2000 AD Online Forum

2000 AD => News => Topic started by: Timothy on 21 November, 2016, 07:00:16 PM

Title: Luke Kirby
Post by: Timothy on 21 November, 2016, 07:00:16 PM
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/2000-ad-collect-journal-luke-kirby-2017-949655
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Colin YNWA on 21 November, 2016, 07:02:02 PM
Wow great news.

What's left then?
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Timothy on 21 November, 2016, 07:04:41 PM
Outcasts and Metalzoic.  :D
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Colin YNWA on 21 November, 2016, 07:06:22 PM
Quote from: Timothy on 21 November, 2016, 07:04:41 PM
Outcasts and Metalzoic.  :D

See that's the kinda comment that gets a daft bugger like me thinking in a couple of years. "I'm sure I read somewhere that the rights for Outcasts will be up for grabs"!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Greg M. on 21 November, 2016, 07:08:59 PM
Bloody hell, they've done it! Yes!

At one stage, I'd have said it'd never happen, but after getting Zenith, Dan Dare and the banned Cursed Earth episodes back into print, it seemed quite possible. Well done, Tharg - I never doubted you!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 21 November, 2016, 07:13:45 PM
I'd love there to be more of this.

Can we have more of this, please, Tharg? The problem with the collection is that it won't actually go anywhere.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Jimmy Baker's Assistant on 21 November, 2016, 07:20:51 PM
Fantastic news, Summer Magic was great and the rest of the series perfectly acceptable so sign me up.

Hope Rebellion goes for the full hardcover treatment on this one.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: CalHab on 21 November, 2016, 08:34:40 PM
Great news. These were wonderful stories and the best of Ridgway and Parkhouse's work.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 21 November, 2016, 08:43:08 PM
Can't wait to finally read this!

I bought the odd issue of 2000AD when I was about ten and there was a story about a boy searching for his father (I think) through Hell, which is a giant beauracracy - was that Luke Kirby? Pretty sure it was a colour story, though.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Greg M. on 21 November, 2016, 08:51:42 PM
Sounds like the third story - probably the weakest, and indeed in garish colour - but the original 'Summer Magic' is a stone-cold classic. I'm really keen to read the "Old Straight Track" story again, which I recall being a real return to form - Parkhouse art rather than Ridgway, but with much more sympathetic and suitable colouring than "Sympathy for the Devil".
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 21 November, 2016, 09:00:36 PM
Jovus grud! Rebellion are on a roll!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Link Prime on 21 November, 2016, 09:20:56 PM
Great news.
Hopefully it's a complete collection- there were a few one-offs in Sci-Fi specials & Yearbooks if I recall.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: The Amstor Computer on 21 November, 2016, 10:07:05 PM
Blimey! Quite surprising, though after recent collections it perhaps shouldn't be. I wonder how the rights position was settled, but great to see it heading back to print.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: robert_ellis on 21 November, 2016, 10:24:16 PM
If you need reminding why this is such a good series here's my soon to be not-unique volume!
https://youtu.be/WZ5QlSlDZis
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Tony Angelino on 21 November, 2016, 10:29:18 PM
Good. I barely remember this story other than it was one of the few 'new' stories that I remember enjoying before jumping ship in the 1990's.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Daveycandlish on 22 November, 2016, 09:57:06 AM
Hurrah!
This is the only story I have kept the issues of (I'm a reader not a collector, due to space) so I'd love to have all this in one book.
Count me in.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: iutley on 22 November, 2016, 10:07:07 AM
Quote from: Greg M. on 21 November, 2016, 07:08:59 PM
Bloody hell, they've done it! Yes!

At one stage, I'd have said it'd never happen, but after getting Zenith, Dan Dare and the banned Cursed Earth episodes back into print, it seemed quite possible. Well done, Tharg - I never doubted you!

Has Tharg built a crack team of brand new legal droids in the past few years and not told us? Or does he just send Dredd to do his negotiating?! Rebellion are burning through that list of dream projects we all thought would never happen.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Timothy on 22 November, 2016, 10:14:11 AM
Next stop Bogie Man! Surely it deserves a reprint, and the 2000ad heritage would help it sell.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Rately on 22 November, 2016, 10:40:08 AM
Quote from: Timothy on 22 November, 2016, 10:14:11 AM
Next stop Bogie Man! Surely it deserves a reprint, and the 2000ad heritage would help it sell.

Would love to have Bogie Man collected. Loved it.

Can't wait to see the collected edition of Luke Kirby. I remember having the odd episode in my patchy collection, and loved the John Ridgway art.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: IndigoPrime on 22 November, 2016, 10:45:00 AM
The only thing I hope with Kirby is that it's collected in proper story order. The one issue with Nemesis 3 was that certain stories were filed as 'extras' despite being important to continuity. The same's true for this one. The bits from specials need to be in the right order, rather than at the back of the book.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: The Amstor Computer on 22 November, 2016, 12:34:23 PM
Reading between the lines a little here, but the quote from Ben Smith at the end of this Down the Tubes piece - http://downthetubes.net/?p=35293 - sounds very positive, and suggests everyone is on board...

