Well this is new to me but there a new anthology aimed at 12 plus apparently called Shift and its looking very interesting
https://www.facebook.com/shiftcomic/ (https://www.facebook.com/shiftcomic/)
https://theshiftcomic.com/ (https://theshiftcomic.com/) (not much on the website yet.
Creators include The Mighty Yeowell, Geoff Senior, Simon Furman, Scott Morse and many more. Unlike Uncle Pat's Spacewarp its going to be a physical release as well so I'm defo in to check this out.
Fantastic stuff- I wonder if "newsagents and comic shops" includes WHSmiths? Because around my way, newsagents have stopped selling anything remotely comics related over the past few months.
SBT
Quote from: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 25 September, 2020, 04:46:40 PM
Fantastic stuff- I wonder if "newsagents and comic shops" includes WHSmiths? Because around my way, newsagents have stopped selling anything remotely comics related over the past few months.
SBT
I ain't going to take the chance and will order from them direct I suspect.
We have a release date of 29th October for this.Still little information about how and where to order it but a date. I'm quietly excited about this.
https://m.facebook.com/shiftcomic/ (https://m.facebook.com/shiftcomic/)
"Shift" is a euphemism for shagging - BAN THIS SICK FILTH!
When I lived in Ireland "shift" didnt mean shagging. It meant snogging. I distinctly remember being confused about this when my friend seemed absolutely shocked that I was in fact seeing my girlfriend and not just "shifting her in pub every Friday and Saturday".
SBT
A bit like "courting", it can mean one or the other. The main thing is that some people might consider this sick filth that needs banning - like whoever is in charge of the comic's PR, who I will assume knows the value of a good scandal in these awful end times.
I've never heard shift used that way... ANYWAY... for those still not sold the lovely cover for issue 1
(https://i.imgur.com/PIdE2Ai.jpg)
I love Geoff Senior's art -- please can Tharg get him back in the prog? Even if it's only six pages! Or even just a cover! (But preferably for 30 consecutive episodes of Proteus Vex.)
Same. His Transformers was always wonderful. His humans are a bit wonkier, but I'd love to see him do a Mechanismo Dredd. ABC Warriors would be wonderful as well, under his pen.
QuoteFantastic stuff- I wonder if "newsagents and comic shops" includes WHSmiths? Because around my way, newsagents have stopped selling anything remotely comics related over the past few months.
If your WHSmith's holds comicscene it should hold this as the 2 are merging
https://comicscene.org/2020/09/27/comicscene-to-merge-with-new-comic-shift/
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 02 October, 2020, 02:40:16 PM
I've never heard shift used that way...
In Glasgow, there's "winching", which means snogging - but anywhere else in Scotland they'll think you're talking about mechanical assistance with heavy lifting. Maybe "shift" is similarly colloquial.
This new comic looks pretty zarjaz. I wonder how I can get my mitts on a copy...
Quote from: rogue69 on 02 October, 2020, 06:10:19 PM
QuoteFantastic stuff- I wonder if "newsagents and comic shops" includes WHSmiths? Because around my way, newsagents have stopped selling anything remotely comics related over the past few months.
If your WHSmith's holds comicscene it should hold this as the 2 are merging
https://comicscene.org/2020/09/27/comicscene-to-merge-with-new-comic-shift/
Already? Wow that 70's 'hatch-match-dispatch' ethos has sped up in the internet age! Great new for all readers inside!
if you want to get it delivered you can get it via the Get My Comics website
https://getmycomics.com/Release/Indie
Quote from: rogue69 on 02 October, 2020, 06:10:19 PM
QuoteFantastic stuff- I wonder if "newsagents and comic shops" includes WHSmiths? Because around my way, newsagents have stopped selling anything remotely comics related over the past few months.
If your WHSmith's holds comicscene it should hold this as the 2 are merging
https://comicscene.org/2020/09/27/comicscene-to-merge-with-new-comic-shift/
Merging with another title after your debut issue. That's a new one.
"Great news inside, readers!"
Quote from: GordonR on 03 October, 2020, 12:36:37 PM
"Great news inside, readers!"
I can remember my days of reading The Eagle how I come to loathe those words.
The first issue of Shift will be 108 pages with a ComicScene section in it. It's published by Comic Toolbox.
It will be on sale in WHSmith, Martin/McColls and Easons and is likely to be in Barnes and Noble in US, Indigo/Chapters in Canada and Australia. You will be able to order it at your local store as well.
You can get the new 'History of Comics' Partwork (first 4 volumes covering 1984, 1977, 1950 & 1986) and Shift together for less than the cover price at https://comicscene.org/subscribe-to-the-history-of-comics/ or at https://getmycomics.com/Release/Indie
ComicScene also doing a hardback annual this year too https://comicscene.org/2020/09/30/buy-your-comicscene-annual-here-now-even-bigger-at-116-pages/
The current issue of ComicScene Magazine (featuring Dan Dare in 2000AD) will be the last and you can get it in WHSmith and McColls now with more info about Shift in it.
With 2000AD and Megazine doing well and these titles launching in October/November things are looking a little healthier for comics. Hope that helps.
Quote from: GordonR on 03 October, 2020, 12:36:37 PM
Merging with another title after your debut issue. That's a new one.
"Great news inside, readers!"
It's not the debut. I've ben reading it for a year now.
Do keep up, Bond...
:lol:
Quote from: Bad City Blue on 03 October, 2020, 10:53:48 PM
Quote from: GordonR on 03 October, 2020, 12:36:37 PM
Merging with another title after your debut issue. That's a new one.
"Great news inside, readers!"
It's not the debut. I've ben reading it for a year now.
Do keep up, Bond...
No, you've been reading Comic Scene for over a year. We're talking about Shift, which is just launching and then having Comic Scnene merged onto it.
QuoteThe first issue of Shift will be 108 pages with a ComicScene section in it. It's published by Comic Toolbox.
QuoteThe current issue of ComicScene Magazine (featuring Dan Dare in 2000AD) will be the last
Something about.... keeping up..?
:D :D :D :D
Try again, Kenny.
It is not merging with anything "after " it's debut issue. Comic Scene is becoming part of it in the actual first issue.
So "Great news for Shift readers" there - the two are one from the beginning.
I hope it's successful.
Quote from: GordonR on 04 October, 2020, 02:26:53 AM
:lol:Quote from: Bad City Blue on 03 October, 2020, 10:53:48 PM
Quote from: GordonR on 03 October, 2020, 12:36:37 PM
Merging with another title after your debut issue. That's a new one.
"Great news inside, readers!"
It's not the debut. I've ben reading it for a year now.
Do keep up, Bond...
No, you've been reading Comic Scene for over a year. We're talking about Shift, which is just launching and then having Comic Scnene merged onto it.
QuoteThe first issue of Shift will be 108 pages with a ComicScene section in it. It's published by Comic Toolbox.
QuoteThe current issue of ComicScene Magazine (featuring Dan Dare in 2000AD) will be the last
Something about.... keeping up..?
hmmm - interesting.
Comicscene is (possibly) seeing a decline in regular sales, so is being absorbed by a new title that does a lot of the same stuff, with a spin making it seem new and also giving the casual buyer a new first issue to pick-up.
A cynical person could assume this is a deliberate marketing ploy to keep the awareness up of a title that has been around for a while. I actually think that is pretty clever and a nice alternative to the current swathe of new comics all being funded via kickstarter repeatedly.
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 05 October, 2020, 11:08:12 AM
hmmm - interesting.
Comicscene is (possibly) seeing a decline in regular sales, so is being absorbed by a new title that does a lot of the same stuff, with a spin making it seem new and also giving the casual buyer a new first issue to pick-up.
A cynical person could assume this is a deliberate marketing ploy to keep the awareness up of a title that has been around for a while. I actually think that is pretty clever and a nice alternative to the current swathe of new comics all being funded via kickstarter repeatedly.
Did Comicscene have so much comics content? I flicked through it but never picked it up so don't know but thought it was more of a features thing? That's what's attracted me and a decent line-up of creators.
Anyway cynical ploy or not I'm onboard. Decided to take a punt on a 5 issue sub - so the marketing this as a comic rather than a magazine has worked on me!
The shop is now open for pre-orders
https://theshift.store/collections/all (https://theshift.store/collections/all)
This looks interesting but for me in today's age if you have no digital option available then you are not an option for me.
Quote from: broodblik on 06 October, 2020, 07:19:22 AM
This looks interesting but for me in today's age if you have no digital option available then you are not an option for me.
Yeah its interesting (well to me) Spacewarp is just digital and The Shift (maybe the clue is about what they are doing is in the title!) is purely physical.
The former I can easily understand as physical distribution is an obviously expensive and tricky business. I'm curious about the latter as I'm guessing all the content will be held digitally (?) and while I believe there are considerable costs in digital distribution, the logistics would seem easier. Or is that naive of me?
