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Spoilers => Other Reviews => Topic started by: Leigh S on 15 June, 2019, 10:07:51 AM

Title: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Leigh S on 15 June, 2019, 10:07:51 AM
HOW GOOD IS SPECTOR??

So glad to hear John wants to keep writing him, though this means I shouldn't read the included script if I dont want to be spoiled?

Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Frank on 15 June, 2019, 10:16:26 AM
Quote from: Leigh S on 15 June, 2019, 10:07:51 AM
HOW GOOD IS SPECTOR??

So glad to hear John wants to keep writing him, though this means I shouldn't read the included script if I dont want to be spoiled?

At Enniskillen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0DJUVjLSO0&t=1905s), Wagner suggested Colin MacNeil or Simon Coleby could join him on Spector, presumably because of their experience drawing Wagner strips with heroes who set off the metal detector at airports.

Which would you prefer?


Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Leigh S on 15 June, 2019, 10:24:25 AM
MacNeil for me, but that would apply in just about any circumstance!  I'll lay off reading the script for the time being.

The rest of the special is great stuff - Wulf beats up Hipsters - hurrah!
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: broodblik on 15 June, 2019, 10:30:48 AM
Quote from: Frank on 15 June, 2019, 10:16:26 AM
At Enniskillen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0DJUVjLSO0&t=1905s), Wagner suggested Colin MacNeil or Simon Coleby could join him on Spector, presumably because of their experience drawing Wagner strips with heroes who set off the metal detector at airports.

Which would you prefer?

Both of them are a good choices. If you want more gritty art, Coleby will do.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Eamonn Clarke on 15 June, 2019, 10:31:40 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/N5GWTur.jpg)
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Frank on 15 June, 2019, 10:45:23 AM
Quote from: broodblik on 15 June, 2019, 10:30:48 AM
Quote from: Frank on 15 June, 2019, 10:16:26 AM
At Enniskillen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0DJUVjLSO0&t=1905s), Wagner suggested Colin MacNeil or Simon Coleby could join him on Spector, presumably because of their experience drawing Wagner strips with heroes who set off the metal detector at airports.

Which would you prefer?

Both of them are a good choices. If you want more gritty art, Coleby will do.

They're both great artists. I suppose it depends on their availability, but you have to think the idea of royalties going to the Ezquerra estate would be a big draw.


Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Richard on 15 June, 2019, 01:51:26 PM
I would want to see the rest of it illustrated, and my preference is for Colin.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Something Fishy on 15 June, 2019, 02:43:18 PM
Has this started to arrive for pre-orders? I got my subs but not this today.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Krakajac on 16 June, 2019, 03:21:38 AM
Is this special available for purchase from the online shop?  I've been looking on and off - but can't find it?  If someone could post a link - that would be great!  I'm just after this issue - not the bundle.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: broodblik on 16 June, 2019, 05:28:07 AM
Krakajac the specials are only available to be purchased on the day of the release, which is the 19th of June. Currently you can only buy the bundle or the items already released from the bundle. So it is case of having to wait.

https://shop.2000ad.com/catalogue/SPE1901 (https://shop.2000ad.com/catalogue/SPE1901)
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Krakajac on 16 June, 2019, 06:18:51 AM
Ah!  Excellent, thanks for explaining that.  I shall be patient until the 19th of June. :)
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Tomwe on 16 June, 2019, 08:03:25 AM
The whole issue was a joy. Spector is a fab new creation. I kind of hope what with the scripts being published here that John begins a new story with a new artist. After all, he's used to writing stories where a new issue is someone's first. Kendall on something other than Deadworld was great too.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: IndigoPrime on 16 June, 2019, 09:31:09 AM
Quote from: Something Fishy on 15 June, 2019, 02:43:18 PM
Has this started to arrive for pre-orders? I got my subs but not this today.
Yeah, mine showed up this morning, albeit with a chunk out of the back cover/back few pages, for some reason. Not sure why/how, given that it's shipped in a stiff card envelope.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Leigh S on 16 June, 2019, 11:06:18 AM
A Thrill eruption?


