Time Bomb heads for the West with latest release marking five years in business

The next release from Time Bomb Comics will be officially launching at this weekend's Leeds Thoughtbubble Convention - along with at least 45 other new comics from other publishers and the first British Comic Awards.

Written by Alex De-Gruchy with art from Gorgio Iannotti & Mike Bunt, the publication of the 56-page graphic novel The Last Ride Of Henry Holden marks five years of publishing history for the Birmingham-based comics publisher.

Since 2007, Time Bomb Comics has regularly been publishing an eclectic range of one-shots and graphic novels from both brand new and established comic creators. The Last Ride Of Henry Holden - which will also be available through Diamond’s Previews catalogue - is a grim tale of Old West redemption set in the year 1871, written by Alex De-Gruchy with artwork by Giorgio Iannotti and Mike Bunt, colouring by Owen Watts and lettering by Nikki Foxrobot.

It will be on sale at Thoughtbubble at a special launch price of £6.00, along with Time Bomb’s full range of titles, which include Dick Turpin and the Crimson Plague, London Calling by Stepen Walsh and Keith Page, and Kronos City.

• For more information on this and any other Time Bomb Comics visit timebombcomics.com



 

Time Bomb announces 'Kronos City' graphic novel launch

Time Bomb Comics has announced their latest graphic novel, Kronos City, will be launched at the Bristol Comics Expo.

Written by Andrew Croskery, with artwork by Alex Willmore, coloured by Lauren Willmore and lettered by Jim Campbell, Kronos City is an extraordinary urban fantasy set within a city through which runs a river of time. 

As a special Expo Exclusive to all attendees of this year's Expo over the weekend of the 12th and 13th May, copies of this full-colour 140-page original graphic novel will be available for only £10 rather than the usual £14.99 price.

Also, as part of the Bristol Expo weekend, the Kronos City Launch Panel with the creators and publisher Steve Tanner takes place in Talks Room One at 11.15am on Saturday at the Ramada, hosted by Stacey Whittle.

Afterwards the creative team will be conducting a signing session from mid-day at the Time Bomb Comics table in the main convention hall.  

Originally announced as one of the flagship releases of short-lived Insomnia Publications, Kronos City quickly found a new home at Time Bomb Comics and will be the first title to also be released digitally as well as in printed form from the Birmingham-based publishers.

Time Bomb Comics will also be at the Kapow Comic Convention, taking place in London over the weekend of 26th and 27th May.

• Kronos City 140 Pages, Graphic Novel, Perfect Bound, Full Colour, Retail Price £14.99/$19.99,  ISBN 978-0-9561822-5-8

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.)

Dick Turpin returns to Time Bomb Comics

Time Bomb Comics has announced that their next release, Dick Turpin and the Crimson Plague, will be launched at the Leeds Thoughtbubble weekend of the 19th & 20th November, where the creative team will be conducting a mid-day signing session at the Time Bomb Comics table on the Saturday afternoon.

One week later, Steve Tanner and Time Bomb Comics will be at the Malta Comic-Con taking place in Valletta, Malta over the weekend of 26th & 27th November to launch the book internationally.

The long-awaited follow-up to the critically acclaimed one-shot Dick Turpin and the Restless Dead, Dick Turpin and the Crimson Plague features the notorious highwayman up against a nest of vampires in 18th Century London.

Once again written by Steve Tanner, this second horrors and highwaymen mash-up from the Birmingham based company features artwork from rising star Graeme Howard – who is currently drawing Cy Dethan’s Cancertown 2 for Markosia – and lettering by the talented Nikki Foxrobot.

Dick Turpin and the Crimson Plague also contains The Rogues Gallery featuring exclusive Dick Turpin artwork from Keith Page, Stuart Tipples, Simon Wyatt, Alex Thompson, Josceline Fenton and Glenn Jones.

It has also been confirmed that Dick Turpin and the Crimson Plague will be available to order in the December 2011 Diamond Previews Catalogue.

• Dick Turpin and the Crimson Plague -  56 pages, Graphic Album, perfect bound, full colour cover, black and white interior, retail price £6.99/$11.99, ISBN 978-0-9561822-4-1

• For more information on this and any other Time Bomb Comics visit: www.timebombcomics.com

MCM Expo attracts host of comic creators

The first MCM Expo in Manchester, taking place tomorrow (Saturday 30th July) has gathered a strong line up of comic creators alongside its TV and film guests.