I still think that a lot of the guys are still thinking "old school" models only. The world is changing and I see the digital route will become the main stream (in some cases the only stream). I have made a decision a few years ago that anything I read or watch must be digital. Getting the physical copies of anything has become a big issue in my world. So hopefully this will be made available digitally.
Pat Mills won't be getting my cash until he releases the physical copy. It's interesting that the amateurs on The 77 have managed to handle their oublication (so far) with more competence than the seasoned professional.
Quote from: Bad City Blue on 06 October, 2020, 09:07:45 AM
Pat Mills won't be getting my cash until he releases the physical copy. It's interesting that the amateurs on The 77 have managed to handle their oublication (so far) with more competence than the seasoned professional.
While I looked through it and decided the 77 wasn't for me there's no denying they've done a fantastic job of catching an audience and the chrest of a wave with their Kickstarters. They have produced a great looking product and really that needs to be celebrated.
Mind they are all in kindergarden compared to Bolt01 and co with their phenomenal work over the years with Zarjaz and Dogbreath and FutureQuake AND Something Wicked.
Aw shucks. Thanks Colin, much appreciated.
New issues are all imminent, and you Squaxx are going to love the new Zarjaz cover.
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 06 October, 2020, 08:10:01 AMThe Shift (maybe the clue is about what they are doing is in the title!) is purely physical.
Don't worry, there'll be a digital copy available shortly after the physical version goes on sale - whether the publishers want it or not. I've had my stuff scanned and redistributed, so an actual professional publication doesn't stand a chance.
Quote from: Bad City Blue on 06 October, 2020, 09:07:45 AM
Pat Mills won't be getting my cash until he releases the physical copy. It's interesting that the amateurs on The 77 have managed to handle their oublication (so far) with more competence than the seasoned professional.
No disrespect to the '77 lads or anyone else making fanzines, but anyone can print books and sell them from a car boot, however, almost nobody turns a profit from doing so. I imagine Mills' plan is to actually be able to continue to make Spacewarp beyond the first issue.
I will be frequenting my local WHSmith on the 29th in an effort to secure this. I expect to be disappointed as my local WHSmith is a bit rubbish. However, if it does turn up, I sincerely hope the paper stock and design are not similar to the existing ComicScene magazine, of which I have a great dislike. Also, I hope their proofreading is better.
SBT
ComicScene did run strips (Rok of the Reds, Captain Cosmic, Lady Flintlock, Milford Green. Whackoman! to name a few) but was mainly features. We have eight pages in Shift! which mainly cover new and indie comics.
People seem to want strips and retro articles separate, which is why we are launching the History of Comics Books. Interviews include John Wagner on anything but Dredd and Ian Gibson on Halo Jones. https://comicscene.org/subscribe-to-the-history-of-comics/ (https://comicscene.org/subscribe-to-the-history-of-comics/)
We have also launched the 116 page hardback Annual for Christmas which you can order in print or digital now - the cover inspiration from a certain publication you may know! https://comicscene.org/2020/09/30/buy-your-comicscene-annual-here-now-even-bigger-at-116-pages/ (https://comicscene.org/2020/09/30/buy-your-comicscene-annual-here-now-even-bigger-at-116-pages/)
Quote from: Professor Bear on 06 October, 2020, 12:44:46 PM
No disrespect to the '77 lads or anyone else making fanzines, but anyone can print books and sell them from a car boot, however, almost nobody turns a profit from doing so. I imagine Mills' plan is to actually be able to continue to make Spacewarp beyond the first issue.
The77 isn't isn't a fanzine.
Also I got paid for my strip art, not an huge amount of money admittedly but in my experience of contributing to both fanzines and indie publications this is a first. This was not an agreed page rate but a cash dividend because the Kickstarter went several times over its target i.e. it made a profit.
Bit late to all this, but seeing Steve Yeowell's name on the cover, I hope it isn't connected to his disappearance from recent Sinister Dexter? He's ours dammit, you other comics ain't having him (unless of course he's getting more dosh/satisfaction, in which case, shine on you crazy owl).
Good roster of talent there, wishing it well.
Well my copy has landed and while I won't be reading it until this evening (with any luck) first impressions are very positive. It looks GREAT and is a health sized beast of a comic. For comparison it feels and looks pretty much the same as battle of Britain Special. Shift is £6.99, the BoB Special £7.99. Shift is america comic proportions, but UK sized (if that makes sense), so same proportions as Crisis of old but square bound.
The all important smell test is a pass to. Slightly less petrolium than the B0B Special, but with a subtle fresh printed smell.
Inside the production values are strong, if I find the design a little chaotic and messy in places, nothing too off putting and probably pretty contemporary and its just that I'm old.
Key thing for me flicking through the art its looks the business, a fantastic variety of style and if I'm being harshly honest all the art looks professional as opposed to what I've seen of the '77 and Spacewarp some of the art on which has been very much small press - which is not to say bad at all, just not quite of the standard I'm seeing here and to be honest why I've gone for this as opposed to those others mentioned. Also has the exciting novelity of a 6 page fold out story by The Mighty Yeowell.
At the back he text features from Comicscene are coralled and makes a nice little addition, but doesn't get in the way of the chunk of adventure comics pages.
Im summary - I chuffin' can't wait to get stuck into this, it looks superb and very pleased I took the plunge. More later...
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 30 October, 2020, 10:54:56 AM
The all important smell test is a pass to.
Not something I'd considered before, but ok.
Quote from: Funt Solo on 30 October, 2020, 05:20:20 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 30 October, 2020, 10:54:56 AM
The all important smell test is a pass to.
Not something I'd considered before, but ok.
Seriously you need to be smelling you new trades and geaphic novels. Its an important comic facet that is rarely discussed. Obviously if you are fully digital this will get you the same weird looks, but with none of the rewards.
Now that you mention it, The Stringbags did smell gorgeous.
Bloody hell I wasn't expecting it to be this, or this good! For some reason I thought Shift was going to be a bit more all ages, somewhere between The Phoenix and 2000ad, but it didn't read like that. It was more aduly focused. It was also brilliantly diverse and fantastic mix of first rate stories. If you haven't checked this comic out do. Its superb.
To the Death - sets out as a typical war is hell, jaded trooper and his ragged band, but then spins its ideas on their head and slips into something all the more interesting. Really striking visuals.
Foot soldiers - so the boot based powers thing should just be silly. The 6 page gatefolder format has a real danger of being gimicky. Yet with the power of The Mighty Yeowell's visuals, so imaginative storytelling technics and some really interesting ideas it a triumph.
Kora - possibly my favourite of the bunch as a washed up space pilot defies the expectations you are set and does when she needs to to survive. There's some fantastic moments that utter catch you off guard and all done with no dialogue or narrative captions.
Soulwind - first of a couple of stories that show that these stories might not have been designed for an anthology and rather as a graphic novel. This one is billed as a pulp futuristic fairy tale but does not get to that as it starts as a piece of contemplation, a mouse and then on the last two places drops you into something entirely different and really amusing. This one will go to different places one suspects.
Tiny Acts of Violence - is a brutal urban horror I suspect - but does quite get to its central story points but it is brilliant and horrific in what we do get. Another contender for favourite.
Shifter - is the weakest of the bunch, in that again I think it suffers from not being designed for this format and the piece it places out don't hold together just yet. Still plenty of time for this to pull into something.
Hungerville - Essentially a longer, very strong future shock and great to have one offs in a title like this.
Lots of decent back matter and interviews with creators and Uncle Pat.
This is basically Cinema Purgatorio from the UK comic market and while it wasn't quite I expected in the end it was better than I could have hoped.
Buy this comic.
Yep, would agree wholeheartedly. I was also "not expecting much", but ended up putting it down after reading in one sitting, and thinking it absolutely money well spent.
In fact, having read both this and Spacewarp #1 consecutively (and really liking them both), I had a sudden flashback to the days when i could close the prog and immediately open Crisis- because that's what Shift reminded me of. Experimental, some rough edges, but on the whole a brilliant shift from the norm.
The fold-out Yeowell strip is glorious- it really, really, shouldn't work but it absolutely does. And the augmented reality phone app nonsense, despite being a bit of a tit on my device and not working *exactly* as planned, was a hoot. Especially the mosasaur and the animated cover. Not sure what the game was though, and it went a bit wonky at that point, meaning I had to faff with my phone a bit.
But yeah, a really strong opener. Cant wait for #2- 10th December, I believe.
SBT
Quote from: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 30 October, 2020, 10:06:20 PM
But yeah, a really strong opener. Cant wait for #2- 10th December, I believe.
Oh good to have a date on that. That's what 6 weeks. If they can keep that pace up I'll be happy.