Quote from: IndigoPrime on 16 June, 2019, 09:31:09 AM
Quote from: Something Fishy on 15 June, 2019, 02:43:18 PM
Has this started to arrive for pre-orders? I got my subs but not this today.
Yeah, mine showed up this morning, albeit with a chunk out of the back cover/back few pages, for some reason. Not sure why/how, given that it's shipped in a stiff card envelope.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: TordelBack on 16 June, 2019, 11:22:16 AM
Stock answer for all circumstances:  Colin.  But it's not like Simon would be a disappointment!
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: IndigoPrime on 16 June, 2019, 12:09:02 PM
Coleby's art is fantastic these days – he's a dynamic, exciting comic-book artist. MacNeil is an artist I've always appreciated, although his figure work somehow feels a bit stuff to me. Not sure why. However, if there's an artist that can 'take over' from Ezquerra (assuming the editorial staff want continuity of a kind, rather than a very obvious diversion), I really can't think of anyone better. Perhaps add into the contract – if he's game – that we'd like some chunky focal outlines and panel borders!
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: broodblik on 16 June, 2019, 12:40:33 PM
Is Spector creator owned ?
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Frank on 16 June, 2019, 01:15:18 PM
Quote from: broodblik on 16 June, 2019, 12:40:33 PM
Is Spector creator owned ?

Wagner said he and Ezquerra had been developing the character for decades (https://www.facebook.com/john.wagner.520125/posts/1659561890731921?comment_id=1661981767156600&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D), so I'd expect it to be creator-owned. I haven't heard him say he and Ezquerra had to sell Tharg the rights*, but maybe they did.


* As Edginton & Brooker had to for Scarlet Traces
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: IndigoPrime on 16 June, 2019, 01:28:43 PM
Quote from: Frank on 16 June, 2019, 01:15:18 PMAs Edginton & Brooker had to for Scarlet Traces
Had to? They didn't have to do anything. They decided to.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Link Prime on 16 June, 2019, 02:01:52 PM
Quote from: broodblik on 16 June, 2019, 12:40:33 PM
Is Spector creator owned ?

By Mark Zuckerberg, as recently reported on LSN (Legendary Shark Network).
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Frank on 16 June, 2019, 02:44:13 PM
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 16 June, 2019, 01:28:43 PM
Quote from: Frank on 16 June, 2019, 01:15:18 PMAs Edginton & Brooker had to for Scarlet Traces

Had to? They didn't have to do anything. They decided to.

I'm not going to split hairs or derail the thread with tedious forum-drama. Get to footnote*


* Edginton and D'Israeli took the decision to surrender copyright because they wanted to finish their story. Presumably, they felt they'd exhausted all possibilities of continuing the story as a creator-owned proposition. I can't find the quote, but they said they had a good working relationship with Tharg and trusted him to do right by their creation. If you know Tharg offered to publish new chapters as creator-owned work but Edginton and D'israeli decided they'd rather surrender copyright and take a flat page rate (with royalties on trade collections) instead, I'll be happy to take a look at your working, but as far as I'm aware Tharg agreeing to publish more Scarlet Traces was conditional on the sale of all rights. That's the decision Edginton & D'Israeli made.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Colin YNWA on 16 June, 2019, 03:48:30 PM
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 16 June, 2019, 01:28:43 PM
Quote from: Frank on 16 June, 2019, 01:15:18 PMAs Edginton & Brooker had to for Scarlet Traces
Had to? They didn't have to do anything. They decided to.

That's certainly my understanding. Edington and Matt Brooker took the offer to Tharg and dealt with it all very amicably from what I've read.

