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Spoilers => Other Reviews => Topic started by: IndigoPrime on 21 June, 2019, 07:40:03 AM

Title: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: IndigoPrime on 21 June, 2019, 07:40:03 AM
Well, that was a nice surprise. I'm not sure what I was expecting from this special, and I have no experience of the original strips some of these stories were based on. But this was a breezy, well written and well illustrated comic. Although a number of strips were lightning fast origins, they worked as standalones – often moreso than those in the other specials. Surprisingly, I think this is my favourite of the specials so far this year.
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: Tomwe on 21 June, 2019, 09:59:16 AM
Smashing cover, not read it yet.
(https://dyn.media.forbiddenplanet.com/Dco28nwlkOWvVx02ugUSF6KFczw=/trim/fit-in/600x600/https://media.forbiddenplanet.com/products/c9/2f/71c627767f9ebcc089ea573d082a2cdabc5a.jpg)
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: Leigh S on 21 June, 2019, 03:48:54 PM
Yeah it's a great package - will try it out on my 10 year old daughter.  the only thing I thought was a bit of a misstep was the plot resolution of two stories being basically the same - bullying a bully makes you a bully.
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: Mardroid on 23 June, 2019, 06:22:03 PM
This arrived in the post recently. It seems I ordered it along with a bunch of other specials early this year.

I confess, this is probably the only way I would have ordered this. Misty, I can find appealing, due to the spooky horror nature of the comic, but I confess I associated Tammy and Jinty with soap operish romantic... well... girly stuff.

I'm glad I was proven wrong. Well, it IS girly stuff in the sense that it's a girls' comic, with female protagonists largely (but not exclusively) written/drawn by female creators, but that's not a bad thing* and it's actually rather good. And it has fun, scifi and adventure and a bit of spooky stuff too, not unlike certain other comics we all love.

Curiously the spookiest story I found the most predictable and unsatisfying, nice art aside,(but it wasn't bad for all that) and the one with romance was probably one of my favourites, although not so much because of the romance but it's juxtaposition to something else.

There was still a strong feeling overall, that it's not quite for me (and as a middle aged man, it largely isn't) but it was decent, and enjoyable.

And kudos for featuring a football story where the message is '[spoiler]being a striker isn't the only important position'. I don't really like football, mostly as I find watching and playing most sports very boring, but I appreciate the idea of it, and I've often felt it irritated by how idolised the goal scorers are, compared to other team-mates who are fundamental parts of the team. Always struck me as rather unfair.
[/spoiler]
*With the large caveat, that I'm not really a fan of comics being aimed at specific genders. I'm of the view a good story is a good story and it's quite possible to empathize with characters of the opposite sex, if they are well written. On the other hand, if this gets more young ladies reading and creating  comics that's no bad thing.
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: Bolt-01 on 24 June, 2019, 02:12:36 PM
I really enjoyed that. Some cracking strips and well done to the editorial team for pulling together such a solid set of strips.  Nice to see Jim trying several lettering styles and a welcome to Karl Stock on the letters too.
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: Bad City Blue on 26 June, 2019, 10:57:52 AM
Justine - Not bad, with nice art from PJ Holden
Rocky Race - Very good, best in the mag
Affirmative Action - Awful, like the worst of the original Future Shocks.
In The Cold Dark - unoriginal and rather pointless, another tired idea but nice art
Maisie's Magic Eye - An old strip that holds up well as an idea. Fun.
Speed Demons - great idea to use roller derby and a good strip, although a straight story would have been better
Duckface - A real gem this one. Understated, well written and drawn and relevant to girls of today
The Enigma Variation - looks and reads like something out of an old 2000AD annual. Okay but nothing special.
Bella At The Bar - A decent reworking of the old strip, though the art is a bit to cartoony for me.
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 26 June, 2019, 03:41:46 PM
Absolutely zero copies of this in my home town. Four newsagents checked around the town centre, including WHSMITHS. 
This, after last week's Sci-Fi Special debacle, where there were a grand total of 2 copies in WHS, both of which I bought, and then had to travel 4 miles to find a single lonely copy in another newsie- which I then also bought for Locusts, formally of this parish now ensconced back in the States. 