Not done the AR yet will try it in the morning.
Issue #3 Feb 4th (longer shelf life for first two issues due to initial punt and then xmas) and then every 5 weeks after that, according to Facebook.
I hope they keep it up.
SBT
|was ambivalent , but after such recommendations from Colin & SBT, I'm definitely going to give this a go.
Yup, I'm ordering some of this. I really liked Kora in ACES weekly too. Chris Geary is a heck of a storyteller.
I got this late week, and hurried through it. And was soundly disappointed.
I was going to offer it here for a squaxx to take of my hands, and then I've just read it again and totally revised my opinion. I thoroughly enjoyed it this time.
There are still some things I'm not sold on - and a lot of lettering needs work but I'm really glad I gave it another go.
What changed for me -- Mood? Time of day? Not had my prog so in need of a thrill-fix?
Either way, I'm now looking forward to the second issue.
Oh that's good to hear. I was a little worried since I've been gushing about it all over the place!
I do worry sometimes that my mood / tiredness oftwen colour now I see any given comic I read. Very possibly unfairly.
For me as well Shift was so different to what I was expecting I'm surprised I was so favourable as I went in expecting one thing but found something entirely different.
And so it goes.
Glad you like it.
Picked up 'To The Death - Forged in Fire' a prequel to the series running in Shift from their webshop and have to say its a very good comic. Formated from a webcomic into landscape US sized comic it makes for a very interesting read and has served to whet the appetite for the main series running in Shift very much.
Another one to recommend.
I bought this on the strength of Colin's recommendation. Not sure what I think of it yet, but there are a couple of things about it I think are worth commenting on.
Firstly all of the strips are creator owned, and it will be interesting to see how well it does especially in the light of Uncle Pat's recent pronouncements, as it will with Spacewarp.
I noticed that Steve Yeowell was listed as providing the art, not as a creator. But as I subsequently discovered that seems to be because this isn't the first time a Foot Soliders story has been published. And indeed most of the stories seem to have been published elsewhere before. And some are actually quite old.
Now in a way I don't mind as they are all new to me, but it wasn't positioned as a re-print vehicle as far as I was aware. But in some case if I want to get the complete story I will have to buy other volumes.
As with all things postal at the moment this one has made the shops a lot earlier than my sub copy arrived, but it landed a couple of days ago and I've had time to settle down and read it tonight.
Now I'm going into this one with a much clearer view of what this comic is. First issue was an utter surprise to me, not what I was expecting. Since reading that I've learnt that this is all representing creator owned material. Do I care, has it changed my reaction to this comic? Do I heck and it has not. This comic is brilliant. Even the absolute glorious surprise being missing hasn't affected my enjoyment as this is simply put - good comics.
As with any anthology the specifc highlights flex a little, but this puts little wrong.
Kora remains a highlight. Cleanly told story with lush art.
Tiny acts of violence spins a way I wasn't expecting and has a glorious light surface and dialogue behind a very, very dark story that utterly intrigues.
Shifter really picks up for me this month(ish) - it takes the story baby steps forward, the art doesn't quite hits the highnotes of the rest of the content but it does what it does very well.
Foot Soldiers only gets a thin slice this time but christ the Mighty Yeowell is knocking it out the park on art.
Invincible is a cute and really very funny and cleaver one page strip that I've seen another strip of before. Great addition.
Soulwind - Well Scott Morse says it himself in an excellent text piece, he's not there to lay it all out from the start and we'll need to work with him and grow into the story. There's enough here to make me really want to do that but at the moment I'm a little lost... but good wanting to find my way lost.
To The Death has a strong episode. I much prefer the family moments - so I'm a little worried about the ending this week!
The done in one Chance is an effective piece with a moving ending.
Okay so this time I might have known what I was coming for, but all that matters is this issue delievers it in spades. Another triumph.
Landing in a few days - well a week or so - Issue 3
https://theshift.store/ (https://theshift.store/)
On top of that apparently (via Facebook) if you order from the online story (hopefully this includes subs) you'll get a print of the cover and other threats.
If you've not you should defo check this comic out.
Looking forward to it!
Issue 3 lands and we have our first problem. That being to allow more space for the ongoing stories we don't get the normal original done in one. Which is a shame as that complete short adds a great balance to the slower moving ongoing stories.
Still the upside is we get more of the brilliant ongoing tales - so ya know!
To the Death - is really strong again - BUT - please don't have refridgerator the characters I think have been refridgeratored. This strip is better than that surely???
Kora remains a silent wonder.
Just 3 pages of Foot Soldiers again just isn't enough. Still its good and we another fold out next time apparently.
Tiny Acts of Violence is so intriguing and just sucks you into its tight and dark world behind the Iron Curtain.
Shifter - is well constructed, tense and then spins a really surprising ending which opens up... well we'll have to see.
Soulwind - Is fascinating. I'm not sure how all the elements piece together but this one is building to something. Just not sure what yet.
Another fantastic issue - which some really nice little extras too. We might be waiting a little longer for issues at the moment but this is so good I'll wait as long as we need. Long may it continue.
And issue 4 and the delays are starting to hurt this comic... a bit. Its still fantastic and the best new comic out there. Its a heady mix and the simple diversity and experimentation just make this a must buy. Its a beautiful package to, the online purchase (and my sub) come with some lovely bonus bits - the store bought might as well. Its just a shame that its over 2 months and some of the stories have lost me.
The reason this is only a bit of a problem is they all still grab you attention and a re-read is an enticing prospect.
Tiny Acts of Violence - utter lost but this is still great and since its finished its first part will get read again happily.
Kora has world as other arrive with a very direct agenda that leads to more violence. This is probably the standout - just wonderful.
Soulwind Yep there's a couple of things going on and the adventures of the young boy entrance. Fantastic.
Ghost Exterminator a one off my the brilliant Warwick Fraser-Combe - felt like more of an introduction than a self contained story, but if that's so I'd welcome more and this has a deliciously edgy and off kilter feel to it.
Shifter is getting better and better and the other world watcher scenario feels a million miles from where this started and I wonder how it relates and whether this is some sort of afterlife? Need to wrap back to that first episode as I suspect there's clues there.
To the Death - NO REFRIDGERATOR - fantastic!!! This is great as well and I can relax about the worries I had last time - this is indeed better than that!
Buy this comic - it might be a little more Crisis than 2000ad but if that works for you you should be reading this.
Absolutely agree 100% about Shift- the whole package is just so bloody lovely. I did worry about how #5 would pan out without Tint Acts of Violence (which has been my highlight thus far), but seeing that new strips by John Freeman/ Smuzz and Dan McDaid start next "month", I'm put more at ease.
Everything else is as you say- though for me, To The Death is very much my "other favourite", having grown on me these past four issues (plus the one-off from the store) and completely changed my mind regarding Geoff Senior's art. I went into it disliking his "messiness", but after that frankly stunning one-off I mentioned, I now gaze agape at every page.
I love the format of Shift- the page dimensions, the thickness, the *smell*, everything. A couple of issues ago I was convinced it would flounder and we would be lucky to get more than three. They seem to have found a model that works for them, and I hope now it will be a regular buy for years to come.
SBT
Interesting to see some material from the ill-fated Strip Magazine resurfacing - the Freeman/Smuzz series Crucible is due to start next issue, which I think maybe only one or two chapters of which saw the light of day originally before that went down the toilet.
I've more faith in Shift lasting the course as for one thing it's not being run by a total shyster, and has others have said it's a really high quality publication which deserves a decent run.
Ordered the starter pack on the basis of Colin's zeal.
They really gotta change that logo tho, it's very dated.
Quote from: Goosegash on 15 May, 2021, 12:10:56 PM
Interesting to see some material from the ill-fated Strip Magazine resurfacing - the Freeman/Smuzz series Crucible is due to start next issue, which I think maybe only one or two chapters of which saw the light of day originally before that went down the toilet.
I've more faith in Shift lasting the course as for one thing it's not being run by a total shyster, and has others have said it's a really high quality publication which deserves a decent run.
Yeah I was in the nerd cave last night and found I still had my Strips and so checked and lo and behold yes it was that series - so lovely that its been picked up and yep hope this time its found a better home that does a better job for it. I decided not to re-read it (it was just one part that I think) and allow the series to drop on me fresh. I will go back and see how its developed.
Quote from: BPP on 15 May, 2021, 04:08:32 PM
Ordered the starter pack on the basis of Colin's zeal.
Gulp - christ hope you enjoy it then. Think you will but hope you do...
Quote from: BPP on 15 May, 2021, 04:08:32 PM
Ordered the starter pack on the basis of Colin's zeal.
They really gotta change that logo tho, it's very dated.
What did you think?
Issue 5 has arrived and its another triumph - all be it a more qualified one this time. The new strips aren't quite up to the standards of of the opening line-up ... yet...
