Published by 77 Publications
This is an updated Verdon of The 77 issue 1.
Originally issue 1 was funded via Kickstarter in May 2020. The strips in the Kickstarter were by a mix of Professionals and Small Press creators.
It was a very exciting new attempt at a traditional style Anthology.
In my Preview of that version I say:
The Beano and 2000AD are more or less all that is left. Children’s comics these days are almost all seem to be TV or Toy tie-ins. I say ‘seem to be’ because in truth there are a number of wonderful comics aimed at children that can be found in Comic Stores.
I menon that there are plenty of kids Comics that aren’t the Toy or TV tie-ins seen in Supermarkets. I failed to point out the many Small Press Anthologies, which I know exist because I’ve Previwed and Reviewed several and was published in one.
I’m constantly reading online that “comics like we read in the 70s and 80s no longer exist.
The 77 is exactly that though. It is the kind of Comic read in the 70s and 80s. Yet it is also new and up-to-date without worrying about being PC and yet also not being overtly offensive.
This is a great Comic on the main aimed at older teens to adults probably. Especially those who miss the old days.
I mean, what’s not like a Comic from 1970s when this has Ian Gibson’s name on the cover?
Full Contents list follows.
I don’t know why the stories that aren’t in this issue that were in the original issue 1 aren’t included here. I am pretty sure that copyright remained with the creators, so maybe that’s a reason for some. Maybe others there are different reasons. A strip called Penny Pentagram was in the Kickstarter issue 1 but is now in a different title from 77 Publications, Pandora, that’s likely why that one is not in this relaunch.
The main reason is likely space. Removing a few short strips allows space for the first part of Lifeboat written and illustrated by British Comics legend, Ian Gibson.
Ian sadly passed away from cancer. He was as engaged with fans to the end as he had liked to be all his career.
I’m aware he was very proud of this, his last major work. I’m also aware how thrilled the team at 77 Publications were to work with Ian.
It’s hard to give equal attention to strips in an Anthology. And with the sad passing of Ian clearly I’m talking more about Lifeboat in this article.
The art is as good as anyone who knows Ian’s work would expect. Be they remembering Halo Jones, Robo-Hunter, Genghis Grimtoad or any others.
Figure work and storytelling was always a strength of Ian’s work. As was his Robot design, such as Call me Kenneth from Judge Dredd or any if his Robots in Robo-Hunter, etc.
Here we’ve got varied aliens, world’s, buildings and space ships.
The script also has Ian’s wit alongside an interesting plot.
The full graphic novel is also available from 77 Publications.
What about the other stories?
V
Written by one of 77 Publications stalwarts, Steve Bull. Art from another of 77 Publications regulars Ade Hughes. Lettered and coloured by Annie Parkhouse and Darren Stephens both of 2000AD fame.
This was black and white in the Kickstarter issue 1.
This story is set in the far future where the public have a need for ever more violent entertainment.
Division 77
Script from Dave Heeley, who is Editor for 77 Publication’s Horror Anthology, This Comic is Haunted. Art by Sinclair and Phil Elliott. Lettered by Bolt-01.
Bolt-01, Dave Evans, was a massive part of UK Small Press. Editor at Futurequake Press, pilublishers of the Fanzines Dogbreath and Zarjaz. I unapologetically give him centre stage here. Dave passed in 2001 leaving a gaping hole in the UK Comic industry. Respected by professionals, some who he gave the first break to, and amateurs such as myself.
Future War following a devastating Pandemic that was used in the end as a recruitment tool.
Great premis and well delivered.
Techno Freak: A Stranger Calls
Script by Joe Assi and popular colourist John Charles. Art by Tom Newall, coloured by John Charles. Letters by Nikki Foxrobot.
A stealthy Heist caper tale.
Tinkling Triangles
Script by one-tome Human assistant to Tharg the Mighty, Steve MacManus. Art by Brendan T Wright. Letters by Filippo T Firefly.
The contents page erroneously states this spot is taken by Martian Law. That strip appeared in the Kickstarter funded issue 3.
A dark comedy that sees the pop band Tinckling Triangles head off in a directing they didn’t plan.
Sargent Shouty
One page comedy very much in the style of Dandy and Beano. All from the skills of Lew Stringer. This character features in all 10 Kickstarter issues.
Judge-Tutor Semple 