CD Comics latest title set to scare!

The latest CDComics release - EYAM: The Plague Village UFO Mystery - is now on sale, with a title that conjures images of Gerry Anderson's UFO and Hammer Horror, all rolled into one.

In September 1665 the village of Eyam, South-West of Sheffield suffered an outbreak of plague and during the following fourteen months it killed almost two thirds of the population.

Eyam: The Plague Village UFO Mystery is set exactly 300 years after the original plague outbreak, and opens with UFOs being tracked on radar over the village.

“Like lots of kids from Sheffield, I visited Eyam, the plague village on a school trip and found it really interesting," explains creator Craig Daley, who has now released a number of his projects on CD. "Then, more recently, I read about the unbelievably titled “Flying Saucer Working Party” that was set up by the Ministry of Defence in 1950 and the idea for this story just jumped out.”

MI6 dispatch their top agent, Richard Hannay and due to the extraterrestrial nature of the mystery they also send for Thomas Carnacki, a private investigator whose speciality is the paranormal. Miss Emma Dodgson, an Oxford, Mathematics and Science graduate is Carnacki’s assistant and the three investigators are faced with an unexplained abduction on a massive scale. The comic tells the story of their combined investigation as history, science and aliens clash in 1965 when the entire population of Eyam disappears.

"The mystery concludes in issue two of Carnacki & Hannay, Eyam: The UFO Mystery Solved," says Craig, "when the investigation shifts to Sheffield. This second comic is due for release in November 2012.

“It’s sort of South Yorkshire X-Files," says Craig, "with the Eyam plague of 1665 replacing Roswell and you’ll find out in issue two if Sheffield is England’s Area 51!"

• The CDrom of Eyam: The Plague Village UFO Mystery includes both JPEG and PDF formats of the 37 page full colour comic and is on sale now, priced £2.50 and is available from Sheffield Space Center on the Wicker, Rare and Racey on Devonshire Green, Broomhill’s Galaxy 4 and Record Collector, The Funhouse, Woodseats and the Blackwells on Mappin Street.

The comic is also available to download from Amazon for Kindle, iPhone, iPad and other digital formats.

• All previous CDComic titles are also available at the Sheffield Shops listed above and on Amazon at

• For more information please check out the pages and posts at www.cdgraphicnovels.blogspot.com

 

Latest Andersonic reveals lost UFO story

Issue 14 of the excellent Gerry Anderson series-inspired Andersonic is now available via their website (and eBay for a short period in the Collectibles>SF>Thunderbirds section).

With a cover image by Keith McNeill, the issue features the following:

• Robert Easton interview - a new interview with the late Stingray voice artist (Phones, X-20) in which he discussed his time working on the series, working with Don Mason, his other radio and film work including Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and his views on Stingray after over 40 years.
• Terry Adlam Interview - special effects assistant on Terrahawks and Space Police and creator of Dick Spanner, Terry discusses his time working on Gerry Anderson's 1980s series... oh, and some modest productions by a bloke called George Lucas.
• UFO: The Patriot - a look at this unfilmed script for UFO with recollections and comments from its writer Leo Eaton. A UFO crashes in the middle of a civil war in an African country and Straker must recover the alien pilot before his existence is revealed to the world...
• Keith Miles - short Q&A with the writer of Space: 1999's 'All That Glisters' episode.
• Manual Control! - a look at the genesis of the new Thunderbirds Haynes Manual.
• Killed In Supermarionation - with all those guns and missiles on show, was violence handled appropriately in Century 21's puppet series? We're not so sure...
• Space: 1999: The Testament of Arkadia - was it the best ending the series never had? A review of the final episode of Space: 1999's epic first series.
• UFO: Mindbender - one of UFO's most memorable episodes reviewed, with a detour into the twilight zone for Ed Straker.
• Thunderbirds: Cry Wolf - two writers dissect a classic Thunderbirds episode - one in favour, one not.
• The A-Z of Joe 90 - final part of our essential guide.

... and more.