Warpaint and 2000AD artist John McCrea, artists Leigh Gallagher, Stephen Downey, Al Davison and writer Antony Johnston are just a few of the creators expected at the event, along with indie creators such as Lizz Lunney, Sergeant Mike Battle creator Graham Pearce, Rob Jackson and Adam Cadwell.

Joining them will be independent publishers such as Time Bomb Comics and Accent UK.

Taking place at the Manchester Central venue, the event will also see appearances by Red Dwarf star Craig Charles; Sarah Jane Adventures actress Anjili Mohindra and actors Warwick Davis and Kenny Baker.

• There's more info on the event at: www.manchestermcmexpo.com

View from the Trenches: the Cardiff Comic Expo

Time Bomb Comics publisher Steve Tanner kindly sent us a report on the Cardiff International Comic Expo, which included the launch of titles such as Stuart Tipples 10thology project and Barry Nugent's Fallen Heroes...

Fallen Heroes - one of several new
titles attracting attention at CICE

When I heard a whisper last October that there was going to be a one day comics event taking place in Cardiff in February 2011 organised by those behind the Bristol Expo, I was straight in touch with them to book a table before any official announcements of the con had been made – I was that certain it was going to be a worthwhile addition to the Time Bomb Comics’ burgeoning convention calendar.

The last time comics conventions were held in Cardiff was back in the early 1980s. Known as the Cymrucons, they were small intimate affairs that boasted the likes of Alan Moore, Garry Leach and Dez Skinn as special guests. It’s probably no surprise that neither of those three pitched up in the Welsh Capital again for the inaugural Cardiff International Comics Expo that was held on Saturday 26th February, but I don’t think their lack of presence made much difference.

Arriving at the Mercure Holland House on the Friday night the first titbit I found out about the Expo was that the pre-event buzz had been so good that a decision had already been made to not only have another one in February 2012 but to make that one a two-day show. Clearly, after a barren 30 years the Welsh are intent on playing catch up!

Saturday morning arrived to find Cardiff grey, miserable and wet, but the banqueting room of the Mercure was already buzzing with tables being dressed, daleks being adjusted and stormtroopers ambling about looking lost. Outside, an impressively long queue was snaking away towards Newport. Inside, an equally-impressive looking TARDIS had been squeezed into place, and a quick nosey around the tables revealed some welcome new faces had arrived on the comics show circuit in amongst the old hands:

Dalen Books were here, a predominantly Welsh language publisher that has begun to release English editions of some of their licensed European titles such as TinTin and Lucky Luke. Anyone impressed by any of Cinebook’s editions would be blown away by Dalen’s Druids and Arthur books – wonderful stuff!

Dave Morris’ Corvus Press debuted their new The Baker Street Irregulars series, an intriguing looking story that channels those terrific spy and secret agent serials from the sixties.

The first issue of Fallen Heroes launched (check out videos of the event here on Geek Syndicate), the comics adaptation of Barry Nugent’s novel (and promptly sold out by 11.00am!).

Also launching to much excitement was 10thology, an impressive anthology of stories set in Wales by creators from Wales – it was obviously a big draw for the local crowd and it became more unusual to see someone who wasn’t clutching a copy of this as the day progressed.

Editor Stuart Tipples tells us the titles beat all expectations and sold out of the 80 copies available on the day for the soft launch. "Not bad for a 114 page graphic novel even with the price reduction to £12!" he says.

It wasn’t just about the new boys though. Walking Dead artist Charlie Adlard had a constant line of fans waiting for sketches. The Etherington Brothers, Markosia, Dealer Comics and my own Time Bomb Comics all seemed to be holding their own. That said, things did quieten down considerably from 4.00pm, but it was then a good opportunity for those of all behind tables to get together and compare notes.

Having expected “Bristol-Lite” I was pleased that the Cardiff Expo had its own identity and the day was clearly a success, starting the UK 2011 convention season off with a bang. Hopefully CICE 2012 and Hi-Ex 2012 won’t clash!

• The Cardiff International Comic Expo wil return next year, running the wekend ofn 25-26th February 2012. More info: www.fantasyevents.org/cice

• Fallen Heroes Launch Event - Videos on GeekSyndicate

• Special thanks to Steve for taking time out of his busy schedule to write this report. Check out Time Bomb Comics - which include Stephen Walsh and Keith page's London Calling - at www.timebombcomics.com
 

Charlotte Corday Times Two - graphic novels, that is...