They are
Dega which I'm very much looking forward to, being a fan of Dan McDaid's art. This openning is good, exciting but doesn't really give us anything to bite into. Shipwrecked space type has exciting encounter on alien planet to show how much peril they are in. I mean its good, its just not... anything else yet BUT plenty more to come and the art is lovely.
Crucible is kinda similar, Shift has strips that do something different and this one has a band of hard types in the service of a ruler type kicking some ass of some brigand types. That's it. I mean again its good but nothing to really bite into yet, but plenty to come.
The done one
Nebula does more than either of this in like 8 pages and maybe 100 words. I read it twice on the second time think I got to its meaning and look at death as release (I can get these things very wrong). Wonderful.
To the Death continues to be coldly thrilling. Soulwind has gone from strip making you explore for meaning amusing adventure of a child and his companions. I love the way this has effortlessly drifted and opens itself to move and shift again i don't doubt. That first opening feels like a distant memory but will no doubt wrap back around.
Shifter gets better and better each episode and this one is a blinder as we start to see the wonders of this new world Noah gets some thrilling new experiences.
Kora remains my favourite of the lot. it slips effortless back into wordless storytelling and then spins us into a completely new scenario. What's to come well luckily as book 1 ends, book 2 start next time and I'll be there.
This one also has a subtler smell, which is all the more satisfying for that.
buy this.
I've got an order in for the next batch of issues having got 1-3 earlier in the year. Issue 4 is on backorder though I fear, which is a right pain. I just can't get this book anywhere near here. I should probably just subscribe but it feels like a lot of dosh in one hit.
Soulwind is one I know well as I have the five ONI tpbs and also a one-volume HC. Sadly, to my eye it I don't think it scales up well, file quality wise - the trades are at a cute 210x14mm size, and it was first published US size by Image.
But I'm glad it's getting this exposure!
Issue 6 landed when I was away and I think its on schedule. If Shift can manage to maintain that as things creep towards normal we could have an ever better thing here.
That said the shifting post openning line-up sees things wobble a little. There is still so much to love. Kora leads us off and remains magnificent, To the Death continues on good form and Soulwind is still fantastic. Shifter continues to get better and better. So the original strips are fine.
Speaking of original strips Hungerville the one off from the first issue returns for an amusing but pretty inconsequential second story. Speaking of inconsequencual the one off Sherlock Holmes feels very much that. The two new ongoing haven't quite gelled for me. Crucible is solid but lacks the inspiration of the original strips and Dega might need a quick recap.
Still a very good read and well worth while but lets see how things go as the line-up continues to develop.
Issue 7 is a lean mean comics machine. And I think its come in the originally planned 5 week time frame - double impressive AND its a 100 pages BUT it reads a breeze. This comic is still on of the best things out there. Its a delight.
Have to say while the newer strips are settling in okay, though I'm still struggling to get much out of Crucible, Dega is really shifting (ahem) up a gear and is great this time.
Of the rest they are all still brilliant To the Deathis hard and interesting, Soulwind is still mixing things up, but love the way the kid is entering a more real world and its hardships. Shifter is entering a second phase and doing so seamlessly and brilliantly.
Kora remains the best thing in here and that's saying something.
There a nice process piece from Gary Erskine in the 'flipside' backing up a preview (i think) of a Kickstarter First Men on Mars and the normal lovely pull out of Killatoa Express.
Its such a handsome package to boot and at £6.99 great value... oh and it still smells wonderful!
terrible name. but has there ever been a better looking british comic? nope. consistently fabulous storytelling.
Shift have just announced on facebook that they will be running a new Empire story by Mark Waid and Barry Kitson in 2022
Quote from: rogue69 on 09 September, 2021, 11:16:29 PM
Shift have just announced on facebook that they will be running a new Empire story by Mark Waid and Barry Kitson in 2022
Is it new or are they just running the original issues? Sorry just been and looked... hopefully they'll run the original stuff first. I've never read it.
Quote from: Tomwe on 10 September, 2021, 07:46:22 AM
Quote from: rogue69 on 09 September, 2021, 11:16:29 PM
Shift have just announced on facebook that they will be running a new Empire story by Mark Waid and Barry Kitson in 2022
Is it new or are they just running the original issues? Sorry just been and looked... hopefully they'll run the original stuff first. I've never read it.
Yeah never seen this but Mark Waid and Barry Kitson is quite the team. Wonder how I missed this one! Shift the comic that keeps giving!
I've only read the first issue so far, so I need to dig into the other couple a kindly forumite sent me. It struck me that the comic had a lot of energy and ideas—although it desperately needed a copy editor. That first issue made my inner sub-editor shiver (not in a good way), given how many errors there were in the text. I hope that subsequently improved!
I'm interested to know how the creators get paid for their strips. The majority have seen print somewhere before, so are GMC licensing them to run or are the creators just letting them have at it, with a portion of the sales profits heading their way afterwards? Maybe a bit of both.
I imagine Scott Morse being quite happy for his decades-old strip to generate new cash for him with little effort. Actually, I hope they look at his other work afterwards.
Mark Waid was only talking about Empire on Word Balloon the other day. The rights have reverted to them. It will be the most mainstream strip SHIFT has run to my eye.
QuoteYeah never seen this but Mark Waid and Barry Kitson is quite the team. Wonder how I missed this one!
Empire originally came out in 2000 through Gorilla comics but only printed 2 issues. In 2003 it was picked up by DC which published the two original comics as #0 and then the rest of the story was told over six issues. A 4 issue sequel came out in 2015 via IDW Empire: Uprising as DC had let the rights lapse in 2014
Quote from: rogue69 on 10 September, 2021, 10:46:51 AM
QuoteYeah never seen this but Mark Waid and Barry Kitson is quite the team. Wonder how I missed this one!
Empire originally came out in 2000 through Gorilla comics but only printed 2 issues. In 2003 it was picked up by DC which published the two original comics as #0 and then the rest of the story was told over six issues. A 4 issue sequel came out in 2015 via IDW Empire: Uprising as DC had let the rights lapse in 2014
So around twelve issues exist up to date? That's quite a chunk for Shift to cover if they were to include the original material first. Maybe the 'new' stuff is just a few pages as in order to set up the original run.
Shift have just added to their site a new version of Empire as part of their "Shift presents" range being released in November and this will not be available in newsagents
This collected edition is only £11.99 and the first 50 people to pre-order this will also get a signed Barry Kitson print
https://theshift.store/collections/all/products/shift-presents-empire
Quote from: rogue69 on 27 September, 2021, 12:34:27 PM
Shift have just added to their site a new version of Empire as part of their "Shift presents" range being released in November and this will not be available in newsagents
This collected edition is only £11.99 and the first 50 people to pre-order this will also get a signed Barry Kitson print
https://theshift.store/collections/all/products/shift-presents-empire
Ohhh nice one. That's ordered - have no idea if I'm in the first 50 or not but at £11.99 (and £2 postage) and clocking in at almost 200 pages of Mark Waid and Barry Kitson goodness I'm winner either way!
I've also ordered this. I wasn't into 'regular' Shift as an anthology, but I'd definitely support more of this sort of thing and the Brawler / Spacewarp stuff.
Issue 8 has landed and this remains a wonderful comic. Little more uppy and downy than the first few issues, with some variation in quality but heck what do we expect from an anthology.
To be fair its the strips form the original lineup that are strongest, so I'll come back to them. I'm still struggling to get into Crucible, it kinda bounces off me. The one-off this month(ish) by Lyndon Webb is okay. I've seen this art as posters and single images all over Facebook and they have a very distinct style, so its very interesting to see that applied to sequencials, overall it pretty nice, if it all gets a bit tight in at times. The story reminds me of the kinda one-off your get in the old Dark Horse Presents - pretty good but when you strip it down its just an okay Future Shock. Decent.
Degas ends this month and Dan McDaid's 4 parter (from his 44 page OGN) has a very effective ending but now I need to go back and read it all again to make headway with what was going on as cross the story as a whole.
The regulars all have very, very good episodes this issue. Shifter remains intriguing and as the story has unfolded its drawn me more and more into its world. Soulwind is such fun this month. At some point I must go back to that first episode and see how that works in the context was what we have learnt since. Kora remains my favourite strip and this dialogue free episode is another exemplar of fantastic visual storytelling. To be honest though To the Death is probably the best strip here, it has a fantastic episode and this series does work best when it strips back from the massive gun battles and focuses more... well in this case on the smaller gun battles! The characters really shine here though.
So yeah we're up to issue 8 and this is still a lovely product - the extra flip section is an okay advert for a new mini from a ne3 publisher - well put together and yes it still smells GREAT.