Might not be right, but to state anything else as fact appears to be a bit silly and could even be said to be an attempt to stir up "tedious forum-drama"
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Frank on 16 June, 2019, 03:59:59 PM

Anyone questioning the factual accuracy of anything I wrote in my lengthy footnote, rather than talking about the Sci-fi Special, should feel free to contact me by PM.


Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Magnetica on 16 June, 2019, 07:30:56 PM
Quote from: Leigh S on 15 June, 2019, 10:24:25 AM
MacNeil for me, but that would apply in just about any circumstance!  I'll lay off reading the script for the time being.

I've decided to read the script. That way you can imagine how Carlos would have drawn it. Once someone else does that will be harder to do. A bit like I can no longer read a Harry Potter book without seeing Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Something Fishy on 16 June, 2019, 09:11:58 PM
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 16 June, 2019, 09:31:09 AM
Quote from: Something Fishy on 15 June, 2019, 02:43:18 PM
Has this started to arrive for pre-orders? I got my subs but not this today.
Yeah, mine showed up this morning, albeit with a chunk out of the back cover/back few pages, for some reason. Not sure why/how, given that it's shipped in a stiff card envelope.

ahh thanks for confirming.  Very unusual for my lot not to all turn up together.  Fingers crossed for the next few days.  I have had the odd rebellion thing not make it here but it's very rare thankfully.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: M.I.K. on 16 June, 2019, 10:44:27 PM
I pre-ordered it as part of the bundle and don't have it yet either. I think the Villains special showed up on a monday, though.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Buttonman on 16 June, 2019, 10:48:21 PM
Got mine and it's great.

The deceased creator at his desk surrounded by his creations is becoming a bit of a cliche but Robinson and Teague pulled it off for Carlos in great style.

Tharg's £20 for all the specials, post paid, has been a great offer - no doubt I'd have otherwise missed one throughout the year - instead it's regular surprise time!

Hopefully this offer will be repeated each year.

Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: CalHab on 17 June, 2019, 08:02:58 AM
Quote from: broodblik on 16 June, 2019, 12:40:33 PM
Is Spector creator owned ?

Tharg says it's creator owned in the introduction.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Something Fishy on 17 June, 2019, 08:20:43 PM
Quote from: M.I.K. on 16 June, 2019, 10:44:27 PM
I pre-ordered it as part of the bundle and don't have it yet either. I think the Villains special showed up on a monday, though.

and funnily enough mine did arrive today.  Different packaging to the subs so perhaps not sent from same place?
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: M.I.K. on 17 June, 2019, 10:49:45 PM
Yep. My copy arrived today as well.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: AlexF on 18 June, 2019, 11:15:39 AM
Spector is insanely good. So much fun to see Wagner writing a robot protagonist and largely being on his (its?) side. No one does comedy 'robots pretending to sound human' dialogue quite like J. Wagner, although usually he's doing it to show how annoying they are.

I'd love to know what the man really thinks about the increasing presence of AI in real life. Does he fear it, welcome it, or just enjoy it as a source of comedic inspiration for his stories?

I'm also curious to know if he still hasn't watched RoboCop. Spector is to Robocop as Robocop is to Judge Dredd - discuss.

As for artists, I wonder if Tharg might consider PJ Holden - he's got great form at filling up panels with near-future fun, and he's got the requisite comedy chops, in my opinion. Not saying MacNeil and Coleby couldn't do a cracking job, but I do associate them both more with moody/atmospheric stories, and less with comedy procedurals. Or coming more out of left-field, how about Fay Dalton? Wasn't that long ago folk were bemoaning a lack of thrills that would match her style, and just maybe Spector is it..?
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Magnetica on 18 June, 2019, 12:51:21 PM
Spector seems to be part Lt Cmd Data to me, especially with regard to the journey to understand human emotions.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Leigh S on 18 June, 2019, 04:31:45 PM
Fay Dalton is an inspired suggestion, though would be very different to Carlos in style if not substance (or should that be the other way round?).  PJ is another good shout

Quote from: AlexF on 18 June, 2019, 11:15:39 AM
Spector is insanely good. So much fun to see Wagner writing a robot protagonist and largely being on his (its?) side. No one does comedy 'robots pretending to sound human' dialogue quite like J. Wagner, although usually he's doing it to show how annoying they are.

