Spaceship Away goes Christmas Crazy!

Spaceship Away 25 cover by
Don Harley

The latest issue of the Dan Dare-inspired comic magazine Spaceship Away is on sale now from the title's official web site and selected comic shops and its content harks back to the days when a comic's editorial team really made the most of the Christmas holiday, offering a tie-in cover from veteran artist Don Harley and more.

Issue 25 - kicking off the magazine's ninth year in print - include a glorious Sydney Jordan scripted, Don Harley drawn Dan Dare Christmas comic story; more adventures of the Daily Mirror hero Garth; a further Journey Into Space episode (Bruce Cornwell takes over the artwork part way through); a two page Don Harley Dan Dare strip; and the continuation of Tim Booth’s “Parsecular Tales”.

Features include an article by Dan Dare artist Desmond Walduck, a new painting by Don Harley from the original Eagle story “Prisoners of Space”; an item about Spacefleet H.Q. by Charles Evans-Gunther; a fabulous Ian Kennedy centrespread, featuring three versions of Dan Dare (he worked on all three); news of another Frank Hampson find; another model by Sid Clark from ‘Dan Dare’s World’; and the board from the Dan Dare’s Race in Space game. (Time to get your dice and counters out at Christmas - what fun!)

Ian Kennedy's stunning Dan Dare
centrespread for Spaceship Away 25

The issue, which features a gorgeous Christmas cover by Don Harley, is topped off with a new Bruce Cornwell painting on the back cover.

Coming in the new year is the final episode of “Pre-Emptive Strike”, an all-new Dan Dare tale by John Freeman and Mike Nicoll (who are already at work on a further classic Dare story for the magazine), along with more artwork from Graham Bleathman, Don Harley and Gerry Embleton.

• Order Spaceship Away Issue 25 from the official web site here

'League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' exhibition invades Eurpe

An exclusive "selling exhibition" of art from Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill's League of Extraordinary Gentlemen saga opens later this month in various continental locations.

In close collaboration with Alan Moore, acclaimed writer of Watchmen, From Hell and V for Vendetta, Kevin O'Neill visualises an alternative history in which a team of famous fictional characters live real lives and tackle terrifying threats to humanity.

Rich with literary and artistic allusions, O'Neill's meticulous pages conjure up a fantastical parallel London from fog-shrouded Victorian mysteries to 1960s psychedelia and 70s punk. This exclusive selling exhibition at Galerie Champaka, Brussels and Galerie 9eme Art, Paris, running 15th - 30th December 2011, offers the first ever opportunity to purchase O'Neill's artwork from League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: The Black Dossier, and from the first two volumes of the new LXG trilogy, Century: 1910 and Century: 1969, the latter recently published in French by Delcourt.

In League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill apply the American comic-book tradition of superhero teams to classic characters from nineteenth-century fantasy literature and combine their worlds into one fresh yet familiar continuum. So Miss Mina Murray, from Bram Stoker's Dracula, recruits: Jules Verne's Captain Nemo; H. Rider Haggard's Allan Quatermain; Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde; and H.G. Wells's Invisible Man. Murray and Quatermain become immortal and maintain the League's world-saving role by inviting fresh fictional characters to join their ranks.

The League's first two missions unfold in Victorian London and pit them against the Chinese villain Fu Manchu and the Martin invasion from Wells's The War of the Worlds. In subsequent 'cycles', the now-immortal Murray and Quatermain maintain the League's world-saving role by involving fresh fictional characters to join their ranks.

The separate sourcebook The Black Dossier is set during the aftermath of George Orwell's dystopia from his 1948 book, Nineteen Eighty-Four, and reveals the now-disbanded League's secret history, incorporating thinly-disguised versions of James Bond, Emma Peel from TV's The Avengers and others.

The third volume, subtitled Century, spans one hundred years of London in three instalments dated 1910, 1969 and 2009, each reflecting the tumultous events and imaginative culture of their period.

Based in London, Kevin O'Neill is best known as the co-creator of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen with Alan Moore,  as well as Marshal Law with writer Pat Mills for Marvel's Epic line, and Nemesis the Warlock for the British weekly 2000AD, also with Pat Mills. With one of the most unique and detailed styles in comics, he has deservedly earned an enormous worldwide audience of admirers.

It is in League of Extraordinary Gentlemen that Kevin O'Neill reaches the apogee of his draughtsmanship and graphic storytelling. His pages evoke the intense detail and crosshatching of nineteenth-century illustration and combine a lavish sensuality with many witty references to the literature and artistic imagination of each book's respective era. His detailed artwork reveals new delights with every viewing. O'Neill is truly in a 'league' of his own.