I spoke to the magazine guy in WHS today, and suggested that maybe if something completely sells out within five minutes of being put on the shelf,  maybe they should order some more? He acted as though this hadn't occurred to him and said he would see what he could do. This, a week and an hour after the last copy had been purchased.
I also showed him the ad for T&J in this week's prog and asked why it hadn't come in. He again looked confused, took a photo of the ad on his phone, and muttered about "calling Easons" I think. I mentioned that the earlier Cor & Buster special had been fully stocked, and indeed they still had about ten copies on the shelf last week. They've now gone, so I assume they should have been replaced with the T&J, which they weren't. 
All the while they got 10+ copies of this week's prog, and still had six or so Megs left from last week, so it's not like they don't know the brand or the distributor.
Really annoying,  as I now have to trek out to that little newsie again on the off chance. 

SBT
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: Bolt-01 on 26 June, 2019, 03:47:46 PM
SBT- it's worth it. :)
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 26 June, 2019, 03:53:16 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 26 June, 2019, 03:41:46 PM
Really annoying,  as I now have to trek out to that little newsie again on the off chance. 

You realise that if you order it from the site, Rebellion gets to keep more of the cover price and they send it to your house?
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 26 June, 2019, 04:07:32 PM
I do. However, I much prefer actually buying my comics from shops if I can. My reasoning is simply this: if I show an interest in a title, or buy it, they may well be more inclined to stock it in future, usually in greater numbers (you'd think, though today's conversation with WHS man may have knocked my confidence in this). That was there's more chance of a member of the public chancing upon a copy and buying it. That's how I started with comics, and if Mighty World of Marvel, Super Spider-Man And The Titans or indeed 2000AD had been only available direct from the publisher,  I would never have read a single copy. But yeah, if my walk to that shop tomorrow (got to keep my Samsung Health app happy and my step count up) yields no results, I will have to order one.
SBT
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 26 June, 2019, 04:17:57 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 26 June, 2019, 04:07:32 PM
But yeah, if my walk to that shop tomorrow (got to keep my Samsung Health app happy and my step count up) yields no results, I will have to order one.

Embrace the Internet laziness!
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: IndigoPrime on 26 June, 2019, 04:26:45 PM
Embrace direct support for publishers also. (I do get the 'shop' model, too, and might try that myself if there was a local indie. But we have a half-arsed Smiths and a half-arsed McColls. I don't really care for either, and they don't care for comics.)
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 26 June, 2019, 04:44:08 PM
We are old, Jim. Old.
We are on a comic website, talking about a revamped version of a girls' comic we probably would not have been seen dead reading back when comics were a thing. And now they aren't a thing, we are tearing out what little hair we have left in deciding how best to support a publisher stoically continuing it's efforts to make them a thing again. And like the old people we are, we start talking about our health. I'll tell you about my knees if you like. Maybe Rebellion should start a monthly health/ moan/ top tips/ puzzle magazine?

Indigo: You can order mags from newsagents, though I understand WHS charge you for the privilege.  Maybe a regular order would inspire them to get more for the shelf? 

SBT
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 26 June, 2019, 04:50:25 PM
My local McColls is great - (unlike the local Tharg-free Smiths) always a load of progs, three or four Megs, the Ultimate Collection and occasional specials. Best of all it tends to go out on the shelves early, so I get the UC books on the Monday or Tuesday before it's officially released.
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: IndigoPrime on 26 June, 2019, 04:56:10 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 26 June, 2019, 04:44:08 PMIndigo: You can order mags from newsagents, though I understand WHS charge you for the privilege.  Maybe a regular order would inspire them to get more for the shelf?
If the store gave the slightest shit about its customers, I might. This is the kind of store where their machine eats coins and then they claim it's fine (lesson learned: only ever pay using a card). The local McColls is slightly better, assuming you ignore their opening hours for the post office. They're at least nice to my kid when she buys something.

Like I said, if we had a nice local indie, I'd support it. I might even for Smiths or something if they knew their arse from their elbow (when asking about ordering, it's a case of "well, we might get it or we might not"). As it is, I'm happy paying Rebellion and other publishers directly.
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 28 June, 2019, 11:50:16 PM
I've just this minute put down the special, after reading it cover to cover. I didn't expect to say this, but that is *by a country mile* my favourite special edition from the 2000AD stable so far this year, or last.
Bright, breezy, never too silly or "girly" (whatever that may meam), there wasn't a weak strip in there and it really did squeeze the best out of everyone involved.
And yep, I'd very happily buy that on a semi, or even regular, basis. I hope it sells by the bucketload. 
A lot of the enthusiasm and wit in this is how I wish the prog was like more often. It very much reminded me of the comics I grew up reading, but with a touch of sophistication that kept adult me entertained throughout.  More please.

SBT
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: Colin YNWA on 08 July, 2019, 08:36:13 PM
Picked this up at my nerd shop and was finally able to finish it today. Really enjoyed it. I was impressed how the stories managed to be self contained and not feel like previews or openers so top job there.