I'd love to know what the man really thinks about the increasing presence of AI in real life. Does he fear it, welcome it, or just enjoy it as a source of comedic inspiration for his stories?

I'm also curious to know if he still hasn't watched RoboCop. Spector is to Robocop as Robocop is to Judge Dredd - discuss.

As for artists, I wonder if Tharg might consider PJ Holden - he's got great form at filling up panels with near-future fun, and he's got the requisite comedy chops, in my opinion. Not saying MacNeil and Coleby couldn't do a cracking job, but I do associate them both more with moody/atmospheric stories, and less with comedy procedurals. Or coming more out of left-field, how about Fay Dalton? Wasn't that long ago folk were bemoaning a lack of thrills that would match her style, and just maybe Spector is it..?
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Eamonn Clarke on 18 June, 2019, 07:38:32 PM
If Jim Campbell is here I wonder could you tell us a bit more about using the Tom Frame style of lettering on Spector? I'm no expert and I'm curious what changes you had to make to pay tribute to his "hand".

Genuine query.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Colin YNWA on 18 June, 2019, 09:23:05 PM
Quote from: Eamonn Clarke on 18 June, 2019, 07:38:32 PM
If Jim Campbell is here I wonder could you tell us a bit more about using the Tom Frame style of lettering on Spector? I'm no expert and I'm curious what changes you had to make to pay tribute to his "hand".

Genuine query.

Yeah this would be really cool to hear about. Its such a subtle art, I'm always intrigued by the inner workings of lettering.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 18 June, 2019, 09:44:32 PM
Thanks, chaps. I'll stick up a post in its own thread (or there may be an ancient lettering thread I can revive) when I have a couple of minutes, rather than waffle on in this thread.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: The Amstor Computer on 18 June, 2019, 11:24:54 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 18 June, 2019, 09:44:32 PM
Thanks, chaps. I'll stick up a post in its own thread (or there may be an ancient lettering thread I can revive) when I have a couple of minutes, rather than waffle on in this thread.

Haven't had a proper look at the Sci-Fi Special yet, but I'd be interested to read this too (e.g. did you use something of your own developed for this particular strip, or did you work with something like Marian Churchland - which has a little flavour of Frame, I think - etc.)
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 19 June, 2019, 01:20:11 PM
Not read mine yet, but I have a question for anyone buying this off the shelf.
Anyone else find this stocked very sparsely today? My town's WHS, which routine gets 10+ copies of the prog and meg, and usually stocks around the same number of the specials, only received 2 copies today. I bought them both- one for me, one for the boy, leaving none on the shelf on day of release before 1030am.
The other WHS, at the railway station, had none, despite also having stocked last year's and regularly having both prog and meg on its shelves.
Anyone else notice similar?
SBT
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Timothy on 19 June, 2019, 04:48:48 PM
Quote from: Buttonman on 16 June, 2019, 10:48:21 PM
Got mine and it's great.

The deceased creator at his desk surrounded by his creations is becoming a bit of a cliche but Robinson and Teague pulled it off for Carlos in great style.

Tharg's £20 for all the specials, post paid, has been a great offer - no doubt I'd have otherwise missed one throughout the year - instead it's regular surprise time!

Hopefully this offer will be repeated each year.

I can't seem to find the creator at his desk pic in the digital version. Is that print only?
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Tjm86 on 19 June, 2019, 05:44:54 PM
This year's special is a superb read.  There is nary a duffer in the whole thing.  A truly fitting homage to such an august figure.  All things considered we've been truly spoilt with such a lengthy career.  Whilst there are certainly a fair number of talented individuals coming up through the ranks, what we have lost can never fully be replaced.  Nor perhaps should it be.  Certainly I will continue to cherish the page of SSR artwork that he sold me a few years back.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: broodblik on 19 June, 2019, 07:44:57 PM
Quote from: Timothy on 19 June, 2019, 04:48:48 PM
Quote from: Buttonman on 16 June, 2019, 10:48:21 PM
Got mine and it's great.