Galerie Champaka

27, rue Ernest Allard
B-1000 Brussels - Belgium
Tel : + 32 2 514 91 52
Fax : + 32 2 346 16 09
E-mail: sablon@galeriechampaka.com
Web: www.galeriechampaka.com

Opening Hours:

• Monday and Tuesday: by appointement
• Wednesday to Saturday: 11.00 to 18.30
• Sunday : 10.30 to 13.30

Galerie 9e Art

4 rue Cretet
F- 75009 - France
Tel.: +33 1 42 80 50 67
Fax: +33 1 42 80 50 67
E-mail: contact@galerie9art.com
Web: www.galerie9art.com

Opening Hours:

• Tuesday to Saturday: 14.00 to 19.00 and by appointment

Doctor Who costunes, rare Dalek art for sale at Bonhams

Up for auction at Bonhams: The evening suit
worn by Matt Smith in The Big Bang

A collection of 37 costumes from recent episodes of Doctor Who are being offered by Angels The Costumiers in the Entertainment Memorabilia auction on Thursday 15th December 2011 at Bonhams, Knightsbridge, London.

Also in the auction are costumes from other shows such as the original The Prisoner, Walt Disney animated film cels, film posters for Star Wars, Star Trek, music memorabilia and much more, including art from the 1964 Dalek Book.

Angels The Costumiers is the world’s longest-established supplier of costumes to the film, theatre, and television industries.

“Doctor Who is a perennial TV favourite," says Angels Chairman, Tim Angel, who, as a young costumier, first suggested incorporating the iconic, thick scarf into Tom Baker’s Doctor Who outfit, explaining why his company loves the show. "The Angels team always looks forward to working on the show because of the extraordinary diversity of costumes that are required to bring-to-life the Time Lord’s journeys.

On auction: The original preliminary

design artwork for The Dalek Book

"The costumes in the Bonhams auction offer the chance for fans to connect with their favourite episodes, and take home a beautiful piece of TV history.”

The costumes come from a number of recent episodes including The Shakespeare Code, Human Nature/The Family of Blood, Daleks in Manhattan/Evolution of Daleks and The Fires of Pompeii, and have been worn by actors including David Tennant, Matt Smith and Freema Agyeman.

Highlights include a wedding guest outfit complete with top hat and a cream coloured silk scarf, which was worn by Matt Smith in The Big Bang, which it's estimated will sell for £1,200-1,800, a doublet and hose outfit worn by Lucian Msamati as Guido in The Vampires of Venice (£600, 700) and a three-piece suit worn by David Tennant in Human Nature/The Family of Blood (£1,000-1,500).

Stephanie Connell, Head of Entertainment Memorabilia, comments, “As the world’s longest running science fiction television programme, Doctor Who has attracted a cult following and we expect fans of the show to jump at the chance to bid for these items.”

The auction also includes a huge amount of film and TV memorabilia including costumes from the 1960s series Danger Man and The Prisoner, Walt Disney animation film cels, a Thunderbirds film poster, a 1997 Star Wars film poster, promotional poster for the 1980 Flash Gordon film, a collection of quad science fiction movie posters including Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, a script for the fantasy film Willow and much more. 

• More info at: www.bonhams.com/entertainment

STRIP Magazine #2 digital edition now on sale

The iPad-only digital edition of STRIP Magazine #2 is now on sale from iTunes - again in advance of the print edition.

Due to a small but unexpected delivery delay from Bosnia, the print edition will not be on sale until 14th December, for which publishers Print Media Productions have apologized.

Featuring a cover by Rufus Dayglo the issue includes:

• Black Ops Xtreme Part 2, written by John Freeman and drawn by PJ Holden: the team are sent to South America to kill a dangerous terrorist!
• Warpaint Part 2 by Phil Hester and John McCrea: Mia learns more about an ancient war!
• Age of Heroes Part 2 by James Hudnall and John Ridgway: the magician Wex battles for his life against deadly monsters!
• Recovery Inc. by Michael Penick and Dean Deckard: the company is hired to retrieve a top secret stolen prototype!
• Hook Jaw, re-mastered by Jim Campbell and Gary Caldwell: Joy over an oil strike turns sour as the great white shark Hook Jaw attacks!
• 'Cold Hard Facts' - a man from the 20th Century finds the future is not the paradise he expected
• The second winner of our 'Strip Challenge' - "The Citadel Codex", set in ancient Mexico
• An exclusive interview with comic artist John McCrea, British comics news, a competition to win copies of Paul Gravett's new book 1001 Comics You Must Read Before You Die and the new collection of Alan Grant and Arthur Ranson's Mazeworld; and a sneak preview of Crucible, one of the new strips coming up next year STRIP Magazine.

You can now subscribe to Strip Magazine online at www.printmediaproductions.com at the introductory rates as advertised in Issue 1.Until 15th December 2011, a six-issue subscription costs £14.99 including handling and a 12-issue subscription costs £25.99.

