have had the heart and soul of their creators poured into them, and if we're honset there's a fair bit of shite as well - just like anything, really. Let's just say that doing your own comic isn't generally a way to fame and fortune, but it's the best way to get your vision out there, and deeply satisfying if you're the one creating it.<br />
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Edge Of Extinction is an interesting one. Originally started in 2015, it had a rather large break between issue one and two due to the personal circumstances of writer Baden James Mellonie (which he candidly writes about in issue 2). Indie books traditionally have a slow rate of publication (for good reason), and when the series returned in July 2018 it was with intent, and issue 3 followed a mere 9 months later, with issue 4 promised any day now. Yeah, it's a slow burn, but as I say it's pretty standard. So what's it like?<br />
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I'm not normally a big horror fan, although I've certainly enjoyed my fair share. What I mean, I suppose, is I don't tend to track it down, but will happily give it a go if it comes my way. I loved The Walking Dead, and found Crossed to be a marvellously guilty pleasure, so zombies aren't a literary turn off if done well. As you may have guessed, EOE is a zombie book, but as it's by UK creators it's set firmly in the UK, in Bedford of all places. with locations taken from real life. The three issues don't fart about and we soon get to the zombies without yet having a clue why it's all happening. We get the standard group of survivors trying to stay alive and work out what's going on, mainly because that's how stories work. As I read them all in one go I got to enjoy them as a free flowing narrative, and I have to say I'm really enjoying what the lads have done so far. Nothing is rushed, with the story given priority over gratuitous corpse reanimation, and in issue three there's a real gut punch of a scene that is handled really well.<br />
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The art is handled by Paul Peart-Smith, who contributed some art to 2000AD in the 90s and has done a fair bit of work since, including curating the history of black comics exhibitiion "Black Power" as well as Horrible Histories and more. His art in issue 1 is, well, a bit scratchy if I'm honest. It does the job and is in no way offputting, but it didn't quite grab me. Fast forward to issue 2 and it all comes together much more, as there seems to be that bit more thought put into it and it works really well, improving even more for issue 3. At this point I can safely say I'm a fan.<br />
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The comic itself is very solid, with thick covers and pages that use thick paper that will stand up to a marmite stain or two (sorry guys, I like to eat crumpets whilst reading comics). For a £2.99 cover price it's remarkably well made, and this is only made better by the fact that variant covers are available by the likes of Ryan Brown (top man, top artist, top drinker), Max Millgate (top Rush fan) and more. Basically, everything about EOE shouts "Quality Product" which is always good to see, especially when it's backed up by a story worth reading.<br />
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Obviously, if you dislike zombie comics you may not get much out of this. The Walking Dead and 28 Days Later are obvious paralels, but EOE is it's own beast rather than anyone's pale imitation. The absolute best thing I can say about it is that I want to see what happens next. If you don't feel that way about a comic series then it's failed, and EOE issue 3 ends in a way that had me quite pissed off that iuuse 4 wasn't at the bottom of the pile, hissing and biting and daring me to read it. So if you want to read a really good horror comic and support enthusiastic, talented comic creators you should certainly checkout Edge of Extinction, because if you don't the zombies'll get ya!<br />
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<a href="http://www.edgeofextinction.co.uk/" target="_blank">BUY ALL ISSUES HERE!</a><br />
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<br />Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-19026960481397432372019-10-02T02:56:00.001-07:002019-10-02T02:57:43.193-07:00"THE SHEERGLAM CONSPIRACY" By Steve MacManus BOOK REVIEW<br />
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After his successful autobiographical book on his life in comics, concentrating on his years at 2000AD ("Mighty One"), Steve MacManus has decided to take a stroll through the fiction section with the strangely titled "The Sheerglam Conspiracy", although it's clear his roots are still firmly planted in the golden years of British comics. After all, they do say you should write what you know, and Steve knows comics.<br />
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The book is set in the 1970s, at the offices of Goodenough Publications, who produce several big selling weekly UK comics such as <i>Whaddagoal!</i>, <i>Frightful</i> and <i>Patsy</i> (for girls, naturally). The readers are intoduced to the variety of staff and comics through new girl and aspiring artist Sinead, as she does a turn on each comic and is introduced to the odd buggers that create it.<br />
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Underneath it all we have Gloria SheerGlam, head of the <i>Patsy</i> team and a formidable lady to boot. She has plans to enlist Sinead into her cult that worships Wagner (not John) and Hitler whilst dressing in Liederhosen (hence the odd cover). Seriously, this is pretty bonkers stuff. Meanwhile there's the standard inter office shenanigans as well as a pair of genius Scotsmen locked in a room whilst creating a super secret new comic that will blow away rivals Tartan Comics.<br />
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Naturally, much of this is drawn from Steve's own experiences of working withing the offices of a comic publisher during the golden age, although hopefully not the cult part. The style is very similar to that of Pat Mills, whose "Serial Killer" books are set in the same type of place. Whilst Mills' books are more densely plotted, both authors seem to agree that comics in those days were made by a bunch of sex mad perverts with only a slight grip on sanity and reality.<br />
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<i>The SherGlam Conspiracy</i> is an entertaining book, made more so if you are a student of British comics history or are of an age to remember buying the sort of comics it describes. It's funny and completely bonkers in equal measure, and if you are happy to let some of the more off the wall plot points go on their merry way I'm sure you'll find it a fun read, as I did. It's not that long a book so doesn't outstay it's welcome, and the ending sets up volume 2 nicely, after which you get some sample scripts from the stories you've just read about, which is a nice touch.<br />
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A solid, entertaining first novel, <i>The SheerGlam Conspiracy</i> should be devoured hungrily by anyone who wants a nostalgic romp through the 1970s British comics scene.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1077821506/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Buy From Amazon</a><br />
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<br />Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-54772780813407242832019-07-10T07:06:00.002-07:002019-07-10T07:06:31.172-07:00TECHNOFREAK ISSUE 2 REVIEW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hot on the heels, appropriately enough, of Techofreak issue one comes issue two, and the continuing adventures of private eye (and technofreak cyborg) John Sherlock, aided and abeted by the real star, robot cat Maurice, who again gets all the best lines as he hogs any exposition required ("Who ya talking to, ya dumb cat?" - "He's narrating. He does that"). Also along for the ride again is Neville the Private detective cum dimbulb thug, and the lovely Loretta.<br />
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In this issue the team (mnus Loretta) head to glamorous Dorking to investigate a possible rebooting of the Technofreak programme, and give the reader a little more info on where exactly he comes from, of course. Cue a mad scientist, a creepy castle and plenty of fun that ends up like a cross between Frankenstein and Scooby Doo.<br />
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One thing about issue 2 is it's definitely a step up from the first as it get straight into the action, with loads of funny lines to boot. In fact, the humour is one of the best things about it, as if the creators realize it's inherantly daft and decided to have fun with it. Tom Newell's art is really good, and the whole thing reminds me of 90s Marvel UK, with the feeling that Technofreak would have sat comfortably alongside Dragon's Claws and been just as fondly remembered.<br />
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Newell, John Charles and Barry Mayhave delivered a strong continuation of the Technofreak story, and I feel this issue will go down extremely well with comics fans who don't want anything too serious. A quality piece of work that's a genuine pleasure to read, Technofreak is definitely something to freak out about. Now... where's my Maurice sketch...<br />
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<a href="https://www.sundaylunchcomics.com/?fbclid=IwAR0xdzu3zdntiWF3BYPGQTtXTo0xBN0E24dlvunDxVtrjjkzH_AVqMCoBpA" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO BUY </a>Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-1173283713191552812019-07-01T08:15:00.000-07:002019-07-01T08:15:57.382-07:00DOGBREATH ISSUE 36 REVIEW<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
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Like a terrier snapping
at the heels of a badger, Dogbreath issue 36 screams 'buy me as well'
at anyone who has sampled the delights of the latest issue of Zarjaz,
coming as it does from the same stable. Unsurprisingly dedicated to
the galaxy's greatest bounty hunter, the superb exclusive cover from
comics legend Colin McNeil tells you straight away that this is a
good un.</div>
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This issue kicks off
with 'Back To Basics', from writer Daniel Whiston and fan favourite
artist David Broughton. We find Johnny hanging from the neck on a
gold mining colony, with no weapons and seemingly no hope as his air
is slowly cut off. Then he dies – the end! Nah... of course not,
but to find out what happens you'll have to read it. It's a very good
tale indeed, with a Western-y vibe that has always suited the
character and first rate art from Broughton (including the least
subtle Carlos tribute EVER). A great start.</div>
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Next up is that crazy
Scottish mutant Middenface McNulty in 'McNulty's Law'. Kev Hopgood
tells a tale of a mystery man (complete with a bag on his head) being
transported through the rad wastes. Naturally, it all goes shite
shaped, but you know that at some point someone is going to be told
'Take your lumps like a man', and that's fine by me. It's all a bit
political (possibly an accurate picture of post No Deal Britain),
with some nice art from Richard Waugh that helps carry the story. At
fourteen pages it has a strong whiff of the overlong about it but
it's well presnted and does a nice job of displaying the UK in the
time of the Stronty Dogs. One thing bugged me a bit, and that's that
McNulty does not seem remotely Scottish in anything he says –
Hopgood needs to be reprogrammed with McNulty speech patterns before
he does the character again, ye scunner!</div>
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Away from our regular
characters next, with David Fenn delivering a Strontium Dogs tale,
aided and abeted by artist Adam Caudill. It concerns the Weyland
mutant prison (although it says 'HMP WAYLAND' on a big ass sign –
woops!) and the sinister goings on within. Tobe brutally honest it's
the opposite of the previous story, with ten pages of story squeezed
into five. Caudhill does his best with a solid art style, but in the
end it's one of those stories that left me scratching my head at the
end, wondering who the characters had been and why I should care that
much.</div>
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Seasoned scripter Matt
Sharp is up next, paired with Gail Nedry for a Durham Red tale set in
Egypt, so scope for plenty of crypt action. Although Red's appearance
is limited to the end, it's a smart story that works very well.