Time Bomb Comics has confirmed their next release, the graphic novel London Calling, will be launched at the British International Comics Show next month (October 2010).

Written by screen-writer Stephen Walsh with stunning artwork by renowned Commando artist Keith Page, London Calling is a complete thrilling adventure, told in a style that harkens back to classic British comic strips of yesteryear.

Set in a 1950’s London one-step sideways to our own, secret agent Charlotte Corday encounters invading Martians, talking puppets, unexpected cameos, and the vampire-hunting coppers of the Metropolitan “V” Squad as they deal with an outbreak of vampires at Highgate Cemetery.

Both Stephen and Keith will be attending a signing session at the Time Bomb Comics table during the BICS weekend, where another Charlotte Corday tale featuring a different incarnation of the universe-hopping femme fatale - the steampunk adventure The Iron Moon - will also be on sale from Print Media Productions.

• For more information on London Calling visit: www.timebombcomics.com

Time Bomb Comics explodes with new titles

Hot on the heels of a move from Leicester to Birmingham, Time Bomb Comics has announced a number of forthcoming one-shots and graphic novels currently in development, including work by DC Thomson stalwart Keith Page.

The Last Ride of Henry Golden: is a graphic novel written by Derby-based Alex De-Gruchy, with line artwork by Giorgio Ianotti (one of the artists on the Magic City project), and colour art by Rebecca Labor. Set in Glory, Nevada. 1871 it opens with Sheriff David Samuels hunting down Henry Holden, a man who took what was rightfully his from the corrupt and ruthless landowner, John Kelly. Three weeks later, Samuels rides back into Glory with a dead man on his horse and a weight on his soul he knows he can never shake off...

Kelly is happy that all is once again as it should be in his town. But he's wrong. Sheriff Samuels knows he has damned himself - he isn't looking for any kind of redemption. But with innocent blood on his hands and a tin star on his chest he no longer deserves to wear, Samuels knows that one way or another, a reckoning is coming. And if it's one that costs him his life, well, that's just fine with him.

Skylark is a graphic novel by Jonathon Darque, with art from Katja Lindblom, who contributed to another Timebomb title, Bomb Scares. In the realms of supernatural investigations during the 19th Century, Skylark is legendary. A true adventurer from a bygone age, a man's man and somebody who left countless mysteries behind when he disappeared without a trace.

In the aftermath of the Great War, his son Gabriel has enjoyed a less than stellar reputation - labelled a fraud by the press and a disappointment by his father's peers. Yet it is Gabriel who on a routine investigation finds himself suffering for his father's sins and only he can turn back a threat older than time itself.

"Ever since my childhood years I've had a fondness and fascination for drawing as well as writing stories," says Katja of her work. "When I became a teenager it struck me what an ingenious thing it would be to combine the two. Now I'm striving towards world domination."

Angels of the Somme: is a graphic novel written by Alec Robertson with artwork by Bruce McLaren, set in the Great War - a war which began for Private Doherty joined the Seaforth Highlanders wanting to do his bit for king and country, just like any other ordinary man. But ordinary men shouldn't have to face the horrors of the trenches and the grim battlefields of the Somme.

Fed up with fighting but with nowhere to go, Private Doherty joins a deserter regiment - A rag-tag unit of men from all sides just trying to survive.

Based on historical facts, Angels Of The Somme features the fascinating story of the forgotten deserter regiments of World War One. One for Charley's War fans to check out, perhaps?

Dick Turpin and the Crimson Plague: is a one-shot written by Steve Tanner and artwork by Andrew Dodd, a long-awaited follow up to Dick Turpin and the Restless Dead released back in 2008. Notorious highwayman Dick Turpin and his associate Tom King the gentleman thief are living the high-life in nineteenth century London. But Turpin's getting itchy feet and their coin is getting low, so there's just time for one last job before hitting the roads again. Who could have known that the upmarket brothel they decide to rob is infested with the curse of the Crimson Plague?

Finally, there's London Calling: is a graphic novel written by Stephen Walsh, with artwork by Keith Page, due October 2010 featuring Keith's wonderful female detective Charlotte Corday.

There are vampires afoot in London's Highgate Cemetery and only Charlotte and the garlic-toting, stake-swinging coppers of the Metropolitan Police's V-Squad can stop them!

Channelling the spirit of traditional British adventure comics from yesteryear, with a dose of Hammer horror and Ealing Studios thrown in, London Calling features classic black and white storytelling from respected Commando artist Keith Page.