Quote"Summer Magic is a wonderful story that not only pre-dates the recent 'boy-wizard' phenomenon," Ben Smith, head of books and comic books at Rebellion Publishing, commented, "but is one that deals with loss-of-innocence in a profound and sensitive way. It is fantastic to now produce the complete collection of these stories which to my mind are one of the high-water marks in 2000AD's history and are the work of two profoundly important British comics creators John Ridgway and Alan McKenzie, the latter of whom was also one of 2000AD's long-serving editors."
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 22 November, 2016, 12:52:50 PM
Quote from: The Amstor Computer on 22 November, 2016, 12:34:23 PM
Reading between the lines a little here, but the quote from Ben Smith at the end of this Down the Tubes piece - http://downthetubes.net/?p=35293 - sounds very positive, and suggests everyone is on board...

Well, they didn't announce the Zenith reprint by saying "Steve Yeowell's happy to get a bit of dosh after all these years and Grant Morrison's fucking furious about it but our legal advice suggests he hasn't got a leg to stand on, so he can fuck off", either, did they?
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Frank on 22 November, 2016, 12:55:09 PM
Quote from: Timothy on 22 November, 2016, 10:14:11 AM
Next stop Bogie Man!

Kirby, Zenith, and One-Eyed Jack are properties Rebellion have either bought or claim they always owned anyway*.

I'm not sure Wagner** would want to relinquish ownership of what he describes as his favourite character creation (http://web.archive.org/web/20130615191107/http://www.2000ad.nu/classof79/jw_interview.htm), but presumably Rebellion are open to the idea of licencing work - that must have been the deal they were proposing to DC for Metalzoic.

Maybe if Rebellion can show healthy balance sheets for properties they licenced from other publishers - like Dan Dare, Misty and Monster - they can tempt the Dan Dare Corp and DC into licencing other material they hold.


* The only recent precedent we have for Rebellion collecting already published, creator owned work is Edginton and D'Israeli's Scarlet Traces, which Rebellion bought on the condition that they gain ownership of past and future material. Rebellion collected Button Man, which apparently is creator owned, but that had already appeared in the pages of 2000ad under the aegis of a different publisher. Rebellion recently published Goldtiger, which is presumably creator owned, but that was original material.

** ... and Grant. Smith is credited as sharing copyright on the first series, but I don't think he shares ownership of the character, since he was frozen out of the Toxic series
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: The Amstor Computer on 22 November, 2016, 01:26:27 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 22 November, 2016, 12:52:50 PMWell, they didn't announce the Zenith reprint by saying "Steve Yeowell's happy to get a bit of dosh after all these years and Grant Morrison's fucking furious about it but our legal advice suggests he hasn't got a leg to stand on, so he can fuck off", either, did they?

True, though it does sound a *touch* more amicable than this quote from around the announcement of the limited edition Zenith reprint:

QuoteAnnouncing the plans for the hardback, Rebellion said: "Both Grant Morrison and Steve Yeowell have been informed of the exciting plans."

IIRC, Molch-R paid tribute to both Morrison and Yeowell in press releases/interviews at the time as well, but "been informed of the exciting plans" was pretty blunt in a way the quote from the DTT piece doesn't seem to be.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: GordonR on 22 November, 2016, 01:31:13 PM
Quote** ... and Grant. Smith is credited as sharing copyright on the first series, but I don't think he shares ownership of the character, since he was frozen out of the Toxic series

Robin Smith owns an equal share in The Bogie Man, so that'll be you talkng bollocks again.

The other two owners of The Bogie Man long ago apologised to him over the Chinatoon story that appeared in Toxic.  That story was completely redrawn by Robin, and the original Cam Kennedy version will almost certainly never see print again.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Fungus on 22 November, 2016, 02:11:27 PM
When Wagner signed my Bogie Man #1 a couple of years back he asked if I also had any copies of Chinatoon (I don't). He was on the lookout for copies himself. Any going spare?-)
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: JOE SOAP on 22 November, 2016, 02:24:08 PM
Quote from: Frank on 22 November, 2016, 12:55:09 PMI'm not sure Wagner** would want to relinquish ownership of what he describes as his favourite character creation, but presumably Rebellion are open to the idea of licencing work - that must have been the deal they were proposing to DC for Metalzoic.

Maybe if Rebellion can show healthy balance sheets for properties they licenced from other publishers - like Dan Dare, Misty and Monster - they can tempt the Dan Dare Corp and DC into licencing other material they hold.