Nedry's art (showcased well in Rogue Trooper for Zarjaz) ,is scratchy
but endearing, with a fleeting similarity to Mike McMahon in the
early days. Overall this is a really solid entry that keeps things
simple but stays smart regardless.</div>
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More Strontium Dogs
now, as Mark Keenan and Scott Twells bring back the potato headed
Spud Murphy, and yes, there is a chip pun included. In 'One Patoot,
Two Patoot', we get a slightly muddled story of murder on a patoot
farm. What's a patoot? Some sort of alien vegetable, and that's all
you get from me. It's another strip that may have benefitted from an
additional page to flech out a couple of things, but has a decent
core story and nice art from Twells.</div>
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Matt Sharp returns for
the last story, another Strontium Dogs tale 'What Goes Around', this
time assisted by artist Matt Sandbrook. Their story of a couple of
executions is a simple concept but one that's remarkably effective.
The art is really good, although the main character could have been
more distinctive, and there's very little not to enjoy here despite
the pitch black story idea (or maybe because of it).</div>
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As ever, Dogbreath is
certainly worth picking up if a little less structured than Zarjaz.
The art throughout is worthy of attention and there's decent writing
that may have flourished better in a couple of cases with an an extra
page to play with (that could have been taken from' 'Weyland' tbh).
Personally, I wanted another cool Johnny Alpha story, but that
doesn't detract from the enjoyment the stories included provide. </div>
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It can be bought from the Futurequake website <a href="https://www.futurequake.co.uk/dogbreath/" target="_blank">HERE</a> </div>
Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-15546341482366218602019-06-26T08:24:00.000-07:002019-06-26T08:24:03.397-07:00ZARJAZ ISSUE 34<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Remember that little tingle excitement that you used to get when 2000AD would drop through the letterbox? Me, I don't get that tingle any more, although I still thoroughly enjoy the prog each week. The thing is, the tingle has returned (new Star Wars title? Return of The Tingle? Naaah...), and it's connected to the one and only ZARJAZ, the long running 2000AD fanzine. Each issue is guaranteed to feature original takes on classic characters and a few surprises on top, starting this issue with a cracking cover by 2000AD artist Neil Roberts as seen above.<br />
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The cover leads the reader into the opening story, a rare fanzine outing for everone's favourite grumpy Robo Hunter, Sam Slade. 'Guy, Robot' sees Sam, Hoagy and Stogie up against new robo hunting rival, a robot called Guy (hence the painful title pun). Alan Holloway's script captures the personalities of the main characters very well, as well as the humour of the original strip, whilst Denis Vermesse's art pushes Sam and co even more towards noire with great flair and detail. A solid story with a classic payoff, this should keep fans very happy.<br />
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Dredd crops up in two stories, namely 'Double or Nothing' and 'Iron Chief''. In the former, Mega City gamblers find something new to wager on - Judges, whilst the latter sees some criminal get more than they bargained for when they steal from Justice Department. Both stories are nice, neat one shots, with 'Double Or Nothing' being the more humerous. The art, from Jack Davies and Tom Bonin respectively, is of a good standard, suiting Mike Lynch and Santiago Mayaud's scripts down to the ground. Zarjaz always gives good Dredd, and these are no exception.<br />
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Perhaps the standout story in this issue is 'Harlem Heroes: Feat Of Clay', written and drawn by John Farrelly. Iit's a six part story to be serialized in Zarjaz, with the first two parts in this issue. The story is a prequel, concerning young John Clay, later to be known as Giant, his introduction to Aeroball and his rough family life. As a Harlem Heroes (original series) fan I was looking forward to this and it doesn't disappoint in any way. As any good serial should, each part left me wanting to read the next one, and this is an instance where the long gap bewteen Zarjaz isssues is gonna grate. Great script, great art and a great contribution, this is going to be popular.<br />
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In a sideways move but a welcome one, there's also a text story in this issue, featuring Judge Anderson. I'm not generally a fan of text stories featuring comic strip characters but a good tale is a good tale, and Matt Sharp provides a rather decent, dark story here. Aided by some nice illustrations from Gail Nedry, 'Tom's Diner' breaks up the issue very well, adding a slab of minutes onto the reading time if savoured properly.<br />
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The surprise for issue 34 comes courtesy of Santiago Reyaud (who also writes a Dredd) and Barry Renshaw as they resurrect Night Zero, an android cab driver who does, um, stuff. Look, it was a long time ago and I barely remember it. Luckily, it's fully accessible to new readers (or forgetful ones), as we see the hero, Tanner, being drawn into a crazy guy's murderous intentions because he's that sort of cabbie. The smart story with a little twist impresses, whilst the art is a little blocky but quite suits the story and clearly shows the action.<br />
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Another blast from the past is Bix Barton, still wibbling on about the rum and uncanny with the help of his cane, Michael. Mark Howard again brings us a tale of fourth wall breaking that will have readers scratching their heads and laughing out loud, also managing to bring back a character from 2000AD history that will delight ancient squaxx like me. Simon B Hayes' art is pretty decent all round and this strip is a nice sidestep overall.<br />
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Finally we get a two page Strontium Dog story from artist/writer Brian Corcoran, and it's a perfectly condensed tale that doesn't waste too much time bringing the reader to the end gag. The art really stands out as well, full of detail yet never overcrowding the panels. A perfect way to end the issue.<br />
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As usual, Zarjaz manages to throw everything it can at the reader without missing a beat. The return of old favourites plus those nearly forgotten makes it a heady mix of thrills that Tharg himself would be proud of. Long may it continue.<br />
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ZARJAZ Issue 34 can be bought from July 1st at: <a href="https://www.futurequake.co.uk/zarjaz/" target="_blank">https://www.futurequake.co.uk/zarjaz/</a> <br />
