Friday, June 26, 2020
Comic Cuts - 26 June 2020
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Commando 5343 – 5346
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5343: The Lone Wolf
Kommandant Josef Jewinski smells trouble aboard U-1215 — a wolf in sheep’s clothing. With a traitor amongst the men in whose hands he must place his life each day, the tension is hull shattering as the iron coffin starts to live up to its name! Friendships fray and trust is left in tatters in this thrilling U-boat journey by writer Kate Dewar, with a remarkable cover from renowned artist Ian Kennedy.
Story: Kate Dewar
Art: Morhain & Defeo
Cover: Ian Kennedy
5344: Night Ace
Ken Barr’s interiors really sing in this classic Commando from 1967, as a new pilot finds himself plagued by vertigo! But the insufferable spinning fades away in the blackness of the night, and pilot Nick Kirby soon proves himself as a formidable flyer. For every night, there is a dawn but at 30,000 feet, will Nick be able to overcome his challenges and a CO who doesn’t believe a word he says?
Story: Newark
Art: Ken Barr
Cover: Ken Barr
Originally Commando No. 304 (1967).
5345: Churchill’s Commandos
80 years ago, Churchill gave orders for a ‘hunter class’ to fight back against the Nazi onslaught, and so the British Commandos were born. In this new adventure from Heath Ackley, it isn’t all smooth sailing as the fiery Ambrose struggles to contain his rage… but with the capable instruction of the endlessly patient Sergeant MacKay, the trials he faces to defeat the Nazis will help him forge the bonds that made Commando units such a formidable fighting force. Featuring a Commando-celebratory wraparound cover by Neil Roberts.
Story: Heath Ackley
Art: Khato
Cover: Neil Roberts
5346: Find the Treasure
A strange tale from the archives where pre-war sporting rivals, Sandy and Otto, are brought together to hunt down a legendary treasure. But with only half the details each from their mysterious benefactor, they must work together to find it — and survive! Reunited during the Second World War, they reminisce over their failed attempt to retrieve the Kellenburg Collection, something Otto cannot let go…. Soon the search is on again and only Sandy’s Commando training can help him escape Otto’s greed!
Story: Bernard Gregg
Art: Enriquez
Cover: Ian Kennedy
Originally Commando No. 1542 (1981).
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Rebellion Releases (2000AD) -- 24 June 2020
The special features brand new work from superstar comics talent—including Jock (Batman), Al Ewing (Immortal Hulk), Dan Abnett (Guardians of the Galaxy) and more—and, as well as classic cuts from the archives, the special pits some of the
biggest characters and series from past and present against each other
in explosive, thrilling, humorous, and brand new adventures! It also
dives into the archives to explore Rebellion's tenure as the publisher
of 2000 AD.
Originally launched by publishing giant IPC in 1977, 2000 AD’s
unique blend of innovative and hard-hitting sci-fi, fantasy and action
saw it survive and thrive, despite the declining fortunes of the UK
comic publishing industry. After being moved to IPC’s Fleetway comics
subsidiary, it was sold to Robert Maxwell in 1987 and then to Danish
publisher Egmont in 1991.
In 2000, the title, its characters, and its legacy were purchased by
brothers Jason Kingsley and Chris Kingsley, the owners of games
developer Rebellion. In post as ‘Tharg the Mighty’ since 2002, editor
Matt Smith is now the longest-serving editor in 2000 AD’s history and the title has gone on to win multiple domestic awards, as well as being nominated for an Eisner Award in 2013.
Judge Dredd: End of Days by Rob Williams (w) Colin MacNeil (a) Chris Blythe (c) Simon Bowland (l)
The Out by Dan Abnett (w) Mark Harrison (a) Annie Parkhouse (l)
Full Tilt Boogie by Alex de Campi (w) Eduardo Ocana (a) Simon Bowland (l)
The Order: Land of the Free by Kek-W (w) John Burns (a) Simon Bowland (l)
The Diaboliks: La Vita Malvagia by Gordon Rennie (w) Dom Reardon (a) Jim Campbell
Judge Dredd: The Immigrant by Al Ewing (w) Jake Lynch (a) Jim Boswell (c) Annie Parkhouse (l)
Terror Tales: Scene of the Crime by Al Ewing (w) Dom Reardon (a) Tom Frame (l)
Kingdom: Shako's Kingdom by Dan Abnett (w) Richard Elson (a) Simon Bowland (l)
Sinister Dexter: Bullet Time by Dan Abnett (w) Andy Clarke (a) Chris Blythe (c) Ellie De Ville (l)
Storm Warning: Black Storm by John Reppion (w) Clint Langley (a) Jim Campbell (l)
Nikolai Dante: A Farewell to Arms by Robbie Morrison (w) Simon Fraser (a) Gary Caldwell (c) Annie Parkhouse (l)
The Red Seas vs Ant Wars by Ian Edginton (w) Steve Yeowell (a) Jim Campbell (l)
Dreams of Deadworld: Fear by Kek-W (w) Dave Kendall (a) Ellie De Ville (l)
Judge Dredd: Leaving Rowdy by John Wagner (w) Carlos Ezquerra (a) Tom Frame (l)
Features: Jason Kingsley interview, Twenty Thrills For Twenty Years
Friday, June 19, 2020
Comic Cuts - 19 June 2020
The Blasco piece was recycled from an article written for a fanzine follow-up to to my Mike Western Story (1990) while the other entries were written especially. I think this illustrates one of the problems of doing a Who's Who—a single title like Commando has 140 artists and 180 writers, plus 100 artists who painted covers (although there will be some overlap with artists of internal pages), but that's probably 380 entries required for that title alone. There's almost no overlap with any pre-war titles and most humour titles, and little overlap with Eagle or 2000AD. You can begin to see why I believe a comprehensive record of the creators of British comics and story papers is a multi-volume project.