It's a an impressive line up, and we're sure the Time Bomb team will be on hand at Bristol to tell fans more about their plans this weekend.

• For more information visit: www.timebombcomics.com

TimeBomb's "Bomb Scares" set to disturb minds!

Leicester-basd British indie TimeBomb Comics has launched Bomb Scares, their first horror anthology collection.

Best described as "disturbing horror in a twisted vein" this 56 page one-shot features 10 stories by 18 talented creators from across the globe: Shane Oakley, Gary Crutchley, Richmond Clements, John Cahill, Alec Robertson, Montos, Scott Mitchell, Gordon Robertson, MC Carper, Jonathan Darque, Rachele Aragno, Chris Young, Katja Lindblom, GM Jordan, Anglada Kamarasa, Dino Caruso, Andrew Dodd and Steve Tanner.

"From zombies to curses, mind terrors to body horror, Bomb Scares presents a horror anthology that really is not for the faint-hearted," says Steve.

• Bomb Scares is available now from TimeBomb's online shop priced £4.00/$5.50 (along with all their other titles).

Latest Production from Time Bomb Comics

Congratulations from all here at downthetubes go out to Steve and Suzanne Tanner of Time Bomb comics on the arrival of their very own little bomblette.

Sasha Joyce Tanner was born in the early hours of 31st January and weighed in at 6.8lbs. New dad Steve reports, "She is fit and healthy, her mother is tired and happy, her father is overawed and gobsmacked. "

Suzanne had been showing off her baby bump at the Thought Bubble comics convention last November so with baby Sasha at least used to the noises of a comics convention we are wondering when she will be putting in her first public appearance at one. Could she be the youngest attendee at Hi-Ex in less than two months time?

Tube Surfing: Davison Who Art, Time Bombs and Herbbs!

• As part of the A Thing About Machines electronic Arts Festival, dedicated to the innovative composer Delia Derbyshire who composed the Doctor Who theme, The Tin Angel in Coventry screened films by local filmakers, including the premiere of comic creator Al Davison's new film Trinity. Meanwhile, Al's Doctor Who exhibition is on till 3rd October at Coventry's Lock Gallery, featuring art from his IDW Doctor Who comic.

• A new 28-page chapter of the time travel graphic novel The Fat Man by Thomas Cochrane has gone live this weekend over at www.the-fat-man.co.uk.

• Fans of Rodrigo D. Ricci's Ligeia the Vampire, which also features on British mobile comics site ROK Comics, can download the Ligeia the Vampire's official wallpapers, this time starring Edgar the Cat from the strip's official web site here.

• Along with hundreds of other creators, the makers of magical mystery strip Harker will have a stall at the Birmingham International Comics Show this coming weekend. "We'll have copies of every issue so far (including issue eight, hot off the presses)," says writer Roger Gibson, "and we'll also be launching Harker: The Book Of Solomon - our first 122 page graphic novel, collecting issues 1-6." Issue 8, available to order on the Harker online website from Tuesday, here on the comic's official web site, will also be available in a number of comic shops, all listed here.

• Talking of BICS, Time Bomb Comics tells us they'll be there, marking the occasion with the release of the dark, apocalyptic 100-page original graphic novel The Furies, written by Steve Tanner with artwork by Andrew Dodd, the first graphic novel to be released from the two year old company.

Time Bomb Comics will also have previews available of a few of their forthcoming projects including Bomb Scares, an anthology that promises disturbing horror stories in a twisted vein, featuring work from brand new talent such as Katja Lindblom and Rachele Aragno to established creators Gary Crutchley and Shane Oakley; and London Calling described as an "Ealing Studios meets Hammer Horror in a uniquely British one-shot featuring art by well-known Commando artist Keith Page.

• Writer Stephen Paul Coffey reports The children's book Rosemary Herbb and the Zodiac Ghosts is now for sale on Amazon.com. This book tells the very first tale of Rosemary Herbb, an 11 year old girl who is able to see ghosts. "The book is perfect for readers for all ages and a great gift to children," says Stephen.

The Furies Preview Released

The full first chapter of Time Bomb Comics forthcoming graphic novel The Furies, written by Steve Tanner with artwork by Andy Dodd is now up and running at myebook.

A dark, apocalyptic tale set in 2012, The Furies is also the first comic Steve and Andy first completed together more than twenty years ago!