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Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-7314821880270193792019-06-21T04:20:00.003-07:002019-06-21T04:20:52.969-07:00ROY OF THE ROVERS: THE 50s - COLLECTED EDITION REVIEW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Goold old Roy! There's a phrase that you'll know very well if, like me, you followed the golden haired hotshot's adventures over the years. Publisher Rebellion have scored a credible brace by not only giving us new adventures (see my reviews elsewhere) but also chucking out some collections of Roy's earlier adventures, starting with the very genesis of the character in the 1950s.<br />
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Roy Of The Rovers was given the esteemed front (and back) cover spot in Tiger weekly ('The Sport & Adventure Picture Story Weekly'), a comic aimed at boys who wanted to read thrilling tales of heroism and footie. Debuting in September 1954, Roy was popular with readers, eventually getting his own comic, but that's for another day. Although created by Frank Pepper, he only wrote a handful of strips at the beginning, and the remainder of the 140 pages are supplied by UK comic legend Joe Colquhoun, for some reason supplying art and script as Stewart Colwyn. It has to be said that he does a fine job of making the reader want to find out what happens next after the two page weekly instalment, and he sets up many of the tropes that would roccur in the strip for the next few decades. Although the art is very of it's time, not like Joe's beautiful 70s work, it's decent enough with plenty of nice detail throughout as he gets into it.<br />
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Story wise, we follow Roy as he joins the legendary Melchester Rovers as a lad, going from the reserves into the first team through sheer talent and determination. We meet team mate Blackie Gray, who is a constant throughout the strip's history, and a few others readers from the 70s and 80s will recognise. Each instalment is two pages long, consisting of a colour front page and black & white rear page, never failing to whet the appetite for the next one. Naturally, much of it involves Roy battling nasty types trying to hinder his career and shining on the pitch, often scoring the traditional last-kick-of-the-game goal. My only rea gripe is a story is set up that culminates in a trip to South America with the team, but there's then three months of strips that are cut out, with a new thread starting when they return. I can only assume there was missing material, but it's vexing! I assume Roy gets kidnapped whilst abroad, as this happened quite regularly.<br />
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This is the first time I've had the chance to experience Roy's early days in print, and I thoroughly enjoyed it throughout. There's nothing big or clever about this type of strip, but if well done it's just a joy to read, with thrills and spills and plots that vary the sublime to the ridiculous. If, like me, you enjoyed Roy's later years in his own comic, then I can guarantee you'll enjoy this, and whilst you're at it buy Williams and Willsher's new Roy stuff for the grandkids.<br />
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ROY OF THE ROVERS: BEST OF THE 50's IS RELEASED JULY 25TH BY REBELLION, WITH THE BEST OF THE 60's FOLLOWING 22ND AUGUST <br />
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<br />Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-69319921661284443262019-05-14T02:54:00.003-07:002019-05-14T02:54:57.886-07:00SECTOR 13 ISSUE 5 (A 2000AD Fanzine)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The lastest issue of
Belfast based fanzine Sector 13 certainly grabs the eye, with a
superb Rogue Trooper (well, Venus Bluegenes anyway) cover made from
live cosplay and digital tinkering. It's a cover that makes you want
to see what's inside and so does it's job perfectly. Of course,
regular readers will be wanting to take a look anyway, as Sector 13
is a high quality fanzine that has been getting better with each
issue. It's A4 size with 42 thick, glossy pages and sumptuous colour,
not your usual fanzine by a long shot.
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Issue Five kicks off,
as usual, with a Dreddworld photo story featuring the Sector 13
cosplayers, a motley crew of perps and ne'er do wells who meet up to
get drunk and discuss knee pads. What they also do is star in very
impressive photo strips that look great considering this is done on a
budget. 'When I Lost Control' features the unexpected result of an
EMP blast let off at Ed Norton Block by a known seditionist. It's a
tight, interesting story with plenty of nice small touches, featuring
character development for one of the strip's regular characters,
Judge Knight.
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'The Lament Of Gravlax'
is next, and despite the title it's a rather silly four page humour
story written and drawn by the very talented Cat Byrne. Basically,
Aliens want to abduct some humans but because of all the PC nonsense
on their planet they have to be subtle and kind about it, no 'zap bam
boom' or death rays allowed! It's a wonderful antidote to the
seriousness of the photo strip, and Byrne has a knack for humour that
combines well with the colourful, cartoony vusials that jump off the
page. Excellent work!</div>
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The third strip
introduces the reader to a new title character, the excorcist Judge
Whatley, who is not the barrel of laughs you might think. A demonic
wossname is threatening the city and only Whatley and his apprentice
West can stop it. A standard type of set up from writer Peter Duncan,
but the devil is in the details, and this is an extremely good story
that has a dark twist that left me hungering for the next issue. The
black and white art, from Joseph V Parangue, is very impressive,
reminding me quite a bit of 2000AD legend Boo Cook, and I can't wait
to see more of his stuff.</div>
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The centre pages (and
the next two!) are given over to a second Gronks story, following
last issue's 'Legend Of Snarki'. 'The Gronk With No Name' is
unconnected apart from the titular character's race, and we meet a
Gronk who just isn't like the other Gronks, starting with the fact
he's hanging out in a spaceport bar. Alan Holloway's script once
again blends pathos with action and humour, while artist Ed Doyle (a
known Gronkophile) delivers bright, colourful images that suit the
story down to the ground. Your poor heartses will never be the same!</div>
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A short interlude,
called 'Interlude' (ya see what they did?) is next, following on from
the photo story as Judge McBride investigates a recent case
converning Judge Knight. Donna Anita Black's Simon Harrison-esque
visuals work very well with Peter Duncan's script, effectively
filling out Knight's story a bit more, making you realize why he has
become disillusioned with Justice Department.</div>
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We return to the
darkness next, with another Excorcist Judge story, this time
featuring Judge Merrin, sent to apply Judge boot to a demon's
backside in 'The Terror Of Titus Tower'. Firstly, the strip looks
great, with lovely clear black and white art from Morgan Brinksman.