From 15th December 2011 subscriptions to the Magazine will be at the normal rate of £16.90 (6 issues) and £33.90 (12 issues).

• Visit www.printmediaproductions.com to subscribe 

• Buy STRIP Magazine #2 from iTunes

Judge Dredd takes on Zombies in new App Game

Fuse Powered Inc. and Rebellion, the owners of 2000AD, have just released Judge Dredd vs. Zombies for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

In Judge Dredd vs. Zombies, players are the Law, taking on the role of one of the world’s most famous comic book heroes as Judge Dredd declares a (second) death sentence on invading zombies. Using simple, “single-stick” controls, players shoot up zombies across thirty levels of over-the-top undead mayhem, unlocking weapon and equipment upgrades as justice is served. Judge Dredd vs. Zombies is available now on the App Store for $.99.

“When we met with Rebellion to discuss bringing their Judge Dredd brand to iOS, we saw right away that Judge Dredd vs. Zombies was a winning formula,” said Jon Walsh, CEO at Fuse Powered.

“In one corner, you have an iconic character from one of the most-loved comic book series of all time, and in the other corner – an endless horde of zombies. Rebellion is a proven world-class independent console developer and we’re thrilled to bring The Law to the iTunes App Store.”

Judge Dredd is of course none too pleased when zombies invade Mega City One and player s can help him punish these unlawful undead invaders with their Lawgiver and a devastating arsenal of powerful weapons. (You can increase your “Law Meter” by slaughtering the zombie horde and earn credits to unlock new guns and upgrades).

"From our first meeting with Fuse we realized that there was strong potential for a great partnership. Their analytics, marketing tools and expertise are invaluable assets for iOS developers." said Jason Kingsley, CEO of Rebellion. “It’s a great cultural fit. We get to do what we do best - make great games - and Fuse does what they do best - maximize each game’s chance of success.”

Key features include:

• 30 levels packed full of zombies to slay, set across three different episodes
• Single-stick controls – minimal learning curve equals maximum excitement
• Upgradeable weapons from the Judge Dredd universe - including the Lawgiver, the Spitgun, the Scattergun and the Hi-Ex Launcher
• Equipment upgrades, from Body Armour to Iron Will – each with a different combat advantage
• Star and commendation system – players are recognized for their shoot-em-up skills
• Game Centre support with 16 achievements to collect!

• Download Judge Dredd vs. Zombieson the iOS App Store for $.99: http://bit.ly/vH5EDQ

Paragon Issue 9 now on sale

The enthusiastic creative team producing the indie title Paragon have a new issue on sale,  available from lulu.com for only 99p.

Paper copies are also available from there for those outside the UK, and for those within these shores, click on the image to the right to order through Paypal for £3.50 (this will save on P&P costs but take a little longer to arrive).

Edited by Davey Candlish, strips include Jikan: Caves of Death, by Matthew McLaughlin and James Corcoran (lettering by the legend that is Jim Campbell); No Compromise by Alan Holloway and Davey Candlish; Rise of the Mekko-Sapiens by Matthew McLaughlin, art by Louis Carter and lettered by Dave Withers; and Icarus Dangerous Part 3 by Dirk Van Dom, art by Stephen Prestwood, also lettered by Jim Campbell.

If you've not read Paragon, then for a limited time the team are offerin g a package deal on back issues - so if you want to get your hands on issues 2, 3, 4 and 6 for only £3, nip over to the paragon comic blog now for details: http://paragoncomic.blogspot.com

Canny Comic Con comes to Newcastle

(with thanks to Bryan Talbot): Next Saturday, 10th December, Newcastle hosts its first comic convention for 16 years. The Canny Comic Con is an all day event at Newcastle City Library and entry is free.

Comics, comic strips, comic books, graphic novels, manga, sequential art - however you want to refer to it, the CCC wants to celebrate everything about telling stories in pictures. Whilst it won't be on the same scale as some of the bigger UK comic conventions, they're going to have a full range of activities, including talks and panel discussions, workshops and a hall of stalls where you can meet some of the finest comic-creating talent from the region and beyond.



There’s a jam packed schedule of talks and panels and guests include Viz’s Simon Donald, Marvel artist Dougie Braithwaite, Bryan Talbot and Al Ewing.

Whatever your age or experience, whether you read comics, make comics, or are just interested to know a little more, we hope to have something to interest you.

• More info at: http://cannycomiccon.blogspot.com/p/what-is-it.html

Keith Page reveals sequel to "London Calling"

Ace artist Keith Page continues to tease his loyal fans with more of his work over on his blog, this time revealing a part scan of the cover for Squadron of the Screaming Damned, the sequel to one of his Charlotte Corday stories London Calling, which will be published by Timebomb Comics.