Okay so Justine felt a little rushed but looked great.

Rocky of the Rovers was a delight and perfectly paced. Nice little twist (for want of a better) and looked wonderful. More please, much more...

Affirmatve Action was okay and the art was frustratingly close.

In the Cold Dark was the closet to not standing up on its own but looked great and had enough to make me want to see more.

Maisie's Magic Eye somehow didn't feel rushed, rather compact in an old skool way. The art wasn't there yet for me.

Speed Demon was fun.

Duckface was the pick of the none Rocky bunch, loved this one and the art was top notch.

Enigma Variations was pretty good

Bella at the Bar was also pretty good.

I've praised previous all age specials for being like The Phoenix but with a 2000ad edge to them. This one I praise for simply being like The Phoenix.

So look we have enough materials here, along with the young 2000ad stuff and other bits and bobs to make an all ages title to rival The Phoenix right, RIGHT. Come on Tharg (or which ever minnon he delegates to) be bold, take a risk with your cash (well its easy for me to say that) and make this happen.
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: Funt Solo on 08 July, 2019, 09:56:32 PM
Bought this to read with my young daughter (7).  We read (according to her instructions):

Justine: Messenger of Justice
Rocky of the Rovers
Maisie's Magic Eye
Speed Demons
Bella at the Bar

We're saving the rest for a second sitting.

Speed Demons was her favorite because she knows about Roller Derby and the idea of the evil boots was very amusing - to the extent that she explained the plot to her mom.

Rocky of the Rovers left her confused because she doesn't know soccer, so found it difficult to comprehend why midfield would be any different to striker.

---

From my perspective, great to have another comic to add to her repertoire.  She feasts on comic content at the moment and is on her third read through of the complete Bone. 
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: TordelBack on 08 July, 2019, 11:44:55 PM
This was so good in every respect that I almost don't know where to start. 

So I'll pick on In The Cold Dark: I'm an archaeologist of over 30 years standing, with a particular interest in how archaeology is represented in genre fiction, and this is by far the most accurate depiction I've ever read.  The perfect description and explanation of the 'Skull Pop' moment known and feared by all archaeologists*, the drawing board, the use of ranging rods and scale bar, even the specific look of the Finds Store: this is lived detail no re-watching of Time Team or Bonekickers is going to deliver. Hard-hats off to Matt Gibbs and V. V. Glass, that was fantastic.  How I wish I could read more of the adventures of Holly and Aimee.

Extend that wish to Justine, which despite maybe suffering a bit from being too compressed at 6 pages, was a brilliant tease for an ongoing - PJ's art and designs were terrific, Beeby's script clever (IKEA as the Labyrinth an inspired idea), and the concept definitely has legs.

Next up, Duckface. Not being down with the kids, it's hard to judge how this sharp tale plays for those actually swimming in those waters, but it definitely worked for me.

I've a soft spot for sports stories, despite having no interest in sport, and loved the fun and economy of both the Billy's-Boots-esqueSpeed Demons and intriguing spin-off Rocky of the Rovers.

I'm in danger of just praising everything now, so I might stop, but I still need to record my awe at Vanessa Cardinali's art on Bella at the Bar and Dani's on The Enigma Variation. Wow.

I noted elsewhere that my 9-year old daughter devoured the entire special in the course of a tram-ride home from the comic shop, and would love to read more.  I worried a bit that it had all passed in one eye and out the other, but chatting to her just before writing this review, she remembered every strip in detail.

Honestly, this is a great success that needs to be regularly repeated.  Bravo all.



*I had the novel sensation of being almost being relevant when i told my daughter that I'd popped many a skull myself. 
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: Dandontdare on 09 July, 2019, 12:43:09 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 26 June, 2019, 03:41:46 PM
had to travel 4 miles to find a single lonely copy in another newsie- which I then also bought for Locusts, formally of this parish now ensconced back in the States. 

You still in touch with Locusts? How the devil is he? Tell him to get his ass back on here to say hi.

As for availability, if only they'd print a handy little coupon that you could hand to your local newsie....  ;)
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: Professor Bear on 09 July, 2019, 11:57:01 AM
Looks like it's off to the online store for me for this one, which is kind of germane to my thoughts that this is a bit more important as a spin-off than the other specials, as this is explicitly aimed at a young female audience compared to all the other stuff Rebellion putting out being aimed at aging blokes - and I would argue that includes the collections of girls' comics material published so far.
This thing is going to live or die depending on its availability, so I do wish it was easier to come across.
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: Proudhuff on 11 July, 2019, 02:30:03 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 26 June, 2019, 04:44:08 PM
Maybe Rebellion should start a monthly health/ moan/ top tips/ puzzle magazine?