The issue comprises 44 pages with colour inner and outer covers and is available via the website www.andersonic.co.uk - price £2.15 including UK postage. It's also on eBay for a limited time. If you'd prefer to pay by cheque or PO, please get in touch for a postal address. Back issues are also in print.

• Why not also take a look at the publishers little sideline, Plaything of Sutekh, a Doctor Who fanzine.

 

Andersonic 12 is Go!

The latest issue of the Gerry Anderson-inspired 'zine Andersonic (Issue 12) is now available via the title's website (and eBay for a short period) and features a new interview with former APF sculptor John Blundall in which he discusses his time working on series from Supercar up to Thunderbirds.

John discusses how he got involved in puppetry, working with Christine Glanville, Wolfgang Manthey and Mary Turner, his favourite creations and what went into designing characters such as Robert the Robot, Professor Matic and of course Parker.

Other features include:

• Robin McDonald Interview - Century 21's Clapper Loader/Focus Puller recalls his time working on series from Thunderbirds to Space:1999, working with alligators, Ed Bishop & Mike Billington and even The Sweeney and Terrahawks.
• A Breath of Death - a look at an unfilmed Space:1999 script by Irving Gaynor Nieman.
• Supermarionation Stamps - the Royal Mail's special issue commemmorating 50 years of Supermarionation. With comment from artist Gerry Embleton
• The Return of Victor Bergman - Robert Wood outlines the making of this touching fan-made short film.
• Space:1999: The Last Sunset - Alpha's finest are stranded on the lunar surface with only a corroding Eagle and a crazed Paul Morrow for company.
• UFO: Destruction - Four writers give their view on Dennis Spooner's sole contribution to UFO.
• Fireball XL5: Space City Special - The Subterrains' plan with Manchurian overtones...
• Plus more of Joe 90 A-Z, a free competition to win a trip to Vostula and more!

The new issue comprises 44 pages with colour inner & outer covers and is available via the website www.andersonic.co.uk - price 2.25 including UK postage. If you'd prefer to pay by cheque or PO, please get in touch for a postal address. All back issues are in print.

Effects director Shaun Whittacker-Cook interviewed in new Andersonic

Issue 11 of the ace Gerry Anderson fanzine Andersonic is now available via the publication's website and features a new interview with former Century 21 SFX director Shaun Whittacker-Cook in which he discusses his time working at Century 21 on all the series from Thunderbirds up to UFO.

Shaun shares anecdotes of his time at the studio and reveals how certain sequences were created, his favourite effects shots and what it was really like trying to get a sofa on board Thunderbird 3 and make spinning UFOs fly!

Other features include an analysis of Starcruiser: 'Run Robot Run', a recently unearthed script for the Anderson TV series that never was; Gerry Anderson collectibles (and why they're collected); a guide to the Space: 1999 episode 'Force of Life' in which Ian McShane catches a chill as Moonbase Alpha revisits Quatermass; a look at the South African puppet series Interster, which was influenced by Century 21; and Could You Fly a Thunderbird? - take a psychometric test and find out!

The new issue comprises 44 pages with colour inner & outer covers and is available via the website http://www.andersonic.co.uk/ - price £2.20 including UK postage. It will also be available from eBay for a limited period.

If you'd prefer to pay by cheque or PO, you can get in with Andersonic via their website for a postal address. Issues 4 to 10 are still available to buy from the website.

Andersonic flies back into action with exclusive interview

The latest issue of the ace Gerry Anderson fanzine, Andersonic, is now on sale. Issue 10 features a new interview with former Century 21 writer and director Leo Eaton in which he discusses his time directing the puppet series, writing for Captain Scarlet, what it was like working on Joe 90 and UFO, why he eventually left the series and how he came to work with Ed Wood.