Secondly, it's another case of what is a standard set up being built
on with clever twists and a satisfying pay off, so thumbs up for
writer Mark Keenan as well. A great one off strip that made me think
a bit more of what exactly is inside a cloned Judge.</div>
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Things get very silly
for the next two pages, as Davy Francis' 'Revengers: Deadend' throws
a few laughs around with a throwback to the likes of MAD magazine as
some robot superheroes go nuts at a screening for the new Revengers
movie. It's very daft but funny with it, but looks quite messy, like
he sent the Editor a few pages out of an A4 notepad, with the result
being we actually miss the final pay off line that is cut off by the
page size. I'd have liked to see it redone on white pages, although
it's still a good laugh with plenty of nice touches.</div>
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Finally, we return to
the story of Judge Knight, and I can't go too deep into this without
spoiling the ongoing plot. It does a decent job of setting up the
next chapter in his story which I assume will continue next issue,
and Sector 13 has to be appluded for this approach which has resulted
in a magazine you have to take your time with to follow the story
properly. Peter Duncan scipts again, and whilst I find Scott Twells'
art a bit rough, it's rough in a McMahon sort of way, and fans of the
old master should certainly appreciate it. Composition wise I've no
conplaints, though, as it's all well handled and well told.</div>
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So that's Sector 13
issue 5. It's a ludicrously solid read, with thrills, humour and
theological discussion. I genuinely think that several strips would
be very at home if you found them in 2000AD itself, and as ever the
photo strip is very well done. The fact that the story from it is
continued throughout the mag is testament to the ambition of the
people involved. Available through the post or at various conventions
(such as Lawless May 18<sup>th</sup> in Bristol), it's well worth
picking up.</div>
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<a href="https://www.boxofrainmag.co.uk/sector-13/" target="_blank">Buy It From Box Of Rain </a> </div>
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Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-47363242572326922152019-04-11T05:03:00.000-07:002019-04-11T05:03:50.871-07:00COR! & BUSTER HUMOUR SPECIAL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As someone who has entered their second half century, I'm well placed to remember British humour comics, having grown up with the likes of Monster Fun, Whoopee!, Whizzer & Chips, Beezer, Krazy and many, many more. It seemed that every other month there'd be a new title unleashed as another was sucked into another comic to make room. The all conquering behemoth was Buster, which ran from1960 to 2000, swallowing up a multitude of other titles along the way. Headed up by Buster himself (originally billed as Andy Capp's son) it was a constant delight. One of the comics that ended up as part of Buster was Cor!, a similar title that launched in 1970 and ran for four years, and Rebellion have dug out characters from both (and more) to give today's kids a taste of some classic characters.<br />
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It all starts off extremely well with Sweeny Toddler getting a page to himself as "Sweeny's Soap Box", with a funny few lines to get you in the mood for his main strip on the following three pages. Writer and artist Tom Paterson dserves tons of credit for starting off this revival with as much talent as was ever seen in the original comics. It no doubt helps that he is an old hand, having drawn Sweeny before, as well as Grimly Feendish, Buster and more. The strip is genuinely funny for both kids and adults, with tons of visual gags squeezed in around the story of Sweeny going to nursery for the first time. I'd happpiy read a whole volume of this (there's one coming soon, readers!), and to say it's worth the entry fee alone isn't an exaggeration. Me like!<br />
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Monster Fun was one of my favourite comics, and when it merged with Buster I happily went with it. One of the strips was Kid Kong, unsurprisingly about an oversized gorilla who was definitely NOT King Kong's son, as that would get Universal's lawyers on the phone (but he was, really). Obsessed with bananas, he returns courtesy of scribe Alec Worley and artist Tiernon Trevasllion. The wonderfully banana-centric plot concerms Kid and Gran (who he lives with) going to Banana Con, the convention for banana lovers. Of course, Kid scarfs down too many "Dragon fire bananas stuffed with curried baked beans" and hilarity, as they say, ensues. It's a silly little tale, good fun and with a decent payoff line. Trevallion's art does a decent job and the script is light and fun.<br />
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Another old favourite is Faceache, who started off life in Jet from 1970, a creation of comics legend Ken Reid. He is a bit of a twatty little boy who can change his face into almost anything, often accompanied by the classic "Scrunge" sound effect (a bunch of the single page originals have been collected in a rather spiffy book that is highly reccommended). This time round he's had a bit of a makeover as Steve Mannion has given him a non-scrunged face that looks as grotesque as some of his monster faces. He's been teamed up with another Ken Reid creation (from Monster Fun), Martha's Monster Make Up, featuring a girl called Martha who has make up that turns anything it touches into a monster (well, duh!). Writer Ned Hartley delivers a neat little two pager that Mannion's art compliments nicely, and it should certainly get a chuckle or two out of the readers.<br />
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Yet another Monster Fun title (Hmmm... maybe this should have been the Buster and Monster Fun Humour Special) is Gums, who is a great white shark that needs false teeth. His nemesis Bluey, a surfer dude, keeps stealing them so as to render the shark harmless. That was the plot, every week, and so help me it was always fun so what the heck. Lizzie Boyle and Abigail Bulmer tackle this one, with Bulmer providing clear art that would be quite at home in The Beano. The script is pretty run of the mill but does a good job of retaining the original's humour with a totally up to date plot.<br />
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The first duffer comes in the form of a two pager featuring X-Ray Specs, in which a kid called Ray has glasses that allow him to see through stuff. It was always a bit of a naff strip when it was in (where else) Monster Fun, and things haven't improved much as Ray goes afer his Dad's wedding ring that falls down the plughole (really?). Sammy Boras' art is decent enough, with large, clear images, but Grainne McEntee's script is not big or clever or even funny. <br />
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I have to confess that I don't remember the next strip, a Buster original (I think) called Deadly Hedly, about a vampire detective. I was encouraged by the art fron Neil Googe, who provides the brilliant visuals for 2000AD caper Survival Geeks, and so approached it with good humour. With references to the fact the strip has been mothballed for a fair number of years and an opening exchange worthy of Morecombe and Wise, it's clear Paul Goodenough had his tongue in cheek when writing this, realising it would be read by old buggers as well as kids. It doesn't really go anywhere in it's two pages but is simple fun and full of (after)life.<br />
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There's 2 pages of child friendly puzzles next, after which comes a fruity foursome consisting or Ivor Lott and Tony Broke along with their female counterparts Milly O'naire and Penny Less. As you can probably guess, oen of each pair is poor, with the other rich (and a total twat). Ivor and Tony are the first characters here to orginate in Cor!, whilst the other two came from Jackpot, launched later in 1979 but not averse to a bit of recycling. 2000AD editor Matt Smith provides the story, whilst Tanya Roberts does a decent job, even if the lines are a little thick and the colours (in my download preview, anyway) too muted. It's... well, it's an okay strip but it never takes off or does anything too fun, and the end is just daft rather than fun daft,<br />
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Things get interesting now, with a three page look at some of the classic titles of yesteryear that is followed by a strip called "Who's In Charge" that brings together a multitude of characters that have just been discussed (pay attention, children!) as they argue about who should edit a new comic. It's only three pages but John Freeman's fun script is enlivened by Lew Stringer'senergy filled artwork. It points to a new comic being released at some point in the future, and I hope it's not just for the strip's plot, as it would be great to see a 'proper' comic joining The Beano and The Phoenix that concentrates on characters not free gifts.<br />
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Out of the pages of Krazy (and later Whizzer & Chips) comes Hit Kid, in which a trenchcoated kid gets revenge for children who have been wronged by bullies, parents, miserable adults etc. In a nice twist, Hit Kid has quit, with bullies running rampant, but his son appears to take over the mantle and deliver justice wherever needed. A snappy script from Robin Etherington keeps the fun coming and really works well with David Follett's art. Although only two pages, it introduces the character perfectly, gives him something to do and even gives a little giggle at the end. Ivor Lott and pals should have been this good.<br />
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One of the more unusual Buster merges was when it swallowed Oink! comic in 1988. Oink! was a pig based, rude humoured comic that did a good job of being funny to kids and adults alike, eventually finding itself condemned for being a bit too adult for it's own good. Although not an Oink! strip, "Swines Of Anarchy" is Oink! in everything but name. Very respected comic artist Pye Parr does an excellent job on The Feek's story of a pig biker gang at war with a monkey biker gang. It's lots of fun with a couple of bits that kids will snort at as intended. Definitely brings home the bacon, this one.<br />