Shift has announced their winter special will be launch as a kickstarter shortly
they are setting up a number of pledge levels which will allow you to get original art from Geoff Senior, Lyndon Webb, Barry Kitson and more
It will also be on sale through the normal channels after the end off the kickstarter
Good news - be very interested to see how this does. Also be very interested to see who the other original art teirs might be - the Facebook page suggests there will be others. Would love a Kora page (if its not digital?)
The kickstarter goes live on Friday 29th October
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 24 October, 2021, 08:04:09 PM
Good news - be very interested to see how this does. Also be very interested to see who the other original art teirs might be - the Facebook page suggests there will be others. Would love a Kora page (if its not digital?)
Ha! Well it turns out there was a tier which offered a page of Kora art - so I've like backed that in the blink of an eye!
FANTASTIC - chuffed.
Almost there already - at the time of typing less than £600 of a £4000 target to go. Fingers crossed by the end of the day we're good.
In case you fancy backing...
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shiftcomic/shift-comics-anthology-the-winter-special/comments (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shiftcomic/shift-comics-anthology-the-winter-special/comments)
Full funded in 18 hours but still a lot of good rewards available such as Geoff Senior artwork, Barry Kitson artwork, complete run of Shift + specials & Alan Langford signed print
Quote from: rogue69 on 30 October, 2021, 02:46:48 PM
Full funded in 18 hours but still a lot of good rewards available such as Geoff Senior artwork, Barry Kitson artwork, complete run of Shift + specials & Alan Langford signed print
Yeah great news and as said t still loads of lovely stuff up for grabs - including the early bird odders are still up for grabs. Fingers crossed having flown past its target this one goes onto great things.
this comic is a dream, really, isn't it?
They have added this add on for a 20-page book of Simon Furman's scripts, background notes and designs is signed by Simon himself. Limited to only 50 copies, it's also a steal at only £6.00,
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shiftcomic/shift-comics-anthology-the-winter-special/posts/3351992
I'm in for the variant, the script book and a slipcase. I'd be up for a Scott Morse commission if I had the £££.
Oh and there's a hardcover option now, which I'm tempted by given that will make it feel like an old X-Mas annual?
Anyway Issue 9 landed have to say its really brimming with action as all the stories smash forward.
The one bad thing about the issue (well there may be another) is this is the penultimate part of my favourite strip Kora, which will finish in the new years issue 10. This episode certainly acts as the all action set piece at the end and as Kora is endangered, her allies swoop in and we sit with banted breathe to see how this one, and Kora herself lands. Brilliant as ever.
I'm still struggling to find my place in Crucible and the worst of it is I'm not sure I'm tempted to re-read to find my way.
Shifter cranks up the thriller elements. Our villains are a little too cliche to be fun but the episode is very effective and I've enjoyed the way this one has moved on.
Soulwind focus in on it villains and is another fantastic episode. Nicely different to the action that surrounds it and adding a great bit of balance.
To the Death swings things back with another example of the nail hard action adventure tone of this issue. It really is just action movie set piece - but great fun for it and brilliantly choreographed.
So yeah very interesting issue this time. Feels much more like a long, action packed 2000ad prog than Shift normally does. All the hard posturing also mean that's no space for text, or feature so this really is the leanest, meanest issue to date and quite refreshing for that.
How is it I was able to read something like Revere without getting confused as to what was supposed to be going on, and yet I have absolutely no idea what is happening in Crucible? It's just characters shouting bafflingly context-free dialogue at each other and I've completely lost track of what they're supposed to be doing and who anyone is. It's just throwing too much STORY at you all at once and not taking it's time to establish the world and why we should care about these people.
Compared to how clear and concise the storytelling is in all the other strips it's really letting the side down.
Otherwise another cracking issue and I'm really glad this has survived a full year, despite all the pandemic-related complications.
Anyone else ordered #9 on GMC and not had it shipped yet? Not had any problems with other items I've ordered from them (The Empire special just shipped) but it still says "yet to be released" on the order.
Empire special arrived today: I have a signed Kitson print too.
I've only had a quick skim but looks like a nice package. I really hope this has sold well and we get more collections like this.
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 10 January, 2022, 02:32:00 PM
Empire special arrived today: I have a signed Kitson print too.
I've only had a quick skim but looks like a nice package. I really hope this has sold well and we get more collections like this.
Yeah mine arrived too with the signed print - which is nice. Is a wonderfully chunky old thing for the price and looking forward to eventually reading it. The Winter Special won't be too far behind that I believe as well.
The thing is though I wonder when we'll get the next issue proper? All these special projects are lovely and clearly keeping folks very busy BUT I miss the regular comic which is just SOOOOO good. Things had pretty much got to the hoped for 5-6 week schedule but, understandly with all this other stuff, that's slipped and I miss the regular title!
I burned through Empire and what a nihilistic read it is!
I don't really like superhero stuff nowdays so was pleased that was kept to a minmum here. An absolute downer full of horrific characters but a really engaging read.
I really liked the format and if Shift are able to put out more of these specials in this 'GN lite' sort of format I'd be all for it.
After issue 10 Shift start volume 2 as there new stories starting this issue including a Liam Sharp strip - The Ghost in the Sword,
This joins the line up of To The Death, Shifter, Muscle Memory (sequel to Lyndon Webb's Perfect Shot), Elephentmen War Toys... with more to be added!
Shift will be at LFCC Spring on the 26th & 27th February and will be holding signings from Barry Kitson (his first UK Con in 5 years), Simon Furman, Geoff Senior, Lee Milner, Chris Geary & Hal Laren
Well issue 10 has finally landed and with it the end of volume 10. This issue does kinda sum up the first volume perfectly. Its been beset by delays, but given the circumstance in which its launched that's hardly surprising. They also seem to have loads of side project, which is great for all concerned I'm sure but hope its not at the cost of the core comic which briefly found its 5 weekly stride.
Apparently the idea with the 5 weeks is there will be 10 issues a year and after each it will start a new volume.
Also this issue really flags the other problem the comic has faced. It opened so strongly as each original series finished its struggled to find a replacement as good. So by far the weakest strips here are Crucible, which I'm barely trying with anymore and the bonus 'flipside' story Croix-noire. The latter is actually pretty terrible and even Mike Collins art can't save it. The dialogue is so hocky. Its like reading one of those 90s 2000ad hard man heroes, but this one thinks their cute, funny and charming as well as a tough nut and they just come across as cliche and annoying!
So moving the remaining opening strip remain very strong. To the Death has another blistering action packed episode. Soulwind is wonderfully mischievous and enigmatic in how Poke escapes. Shifter is driving forward with fun body swaps and starting to show its hand.
Saddly the best thing is of course Kora which has just been a delight, just wonderful stuff and the ending its bitter sweet in more ways than one. Its just a fantastic ending and this series as a whole has been simply brilliant. Happy it feels so satisfying and complete at the end. Sad that its not going to return.
So volume 1 ends. I'll be back for sure for volume 2 and just hope they can find strips of the quality to keep that one going. I've read Elephantmen and while its a good series i did rather tire of it after a while and its all a bit cheesecake. Still we'll see what else comes with it and judge when it lands.
Oh and it still smells lovely!
I had a notification that the long delayed Winter Special (now renamed the 2022 Yearbook) is finally shipping, excellent news :)
I've still not received the 'Winter Special/ Yearbook" after backing it on Kickstarter when it launched last year, and there's no sign of #10 in my local WHS. All of which is a shame, because I really loved the first nine issues, and I'd be disappointed if it became yet another comic I have to order online. It's just not the same as picking it up in the shop.
I'm hoping the special turns up in the post soon- the various reasons for the delays have run a bit thin these last few months- and #10 appears when I'm next in town.
I tend to go with my gut on these things, and my great enthusiasm for Shift has fizzled a bit, it has to be said. Let's hope it gets rekindled with whatever we see next.
SBT
See post above, I'm led to believe it is now on it's way. It is a bit off-putting that they had it for sale on the website without indicating it wasn't ready to be sent out, I had to email them to find out what was going on and they explained it had been held back due to one of the creators dealing with some family issues.
I should add I also picked up #10 today from the Smiths, so it is definitely out there.
Word is all of the Specials are on the way. Fingers crossed they land soon. I'd be super disappointed if as a Kickstart backer I got it after it hit the shops. I mean I'd get over it in an hour or so, but for a bit I'd be super pissed.
They said pm the 19th that the Kickstarters will start arriving next week and that the special should be in the shops on the 1st March
Another strong issue. Kora comes to a pretty definitive conclusion and I'm looking forward to re-reading this all from the start. Crucible...carries on, and that's about all I can say for that. Really enjoying To The Death and it seems to've reached a peak of twisty-turniness at the moment, really compelling stuff. Intrigued to find out what this new Liam Sharpe strip is going to be all about.