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Rebellion Releases (2000AD) - 17 June 2020
After two spellbinding special issues, these home-grown superheroes –
Dr. Sin, Blake Edmonds, Thunderbolt the Avenger, The Steel Commando,
Dr. Sin, Pete’s Pocket Army, Death-Man, Yāo and The Leopard from Lime
Street – leap forth once again from the Rebellion archive of more than a
century of classic comics.
Writer Simon Furman (Transformers), artist Simon Coleby (Judge Dredd), colourist Len O’Grady (Jaegir), and letterer Simon Bowland (The Boys) reunite for this explosive climax to The Vigilant saga
– Nightcomer Beth Rogan has had a vague vision that one of the team
will betray his or her comrades, and that’ll allow the evil Doktor Von
Hoffman to usher in a Hell on Earth. Can Dr Sin’s crew stop the demon
Mazoul’s terrifying Blood Rapture from becoming a reality?
Readers will once again get the chance to enjoy the return of these iconic British characters as they face their deadliest threat – one that may destroy them for good!
This issue of the Judge Dredd Megazine will also come bagged with a 64-page collection featuring stories from the original incarnations of these legendary comic book heroes—Doctor Sin, the Leopard from Lime Street, Blake Edmonds (Death Wish), Steel Commando, Dr. Mesmer's Revenge, Von Hoffman's Invasion—giving readers fascinating context to The Vigilant’s final mission!
The complete story of The Vigilant, featuring work by Simon Furman, Simon Coleby, DaNi, Henrik Sahlstrom, Warwick Fraser-Combe, Staz Johnson, Will Sliney, and Jake Lynch, will be collected in a 128-page paperback graphic novel this September.
Editor Keith Richardson said: “It has been an honour to usher in the new era of exciting stories featuring some of the greatest adventure characters in British comics, created by the best of British talent. Stay Vigilant!”
Judge Dredd: End of Days by Rob Williams (w) Colin MacNeil (a) Chris Blythe (c) Simon Bowland (l)
Sinister Dexter: Boys in the HUD by Dan Abnett (w) Steve Yeowell (a) John Charles (c) Jim Campbell (l)
Full Tilt Boogie by Alex de Campi (w) Eduardo Ocana (a) Simon Bowland (l)
The Order: Land of the Free by Kek-W (w) John Burns (a) Simon Bowland (l)
The Diaboliks: La Vita Malvagia by Gordon Rennie (w) Dom Reardon (a) Jim Campbell
Judge Dredd: The Fugitive by Rory McConville (w) Staz Johnson (a) Jim Boswell (c) Annie Parkhouse (l)
The Vigilant: Rapture by Simon Furman (w) Simon Coleby (a) Len O'Grady (c) Simon Bowland (l)
Blunt III by TC Eglington (w) Boo Cook (a) Simon Bowland (l)
Lawless: Boom Town by Dan Abnett (w) Phil Winslade (a) Jim Cambell (l)
Features: The Vigilant, Lion
Bagged reprint: The Vigilant: Origins
Friday, June 12, 2020
Comic Cuts - 12 June 2020
This week we reveal the cover to volume two of Longbow, the forthcoming book from Bear Alley and take a brief look at a couple of Kickstarter projects that have just launched, or are just about to be launched.
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Commando 5339-5342
Get global action and adventure delivered right to your door when you subscribe to Commando or subscribe for digital copies here.
5339: Siege of Musa Dagh
All eyes watched the First World War raged on, but in the background, there were disturbing rumours of a humanitarian crisis in the midst of the Ottoman Empire. Secret Service agent Aaron Hassan thinks he can chalk it up to a day’s work, but the barrel of a Gewehr 98 and the woman behind it soon change his mind! In a frantic escape across Aleppo, Aaron tries to get Suzanna, Karine and the intelligence he carries to Musa Dagh, but he doesn’t recon on assassin, Omar Konevi! With a story by new writer R Tate and art from Commando veteran Manuel Benet!
Story: R Tate
Art: Manuel Benet
Cover: Manuel Benet
5340: Death Flies Fast
Classic Commando alert with Gordon C Livingstone interior art and a Ken Barr cover! On the ground or in the air, Powell’s heroes were a pair of fighting fools. On civvy street, Mike Tulley and Terry Stark were bitter rivals for the middleweight boxing title. Then, in wartime, as Spitfire pilots they were never done trying to outfly and outfight each other — whether or not they died in the attempt.