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A veteran of several different titles (and yes, including Monster Fun), Frankie Stein is a bumbling monster forever getting on the tits of hs 'Dad', the scientist who created him. As usual, the poor Professor is being eaten out of castle and home by greedy Frankie and so invents a growth ray, like you would, to make all their vegetables bigger. Naturally, everything goes all Pete Tong, with Cavan Scott's script keeping things barrelling along in a silly way that's still bettter than Von Hoffman's Invasion (an old boys comic strip with stuff growing big). Speaking of Hoffman, Mike Hoffman's art works very well here, although the pastel colours do seem a bit soft.<br />
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Another lesser known character is Disappering Trix, a girl who turns invisible when she blinks. In the two page strip by Karl Stock and Andy Clift she helps the town sort out an invisible monster, though why only she can do it is very unclear. There's a couple of decent gags about the readers imagining the action (because it's an invisible monster), but overall Trix should have stayed disappeared.<br />
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There's a nice two pages of horoscopes next, featuring lovely Ken Reid creations with a silly rhyme each, strangely called star signs when Horror-Scopes was begging to be used. After this it all goes a bit odd, as Fuss Pot meets Captain Crucial in the weidest match up of the comic. Fuss Pot is, well, a very fussy girl who originated in the 1970s, whereas Captain Cricial is a cool superhero from mid 90s Buster. It's a pretty mental two pager that certainly crams alot in and is lots of fun to boot. Full marks to Lee Langford and Edward Whatley for managing to make this work.<br />
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Hire A Horror comes next, a strip that never survived the merger between Cor! and Buster. In it, people can hire a horror (these literal titles, eh readers?), at which point things predictably do not go as planned. In the new strip, penned by The Feek (nope, no idea), a man wants to stop the heavy metal band next door keeping him awake. A simple set up that gives plenty of room for big, colourful fun (provided by artist Mick Cassidy)<br />
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After a new Creepy Creation from Brett Parson, we come to the final strip. This chap is the oldest of the bunch (apart from Buster himself), first appearing in an issue of Wham! in 1964, as the nemesis of Eagle Eye, Junior Spy. Yes, it's the lovable bad guy (and obvious basis for Groo in Despicable Me) Grimly Feendish. Another slice of genius by Leo Baxendale, Grimly is brought to delicious life by Sweeny Toddler artist Tom Paterson, and he again does a masterful job on the single page story. Ned Hartley matches him with a neat script, and to be honest it's the perfect way to finish this trip down memory lane.<br />
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If you've got kids, then buy them this as it's full of funny, silly, inventive strips featuring characters who still deserve to be loved today. If you're just an old fart who used to buy these comics in your misspent youth then buy it anyway, as there's enough genuinely funny stuff to go along with the nostalgia. Everyone wins here, and if you don't like it just hire a horror to go and bust up Rebellion HQ. Sorted.<br />
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<br />Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-4817202371932035432019-03-26T05:24:00.003-07:002019-03-26T05:24:44.380-07:00"FRAN OF THE FLOODS" GRAPHIC NOVEL REVIEW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's time to delve into the Treasury Of British Comics again, as publishers Rebellion trawl British girls' comics of the 1970s to unearth hidden gems that only our big sisters will remember. Appearing in the disarmingly named Jinty throughout the most of 1976, Fran Of the Floods manages to warn people about the dangers of global warming before it was even a thing. Thank writer Alan Davidson ('Little Miss Nothing', 'The Valley Of Shining Mist') for that.<br />
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The floods in question aren't just a case of people canoeing down the high street for a few days. Fran lives in Hazelford, not taking much notice of the dire warnings of excess rain coming from further down south. Instead of preparing for a national emergency life goes on as normal, with a school concert and squabbles with her sister, until the rains come and refuse to go away. Even though they are on relatively high ground, Hazelford is soon submerged, and Fran is separated from her family, trying to survive as best she can.<br />
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She sets out on a quest to get to Scotland, where she hopes to find both her family and higher ground, and it's this quest that provides the bulk of the story as she runs into groups of survivors both good and bad and is reunited with a school friend, Jill, bringing conversation and shared peril into the narrative. Phil Gascoine brings the scripts to life very well, with a style that is pretty standard for the time but nonetheless clear and highly readable.<br />
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'Fran Of The Floods' has it's flaws, like the world's stupidest doctor, but it's a surprisingly robust series with a sound basis for the frak weather that has stood the test of time. It's neither a girls or boys strip in the end, just a story that happens to have a girl as the main protagonist. A fascinating piece of comics history that has certainly earned it's right to be reproduced today.<br />
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<a href="https://shop.2000ad.com/catalogue/RCA-G0007" target="_blank">BUY DIRECT FROM REBELLION</a><br />
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<br />Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-14849512375314292252019-03-26T02:52:00.003-07:002019-03-26T02:52:38.649-07:00PAUL ZENON - "LINKING RINGS" DVD<br />
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Paul Zenon is a magician. No, scratch that, because it's not that simple. True, he may have started as a magician, all those years ago in Blackpool, but he's won awards for comedy as well as magic, is a prominent skeptic and bullshit detector, an actor, and also appears on Countdown to liven up Dictionary Corner. So, yeah, Paul Zenon is a magician, but like in all the best tricks things are not always just what they seem.<br />
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"Linking Rings" is not a magic show, rather it's a show about magic. It's ostensibly a tale of two people. The first is Jim Collins, Harry Houdini's right hand man and the one responsible for many of the sneaky tricks that allowed the great man to perform what would have seemed like miracles. The other is Zenon himlself, a boy who wandered into a Blackpool magic shop in the early 1970s and, in a way, never left. There's the odd bit of unshowy magic here, (notably in the way Zenon always seems to find a ready supply of alcohol), and of course the titular linking rings make an appearance, but it's really just a man on a stage telling a compelling story of his life and that of a man who's talent was not to be noticed as much as possible.<br />
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I'll be honest, I didn't expect this to be so moving, as Zenon lays his history bare with style and no small amount of humour. Collins' story is fascinating, and new to me, but The Adventures Of A Young Magician In Blackpool manages to be the better tale, probably because it's so personal and not gained from books and photographs. Zenon takes everything slowly and clearly, surrounded by appropriate props from the eras he talks about. Lighting and effects are used sparingly and very effectively to compliment the narrative, and I get the feeling this must have been a cracking show to see in the flesh, like experiencing a sixty minute time warp before returning to the unmagical world outside.<br />
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"Linking Rings" is a unique and very entertaining DVD, a compelling snapshot into Paul Zenon's early life and that of a man who has fascinated him for many years. Magic? Not really. Magical? Absolutely!<br />
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<a href="https://www.magicshop.co.uk/paul-zenon-in-linking-rings-dvd" target="_blank">Pucrchase HERE</a><br />
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<br />Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-511237166099321542019-03-02T09:35:00.000-08:002019-03-02T09:35:09.477-08:00ZARJAZ - ISSUE 33 REVIEW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>ZARZAJ - ISSUE 33</b><br />
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Borag Thungg, readers. Once again it's time to take a look at the longest running and best 2000AD based fanzine, the mighty one itself - Zarjaz. Made from blood, sweat, tears and a crazed devotion to the source material, Zarjaz has rarely failed to impress and it's no surprise that it has been a springboard for future talent through the years.<br />
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As ever, the excellent cover is provided by a 2000AD regular, in this case Patrick Goddard (Savage), with colours by Steven Denton. It features a suitably scabby Angel Gang, and it's these low down varmints that kick off the issue inside with a tale that sees Pa Angel find gold on their farmland. Naturally, other people want the oil, but it isn't smart to try and get the Angel gang to give up anything, let alone a load of 'black gold'. It's a solid tale from Alec Robertson, with slightly cartoony art from David Parsons. Overall it's a decent read and it starts off the issue well.<br />
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A very quick trip to Maga City One comes next, with the daft single page story "Leading the Blind" by Alan Holloway. Taking us back to the days where the purpose of a Dredd strip was a bad pun in the final panel, this does it's job well, aided and abetted by some really nice art from Dan Goodfellow.<br />
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George Pickett is next, giving us the Future Shock "Gods Of The Hunt". It's a very smart story about hunting species to extinction, revenge and deception that has a twist that genuinely works. Sam Weller provides decent art that has some nice touches, and this is one of those stories that would not be at all out of place in 2000AD itself.<br />