Other features include:-

• Supermerchandisation - A look at how Century 21 revolutionised the marketing of 'tie-in' products in the 1960s. (The Andersonic website has additonal info on this subject)
• Into Infinity - Script to screen feature revealing scenes that didn't make it to the final version plus a new interview with musician Steve Coe.
• Space:1999 - Earthbound - a look at Anthony Terpiloff's episode where Christopher Lee gives everyone an egg and Gerald Simmonds Esq does everything he can to get back to where he once belonged.
• Brink of Disaster Retrospective - four writers evaluate one of Thunderbirds' most stylish episodes. Is complete automation a viable option? Whadda you think!
• UFO - Survival - Michael Billington makes his UFO debut as test pilot Paul Foster in a moon-based episode that explores prejudice and, er, survival.
• Space Patrol - a look at the 1960s series made by former Anderson alumni Arthur Provis and Roberta Leigh, which had an interesting legacy.
• Review Section - New merchandise reviewed.
• SHADO Staff Handbook - What not to do in your new job. Please sign and return to the HR department. What do you mean you don't want a lilac gull-wing company car?
• Joe 90 A-Z - everything you need to know about WIN's 4' 4" Most Special Agent.
• X-Planes Extra - more inspirational designs we couldn't fit in last time. Ever wondered what inspired the design of Thunderbird 1, FAB 1, Supercar and UFO's Lunar Carrier?

• The new issue is available via the website www.andersonic.co.uk - price £2.40 including UK postage. It will also be available from eBay for a limited period. If you'd prefer to pay by cheque or PO, please get in touch for a postal address via the web site. Back issues are also back in print.

British FX designer Mike Trim headlines Andersonic Nine

The latest issue of the brilliant Gerry Anderson 'zine Andersonic (Issue 9) is now available and features a new, nine-page interview with designer Mike Trim, who discusses his work on the Anderson series from Thunderbirds through to UFO. His latest project, Agent Crush - a marionette-oriented spy spoof - is currently in post production.

While there's no comics material this time around, the 44-page magazine does include a feature that recalls a visit to the set of Space:1999's last episode, The Dorcons, in December 1976, and a reappraisal of Gerry Anderson's early supermarionation show, Supercar. Has it been unfairly overlooked in favour of its more colourful descendents? Andersonic argue it's 'most satisfactory'!

"X Marks The Spot" takes a look at the X-Planes and concept aircraft of the 50s and 60s that had such an influence on the designers at Century 21, while "The Roots of UFO" examines the film and literary influences that shaped the format of the Andersons' first live-action series.

Also included are retrospectives of some key episodes from several of the Anderson shows, including UFO's Ordeal, and a look at both sides of the argument when it comes to dating the time period of Thunderbirds, which was re-set to the 2020s in the 1990s.

• Andersonic is available via the website www.andersonic.co.uk - price £2.20 including UK postage and also from eBay for a limited period

Fanderson's FAB (Magazine, That Is...)

FAB 63, the latest issue of the Gerry Anderson Fanderson club, now in the post to all Fanderson members, is a bit of Thunderbirds special and includes some not-to-be-missed comics attractions, including the finale of an epic Fireball XL5 strip and a feature by acclaimed sci-fi author Stephen Baxter continuing his exploration of post-TV 21 comics with Lady Penelope.

With more information on the mooted UFO feature film in the club's FAB News web page (there has been a lot of media attention over Gerry Anderson's UFO since the recent press release that legendary Hollywood producer Robert Evans is working with ITV Global to make a movie based on the 1970 series), now's also a good time to catch up on the cast and characters from the original series with the second part of a SHADO Personnel Dossier.

The magazine also examines four of the original Thunderbirds TV show scripts that provide a unique insight into the making of the series, an fans memories are put to the test about the Thunderbirds Are Go feature film.

Also included is an exclusive interview with producer Tim Mallett of Kindred Productions on the making of Fanderson's Stingray Soundtrack CD and a glowing reappraisal of a certain Space:1999 Year 2 episode..

• FAB Magazine is available exclusively to Fanderson members. A one year membership also gives you the chance purchase the Club's brilliant range of merchandise - books, CDs, DVDs and much more. Find out how to join and order your membership online here: www.fanderson.org.uk/aboutfanderson.html

Stand By for Action!

Producers Ralph Titterton and Tim Mallett have assembled 40 tracks representing the best of TV and film music genius Barry Gray, capturing some of the very best of his theme work that graced many classic 1960s shows produced in the UK.