Originally due to be serialised in the short-lived Ground Zero anthology in 198, only three chapters were published before Ground Zero ceased to be. The forthcoming Time Bomb release, of The Furies, due for release this autumn, will be first time the story will be collected in its entirety.

In Review: The Sisterhood

British indie Timebomb Comics The Sisterhood: Morningstar is a gem of an indie title from this young Leicester-based UK publisher, who also brought us the time-bending Ragamuffins last year.

With art from newcomer Dan Barritt, The Sisterhood are dedicated to fighting the good fight in God's name. Sinners, it seems, are everywhere, blinded by Satan’s lure. Who else but women of faith, from all the known worlds, can thus help bring salvation to the lost souls of the galaxy and, in particular, to the backwater planet Morningstar that refuses to accept the message of the Church?

TimeBomb's first full-colour book, Steve Tanner delivers an acerbic script drawing, I'm assuming, on the Catholic Church's treatment of non-believers in the past (much in evidence in South America and Mexico during the destruction of indigenous civillisations in the quest for gold, for example): although of course there's plenty of modern-day evangelists of all Christian churches that continue to employ some appalling tactics in pursuit of converting the heathen. (The web site Religious Tolerance provides a starting point for examples...)

None though, measure up to the devastating tactics of the future See in The Sisterhood, wiping out entire planetary societies if they don't bend to the will of God. Steve's vicious and yet often funny script is actually given more menace through artist Dan Barritt's cartoony, manga-esque style: while anime and manga often use funny animals to deliver a satirical take on the world, Steve and Dan go for the jugular and bring deliver a cruel, savage take on future war, future religion with a cast of human characters.

While the title is not without fault -- with a fairly big cast for a one-shot title, more could have been done with character introduction for example, and the sheer chaos of the battle of Morningstar very occasionally leads to some confused storytelling -- any faults are more than made up for by Dan Barritt's stunning panoramic battlescapes and the delightful satire the script offers, easily on a par wit some of the best of the early 2000AD stories.

While I'd also argue the overall print quality of the title is a little dark, muting the quality of the art a tad, this is still a title well worth tracking down via TimeBomb themselves or other outlets.

• Buy The Sisterhood on the TimeBomb Comics web site
• Dan Barritt's official web site
• Short Fuses: The Official Time Bomb Comics Blog

Bristol Expo Sells Out, No Tickets on Door

With four weeks still to go, tickets for this May’s Bristol International Comic Expo (featuring the Small Press Expo) at the Ramada Plaza Hotel on 9th and 10th May 2009 (and Mercure Holland House Hotel (Sat 9th only) have completely sold out.

Oranisers warn no tickets will be available on the door, and the only way to get tickets now is to ask to be put on the reserve list (details below).

The Expos websites www.fantasyevents.org and www.spexpo.co.uk contain fuller details of the latest additions to the line-up … including Mike Conroy and the Comics International team, Accent UK, Moonface Press, Sgt Mike Battle, Futurequake, Factor Fiction Press, Scar Comics, Ablaze Media, Orang Utan Comics, Small Zone, Self Made Hero and Genki Gear all booked into the Ramada Jarvis for both days … so here’s a short update on some of the books available at the Expos, with website details for those unable to make the event or unlucky to miss out on a ticket:

Massacre For Boys are bringing their brand new anthology title, Massacre For Boys In Colour. It's got war heroes, super heroes, Edwardian heroes, football heroes, animal hatmaking heroes, future heroes and an extra dose of war heroes. There are also some villains for balance. They will also be selling our Eagle-award nominated comic Walking Wounded.
• More details at www.massacreforboys.co.uk

TOKYOPOP will return once again to Bristol Comic Expo with a selection of best selling manga from one the world’s largest publishers of manga . They will have some special offers only available at shows and some yet to be released new titles . Make sure you drop by and if you’re new to manga, let them recommend one of their series that might appeal to you.
• More at www.tokyopop.co.uk

Time Bomb Comics bring their new, full colour, one shot, The Sisterhood: Morningstar, to Bristol – Space Nuns With Guns – the creative team of writer Steve Tanner and artist Dan Barritt will be at their table to sign and sketch throughout the Saturday.
More info: www.timebombcomics.com

As we reported earlier this week, Insomnia Publications (www.theredeye.co.uk) will launch Cancertown (the book Bryan Talbot says “will disorientate you, suck you in, chew you up and spit you out and you might well be in need of a change of underwear by the end”) at Bristol, with writer Cy Dethan and artist Stephen Downey at the Insomnia booth to talk about the book, sign copiesand sketch characters. Chapter one is available for free preview via MyEBook

ITCH will be at the SPExpo with lots of good stuff, including Leek and Sushi's Manga Show, a chunky anthology with short manga around the themes of Friendship, Japan and the UK. They'll also be selling the environmental fantasy Final Blossom, and dark fairytale Amaranth. The books are also available from www.itchpublishing.com , although if you come to the SPExpo you get a sticker with your purchase!