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We return to Mega City One next for a proper Dredd strip featuring a rare foray into strip art by popular artist Lyndon Webb. He manages to breathe life into Rich Clements script for "Attack On Labour Camp 45" concerning Dredd's visit to a Cursed Earth labour camp that's gone dark. The story itself doesn't really give too much in the way of narrative but has some nice lines (including a great final panel) and plenty of action. Oh, and there's dinosaurs, so yay for that!<br />
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Getting something new out of Pat Mill's Nemesis The Warlock is Santiago Mayaud, who delivers a first class script that sees a Termight cosplay competition end in disaster. Amusing and exciting, with decent art from Adrian Bamforth, it's a definite high point here, featuring the debut of the strip's title character: "Trashquemada".<br />
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Next is "Death Takes A Holiday", coming under the "Tales Of Necropolis" banner. Judge Death has taken some time off in the radlands, and is interrupted by a preacher. Robomonkey47 handles script and art duties admirably, although the pay off isn't totally clear, to me anyway. It certainly feels like he's setting up three characters that come in late as a future strip, but their jumping to a conclusion with no evidence seems off.<br />
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A rare character in the magazine is Slaine, and it's nice to see him so well envisioned by artist Christian Navarro in the light tale "As You Wish". The art is dark and a little gritty, like the Slaine of old, which is appropriate as the story takes place when he was an outcast, wandering with the dwarf, Ukko. It's Ukko who is the focus of the fun story, as Slaine starts treating him nicely, much to his surprise. It's a snappy script from Alan Holloway, complimented well by the art. Nothing deep here, but a treat for fans of the character.<br />
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The final strip is another Dredd one, showing the love people have for the character along with the endless possibilities he has for scripters. "Rogue" sees Ed Whiting deliver a tight script that gives us something new and interesting, always a challenge in such a long running strip. Betrayal, undercover ops and body hopping come into play, and it's a strong read from start to finish. Artist David Broughton, as always, really helps with his energetic artwork using grey hues to good effect in a non colour strip.<br />
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So that's isssue 33, and as always if you're a fan of 2000AD you really should give it a go! While you're at it you can get the latest Futurequake as well.<br />
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<a href="https://www.futurequake.co.uk/zarjaz/" target="_blank">Buy It HERE</a><br />
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<br />Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-67251918153915255242019-01-22T03:33:00.001-08:002019-01-22T03:33:42.074-08:00TECHNOFREAK ISSUE 1 Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Technofreak is a labour of love, and a long labour at that. the idea gestated about a decade ago, changing and evolving until finally we have an actual comic. The brainchild of (mostly) cover artist John Charles and writer Barry May, although they function here as co writers and creators rather than writer an artist. The art, based around Charles' designs, is handled by Tom Newell, a relative newcomer to the scene hoping to make a sizable dent.<br />
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The story concerns private eye Jon Sherlock, the technofreak of the title. He can do all sorts of, well, technical things, very useful in the future London setting. Interestingly, the most memorable character is Maurice (More-eece, like the french say), a sentient robiot cat with a knack for exposition. thrown into the mix are the thuggish Neville Brady, another, less cyborgy private eye, and the lovely Loretta, once Jon's squeeze, now Neville's and now missing presumed somewhere. Put simply, our hero has to find his ex girlfriend with the help of Maurice and the hindrance of Neville, a man who maims first and asks questions if he remembers.<br />
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The vibe I get from Technofreak is of 90s UK Marvel comics, especially in Newell's art style. It's not the prettiest but it has a certain charm and certainly gets the job done. The story itself doesn't take any risks and is agreeably easy to follow with several fun moments that let you know this is a comic that you're suuposed to enjoy and then recommend to a friend. As i've mentioned, it's Maurice that stands out, but that may just be because cats are awesome, so robot cats that shoot lasers may be even more awesome. John Sherlok himself is a bit bland, with Neville coming accross as the world's worst private eye and Loretta basically a standard femme fatale with a wardrobe of bikinis.<br />
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So Technofreak issue one is not deep, but it sets up the main characters very well, looks fine and is entertaining. The mark of a decent comic is would you want to read another issue straight away, and I certainly would. I want to see what happens to Jon, Loretta and Neville, and I want to see if Maurice catches any robot mice. Most of all I want to see an independant bunch of creators build their brand whilst delivering a fun, eminently readable comic. Check it out, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sundaylunchcomics.com/" target="_blank">Buy HERE (Sunday Lunch Comics)</a><br />
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<br />Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-48588310032040167242018-12-27T02:35:00.000-08:002018-12-27T02:35:02.155-08:00ROY OF THE ROVERS - "KICK OFF" (Graphic Novel)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Good afternoon, football fans. It's a pleasure to welcome you once more to 'Footy Fan Focus' with me, Des Limeham...<br />
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<i>And me, Johnny Grotson. Today we're looking at the rebirth of a player many had thought they would never see grace a pitch again, the inimitanble Roy race, also known as Roy of The Rovers.</i><br />
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Indeed, Johnny. Roy's career kicked off...<br />
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<i>It's a bit early for that sort of pun, Des.</i><br />
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...sorry Johnny. Roy's career started way back in 1954 in Tiger, getting promoted to his own title in 1976. We thought it was all over when he was taken out of the game in 1995, and apart from some substitutions in Match of The Day magazine it certainly was.<br />
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<i>Listeners may be wallowing in nostalgia at this point - I know I am! I fondly remember Roy captaining Melchester Rovers to many a title and cup victory, often with last minute goals. he was shot, kidnapped and generally mucked about over the years, but through it all he was always our Roy.</i><br />
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Except maybe when he signed two blokes from Spandau Ballet, eh?<br />
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<i>Well, yes, but it proved he was fallable, Des, and no doubt added a few teenage girls to the readership as well. </i><br />
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So what's the sory with this new book, Johnny? Surely a one legged pensioner isn't going to attract many young footy fans!<br />
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<i>You've hit the nail right on the head there, Des .Luckily, writer Rob Williams has jettisoned Roy's history and rebooted the whole football match from scratch. Roy is now a seventeen year old chancer who breaks into the first team of a Melchester Rovers bereft of players and languishing at the bottom of League Two. Mention is made of the glory days of old, but at the moment this is a teanm that seriously needs a rocket behind it, Roy's Rocket if you will.</i><br />
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So does this mean we're going to see more old characters rejuvinated? Maybe 'The Hard Man' Johnny Dexter, 'Mighty Mouse' or even Gordon Stewart, the 'Safest Hands In Soccer?'<br />
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<i>Funny you should mention them, Des...</i><br />
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You told me to, Johnny<br />
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<i>Yes, yes... anyway, an interesting fact about the new strip is that the coach of Melchester Rovers is none other than Johnny Dexter himself (who hasn't mellowed, by the way) and the manager is none other that Kevin 'Mighty' Mouse. Roy's team mates include familiar names such as Loty Peake, Vic Guthrie, Paco Diaz and in goal is a young Scottish lad by the name of Gordon Stewart. It's a smart piece of tactics from Williams, and one that will bring a smile to many old faces including mine.</i><br />
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I must say, Johnny, that I was very impressed by the art myself. New signing Ben Willsher, previously a team player at 2000AD, has produced a nice, friendly, uncomplicated style that will entice youngsters. It's a bit more cartoony that his Judge Dredd work, but it fits the subject matter and sizzles with energy when required.I wouldn't be surprised if the lad drew for England one day.<br />
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<i>Indeed, Des, and while you were lookig at the pretty pictures I was thoroughly enjoying the script, which is both exciting and funny throughout. Most of the giggles come from Johnny Dexter if I'm honest, and there's nice interplay between Roy and his new Team mates as well.</i><br />
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I see that instead of a comic this is an actual hardcover book, and it's not too big at just 56 pages. This worried me at first but I realised that this makes it the same size as two full issues of your standard Marvel of DC comic at about the same price or cheaper, meaning it is cracking value and sits on your shelf next to all the old annuals.<br />
