Spectre Show Issue 1
Printed by UK Comics Creative
A4 Black & White paperback
£3.50
Published November 2014
Launched at Thought Bubble in Leeds 15th-16th November
Table 25, New Dock Hall
Script: Shaun Avery
Art & Letters: David Broughton
I reviewed Martillo recently, illustrated by David Broughton. Here’s another great comic from him. This one written by Shaun Avery. Shaun has been published in Zarjaz, Dogbreath and the The Psychedelic Journal of Time Travel. So there are reviews of some of his work already on this blog.
It’s no coincidence. As with many of the professionals I review on this blog many of the small press titles link in some way to 2000AD. Zarjaz and Dogbreath are fanzines and many of the creators are members of the 2000AD forum. Quite simply it is rather more likely I will like something from people who already like things I like.
There are a few bits of preview art in this review but obviously I’m avoiding major spoilers.
The comic is hosted by a less than sympathetic fellow; between each story we return to our host and sometimes there are a few words from the sponsors (or in-world adverts
This is an anthology with all stories being in a common setting, not all starring the same characters. The barriers between this life and the after life have gone and the spirits of the dead are taking over living bodies.
There is a mix of horror and action with more than a dash of dark humour.
There is a formal response to the undead threat, a team of specially trained soldiers, they feature in several stories.
We are introduced to them in traditional style and get to know a little about one in particular, Josh Daniels. There is a Colonial Marines kind of feel to this team, though they know more about what they are fighting.
The stories are varied and this first issue gives a great insight in to the world.
As you can see from the samples of art David knows how to vary the light and dark well in black and white comics. His storytelling is superb and the characters are always easily distinguishable, particularly important when the cast includes uniforms.
David utilises a number of comic art tools well, such as splashes, insets and varied panel layout.
Shaun’s pacing of action is great, even the slower paced stories are well judged – something a professional can get wrong sometimes. I think it is clear to see that Shaun’s roots are in British Anthologies as this comic includes three full stories, plus the host’s links, all in 32 pages.
A great read and a fun setting.
Judge-Tutor Semple 