It was cost rather than licensing that was the barrier to republishing Metalzoic. Kev O'Neil wanted to recolour the DC version and include 2000AD's black and white.

http://www.millsverse.com/home-welcome-to-the-millsverse-home-of-pat-mills-50-7/
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Frank on 22 November, 2016, 02:30:51 PM
Quote from: GordonR on 22 November, 2016, 01:31:13 PM
Robin Smith owns an equal share in The Bogie Man

Apparently not. I'd post a screen grab to back that up, but that wouldn't be classy (https://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php?topic=43932.msg937151#msg937151). You'll just have to ask for yourself.


Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: GordonR on 22 November, 2016, 03:12:04 PM
Robin Smith owns an equal share of The Bogie Man, and his current intransigence on the matter is the reason why the work is currently OOP.

But what do I know?  I don't spend my life scavenging the internet for precious scraps that make me seem like an authority.  I just know all the people involved.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: James Stacey on 22 November, 2016, 03:33:19 PM
Quote from: GordonR on 22 November, 2016, 03:12:04 PM
But what do I know?  I don't spend my life scavenging the internet for precious scraps that make me seem like an authority.  I just know all the people involved.
Coming round here with your facts. Don't you know this is the internet!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Skullmo on 22 November, 2016, 03:40:16 PM
I love the forum! Where else would I see creators slagging off the fans who pay their way!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 22 November, 2016, 03:52:31 PM
Quote from: Skullmo on 22 November, 2016, 03:40:16 PM
I love the forum! Where else would I see creators slagging off the fans who pay their way!

Can I be clear on this: because "fans pay the creators", creators should just stand by and let fans pontificate on the personal dealings, motivations of other creators even when they know the 'fan' version of events to be incorrect? Is that what you're saying?
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Frank on 22 November, 2016, 04:41:14 PM
Quote from: GordonR on 22 November, 2016, 03:12:04 PM
But what do I know?

More than the creators, apparently.


Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: GordonR on 22 November, 2016, 04:49:47 PM
I just checked with my good friend John McShane, who confirms that Robin Smith owns an equal share of The Bogie Man.

But, again, what would he know?  He's only the publisher of the original series, who put the creator-split deal together and who retains his own financial stake in the work.

Now off you beetle and find some obscure interview that says otherwise.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Frank on 22 November, 2016, 04:56:44 PM
Quote from: GordonR on 22 November, 2016, 04:49:47 PM
Robin Smith owns an equal share of The Bogie Man

"Technically not". I'm not quoting an interview. Or a friend.


Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Skullmo on 22 November, 2016, 05:11:49 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 22 November, 2016, 03:52:31 PM
Quote from: Skullmo on 22 November, 2016, 03:40:16 PM
I love the forum! Where else would I see creators slagging off the fans who pay their way!

Can I be clear on this: because "fans pay the creators", creators should just stand by and let fans pontificate on the personal dealings, motivations of other creators even when they know the 'fan' version of events to be incorrect? Is that what you're saying?

No - they should rip into them. Really nasty like. It's entertaining.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Jimmy Baker's Assistant on 22 November, 2016, 05:16:45 PM
I believe that Robbie Coltrane owns 107% of The Bogie Man but thinks Midge Ure stole the TV version from him and that's why Metalzoic is out of print.

I promise you this information didn't come from the Internet.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Frank on 22 November, 2016, 05:18:17 PM
Quote from: Skullmo on 22 November, 2016, 05:11:49 PM
It's entertaining

How dare you make light of this grave matter, where two nerds disagree over something they're not personally affected by and of which neither has any direct knowledge?


Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 22 November, 2016, 05:40:57 PM
'Grabs popcorn'
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Timothy on 22 November, 2016, 05:48:32 PM
I really do wish I hadn't taken this thread off on such a tangent. Back to Luke Kirby, folks, before it descends into unpleasantness. Sorry, all.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Woolly on 22 November, 2016, 06:14:25 PM
Luke Kirby back in print? Get in!

Hats off once again to all involved in making this a reality. You've really got a great team, Tharg  :thumbsup:
Next step, buttering up McKenzie* to write some more...



*Not literally.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: GordonR on 22 November, 2016, 06:48:27 PM
Quote from: Woolly on 22 November, 2016, 06:14:25 PM
Next step, buttering up McKenzie* to write some more...

They'd never ask him, and he'd never accept.  Alan McKenzie's had a serious downer on the prog ever since he was fired left Fleetway.  Hence his non-involvement in TPO, the Future Shock docu etc.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: ZenArcade on 22 November, 2016, 07:01:33 PM
Hang on Timothy, I've just popped (no pun intended) out and bought a bumper bag of popcorn.
I personally find this Luke Kirby thingy anodyne. If Rebellion would get their skates on and reprint Junker and Vanguard, I'd be happy!! Z
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Woolly on 22 November, 2016, 07:08:32 PM
Quote from: GordonR on 22 November, 2016, 06:48:27 PM
Quote from: Woolly on 22 November, 2016, 06:14:25 PM
Next step, buttering up McKenzie* to write some more...

