BOMB SCARES is coming!

Quite a few independent comic creators use Kickstarter these days to 'crowd fund' their projects. In case you're unfamiliar with the idea, basically it's asking people to pledge a certain amount towards funding the publication of a comic. There are usually incentives in that the more one pledges, the more bonus items they receive. No money is taken from the funders accounts unless the project reaches its goal. 

One of the latest projects using Kickstarter is Bomb Scares, an all-new horror comics anthology from Midlands-based publisher Time Bomb Comics. Although the deadline isn't until October 21st, the project has already proven to be a success and has well exceeded its goal. Therefore publisher Steve Tanner has decided to upgrade the format and add more stories as more funds come in. It'll also work out a better deal for readers because if they pledge £3 for a digital edition or £10 for the printed book, it'll be cheaper than if they order it from anywhere else after it's printed.  

With a cover by Richard Elson and Dave Kendall and strips by a variety of quality contributors Bomb Scares looks to be a comic book to look forward to, - and it'll be out next month! Here's the Kickstarter page where you can find out more and donate your pledge:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1815843378/bomb-scares-horror-anthology

Two new classic collections from PS Publishing

British company PS Publishing have announced two new hardcover collections of 1950s American comics. First up is Pre-Code Classics: Ghost volume 1, collecting the first seven issues from 1951 to 1953, complete with ads. 

"This was material that suggested unpleasantness rather than just stepped forward and pulled the old schlock-it-up lever" say the publishers. "Heartily recommended for the more discerning horror comics reader". Limited to just 2000 copies, the book is now available for pre-order for £36.99 here:
http://www.pspublishing.co.uk/pre-code-classics-ghost-volume-1-3630-p.asp

Alternatively there's a slipcased edition of just 300 copies available to pre-order for £44.99.

The other title is Roy Thomas Presents Planet Comics volume 11, with 336 pages of pre-code sci-fi, reprinting Planet Comics Nos.48 to 53 from 1947/48. The bookshop edition is limited to 1700 copies at £36.99 or there's a slipcased edition of just 300 copies at £44.99.
http://www.pspublishing.co.uk/roy-thomas-presents-planet-comics-volume-11-3633-p.asp 

Comics such as these were once banned and feared due to anti-horror comics hysteria in the 1950s they're now back in print for the collector's market. Check out the many other books available from PS Publishing while you're at it:
http://www.pspublishing.co.uk/ps-art-books-24-c.asp

Comics in shops

Photograph © John Freeman 2015

I'm sure that everyone with an interest in British comics news regularly checks out the Down the Tubes blog? If not, hop over there today where John Freeman has posted a very interesting account of the current British comics scene in shops. The shelves may be stacked with comic mags bagged with toys, and they're not as cheap as they used to be, but there's a reason for it. See the article here:
http://downthetubes.net/?p=25954

To illustrate his point, John has taken several photos of the shop displays, such as the one above. Admittedly some of those titles don't feature comic strips, but some do, (such as Angry Birds Magazine, Toxic, Epic, etc). They might not be in the 'traditional' style that some older fans prefer, and they're certainly not as many as there used to be, but it's still evidence that the UK comics industry is still around despite continued claims to the contrary from some corners of the Internet. 

Anyway, take a look at John's article and I'm sure he'd appreciate you leaving a comment or two over on his blog. (Or here instead, if the mood grabs you.)

Thunderbirds Are Go - on October 14th

Here's the eye-catching cover to the new Thunderbirds are Go magazine that will launch in UK newsagents on Wednesday 14th October. 

Published every four weeks by D.C. Thomson the new title is based on the re-imagined TV series which is due to return to CiTV soon. It promises to feature comic strips, although at this point I'm not sure if that means illustrated or screen-grab photo strips, or both. From the cover line it looks as though it'll contain an adaptation of the first episode, Ring of Fire. 

The mag will also contain posters, fact files, and activity pages. It'll also come with a free mini-model of Thunderbird 1 which is sure to be collectable. It's great to see D.C. Thomson launching a new comic magazine, and with it focusing on the popular Thunderbirds brand let's hope it's as successful as previous comics that featured the concept. 

Subscriptions to Thunderbirds Are Go are already available for pre-order here at the D.C. Thomson shop.

Aces Weekly celebrates three years

Yesterday marked the 3rd anniversary of the award-winning digital comic Aces Weekly, published by David Lloyd, co-creator of V for Vendetta. For those of you who often ask "Why aren't there any new anthology adventure comics anymore", Aces Weekly is for you. Six all new strips every issue by a wide variety of creators that have included John McCrea, Herb Trimpe, Kev Hopgood, Yishan Li, Rachael Smith, Henry Flint, David Leach, Shaky Kane and many more. As for those who claim that online comics aren't real comics because they're not on paper, that's as illogical as saying music isn't music if it's not on disc. It's the 21st Century, baby! Like most media, comics can come in different forms these days. 

The line-up of the latest volume.

Here's what David Lloyd had to say about the anniversary of the comic...

"I am pleased to tell you that today Aces Weekly marks its 3rd birthday! It's  entertained readers with some of the best comics creators from around the globe in 18 Volumes of fantastic storytelling, and there are no plans for it to stop. Aces Weekly will be celebrating this happy event with a very special deal for buyers that will be announced very soon today! Meanwhile, we raise a glass to all our current readers and subscribers to thank them for their continuing custom and support, and to all our terrific Aces, who have made Aces Weekly the most amazing and varied, and radical and revolutionary, and extraordinary anthology of comics that can be found anywhere in the world! Cheers! www.acesweekly.co.uk."

As for the special deal that David mentions, they're Birthday Box Sets. You'll find it revealed on the Aces Weekly website at the line above.

As a sometimes-contributor to Aces Weekly myself with all-new Combat Colin strips I'm pleased to see it celebrating another anniversary and I look forward to contributing again in the future.