Story: Powell
Art: Gordon C Livingstone
Cover: Ken Barr
Originally Commando No. 184 (1965).
5341: Retribution!
Our resident writer from Down Under, Brent Towns teams up with interior artists Klacik and Muller to create an epic tale of revenge in the First World War. Across the battlefields of Gallipoli and the Western Front, Aussie soldier Charlie Grubb will fight to survive — and to find and kill the man who murdered his father!
Story: Brent Towns
Art: Klacik and Muller
Cover: Neil Roberts
5344: On Target!
This Silver Reprint is from 1981! With a stunning cover by British comic art legend Ian Kennedy, this Commando features a soldier who couldn’t fire a rifle straight, but give him a crossbow and he could shoot a feather out of the air!
Story: Staff
Art: Blasco
Cover: Ian Kennedy
Originally Commando No. 1544 (1981).
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Rebellion Releases (2000AD) - 10 June 2020
Whether it’s the Melchester team getting to test their skills against the finest teams in Europe, reuniting legends such as Hot-Shot Hamish, Gerry Holloway, Johnny Dexter and keeper Charlie ‘The Cat’ Carter for a special five-a-side tournament, or Roy and Rocky trying to see out lockdown without driving each under up the wall, there’s plenty to cheer thanks to creators such as Tom Palmer (Roy of the Rovers fiction), Rob Williams (Suicide Squad), Elkys Nova (Tammy & Jinty Special) and David Sque!
Judge Dredd: End of Days by Rob Williams (w) Colin MacNeil (a) Chris Blythe (c) Simon Bowland (l)
Sinister Dexter: Boys in the HUD by Dan Abnett (w) Steve Yeowell (a) John Charles (c) Jim Campbell (l)
Full Tilt Boogie by Alex de Campi (w) Eduardo Ocana (a) Simon Bowland (l)
The Order: Land of the Free by Kek-W (w) John Burns (a) Simon Bowland (l)
The Diaboliks: La Vita Malvagia by Gordon Rennie (w) Dom Reardon (a) Jim Campbell
Euro Adventure by Rob Williams (w) Elkys Nova (a) John Charles & Guilherme Lindemberg Mendes (c) Jim Campbell (l)
Fiction: One In A Million - A Rocky Race Story by Tom Palmer
Features: Rob Williams interview, Roy Race’s England Career Explored, Tom Palmer interview, David Sque interview.
The seventies was a very turbulent time in Britain. Following on from the optimism of the sixties, the country faced a decade of strikes and power cuts. Luckily for the fans of Melchester Rovers, Roy Race and his loyal time mates provided great moments of glory for their fans, starting with European Cup final win in 1973 in the year that the club celebrated its 50th anniversary.
It was the decade in which footballers became real superstars a time when Melchester goalkeeper Charlie Carter had to choose between staying at the club or perusing a burgeoning career as a pop singer. And it was a period when Roy Race truly cemented himself as the heart, soul and brain of the club by taking on the role of player manager.
There was a time in the 22nd century where man s lawless spread out amongst the stars across new frontiers. Enter the Search and Destroy Agents mutants warped from birth by Strontium 90 fallout from the last, great war. Known by the norms as Strontium Dogs , these men and women enact justice throughout a cruel and unforgiving universe. It s a hard and dangerous life where only the toughest can survive. Men like Johnny Alpha a mutant with the ability to emit powerful Alpha-Rays from his eyes!
The 210 x 276mm book, with a new introduction by co-creator John Wagner, feature gorgeous artwork by Ezquerra, along with Brendan McCarthy, and Ian Gibson. Strontium Dog: Search and Destroy brings back into print one of the seminal series of British comics, a science fiction Western that merges everything from time travel to a trip to Hell itself. This new edition, with colour centre spreads lovingly restored, is a must for fans and collectors alike, putting these stories back to their rightful place as one of the key series in the annals of British comics. Originally published in Starlord, 2000 AD’s sister comic, the strip transferred to 2000 AD and remains one of the most iconic strips in the history of British comics.
Friday, June 05, 2020
Comic Cuts - 5 June 2020
Wednesday, June 03, 2020
Rebellion Releases (2000AD)
👉 Full series of Alex De Campi and Eduardo Ocana's Full Tilt Boogie debuts!
👉 Caballistics Inc. spin-off The Diaboliks by Gordon Rennie and Dom Reardon begins!
Judge Dredd: End of Days by Rob Williams (w) Colin MacNeil (a) Chris Blythe (c) Simon Bowland (l)
Sinister Dexter: Boys in the HUD by Dan Abnett (w) Steve Yeowell (a) John Charles (c) Jim Campbell (l)
The Order: Land of the Free by Kek-W (w) John Burns (a) Simon Bowland (l)
Future Shocks: Journey to the Edge of the Earth by Chris Burnham (w+a) Len O'Grady (c) Simon Bowland (l)
The Diaboliks: La Vita Malvagia by Gordon Rennie (w) Dom Reardon (a) Jim Campbell