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<i>It remains for me to say, Des, that at the final whistle 'Roy Of The Rovers: Kick Off'' was as enjoyable to read as the old classics themselves without being in any way dated. Personally, I'm eagerly awaiting volume two in March, and hope that there's many more to come. Any final words from you, Des?</i><br />
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I like the pictures, Johnny.<br />
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<i>I love you like a brother, Des, but you're an idiot.</i><br />
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Ha ha, you kill me Johnny...<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Roy-Rovers-Kick-Off-Comic-1/dp/1781086524/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1545905988&sr=1-3" target="_blank">Buy for only £4.50 At Amazon! SCORE! </a><br />
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<br />Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-35561290240487173182018-12-18T08:54:00.003-08:002018-12-19T01:07:34.060-08:00THE GREAT BIG COMICSCENE ANNUAL 2019 REVIEW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We all remember the joy of a meaty annual at the end of each year, usually crammed full of strips that in many cases weren't good enough for the weekly it was representing. In the case of The Beano or Dandy single page strips would be handily enlarged so they could be stretched out to ensure the publisher got the most bucks for the smallest of bangs. Annuals aren't so much of a thing now, but new mag on the block ComicScene has decided to take the bull by the horns and offer an annual so huge it puts the efforts of the good old days to shame. With great girth comes great price tag, though, and before you shell
out your £20 you might be wondering if it's worth the investment.<br />
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As far as the physical quality goes, there's little to compalin about. Not only is there 300 pages of strips contained within, but the paper is of a high grade and the printing clear as you could want. Turn the book over and you can read a 'widescreen' sci-fi serial by accalimed creators Simon Furman and Geoff Senior (Dragons Claws, anyone?). Previously unreleased, it's a solid 40 page prequel to their online series. <br />
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Elsewhere, the material veers from very impressive to quite woeful. The standouts are a trio of stories from the well respected Flintlock magazine, all writtten by Steve Tanner. Each of these historical tales is a gem, particularly the full length "Lady Flintlock" with lovely art by Anthony Summey. It's the sort of tale that made me vow to investigate the parent magazine in future, so it does it's job well.<br />
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The problems start when you get to self published stuff that has obviously never been through the grubby hands of a good editor. You get spelling mistakes, overlong tales, stories that just stop with no resolution.... it can be a frustrating read, that's for sure. John Erasmus' "Happy App" is a nice little future shock, and I was amused by Mike Higg's "Ninja Monkey' and the lovely looking 'Hail To The Cheif' by Peter Duncan and Andrew Pawley. Also of note are a few of Pete Doree's "The Kids From rec Road" strips which are always fun. Special mention goes to Claudia Doyle, who wrote the simple but properly structured "Galactic Man" when she was just 11, and was lucky enough to have a talented dad (Ed Doyle) to draw it up in full colour.<br />
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This annual is indeed an admirable attempt to bring a load of comics to the people, I hope that if we get another one next year a bit more restraint will be taken with regards to the content. Showcasing strips from small press magazines is a good way to go, with adverts as payment. We could even see some from the Zarjaz and Dogbreath 2000AD fanzines, for example, or one of the many well edited publications from Owen Watts (The Big O). There's a little too much 'If you've drawn it we'll print it' here, but one still can't argue with the noble intent or sheer wealth of stuff inside. <br />
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<a href="https://comicscene.tictail.com/product/great-big-comicscene-christmas-annual-2019" target="_blank">BUY IT HERE, KIDS!</a><br />
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<br />Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-72807638347887056282018-12-03T07:08:00.002-08:002018-12-03T07:08:22.923-08:00TURBO JONES COLLECTED EDITION<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's Treasury Of British Comics time again, and 2019 sees the release of Turbo Jones, a character that many will not be familiar with. Turbo (must have been an odd christening) was the star of the short lived, bi-weekly comic Wildcat saw out end of the 80s with it's paltry twelve issues. After a typical hatch, match and despatch merger with Eagle in 1990 Turbo's adventures continued for a while before bowing out gracefully.<br />
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The story of Turbo Jones converned Turbo's conclusion that the Earth was doomed (We're doomed, I tellls ya), and the fact that none of the big nobs believed him (see Trump and climate change). He arranges for a massive ship called Wildcat (hey! That's the comic's name!) to be built, so that the human race can search for a new planet. Was he right? Well, as the Earth blows up not long after the colonists have left I'd say he was spot on!<br />
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The idea of the Wildcat comic was that it would have several strips, each one following a different main character on the quest for a new world. It's an ambitious and pretty smart idea when you think about it, but obviously something didn't take with the public. Masterminded by editor/writer Barrie Tomlinson, the Turbo Jones strip was lucky enough to be illustrated by the great Ian Kennedy, whose brilliant art elevates some poor scripting in places. Turbo's three main associates were Loner, an ex-mercernary who pays for the whole thing with his lottery winnings (really), Kitten Magee (stop sniggering at the back), a mysterious woman with secrets and stuff, and Joe Alien, who is an alien.<br />
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Collected here are Turbo's strips in their entirety, so whilst we are introduced to the others they just disappear to do their own thing. Turbo himself is a bit of a Dan Dare character, all heroic and manly, aided by his companion Robo. Now Robo is quite obviously a chimpanzee that has been cybernetically augmented so he can speak, reason and do helpful electronic stuff. The thing is, he's referred to as a 'Robot' throughout, even by himself, and it's REALLY irritating. Take a look in the mirror, Robo, you're a bleedin' chimp with metal bits glued to ya!<br />
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Anyway, Turbo and Robo visit a few different planets and invariably end up getting involved in local affairs, The message seems to be that most aliens are bascially dicks. It's all rather entertaining, though, and when the scripts fall down, which they do a few times, Kennedy's art is always there to drool over. Apparently the comic was aimed at a younger reader than 2000AD, which by then was proper teenage aggro stuff, but it's not a 'kiddy' story and is quite acceptable today for any age. The main problem I have is that for an Editor Tomlinson lets some very poor scripting through the net, with logic going out of the window a few times.<br />
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This is the first time I've ever encountered Turbo Jones, aside from reading an article or two, and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It's the sort of thing that would have a made a great Saturday evening show alongside the likes of Battlestar Galactica dn Buck Rogers, just in comic strip form. Whislt the scripts are sometimes flawed they are still entertaining and contain a few very decent science fiction ideas, and as I've stated the art is as good as you could want. Hopefully if this one sells okay we'll find out what happened to Turbo's crew mates in a future volume.<br />
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Turbo Jones is released on Jam 10th 2019<br />
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<br />Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-40948396431654971572018-10-31T09:53:00.001-07:002018-10-31T11:56:24.483-07:00ZARJAZ! ISSUE 32<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Zarjaz (Betelgeusian for 'Excellent") is a long running independent fanzine, dedicated to all things 2000AD and noted for the quality of it's contributors, some of whom have gone on to make the leap to the granddaddy of British science fiction comics. Each issue is lovingly compiled by editor Bolt-01, and it's a hard nosed grexnix who doesn't find something to enjoy in each issue.<br />
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Issue 32 kicks off with a wonderful Rogue Trooper cover by Paul Williams, one of the Zarjaz alumni to now work for the real deal (as it were), and he does the blue skinned battler justice, naturally. this leads on to opening story, a Rogue Trooper story, "Silent Night", by Matt Sharp, illustrated by Alex Paterson. It's a corking way to start the issue, and uses a clever plot device that means that most of the action is without sound effects or dialogue. Thankfully Matt Sharp does an excellent job and the result is a pleasure to read and a perfect one off for the character.<br />
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A break in the strip action sees a three page tribute to the Lawmaster himself, Judge Dredd co creator Carlos Ezquerra, who took the Long Walk recently. Featuring Zarjaz creators words and pictures it's very touching and reflects the love and respect we all had for the man who will be fondly remembered for many, many years to come. Appropriately, the next strip is a Dredd one, as Alan Holloway and artist Andy Lambert bring us the light tale "Work In Progress". It's a throwback to the old days of the strip, focusing on the citizens rather than the judges, with Dredd himself appearing in only four panels. A fresh take on the need for Mega City One's unemployed to have a hobby, it's light, original and shows Andy Lambert to be one of those to watch in the future if the crisp, clear linework displayed is anything to go by.<br />