As for the preview strip...um, well that was something I guess. I wonder if there's a single cyberpunk/future noir trope that won't be touched on in this. I don't have any time for Quantick these days and based on this I probably wouldn't bother tracking down his novella. It reminds me of something that might've seen print in CLINT ('member CLINT?), the kind of thing that gets written (or ghostwritten) by some media personality who doesn't really have any experience in sci-fi or comics but decides they want to have a go, and the results are predictably mediocre.
I also spent the whole time thinking "Surely not that Mike Batt? The Wombles guy?" And it only bloody is him! It's bizarre, he doesn't appear to have a single non-musical writing credit to his name so I can't even fathom how he came to be involved in adapting this.
Oh hang on, I just turned the page and now I get it. It's some kind of media cross-promotion thing and there's also a game that looks from the advert like a Cyberpunk 2077 knock-off with 2003 graphics that apparently no-one is talking about or playing because I can't find a thing about it online. The website address just leads to a password login and the game itself appears to be some shitty free-to-play Roblox scam. This is really weird, the whole thing.
Oh and there's also a tie-in concept album which I'm guessing Batt is behind, which might explain how is name is attached.
Quote from: Goosegash on 24 February, 2022, 09:15:00 AM
I also spent the whole time thinking "Surely not that Mike Batt? The Wombles guy?" And it only bloody is him! It's bizarre, he doesn't appear to have a single non-musical writing credit to his name so I can't even fathom how he came to be involved in adapting this.
Wow that is bizarre and completely missed and if I'm honest I didn't realise he was still alive (terrible thing to say I know!). I know Maike Batt has had his fingers in many pies over the years so I guess I shouldn't be too surprised but thinks for the catch on that one - very interesting.
Also got an update last nigth saying all the Kickstarter Specials have been posted 9assumign you completed your survey. So fingers crossed those will be landing soon.
My favourite Mike Batt trivia is that the theme to shitty TV quiz "Big Break" is by him. It's "the Snooker Song" from his musical adaptation of "The Hunting Of The Snark", sung by Captain Sensible.
My copy of the Yearbook only bloody arrived! And yes, my gut is eased because it looks (and smells) fantastic. Can't wait to get stuck in.
No sign of #10 in my local WHS yet though. I did, however, order the Empire special.
SBT
Year book finally here. Not had the chance to open it yet, but it's here at least.
Opened, but not read yet. I will note however looks really good BUT the slightly petroleum smell I enjoy so much on the regular issue is slightly overcooked here and actually has gone as far as to smell a bit like meths... well actually a lot like meths. i worry if I smell it too much I might go blind.
Which edition did people get? I ordered the HC, but didn't get surveyed for my address as I could see so only sent them my address the other day. Hoping for the Kitson cover, not sure which was on the Hc.
I got the regular edition with the Langley cover. Not sure I had a choice on the tier I got?
Shift's new "Presents" issue is Robin Hood : The Legend of Sherwood.
This is an expanded adaptation of the successful stage play script of Robin Hood the Legend of Sherwood, written by Robert Akers and Jeff Messer and drawn by Chris Geary (Kora) and cover by Barry Kitson
£5.99
Release date April 2022 but available for pre-order on their website
https://theshift.store/collections/shift-comic-anthology-issues-1-5/products/shift-presents-robin-hood-the-legend-of-sherwood
Quote from: rogue69 on 28 February, 2022, 08:17:17 PM
Shift's new "Presents" issue is Robin Hood : The Legend of Sherwood.
This is an expanded adaptation of the successful stage play script of Robin Hood the Legend of Sherwood, written by Robert Akers and Jeff Messer and drawn by Chris Geary (Kora) and cover by Barry Kitson
£5.99
Release date April 2022 but available for pre-order on their website
https://theshift.store/collections/shift-comic-anthology-issues-1-5/products/shift-presents-robin-hood-the-legend-of-sherwood
Yeah with Chris Geary onboard I'll give that a go and I've ordered when I've updated by sub.
2022 Yearbook
Have to be honest I was a bit disappointed with the Yearbook nee Winter Special.
The main problem was I didn't particularly enjoy the main feature which ran through [spoiler]the volume over 5 stories[/spoiler]. About Killatoa and a band of folks featured [spoiler]through the strips[/spoiler] getting together to do stuff. I do wonder if the reveal of [spoiler]all the strips being linked[/spoiler] is meant to be a surprise but its entirely telegraphed and laid out really, but I've spoilered just in case.
Anyway there are problems with art, some pretty clumsy storytelling, colouring that hinders that storytelling and even lettering that's not great. Some pretty hocky dialogue too if I'm honest. The type that can be made to work in 'To the Death' but just doesn't here and exposes the 90s action movie roots this is so deeply embedded in.
The saving grace is ... well the rest of the stuff, which is much better.
A Wakefield Winter's Tale is great fun with great art. Even if it does just serve as an introduction to something more it works well and Chuffin' Billy is a great character.
Chris Greary - who you will be able to tell I'm quite the fan of - introduces The Hypertonic, Subatomic, Super Sci-fi, Symphony is the best thing in the comic. Its just a shame... well in the context of this product ... that its ANOTHER introduction. The Special doesn't serve as its own thing which is frustrating but like some 2000ad specials of late is a try out introducing loads of ideas. Now in the case of tHSSSFS that is brilliant as I can't wait to see more, but there's enough time and space in this Special to allow strips to stand alone and thing so far haven't.
Black Train thankfully does, though I do need to revisit it. There's a lot going on here.
The Star Drake of Dumnonia is a solid stand alone with lovely art.
I Stole this thing is fantastic and the art is astonishing. Love this one.
Technofreak is a wonderfully cheeky bit of fun.
So yeah a mixed bag. The biggest problem is the problems are the spine of the comic and too many introductions. Its close but weaker than than the main series has been to date.
Finally managed to get hold of Shift #10 today, by travelling to another town entirely. While there I also saw the first and second issues of the new Marvel graphic novels partwork- not in my local WHS- as well as the latest 2000AD collection volume and older Marvel graphic Nnovel partwork- you guessed it, not in my local WHS either. I think I should move.
Shift still smells lovely to me- and yes, that Croix-Noir thing was a bit dodgy- but I enjoyed it enough. Was amused to see the flipside cover censored to read 'Popnu' instead of 'Porno', as it was in the first page of the strip itself. 'Popnu' is my new favourite word for mucky muckiness and I shall use it a lot I feel.
Everything else was much as it was- it's missing the big hitters of previous issues, except To The Death, which looks entertainingly scrappy at first glance but is actually a work of art.
Looking forward to volume two.
SBT
Surprised to see no post about the first issue of Vol 2 which has now appeared in the shops
The centrepiece is the prologue of Liam Sharpe's new project The Chronicles Of Lib Laroche which looks to be quite the remarkable thing, as much of a prose poem as it is a strip, although I'm not sure if that format will continue into the story proper. I've not seen this much verbosity in a comic since the hey-day of John Smith. Really intrigued to read more of this, as I'm not sure I've read anything quite like it in comics before. I was hoping the interview with Sharpe would have a bit of insight into the background of it, but they didn't even mention it!
To The Death takes another twist as Dryagin falls in with a faction who possibly may not have his best interests at heart.
The action ramps up in Shifter as the conspiracy is revealed (and feels extremely pointed in our current Troubled Times) and it may be too late for Noah to do anything about it. Oh hang on... [spoiler]Noah...and there's a flood. I see what they did there.[/spoiler]
Soulwind finishes this issue, with a stylistic return to the opening pages (which I really need to re-read as I'd forgotten that's how it began) - Book 2 is apparently going to follow.
The only weak point is still Crucible, unfortunately, which I still find completely impenetrable. The good guys "win" although I'm not certain what they actually achieved in this or what they were even trying to do. This has also finished but a follow-up has been mooted, so, um. Well. Okay then, if people like it, but it ain't for me.
Overall, another really high quality and varied issue. Long may it continue.
Still waiting for my sub issue that was meant to be posted out Monday - so we'll see when it lands.
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 10 April, 2022, 11:11:50 AM
Still waiting for my sub issue that was meant to be posted out Monday - so we'll see when it lands.
Which it did today and I think its going to take quite a while to digest. More intriguingly try to imagine this was your first issue, it is Volume 2 issue 1 after all, you have to think that's a chance to jump on, this would be pretty mind blowing!
Goosegash sums up
The Chronicles Of Lib Laroche, its quite something and I have no idea if I got its intent at all.
To the Death is completely in the thick of it and I do wonder what a new reader would make of it.
Soulwind has its final part, one which returns to the start and really makes me feel the need to do the same to get this all straight in my head.
Crucible remains the key weak spot, but finishes for now at least.
Finals
Shifter while really kicking things into top gear (and I assume its final act?) is curiously accessible to a new reader I'd suggest, if you pick up that Noah is jumping from living vessel to living vessel, it there but I'm not sure how obvious to the new reader. This remains thrilling stuff.