Metaphrog - creators of the critically acclaimed and multiple Eisner and Ignatz award nominee Louis graphic novel series - will be signing copies of their books at SPExpo, as well as selling original art from the acclaimed series. The books can be checked out at www.metaphrog.com plus their regularly updated blog is available at metaphrog.blogspot.com

After a few years away from the scene, Asia Alfasi is back with a bang with a brand-new book and a whole new website – for now, exclusive previews of her beautiful art are available at lady-respect.deviantart.com – more details to follow!

The Astral Gypsy, aka Al Davison, is artist on the new Doctor Who comic from IDW, he will be on hand for Manga portraits, character sketches and signing. As usual a great range of graphic novels, manga and graphic art material will also be available from the Astral Gypsy table.

Unico Comics (www.unicocomics.co.uk) are bringing three new books:
The Legend Known As… #1 (of 4)” is set in 2027 and 13 years after the Kato environmental disaster. The world has changed, Governments have fallen, and society is holed up in the ruins of whatever cities are left. This is a superhero comic with a twist. It shows how people react to an unknown person saving their lives and not knowing anything about him.
Borderliners #1 - Think Spooks meets Philip K Dick with television influences including The Avenger, The Professionals, The Champions and The Prisoner and you’re close to the feel and direction of this comic. As we said last year when the book was first announced, with its beautifully realized British setting and characters, it’s offering a complex but intriguing plot that is sure to appeal to fans.
Finally from Unico comes Uncle Tickle #1. Once upon a time there was a beloved TV kid’s show host named Uncle Tickle. When his show was cancelled after many seasons he lost his mind and killed everyone in the studio as it was filmed in during his live TV finale. Now he travels the country dispensing his own sickly humorous brand of retribution to all!

Futurequake also bring three new books along: the latest of its popular anthology FutureQuake 13, featuring the finest in the Small Press with another 48 pages of strips to thrill and astound: make sure you pick one of these up first as it's a top seller!
Dogbreath reaches the amazing issue 20 with the usual mix of strips and features based in the world of 200AD's Strontium Dog. Plus, how can we not mention the excellent Zarjaz: Issue 7 sees the results of the recently lifted Pat Mills character embargo! Underneath a wraparound cover by Dave Kendall the mix of strips and articles ever includes a strip from Sancho's Al Nolan and an interview with Pat Mills himself. Check out their blog for more covers: futurequakepress.blogspot.com

Lastly, but not leastly, Moonface Press who, as we again reported earlier in the week are also bringing three new books along: Tim Skinner: Total Scumbag, a scabrous parody comic that takes satirical pot-shots at The Boys, Blankets, Lost Girls, Judge Dredd and Jack Kirby by the Eagle Award-winning team of Andy Winter (writer) and Declan Shalvey (artist). Plus there's the 64-page launch issue of BritForce, the first of an ongoing series featuring the UK's No.1 superhero team, written and drawn by Andrew Radbourne and the cover comes courtesy of Glenn Fabry. Last but not least is Brothers, another UK-set superhero title, this time featuring two warring siblings, a dark government conspiracy and a truly monstrous final battle at Canary Wharf. It's a 56-page one-shot courtesy of Andy Winter (writer) and Andrew Radbourne (artist).

It sounds like a it's ging to be a great event -- if anyone is going and would like to write a report for downthetubes, please get in touch as personal and work commitments mean we won't be there (sob!)

• Ticket updates will be posted at www.fantasyevents.org/index2.html if any more become available – details on who to email to be put on the reserve list are available there now.

Time Bomb's Talent Search Announced

British indie Time Bomb Comics has announced it is looking for new talent - and will be on the hunt for creators at the upcoming Bristol Comics Small Press Expo next month.

Formed two years ago, Time Bomb's latest one-shot – The Sisterhood: Morningstar – will be officially launching at this year’s Bristol SPExpo on 9th May, a full colour dystopian science-fiction story features stunning artwork by Leeds-based comics newcomer Dan Barritt.

