Tony Isabella reviews The Beano

American comics writer Tony Isabella, who created Black Lightning for DC Comics (now being adapted for TV) recently subscribed to The Beano after reading my posts about the comic here. When I heard that, I wasn't sure how the Beano's humour would go down Stateside but Tony liked it and he's posted his verdict on the comic over on the Tales of Wonder site here:
http://blog.talesofwonder.com/?p=626

As you may know, Tony was the editor on the early Marvel UK comics when they were still being packaged in New York. He also edited those great Marvel black and white horror comics for a time too. He has a blog full of interesting reviews and thoughts, which you can find here:
http://tonyisabella.blogspot.co.uk

The Brexit shambles explained as a comic strip

Whatever your politics, if you're interested in comics (which presumably is why you're here) this might be of curiosity to you. This week's edition of The New European features a comic strip on its front cover; an unusual step for a national newspaper, especially one aimed at adults. When was the last time this happened? On the Illustrated Police News in Edwardian times? (Actually there was an Andy Capp strip that dominated the cover of a Christmas Daily Mirror in the sixties (see here) but I digress...)

The strip is by Tim Bradford and covers the history of Britain's EU referendum from its genesis to today. The style is crude, but it gets its message across. As we know, comics are an excellent way to do this. 

If you haven't seen The New European before, you may have guessed that it's a pro-EU newspaper for those of us in the 48% who voted remain, and for any leave voters who want to see the alternative viewpoint, come to that. Intelligently written, it's published every Friday and distribution has improved recently. (I've just bought this one from my corner shop whereas Sainsbury's was the only place around here that sold it a few months ago.) 

You might not agree with all the articles within, but it does offer a balance to the anti-EU press that dominates the newsstands. Worth a look for £2. It's a fair bet you'll find out something that papers like the Daily Mail haven't told you. 

Check out their website for more info:
http://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/home

If you're interested in buying a print of Tim Bradford's cover, details are here:
http://www.buyamag.co.uk/Leisure-Magazines/The-New-European-Poster/TNEPR

The Pull List No.5

Cover by Andrew Pawley.

The fifth issue of The Pull List is now available to buy for just 99p. What's The Pull List? It's a digital magazine featuring interviews with creators involved in the independent and small press comics scene. This area of comics is so busy these days that it's great to have a publication that shows some highlights that might otherwise pass us by.

This issue features interviews with The Etherington Brothers, Paul Moore, Hannah Chapman, Sammy Borras, Andrew Pawley, and Robin Hoelzemann. If some of those names are unfamiliar to you then The Pull List is essential to expand your knowledge. All of the artists featured are producing good material that deserves its growing audience. Remember, there are far more comics out there than you'll find in your local newsagents. The comics industry has evolved and it's worth checking out what's available.

How to obtain your copy? Head over to the following link and within minutes you could be reading it. Such is the beauty of digital publications!
https://gumroad.com/l/thepulllist05

Spidey goes retro!

The latest issue of Panini UK's Astonishing Spider-Man fortnightly comic arrived in newsagents today, with a story that may be of interest to fans of the sixties strips. 

Amongst the three stories in the issue is Convention Chaos from the U.S. edition of Spider-Man / Deadpool No.7 that sees Deadpool travel back to the 1960s. It's a wonderful homage / parody of early Spider-Man stories, even down to the off-register printing (deliberate in this case). 

Written by Gerry Duggan and drawn by Scott Koblish doing a fine stylisation of Steve Ditko's work, it's not to be missed! The story is very tongue-in-cheek, with an appearance by Richard Nixon and a politician who speaks of building a wall to keep out the Mole Man. It's good fun, and worth the cover price alone.

Here's the info on the issue:

Astonishing Spider-Man Vol.6 #16. On sale 16th March 2017. 

76 pages of Astounding Action-Packed Arachnid-Adventure! Only £3.99!

A new Spider-Saga begins! There’s an accident at Parker Industries! What will Peter Parker do to save his employees, both as CEO AND Spider-Man?!

Also: in the greatest of Deadpool traditions, we present a “lost” issue of the Amazing Spider-Man! Join us as we flashback to the swinging ‘60s for one of Deadpool & Spidey’s earliest meetings! It’s totally hip, daddy-o!

Plus: The Back Cat makes her move against Ultimate Spider-Man!

By Dan Slott, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Brain Michael Bendis, Sara Pichelli, Joe Kelly and Ed McGuinness.

Includes material reprinted from Amazing Spider-Man #16, Spider-Man/Deadpool #7 and Spider-Man #5.

http://www.paninicomics.co.uk

The Last American, - back in print!

I had the privilege of Mick McMahon illustrating a couple of scripts of mine for Sonic the Comic back in the 1990s. Naturally, he did a wonderful job. I'm pleased to see that Rebellion will soon be reprinting The Last American that features Mick's fantastically stylish artwork. Here's the info... 

        • CREATIVE TEAM: John Wagner, Alan Grant (w) Mick McMahon (a) Phil Felix (l)
• REGIONS: US and UK print and worldwide digital
• RELEASE DATE: 11 April 2017 (UK) 26 April 2017 (US)
• PAPERBACK - 130 PAGES
• PRICE: £15.99 (UK) $19.99 (US)
• ISBN: 9781781085448
• DIAMOND: FEB171839

Back in print after more than a decade, this tour de force by three of British comics' greatest talents is a chilling but prescient parable for our modern times.

After the Apocalypse, the last man alive is tasked with delivering Ultimate Victory. Twenty years after a global nuclear war destroyed the world, Captain Ulysses Pilgrim is woken from suspended animation by three military robot aides. Selected by his superiors to survive the initial onslaught, Pilgrim now has one last mission; to scour through post-holocaust U.S.A. in the search for other survivors.

Want to see a preview? Here's the first four pages...

Available in print from: book stores, Amazon, and comic book stores via Diamond Available in digital from: 2000 AD webshop, 2000 AD iPad app, 2000 AD Android app, 2000 AD Windows 10 app