Its a slimmer, tighter volume this time, with neat text pieces. Needs to settle down into a new line-up, so we'll see how next issue measures up.
Sorry if this is slightly off-topic, but does anyone know what happened to Comic Scene's "Saturday comics box" of 12 new anthology titles? I signed up to crowdfund it, and they seem happy to keep taking my money every month, but it's all gone very quiet on that front.
... in a similar vein, just cancelled my sub to the 'comics club', having been told that shift will no longer be included. even with shift it was incredibly pricey - now, it's ridiculous.
all their publications are slick and compelling. but the seemingly infinite plethora of clubs, projects, subs and kickstarters are nearly impossible to work out. they should streamline and just concentrate on marketing the wonderful shift.
Bit of a show off post but forgive me. I finally got my Kickstarter page from the Winter Special Kickstarter. Well worth the wait. Chris Geary's Kora is really a work of wonderer and this page is just superb.
https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=37797.msg1084009#msg1084009 (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=37797.msg1084009#msg1084009)
Post on the Non 2000ad art you own page.
Vol 2 Issue 2 is a fab read! I've not gotten into Elephant Men before so I'm very happy to see that here. The team know how to pick their content! The Spacewarp short was better than anything in the original #1, some good ideas, shifter was a fun all-action story and finally we are seeing Killatoa do his thing and stand out from the rest of Furman & Senior's strip. He's got exactly what made DH so appealing but through a different lens & takes cover duty next issue by the looks of it.
^^^What Tomwe said. I went into town yesterday expecting just the prog and the Meg, and found also Shift, Croix-Noir #1 and the new Fortean Times. Result. If an expensive one.
I left Shift for last, largely because I hadn't enjoyed the previous issue as much as I had in the past and was concerned the lustre was coming off. Shouldn't have been such a namby pamby. Not a wasted page, and everything was hugely enjoyable- notably Elephantmen (which I'd only read in that Strontium Dog crossover drawn by Boo Cook) and To The Death. Great to see Pat promoting Requiem and Claudia again- I have all the Panini volumes and love them, but we have been waiting too long for no. 6 and I hope we get a chance, through Shift, for an opportunity to read Claudia at last.
Shift is still probably the best UK comic on the market that isn't 2000AD or the Meg (when Lawless is running).
SBT
I still think the comic is struggling to live up to the truly excellent first line-up. Each time one of the openers drifts out, or reaches its conclusion good material comes in, no doubt, but its never quite as good. With Soulwind gone now we only have Shifter - which must be nearing a thrilling conclusion soon (?) and To the Death - SOOOOO energetic this time wow.
Now I have to qualify this a little as for the first time this issue includes something I've read before in Elephantmen - War Toys. Now I must say I really enjoyed it here. Last time I read War Toys I was working my way through an almost complete digital run of the series (first 60ish issues) and the main series was really running out of steam for me and I had flipped from loving it to really struggling to get through it. That was a couple of years ago now and I've not returned to it since. Reading this now, in isolation and away from the main series it really is brilliant. Helped immensely by the glorious art of Moritat.
The Ghost in the Sword by Liam Sharp ... wasn't as good, nor interesting as it wanted to be and fell a little flat for me. Muscle Memory was sharp and energetic and I'm looking forward to more. The Millsworld stuff and Sweep and Clean I wasn't a big fan of.
This is still a great package and amazing value for money. Its just a little in the shadows of its own high standards.
The smell is deeper and richer too now, that has got even better!
Worth noting To The Death is a finite series as well. I've no idea how far they are into it though. I have a handful of the US sized issues but haven't looked to see where the overlap is. At the beginning they were almost running a whole issue at a time but that has dropped down considerably. From what I gather about Adrian though, I bet he would commission the series to continue given the option!
I'm still without my HC yearbook, I know they rejigged it for that version. Would be nice to get it soon though.
Latest SHIFT newsletter announcing Stewart Kenneth Moore's Thrawn Janet will feature in its pages soon. Continuing to diversify and add well regarded content!
I guess its an example of how this comic has drifted that I waited for my sub copy to land and finally got it a couple of weeks ago and have only just got around to reading it. Now there are good reasons for this, not packing it when on holiday, having various other things that took priority and my reading got sidelines etc etc... but I just to read this the moment it landed in the past.
As I mentioned last time its not a bad comic, far from it. Its just fallen from such lofty heights. This issue more than any. Shifter remains great but I feel like it needs to get to conclusion as its in danger of drifting. As is To the Death could go the same way if its not careful.
The newer material is fine. Elephantmen - War Toys isn't as strong as last time, Muscle Memory is fine, but nothing special and Eight Ball is the strongest of the three, a decent tight one off.
We'll see what next time brings, whenever that is - in theory very soon but while I doubt very much I'll drop my sub anytime soon for the first time its crossed my mind.
Well 2.4 landed in good time for once and its a decent issue. Almost all the concerns remain from last time. The exception is we now know Shifter is indeed rattling along to an exciting conclusion, next issue in fact. Its the highlight of this issue too.
Focus on core stories this time with Thrawn by our own SK Moore - its fine if hardwork. Elephantmen is on good form and To the Death as brethless as ever. All good stuff. Did miss a done in one mind.
Some attractive looking strips coming next time too. With Shifter finishing the first, magnificent lineup is all but done. These new strips therefore feel more important than ever.
Still smells lovely.
Again 2.5 shows all the issues. Landed a couple of weeks ago and for various reasons ita taken me an age to get to. Just not the compelling read it used to be. This issue also marks the end of the opening series. Shifter ends well enough and has been a great series and I'm looking forward re-reading it. So all we have left of that stella opening line-up way back when is To The Death and I'm glad to hear this is heading towards conclusion, not as it a bad comic, far from it, simply because it needs to wrap up before it feels like its drifting towards nowhere which its felt it might on occasion.
Elsewhere The Actress and the Bishop is the star with Brian Bolland's art just singing. The story is fun too. Terminal City is a comic I've head of, but never read so Dean Motter's strip is an intriguing and welcome introduction to the comic. Really enjoyed this intriguing first episode.
Everything else is a bit middle ground. Elena is fine but its opening episode doesn't quite give enough to pull me in entirely yet. Muscle Memory - Interlude just feels a little unnecessary and I'm not really feelin' what its trying to do. Thawn Janet is a beautiful looking muddle. The end of Elephantmen War Toys is good enough, but read it before and while I like it, i have it.
Shift hasn't entirely lost it mojo, but its not dancing the way it used to. My sub came to and end - no one seemed to care or bother to contact me to nudge me to renew even as a subscruber from issue one. So I forgot to do so and it was only after thinking to check I confirmed and just about persuaded myself to sub until the end of volume 2. If sub copies continue to roll in late and the content doesn't make this feel like a must read again I really do wonder if I'll bother to make the effort for volume 3. We'll see.
Anyone waiting for the next issue they have a new anthology available via Amazon for £9.99 Shift International.
From the first two years of SHIFT - the storming UK anthology, have collected some of the best newly commissioned one offs and short stories. Produced in US comic format, the is a great way to see what SHIFT is up to, pushing independent creators out to the wider world. Featuring - The Actress and the Bishop from Brian Bolland, Killatoa in The Origin of the Speiaa - the psychotic hunter busts out of the main To The Death series - by Simon Furman and Geoff Senior, The Chronicles of Lib Laroche from Liam Sharp, Leave from Michael Powell, David Hitchcock and Lee Milner, Hungerville by Warwick Fraser-Coombe, Perfect Shot from Lyndon Webb, Chanceby Hal Laren
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BNV6SPV5?linkCode=sl1&tag=shiftcomic-
2.6 has landed and its a good product as ever but much the same to be said as before really. Some real highlights but still trying to find that amazing mix of the early issues.
The other problem is the delays (for entirely valid reasons from what I understand) mean that some of the ongoing stories will need to be read. Terminal City seems fine, really good in fact, but isn't able to get momentum - still this one I've really high hopes for. Similar Elena has potential but needs a better schedule to do it justice. To the Death nears an end it really needs to reach now. Thrawn Janet alas lost me and while there may be translated versions somewhere online apparently hasn't given me enough to justify the effort.
The one off are tales as old as time but both look stunning.
Still you can buy a lush Kora hardcover with extra material now... just need to wait for payday and that's mine!
Does anyone know what's going on with Shift at the moment? I've given up hope on getting the slipcases from the Kickstarter but there's been no communication from social media since January.
Quote from: Tomontherun94 on 05 April, 2023, 12:23:07 PMDoes anyone know what's going on with Shift at the moment? I've given up hope on getting the slipcases from the Kickstarter but there's been no communication from social media since January.