“We discovered Dan at the 2007 Thoughtbubble Convention,” explains Time Bomb Comics Publisher Steve Tanner, ”and the forthcoming release of The Sisterhood: Morningstar firmly cements our intention to publish quality work by up and coming creators.

“Time Bomb Comics has always had an open submissions policy, but we’re now looking for more talent and the SPExpo seems an ideal way to achieve that," he adds. "We’d therefore like to invite any comics creators who may be interested in working with Time Bomb Comics to make themselves known to us at the show, and share with us their samples and ideas.

“This is an opportunity for exposure, not riches,” stresses Tanner. “Time Bomb Comics is a labour of love so we don’t offer page rates, but we do offer a professional platform to showcase a creator’s work along with a percentage of profit, and of course all creators receive full credit and ownership on what they produce.”

In particular the Leicester-based company would like to find some talented up and coming artists who, like Dan Barritt, could work closely with one of their existing writers on a wide range of future one-shots they have in development.

• For more information please contact stevetanner@timebombcomics.com or visit www.timebombcomics.com

Morningstar on MyEbook

British indie Timebomb Comics have just pulished a preview of their new title The Sisterhood: Morningstar on Myebook.com.

With art from newcomer Dan Barritt, The Sisterhood are dedicated to fighting the good fight in His name!

Sinners, it seems, are everywhere, blinded by Satan’s lure. Who else but women of faith, from all the known worlds, can thus help bring salvation to the lost souls of the galaxy?

The Sisterhood can offer comfort and friendship in these difficult times. With cloisters right across the rim, they can provide you with food, warmth, prayer, high density combat training and the satisfaction of doing the lord’s work as their unique HolyGhost Development Programme ensures a recommended dose of the holy spirit each and every day!

"This is our first full-colour book and will be launching at the Bristol Small Press Expo in May," says publisher Steve Tanner.

"We came across Dan's work at the 2007 Thought Bubble convention in Leeds," he continues. "We loved Dan’s manga-esque style and his stunning panoramic battlescapes and andwe're delighted to be able to showcase his work... We can safely say that the Dan is one up and coming British comics creator to keep an eye on."

• More about The Sisterhood on the TimeBomb Comics web site
• Dan Barritt's official web site

Dick Turpin Heads for UK Comic Shops

UK indie publisher TimeBomb Comics has gotten off to a great start in 2009 with their Dick Turpin comic listed in this month's UK Section of Diamond Previews, making it available to order from all UK and European comic shops.

Since it debuted in September Dick Turpin and the Restless Dead has been getting some great reviews. Most recently SFX Magazine described it as "A darkly whimsical engaging read" which pretty much sums it up! (Read our review here)

"Ask your local comic shop (or shops, if you're fortunate enough to live somewhere where there's more than one!) to order some copies if they haven't already done so," urges publisher Steve Tanner.

• You can read the first five pages of Dick Turpin and the Restless Dead on TimeBomb Comics' ComicSpace gallery.
• Visit the official TimeBomb Comics web site

In Review: Dick Turpin And The Restless Dead

A break from the keyboard and other projects have jointly conspired in my attempts to write this review of TimeBomb Comics' Dick Turpin And The Restless Dead, written by Steve Tanner and drawn Andrew Dodd.

Notorious highwayman Dick Turpin stumbles across a deserted village following his latest highway robbery, and it seems the ideal place to hide out. But the village is not as empty as it first appears – and Turpin soon finds himself surrounded by hordes of rotting, hungry zombies!

This straightforward action-horror yarn is a change of pace from the intricacies of Timebomb's first title, Ragamuffins:
Stitches in Time, but zombies and the darker, grislier setting rather suit Andy Dodd's 'scratchy' art style (and I don't mean for that description to sound derogatory). Turpin himself is an interesting choice of anti-hero, and there's no doubt he's a villain at heart from the get-go, as the book opens with his hold up of a stagecoach.

The script is fun with a serious edge although I'm sure the closing line is a homage to a film, but I can't think which one. While there are some odd choices of panel -- Andrew favours mid shots with few close ups which I think is to the detriment of some pages -- this is fun one shot worth checking out from either the publisher's web site or the company's other distributors.