Can we get some colouring in pages too? oh and a star scan
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: IndigoPrime on 11 July, 2019, 03:07:17 PM
Nice to know I wasn't alone in thinking this special was the best. Even better to hear about people reading this with their kids. Alas, mini-IP (5) is too young and anti-peril for Tammy and Jinty right now. Soon, though...
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: broodblik on 11 July, 2019, 03:23:03 PM
The special was not bad but it is not really my cup of tea. I got it more of out curiosity.
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: Tjm86 on 16 July, 2019, 08:21:41 PM
I have to be honest, I was never really a massive fan of Cor or Buster back in the day.  I ordered the special bundle as it was the most cost effective way to get the various specials.

That said, I gave the Cor / Buster and Tammy / Jinty specials to my youngest daughter to peruse.  She devoured both of them.  Then came back and asked when the next ones were due out.  When I told her they were specials and I didn't know when we would see any more she was gutted.  We had a quick look at the Rebellion treasury pages and she picked out a number of GN's that she really liked the look of off the back of the specials.

So as an exercise to test the waters this one was 100% successful.  It very much looks like leaving it another 12 months before repeating the exercise might turn out to waste it mind.  There may well be a case for a monthly version at the very least of both of these titles.  Considering the garbage that inhabits the shelves of Smiths the competition is pretty much nonexistent.

Congratulations Rebellion, you have found a niche.  Now, get on and exploit it!
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: IndigoPrime on 16 July, 2019, 09:39:20 PM
Mm. It does feel like there's a lot of toe dipping, but little chance to capitalise on momentum. I also wonder about some of the timing. In hindsight, the Cor special strikes me as something that could have coincided with the summer holidays. There's not much else out there – some half-arsed Dandy reprint, and a Beano special that's nicely put together but ultimately one big story, which limits it.
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: DrJomster on 16 July, 2019, 10:19:25 PM
It went down very well with the young'uns in our household. I wonder if it would work monthly? Hard thing to gauge.

The Beano rolls in every Monday which seems to work well for keen readers.

Whatever the frequency, we'd subscribe.
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: james newell on 02 August, 2019, 09:55:00 PM
what age is it for, is it suitable for 8 to 12's, any parent with kids that age bracket check it out, is it suitable or is it an nostalgia piece for adults?
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: Colin YNWA on 02 August, 2019, 10:17:29 PM
Quote from: james newell on 02 August, 2019, 09:55:00 PM
what age is it for, is it suitable for 8 to 12's, any parent with kids that age bracket check it out, is it suitable or is it an nostalgia piece for adults?

My daughter, whose 10, loved large chunks of it. Not all but almost all. I had to persuade her to read Duckface but when she did she said it was her favourite too.
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: Professor Bear on 03 August, 2019, 01:06:03 AM
Quote from: james newell on 02 August, 2019, 09:55:00 PM
what age is it for, is it suitable for 8 to 12's, any parent with kids that age bracket check it out, is it suitable or is it an nostalgia piece for adults?

I would call the material the textbook definition of "safe" - especially relative to the Scream/Misty revivals.
I'm not sure it qualifies as a nostalgia piece, tho, as the only strips based on existing stories are hard reboots.
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: james newell on 04 August, 2019, 08:28:00 PM
Thanks Guys, i will give it a go with my niece then, she likes drawing & writing.
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: Dandontdare on 05 August, 2019, 01:23:34 PM
I didn't realise until the other weekend when I ran into Connor & Lizzie Boyle*, that Lizzie edited this special, making her Rebellions' first female editor! And  fine job she did too.



*Or "the creator of the greatest shark-based comic of the lasts decade .... and her husband" as I greeted them  :lol:
Title: Re: Tammy and Jinty
Post by: IndigoPrime on 05 August, 2019, 03:01:20 PM
She did great. I hope the special did too. Tons of the buggers left in Reading WHSmith today, buried right at the back of the kiddie comics section (behind loads of plastic shite).

It'd be interesting to know who Rebellion chose the slots they did for all these. The Cor one as a 'summer special' would have worked really nicely, IMO. (I've so far seen only a couple of those – a bunch of Dandy reprint, and a nice-looking Beano one that I didn't buy purely on the basis that it's one long story, and so that would NOT work well for mini-G and bedtime reading!)