The deceased creator at his desk surrounded by his creations is becoming a bit of a cliche but Robinson and Teague pulled it off for Carlos in great style.

Tharg's £20 for all the specials, post paid, has been a great offer - no doubt I'd have otherwise missed one throughout the year - instead it's regular surprise time!

Hopefully this offer will be repeated each year.

I can't seem to find the creator at his desk pic in the digital version. Is that print only?

No it its not, I bought the digital version
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Richard on 20 June, 2019, 12:13:46 AM
Spector is brilliant stuff, story and art. I'd love to see it continued.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: abelardsnazz on 20 June, 2019, 01:16:45 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 19 June, 2019, 01:20:11 PM
Not read mine yet, but I have a question for anyone buying this off the shelf.
Anyone else find this stocked very sparsely today? My town's WHS, which routine gets 10+ copies of the prog and meg, and usually stocks around the same number of the specials, only received 2 copies today. I bought them both- one for me, one for the boy, leaving none on the shelf on day of release before 1030am.
The other WHS, at the railway station, had none, despite also having stocked last year's and regularly having both prog and meg on its shelves.
Anyone else notice similar?
SBT

I bought mine from a WHS I don't usually go to, just happened to be in the vicinity. They had three copies, what looked like similar number of Megs, and no Progs yesterday morning at around 9.30.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: broodblik on 20 June, 2019, 01:56:52 PM
The special is very enjoyable. Great to see Ezquerra's last art  :'(.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Proudhuff on 20 June, 2019, 05:58:10 PM
on order, can't wait  :D
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: jabish on 20 June, 2019, 10:12:02 PM
That was a great special! Enjoyed all of it and the centre poster was magic. Carlos smiling surrounded by his creations. Lovely tribute and Cliff Robinson's art is just gorgeous. If he was doing strip work it would be amazing if he continued Spector. Because let's just say it, it was brilliant, pure class and it hit me that that's it. That is the last Carlos Ezquerra art we will see. It hit me when I read what John said in his intro. I read the scripts that follow it with Carlos in my head but we'll never know. I'm glad John wants to continue it cos it should be. I hope it is Colin MacNeil. His style is different but his storytelling is up there with the king. I'm glad they did this special. It was a treat. Nice one.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: karlos on 21 June, 2019, 02:07:09 PM
Exactly what I was thinking, Jabish - this is the last art by Carlos we will ever see.

Too sad for words, really.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: sheridan on 21 June, 2019, 10:09:11 PM
A great special - as with many on this thread, I've read the strip pages only so far, though I think I'll probably read the script pages within the next month.  So many script pages make me think it'd be a good basis for a fan art competition, or an advent calendar style month...
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: abelardsnazz on 22 June, 2019, 02:24:11 PM
A great special, and a fantastic tribute to King Carlos.

Dave Kendall's art never fails to creep me out, in the best possible way - the man is a horror master.

I think that whoever draws the continuation of Spector, it will be an ongoing recognition of the great man's legacy. Some great dialogue in there too.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 30 June, 2019, 03:23:58 PM
Lovely stuff.  Colin would work better for me, but I would be more than happy with Simon too.  For me, Coleby's the Garth Ennis of comic illustrators - at first I hated his stuff but now I think he's up there with the best.

Really enjoyed the special. And the Wulf story reminded me very much of being an extra on Vikings - you're surrounded at all times by blokes with long hair, plaits and bushy beards to the point where you forget that other types of people exist.  (Also, there were one or two that could have done with a dose of der happy stick.)
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: JOE SOAP on 30 June, 2019, 05:05:51 PM
The 2 names John Wagner proposed are of course perfectly suitable and great, but I'd like to see Kev Walker take it on because he hasn't been seen around these parts in yonks, and he's also great.

Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: sheridan on 30 June, 2019, 09:38:45 PM
Quote from: JOE SOAP on 30 June, 2019, 05:05:51 PM
The 2 names John Wagner proposed are of course perfectly suitable and great, but I'd like to see Kev Walker take it on because he hasn't been seen around these parts in yonks, and he's also great.

A decade since his last work on the Meg and eleven years since his last prog work (Mutieblock) - what's he been up to all this time?
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 30 June, 2019, 10:03:13 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 30 June, 2019, 09:38:45 PM
A decade since his last work on the Meg and eleven years since his last prog work (Mutieblock) - what's he been up to all this time?

He's been on Marvel exclusive contracts for a pretty big chunk of that. Long-ish run on Thunderbolts that was great. Doctor Aphra. Not sure what he's up to currently, but he paints a lot of stuff for Wizards of the Coast as well.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: Colin YNWA on 08 July, 2019, 08:47:35 PM
Late to the party but this was pretty damned good.

Okay so its dominated by Spector and rightly so. I love the little insight we get into John Wagner's genius here. He took a truly wonderful Carlos design, saw a problem, he was too clean cut, too good guy and turned that into the thing. It just works a treat and while I'm very sad we will not see Carlos deliver on the brilliant promise we see here I'd be happy to see this play out. Just wonderful and if we don't get any more the great what if of the scripts has me imagining what it could ahve looked like, though no doubt failing to capture the wonderful Ezquerra would have delivered.

The rest is in this strips shadow really. A decent Dredd from Grant and Smith with a nice, if none to subtle nod to Carlos. Fiends of the Eastern Front is a great little story but maybe a little off the tone of the original for the aims of the special?

Loved the Wulf Sternhammer story, thought it was pitched perfectly. Enough of its own, on the nail for the original at the same time. Just great.

From cover to poster the rest is a class production completely in keeping with the great it pays tribute to.
Title: Re: 2019 Sci-Fi Special: A Tribute to Carlos Ezquerra
Post by: TordelBack on 12 July, 2019, 11:06:01 AM
In much the same way that I still have't read Iain Banks' The Quarry, I put it off and off, but finally got round to reading the Carlos special: I thought it was terrific.  Okay, due to the type of story it is, the value of the Dredd opener lies almost entirely in seeing Robin Smith again (any excuse is a good one, Smith was a big part of 'my' era of 2000AD, and he's lost none of his chops), but the rest was just excellent.

Robo-elephant in the room is Spector.  It's been said by others, but after just two chunky episodes (I haven't tackled the scripts yet) I feel like I've been reading this character all my life. No-one writes robots like Wagner, and no-one drew natty future threads like Ezquerra. Really fitting for the last outing of the greatest comics partnership of all time that it should be the creation of something so very, very good.  Massive kudos to Jim too for absolutely nailing the Tom Frame look. I won't speculate here on how this should be continued (and don't envy whoever gets to do it), but it has to happen.  Trying not to be mawkish here, but I stared at that last panel for a long, long time.

Fiends is a great little short, Adams and Kendall really nailing that atmosphere. Perhaps a slight change in colour or tone between the first and second pages might have helped sell the time shift. 

Carroll and Goddard deliver a genuinely worthwhile Wulf solo story, which can't have been easy. It must have been tempting - but insufferably neat - to make Wulf's airport hook-up be Slugger O'Shea, and admire Mike's restraint.

Never really known what I'm supposed to do with memorial posters like Cliff and Dylan's amazing one here, but bloody hell that's a brilliant piece of work.

Oh, and McMahon's cover is distractingly amazing.  I'll embrace a Strontium Dog continuation on the sole condition that only Mick draws it.

Good job, Tharg.

Aside: Named our new cat The Squirrel.