• You can read the first five pages of Dick Turpin and the Restless Dead on TimeBomb Comics' ComicSpace gallery.
• Visit the official TimeBomb Comics web site

Tube Surfing: 26 August 2008

• Bulletproof Comics #2, an anthology title of top comics talent, is now at the printers and will be available soon from the Bulletproof web site (www.bulletproofcomics.co.uk). It’s another 80-page beast of an issue, but this time around the title has 33 pages of full colour! Here’s a breakdown of the stories and their respective creators:

Marren Kane - Dave Hailwood & Tony Suleri
Sideburns - Jim Alexander & Jon Haward
Bunk Mates - Dave Hailwood & Paul Harrison-Davies
Game Over - Bulent Yusef & Dave Thomson
Funguys - Alan Grant & Alan Burrows
Last Orders - Dave Hailwood & Stuart Giddings
Redstitch - Lee Langford & Klaus Belarski
Ex Astris - John Freeman & Mike Nicoll
Love Hurts - Dave Hailwood & Stuart Giddings
Slumbertown - Rik Hoskin, Thomas Crielly & John Doran

Check the Bulletproof web site for more details, web comics and more.

• Over on Brendan McCarthy’s official fansite, The Strangeness of Brendan McCarthy, the top comic creator reports he has been commissioned by Marvel Comics to write and draw a new Dr Strange and Spider-Man three issue mini series.
"I’m just getting into it and I expect it to be finished early next year," he reveals. "It’s quite a thrill to finally get to draw the Doctor, my favourite Marvel character - and Spidey too."
Brendan McCarthy is one of Britain's most talented comic book creators and designers, whose unique and distictive style has influenced a generation of artists and writers. He has produced some classic UK graphic novels, written and designed some ground-breaking TV series and worked on many successful Hollywood movies.
"To harmonise myself with the sublime 'Ditko Dimension', I have been digitally remixing some of his original 60's pages," he says, "trying to get a feel for them from another 'fresh' visual angle... And in doing so, realizing just what a total genius he is."
Check out the site now, which includes some revamped Zyboria designs, with a digital 'wash 'n brush-up' by 2000AD's Boo Cook.

• Short Fuses, the Official Time Bomb Comics Blog for the Leicester-based indie, publishers of Ragamuffins and the upcoming The Sisterhood is now up and running, featuring news, views, profiles and all sorts of Time Bomb Comics related malarkey! It's updated by publisher Steve Tanner "whenever I have the time and the inclination", he tells us.

• Broken Voice Comics have announced that their longest-running omline strip, Shades, will return soon. The British indie is currently planning to launch Chapter 9 of Shades early in September or, if things go really smoothly, maybe even before the end of this August. To give you a taste of what's to come, we've a special treat over in the Previews and extras area at Broken Voice Comics, featuring a sample pic, taken from a page of inks by the new artist, E.C. Nickel.

• DC Thomson artist Keith Page reports that Some of his favourite Commando characters including the infamous "Ferret McGlone" are returning some time next year. Check out his blog for the latest news.

• Markosia has added a bunch of new books on wowio which can be viewed for free. Two new series have been posted, including the super-successful Breathe by John Sheridan and Kit Wallis, and the critically acclaimed Hope Falls by the famous Tony Lee and Dan Boultwood. To read the entire four-issue series of 'Breathe' Click Here

• A quick reminder that the Manchester Zine Fest takes place this coming Saturday (30 August), with stall, exhibitions and more devoted to local comics.

• ... and talking of events, British comics fans Fiona Jerome and Hass Yusuf are joining forces to bring you Comics Friends Reunited, hopefully the first of many annual events where old friends from the wonderful world of comics can meet up. Since the UK Comic Art Convention (UKCAC) ended ten years ago, there's been no regular outlet for creators or fans in London to meet up. (Think of it as UKCAC without the bother of going to events, where you can eat, drink and chat all day long!)
The first CFR event will take place on Saturday 11 October 2008 from noon til 11pm at The Phoenix Pub, 14 Palace Street, Victoria London SW1E 5JA. Food will be available all day. Full Menu from 12.00pm-4.00pm and 7.00pm-10.00pm, with a limited menu of bar snacks between 4.00pm-7.00pm. There are good veggie options and decent gastropub standards as well as tapas style bar snacks.
Don't be put off by reviews you read online, as the pub was recently completely revamped, and now has a decent range of beers and a good wine list as well as a bright and comfy interior!
Wonder if there will be origanised tours up to that temple of comicdom in the 1980s, the Westminster Hall?