Beginning with their earliest television programmes, Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's series featured the distinct musical compositions of Barry Gray, an unassuming but innovative genius who was responsible for the themes and incidental music for shows like Thunderbirds, Space: 1999, UFO, Stingray, Joe 90, Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons and more.

Some of the best of Gray's unforgettable music has been collected in one album by Silva Screen Records, available from 4 May physical and MP3 format. Many of the tracks have never been offered commercially before, with highlights including music from The Secret Service and UFO, different title themes and library tracks used for Supercar and Fireball XL5.

This release celebrates the career of one of television's greatest composers and features an extensive collection of music from 10 of his Gerry Anderson collaborations. Also included is unreleased material, newly discovered mixes and an extensive booklet packed with memorabilia and track by track notation from Barry Gray archivist Titterton.

• Buy the CD from amazon.co.uk
• Buy the MP3 from amazon.co.uk
• More Barry Gray Releases available from amazon.co.uk

In Space No One Can Hear You Build, Again

Way way back we pointed you in the direction of some SF related Lego, specifically a Tardis and Blake's 7's Liberator, so we are overdue for some more.

MOCpages is a Lego fansite which allows Lego builders to put up photos of their own creations and some are remarkable. Ron Haller is a Gerry Anderson fan who is building his way through some of his favourite Anderson vehicles in Lego. Not the obvious Thunderbird 2 or Spectrum SPV for Ron, instead he has recreated some of the UFO, Space:1999 and new Captain Scarlet vehicles.

From new Captain Scarlet come several versions of the Bison moon rover and an impressive Druzynik battle tank. From Space:1999 comes the Alpha Moonbase moon buggy and my favourite of his creations, a set of SHADO mobiles from UFO.

He is currently working on a Space:1999 Eagle and based on the section of Eagle pod that is previewed on the site it will be a truly impressive model. We wish him luck with it.

Who's the Best Who?

... the answer, I've always believed, is that the best Doctor Who is almost always the one you grew up with. It's no surprise then that, given the modern show's target audience (a recent Broadcast feature indicated this is anyone from 8 - 12), David Tennant recently won the "Best Doctor" award in Dcotor Who Magazine.

But it's a testament of the times, and the sheer ratings success of the new Doctor Who that the Daily Telegraph this week took up the gauntlet and challeneged writers Dominic Cavendish and Sarah Crompton to argue the case for their favourite Time Lord - Tom Baker or David Tennant?

Cavendish plumped firmly for 1970s Fourth Doctor Tom Baker, arguing that special effects-wise, "I concede that there's no contest" between the original Doctor Who's then cutting edge effects (no, really) and "Today's CGI technology" which "leaves the attempts of yesteryear, however noble and occasionally successful, looking decidedly kindergarten by comparison.

"But they just don't make Doctors like Baker any more," feels Cavendish. "In fact, they only ever made one, and I doubt very much whether, if he hadn't filled Jon Pertwee's shoes, we'd be watching Doctor Who today."

Crompton much prefers Tennant, arguing "Baker's performance itself, though vivid, is so mannered and eccentric that it is hard to care about him or his companions. And that voice! So rich it sounds false, heightening the essential unreality of the entire concept."

"Tennant brings real intelligence to his portrayal. As the plot lines extend all over the place, he is capable of expressing everything from love (when he becomes a man in The Family of Blood) to awe (faced with the sight of other planets) to the chill of fear at planetary extinction."

While the ensuing debate among the newspaper's readers proved polarised - with many casting thier vote for Patrick Troughton and William Hartnell, evidence no doubt of the paper's target audience fro all its many revamps - it's fascinating to see a daily quality newspaper like the Telegraph even publishing an article like this about an SF TV show. While debate rages among some new and old fans about the overall quality of the show, that the series has pushed SF centre stage is a testament to the success of the production team and cast.

One has to wonder just why ITV hasn't countered with its own revival in addition to the new Primeval. The Tomorrow People, anyone? UFO? Sapphire and Steel?