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Next up is a highly unique take on the world of "Flesh", taking part in the offices of the corporation bosses as they review a recent taping of the cooking show "Masterflesh". Despite the (brilliant) pun it's not a silly story, and writer David Fenn channels his inner Pat Mills very well. Artist Uwe De Witt does a fine job of balancing the satirical and gory moments, resulting in a nice, complete strip that successfully builds on the background of it's inspiration.<br />
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Everyone's favorite cool robot Joe Pineapples comes next, in a solo strip from writer Lee Robson titled "37". Concerning Joe's 37th assassination for the X-terminators, it is similar to the opening Rogue Trooper story in that the art is essential to carry a story with precious little text. Luckily, Alex Paterson does a bang up job of a script that's bursting with action, with the finished result my favorite strip in what is an exceptional issue. Above all, it focuses on what essentially makes Joe the cool character he is, and nails that tricky line with ease.<br />
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Although nearing the end of the issue, the thrill power doesn't let up as we return to Dreddworld for a strip starring Judge Anderson. I love a dramatic full page opener, and this doesn't disappoint, as Russ Leach immediately makes the reader sit up and take notice with a picture of a father slapping a young girl and saying he never should have had her. It doesn't tell you anything else and made me immediately want to find out what was going on. The resulting story is a simple one but no less effective for it, and writer Keiron Moore can be justly proud of doing a great job of not only telling a compelling mystery but of rounding it off with a tear jerking finale.<br />
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Dredd's universe stays with us for the last two stories, with "Boatman" coming under the "Tales Of Mega City One" banner. It's another almost dialogue free script, from Steven Fraser this time, and is a sort of mutant fairy tale that's quite affecting in it's own way. At first I wasn't too sure, but after a re read I really started to appreciate the sweet story for what it was. Jack Davies provides very nice art, and the whole thing reminds me of the Bob Byrne stories that one appeared in 2000AD.<br />
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Last but not least is part three of "The Descendants", Robomonkey147's generation spanning tale set in Mega City One. If you've read the first two parts you'll not be disappointed with this conclusion, which ties up the story ends in a well drawn and emotional way. It's certainly a good way to round of what is probably the best issue of Zarjaz! I have ever read. There's not a duffer in sight, in scripting or art, and I can genuinely say that if the work here was scaled up and released as an official publication it would put some of the parent specials to shame.<br />
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<a href="https://www.futurequake.co.uk/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE FROM FUTUREQUAKE</a><br />
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<br />Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-28342476124631417782018-09-26T04:01:00.000-07:002018-09-26T04:01:05.677-07:00MAZEWORLD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Between 1996 and 1999 readers of 2000AD were treated to this unusual tale from the mind of Alan Grant and the pen Arthur Ranson, previously respected collaborators on Judge Anderson stories. Ranson's realistic depictions had garnered him plenty of well deserved praise, and this creator owned series was the next step in a successful collaboration.<br />
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At the time, I remember not being too excited over Mazeworld, as although the art was superb the story seemed quite leaden, perhaps not suited to being read weekly. This is the first chance I've had to read all three series at my own pace, and I'm happy to say it has improved with age for me. The story concerns Adam Cadman, the last man to be hanged in Britain in 1964 (not a real person, though). Cadman's hanging goes wrong, and whilst his physical body goes into a coma his spiritual self is transported to a medieval type land called Mazeworld. The hood he was wearing is now firmly attached to him and he is greeted as the fabled "Hooded Man", sent to free the peasants from tyranny. Over the three series Cadman finally comes to accept that Mazeworld may be more than a coma dream, and has to fight for his life and our own reality.<br />
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Mazeworld is a very good story that keeps readers guessing as to what the whole point of it all is before rounding off the final series quite satisfactorily as all finally becomes clear. There's plenty of magic involved and Mazeworld itself is a well realized fantasy world with supporting characters that have well drawn out personalities. It's a given that Arthur Ranson makes it all come alive, and as I'm a fan of his art style I delighted in the beautiful full colour pages.<br />
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If you've never read this one then you're certainly in for a treat with this volume. Lovers of quality fantasy will have a ball, as will fans of original, smart comic books. It's not a stone cold classic, but Mazeworld is one of those books that will make you appreciate how much a bit of hard work can elevate a comic story. Full marks to Grant and Ransom, this one has stood the test of time extremely well.<br />
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<a href="https://shop.2000ad.com/catalogue/XB646" target="_blank">Buy From The 2000AD Shop</a>Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-77939849597084867162018-09-13T02:08:00.000-07:002018-09-13T02:08:20.864-07:00MISTY VOLUME 3 - "WOLF GIRL"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And so the Treasury Of British Comics rolls out another volume from the much missed girls' comic Misty, and whilst previous stories have featured a variety of well known creators this time it's all a bit of a mystery. Whilst Spanish artist Eduardo Feito was a veteran of UK girls' comics, the identity of the writer has been lost to the mists of time. In an era where the likes of 2000AD were happily slapping creator credits on stories, it's unusual that a major serial such as 'Wolf Girl' lies unclaimed, (and not in an Alan Smithee sort of way), because it's a pretty good tale.<br />
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The story is set impressively fast, and in the first couple of segments we see baby Lona orphaned by a car crash, after which a wolf raises her for 2 years before she is found and returned to civilisation. Cut to a decade or so later, and Lona is behaving rather oddly - some would say feral. Unusually for a girls' comic character she hasn't got evil parents, but instead her personal peril comes from the fact she is unaware (initially) of her wolfy heritage. Cue howling at the moon, snarling at bullies and being able to communicate with wolves. Lona then goes on a voyage of self discovery that takes her from the suburbs to the forest.<br />
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As a story, Wolf Girl is a lot of fun, if rather silly when you actually think about it too much. Feito does a good job on both humans and lupines, with his art being pretty stadard for the time. Fashion of the times is apparent with tank tops and mutton chops, and at one point Lona is menaced by what looks like Leo Sayer and John Craven. It's quite a short strip, coming in at just over 60 pages, so the rest of this volume is made up of one off stories - all wolf related. These four stories are all from unknown authors (making the whole book a mystery), and are all well worth a read if you enjoy Twilight Zone-esque horror tropes.<br />
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Overall, 'Misty Volume 3: Wolf Girl' is a decent read. The main story isn't supernatural in theme, but the extra material makes up for that in spades. Whilst nothing to howl from the rooftops about, Wolf Girl is nonetheless a perfectly enjoyable slice of comic fantasy.<br />
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<a href="https://shop.2000ad.com/catalogue/graphic-novels/treasury-of-british-comics/RCA-G0006" target="_blank">Buy It Here!</a>Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7710996369396632173.post-52543991908349443862018-08-29T03:12:00.003-07:002018-08-29T03:12:48.011-07:00"SNIPER ELITE: RESISTANCE" Issue One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Following the interesting yet confusing 'The Vigilant' publisher Rebellion delves into another of their intellectual properties, this time from the worldof video games, where Sniper Elite is into it's fourth game as I write. Personally, I haven't played any, but bad games don't tend to get four incarnations so it must be pretty good, I suppose.<br />
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The fomat, like The Vigilant, is in the U.S comic style, though with fewer pages and a lower price tag of £2.99. Oddly, there is no price anywhere on the cover, and I hope whoever is responsible got a swift kick up the arse. The script, by 2000AD griup editor Keith Richardson does it's job pretty solidly, intrpducing us to Karl Fairburne, who is parachuted into France to help fight those dastardly Jerry's what? In the course of this, the first issue of three, he meets up with the resistance, encounters the enemy and still has time to give us some personal history in a flashback. It's good stuff, and ably brought to life by artist Patrick Goddard. It's not a children's comic, and no punches are pulled, with Rebellion doing their best to make the U.S comic section in WH Smiths a veritable minefield for parents of young children. Mind you, kids these days will probably love a german taking a piss and getting his thriat cut - I know I'd have enjoyed in the the Seventies.<br />
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A good read throughout, I'm looking forward to the nest two issues. Fans of Garth Ennis' War Stories and the like should certainly pick this up. Don't let the fact it's a video game tie in put you off, Sniper Elite pulls no punches.Reviews Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04821479534868719264noreply@blogger.com0