No but they owe me a few things that haven't been delivered. Had the odd response on messenger but then nothing. I bought everything they put out, I wouldn't touch them no matter what now.
I suspect they are in the process of going out of business.
Yeah a little worried about where they are at. 2.7 and 2.8 still have release dates,but whether we end up seeing them,who knows.
To be fair the worse thing is I'm not that fussed, well the fact I paid in advance with a sub. Its dipped in quality as the first issue lineup drift away. Would have been nice to get to the end of 'To the Death' though.
We'll see, but the silence is a little damning.
I only recently paid for a new batch of five as well. Here's hoping something happens soon.
I've sent them a message on FB, only thing I'm waiting on now are 2.7 and the Kickstarter slipcases. Would be a shame if they were out of business, there's been some great stuff in it and was looking forward to that promised new Empire comic from Mark Waid.
Simon Furman and Martin Stiff, both creators on Shift, just released a new OGN together. Wonder if that was originally intended to run in the mag?
I'm owed the Robin one shot, the signed Bolland one shot, the 77 one shot, and the slipcase.
I've tried to put a card refund through for some of it.
Multiple messages on messenger. Said will sort. Then nothing.
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 05 April, 2023, 02:07:53 PMWould have been nice to get to the end of 'To the Death' though.
You can get the 10 book series through the Get My Comics site
Quote from: rogue69 on 05 April, 2023, 09:08:48 PMQuote from: Colin YNWA on 05 April, 2023, 02:07:53 PMWould have been nice to get to the end of 'To the Death' though.
You can get the 10 book series through the Get My Comics site
Might end up tracking the missing bits down if we don't see any more of Shift.
Thanks for the heads up.
Having said all that there's been an update last night (very late!) on Facebook - maybe elsewhere (?) explaining the quiet. They've had some pretty significent personal things to deal with. They have stuff lined up and ready to go so things may well get back on track.
Seems are cynicism was unneeded and fingers crossed things are looking better on all fronts for them.
From Facebook:
QuoteThings are picking up now, and we've completed the rest of the issues of Volume Two of Shift so they're all ready to roll. Issue 7 - featuring the special Tim Sale tribute with two Elephantmen stories - is in newsagents very soon (exact date in a forthcoming post).
To make the wait worth it, we're including a bonus wide-screen presentation of Chris (Kora) Geary's fantastic Valkyries in a standalone Shift Presents pullout!
Issue 8 will follow soon after and will welcome Glenn Dakin and Phil Elliot's Man From Cancer (newly remastered!), and the brilliant Ind-xed from Fraser Campbell and Lucy Sullivan.
To The Death will reach it's cataclysmic conclusion with the end of Volume 2, with a double sized feature in issue 10.
Two Shift Presents titles - The77 and Robin Hood will finally reach newsagents (and are available to purchase now online), plus other independent titles we work with will be available over the coming weeks - Pilgrim, Storyworlds Only Hope and FAB and the final parts of Croix-Noire!
Saw that this morning, it's a terrible situation and hope things improve for them. Glad we're getting more Shift of course but yeah, you should 100% focus on your family's health over a magazine
Thanks for sharing the update. I'm hoping our continued support helps in some way.
New shift: seven months after the last, and three months after cover date (April), but it is here and it has Tim Sale goodness.
I was talking to the Shift guys at LFCC and they hope that the delayed issue will be in the shops this week or next, they hope to be back on schedule but there might be slight delays with the next couple of issues
So my sub copy of 2.7 has landed and its a curiously little read for a series that normally gives you more bang for its buck. The delay also helps us see how the individual stories stand on their own.
Elephantmen two shorts featuring Tim Sale art and they a great little stories.
Pilgrim a preview that has done nothing to impress me alas.
To the Death I think is great but is suffering from the delays. I need to reread when its finally over and it really needs to reach its conclusion.
Elena I dunno lots of STUFF happens and a bit like Pilgram I'm not too impressed
Terminal City is probably the best thing here. I say probably as again the delays are impacting. I'm intrigued enough to go back and see what's what immediately.
So yeah the dip after the first volumes continues to cut hard. The sweetener a mini comic by Chris Geary 'Valkyries' should make it all worth while. I loved Kora by Geary but this wasn't in the same league alas. I think its modelled on a Gerry Anderson style show, maybe I'm just stuck on them being the Angels from Captain Scarlet, but the nonsense action vibe cut through as well. Alas didn't work for me.
So yeah 3 issues of my sub to go and after loving this so hard when it launched I'm seriously debating whether I'll renew! I want to support this comic so much and the idea is fantastic and I have no real problem with the delays, sounds like very valid reasons. The trouble is its just not able to sustain the standards it set itself when it came out and needs to get some much stronger strips in soon.
Hi folks. Has anyone on here managed to get a reply from shift team about delayed orders? . I have tried via phone, email and messenger to no avail.
I really love this comic and I think it's great value for money. Hope it continues.
Quote from: Michael Knight on 17 August, 2023, 12:32:48 PMHi folks. Has anyone on here managed to get a reply from shift team about delayed orders? . I have tried via phone, email and messenger to no avail.
I really love this comic and I think it's great value for money. Hope it continues.
No I have given up and my experience has completely soured my attitude towards them. I would get a card refund if you are able- unfortunately I was outside the refund window so I'm just out of pocket with nothing to show for it.
Well you could knock me sideways. I got an email this morning telling me Shift 2.8 has been dispatched. I mean I'll wait to see what actually lands but could this be coming back from the dead?
If so some comms would have been nice - but guess that would have spoiled the surprise. Has a lot of work to do with the 3 remaining issues of my current sub to make me even vaguely think about resubscribing but heck who knows.
So you're saying it's going to take a lot to... ... shift your thinking on this?
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 22 March, 2024, 04:59:28 PMWell you could knock me sideways.
With a shifty stick?
I can't remember whether I still have a subscription or not. I feel like I paid for another six months at some point.
EDIT: A quick login to their web shop shows I'm paid through to Vol.3 #1, so that's four issues in credit. Glad they're getting things going again...?
My Shift 8 arrived. Here's the statement from Adrian Clarke that is included, explaining what he and his family have been through in the last few years:
QuoteDear Reader!
We just wanted to drop a note with this delivery to thank you for your patience and support. We're really pleased to finally get Issue 8 of Volume 2 out to you.
The majority of the work for Shift is done by myself - it involves working with the amazing creators, getting pieces aligned and ready to go and actually putting together and producing the end product that you read (yes - blame me if the page numbers are wrong or there are spelling mistakes)! It's a pleasure to do, but also means that the schedule can be affected by personal life...
In September 2022, my daughter was admitted to hospital unexpectedly - she was a healthy, happy and vibrant 9 year old. After medical investigation, we were told as parents the devasting news that she had Chronic Kidney Disease (Nephrotic Syndrome). Unfortunately, her condition worsened very quickly and reached End Stage Kidney Failure within a couple of months. The decision was made that to 'save her life', dialysis was our only option, which she started in January 2023.
Our next mission was finding a donor. Initial tests found that my wife and I were 'good' suitable matches for transplant. The months went by with testing, consultations, legal paperwork and everything in between! In November 2023, my kidney was transplanted into my beautiful daughter, the coming weeks were some of the most challenging.
It is important to share that although there is no cure, this is an amazing alternative treatment to dialysis and we hold hope that it lasts as long as possible. I am happy to say she is doing exceptionally well, and she's back to school. After a fairly long recovery period - 3 months directed by the medical team - I'm back at work as well.
As you can imagine, the last year and a half has seen our lives flipped upside down as a family. We are hopeful that advances in medical research mean that in time other families will not have to live through the same experience and a cure can be found.
We will be forever grateful to the medical teams at Royal Surrey County Hospital and the specialists at Evelina Children's Hospital for all their care and ongoing medical life-long support for our daughter.
So now we're back to publishing! The remaining couple of issues of the volume will follow in due course.
You're getting your subscriber copies in advance, and we'll be back on newsstands shortly. Then we've got lots of exciting stuff to share with you!
We've just added a bundle of our recent SHIFT Presents titles, which you may not have seen, to our site - Sherlock Holmes and the Empire Builders, Odd John and Mr Custa! Use the code NewShift24 to get a discount on them at https://theshift.store
If you'd like to support in any way, we've been looked after by the amazing Ronald McDonald House (round up the bill when you get your takeaway!) and the Evelina Hospital Charity. This summer, our whole family, along with friends and extended family are doing the London Bridges 7-Mile Walk in aid of Kidney Research UK, and we'd welcome any sponsorship!
https://kidneyresearchuk.enthuse.com/pf/naia-s-ninja-s
Thank you again for your support, and we hope you enjoy the latest issue!
That all sounds terrible and hope he and his family are coping as well as can be hoped.
Let's see how things are when the issue lands at Taylor Towers.