Keith's latest comics work includes an issue of Commando, set in World War 1, and "Hush, Hush", a strip for STRIP Magazine Issue 1 (still on sale in UK comic shops), which is a prequel to his graphic novel The Iron Moon.

(Via Keith Page.)

Hammer Films launches 'Print on Demand' site

Hammer Films has launched an official print-on-demand online store today, featuring iconic UK quad artwork from legendary horror titles including The Mummy, One Million Years B.C. and The Devil Rides Out.

The store features high-quality reproductions of UK quads from the extensive Hammer library including the latest titles Let Me In and Wake Wood,  along with newly-restored posters for such beloved horror classics as X The Unknown, The Abominable Snowman and Frankenstein And The Monster From Hell, all of which are reproduced for the first time and exclusively available.

Each classic poster featured on the site will be available in two styles; "restored", appearing as new, and "aged", subtly weathered to create a retro aesthetic.

Designed by renowned film poster artists Bill Wiggins, Mike Vaughan, Vic Fair and the legendary Tom Chantrell, and curated by Marcus Hearn, Hammer's official historian, the artwork will be available as posters (paper or canvas; framed or unframed), prints, greeting cards and postcards.

To celebrate the launch, Hammer will be giving 15% off all orders through 10th December 2011 at http://art.hammerfilms.com

Additionally, to coincide with the release of Marcus Hearn’s new official book The Hammer Vault which hits stores on 2nd December 2011, Hammer is releasing online exclusive content from The Woman in Black at www.hammerfilms.com at Noon on the same day.

The Hammer Vault, published by Titan Books, features double-page spreads of classic Hammer titles in addition to recent releases Wake Wood, Let Me In and The Resident.

Hammer will publish online exclusive content from The Woman in Black in the “Hammer Vault” style, as part of a three-way promotional tie in for the Hammer website, the book launch and the upcoming film release.

The exclusive “Hammer Vault” content, available via a password gate only to those who buy or browse “The Hammer Vault”, will feature interviews with director James Watkins and production designer Kave Quinn, along with exclusive stills, storyboards and photography of production assets and props.

The Woman in Black will be released theatrically in the US on 3rd February 2012 through CBS Films and in the UK on 10th February through Momentum Pictures.

Merlin magazine will return - but no date set

The  official Merlin magazine - launched in September but a victim of publisher Attic Brand Media going into administration last month - will make a return at some point.

That's the official line from a representative of the 22-year-old company, the customer and consumer magazine publisher behind Kick, National Geographic Kids and Kraze Club, one of the UK’s most popular children’s general interest magazines.

Media Week reported that ABM went into administration in mid-November, with the loss of at least 17 jobs. According to their sources, four ABM titles – Merlin, Kick, Kick Extra and Kraze Club - were to close but National Geographic Kids would continue to be published under a new company.

We now understand that Merlin, too, will continue to be published but no relaunch date has been announced and the publisher has not been named.

"Unfortunately Attic Brand Media has gone into administration and will no longer be publishing magazines," the company's former Marketing & Promotions Manager Peter Johnson, who is still working on National Geographic Kids, told downthetubes.net.

"I do believe someone else will be publishing the second issue of Merlin however I'm not entirely sure who - or when it will go on-sale."

As we previously reported, Merlin, which closely emulated the format of the BBC's Doctor Who Adevntures but was planned as a monthly rather than weekly title, launched in Septmber and included an orignated comic strip comic strip written by Damian Kelleher and drawn by Lee Carey. Retailing at £3.20, Attic were offering worldwide subscriptions for the title, the first magazine of the company's planned Futura Specials series, a range which also includes the football-themed posters and puzzles magazine, KiCK! Extra, and the games and entertainment title, Kraze Club.

The first issue also featured exclusive cast interviews, souvenir posters and prizes - including a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Merlin actor, Colin Morgan. (We're told the competition will be honoured and the winner informed direct by the Merlin TV show production company, Freemantle Media).

"It will be a magical treat for boys and girls aged seven to 14 (and a guilty pleasure for all those Merlin fans who are that little bit older!)," the PR proclaimed.

Launched in 2008, the Merlin TV series tells the story of young Merlin in Camelot, as he comes to grips with his powers and destiny. Merlin's success and popularity continues to flourish across the globe .

Several publishers  previously pitched for a license for the Magazine, and samples designs and strips materials were created by Interzone illustrator Smuzz for one dummy.

In addition to Merlin, Attic Brand Media previously launched some of the UK's most popular teen, kids and TV magazines, including TV Hits, B, All About Soap, Sugar, the UK's first "baby glossy" for teenage girls, and Inside Soap, the UK's first dedicated soap title.

We're sorry to hear about Attic Brand Media's woes but hope it won't be long before Merlin
returns to newsagents shelves.

• BBC Merlin site: www.bbc.co.uk/merlin