They'd never ask him, and he'd never accept.  Alan McKenzie's had a serious downer on the prog ever since he was fired left Fleetway.  Hence his non-involvement in TPO, the Future Shock docu etc.

Well thats a damn shame  :( What a horrible way for it all to end.
At least there'll be this collection I guess. Cheers for the info GR.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 22 November, 2016, 07:19:32 PM
Relevant excerpt from McKenzie's website...

Quote from: Alan McKenzie on 22 November, 2016, 07:08:32 PM
...Anyway, time and 2000AD waits for no Earthlet, so I was quickly involved in a new writing project with the provisional title, "The Beast". My plan was to do a story about a boy magician set in the early 1960s and offer it to 2000AD's stablemate, Eagle Comic. But when I showed the story to editor Richard Burton, he thought it would fit just fine in 2000AD. I spent a couple of weeks writing up the script while we racked our brains trying to think of a suitable artist.
It was a few weeks down the line when the title was changed to Summer Magic (the Journal of Luke Kirby series title didn't appear until the second story) and we settled on John Ridgway as the artist. Ridgway had the luxury, seldom afforded comic strip artists, of having the entire seven episodes, with everything in place, to work from. Even the narrative voice, actually Luke as an adult remembering what had happened all those years ago, was in the script from the outset.
The first episode appeared in Prog 571, 23rd April 1988. Which means the series predated both "Harry Potter" and the tv show The Wonder Years, which I always thought the Luke Kirby series quite resembled.
What I liked about Luke Kirby is that it's a story about children for grown-ups and, of course, as I never signed an Assignment of Copyright contract with Fleetway/Egmont, the character format belongs to me.
I had always planned that Luke would grow up in real time as his story unfolded, but after a dispute with the publishers about my owning the copyright, the character went into limbo. Still copyright law is on my side, so who knows ..?
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 22 November, 2016, 07:22:26 PM
That's about eight years old, so maybe he's softened his views at least enough to allow for the reprint.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 22 November, 2016, 07:25:16 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 22 November, 2016, 07:22:26 PM
That's about eight years old, so maybe he's softened his views at least enough to allow for the reprint.

I think it's safer to assume that Rebellion's legal advice on Zenith probably extends to Luke Kirby and they're going ahead regardless of McKenzie's feelings on the matter.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 22 November, 2016, 07:32:05 PM
Ha, yeah, that's got the ring of truth to it!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: The Amstor Computer on 22 November, 2016, 07:59:05 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 22 November, 2016, 07:25:16 PMI think it's safer to assume that Rebellion's legal advice on Zenith probably extends to Luke Kirby and they're going ahead regardless of McKenzie's feelings on the matter.

Having now seen comment elsewhere, I think you may have the right of it. Teach me to read too much into a quote...
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: CalHab on 22 November, 2016, 08:27:32 PM
Both McKenzie and Ridgway outline their positions (circa 2007)  in the interview and comments on David Bishop's blog:
http://viciousimagery.blogspot.co.uk/2007/02/28-days-of-2000-ad-271-john-ridgway.html
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Spikes on 22 November, 2016, 08:39:58 PM
You can tell he doesn't like him, because he edited out his name when quoting him.

Very 1984,  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Grant Goggans on 23 November, 2016, 02:39:29 AM
This is what McKenzie posted as a public comment on my LiveJournal on Sep 4 2007:



"An issue I will take a much bigger exception to is your pronouncements about the ins and outs of British copyright law, which you state as though you had a degree in that subject. The copyright did not get signed over - as you state - when the cheque was cashed. That is not possible under European law. Copyright is only ever reassigned when the creator (that's me) signs away his rights in a legally binding contract (which I didn't).

Publishers only ever publish material to make money. Not to please fans and certainly not so kids can take my stories to school in a conveniently portable package. If they're able to publish without paying the creators, they will. But I'm not going to sit around a get ripped off in the process.

Look at it this way. You're a cab driver. I get in your cab and pay you $10 to take me downtown. The next day I get in your cab again and expect you to take me downtown again. "That's ten bucks," you (rightly) say. "No," I reply. "I already paid you yesterday."

Can you see what I did there?

Really, creators get a raw enough deal in publishing without the customers cheering on the publishers to screw the talent even more.

And people wonder why I got out of the comics business ...

On a lighter note, there probably will be more Luke Kirby stories. Possibly not in comics, but certainly not for the owners of 2000AD. But that's a story for another day ..."
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: GordonR on 23 November, 2016, 07:23:49 AM
Alan's bold stance on creators' rights gladdens the heart.

How strange, though, that he didn't try to reform a system he feels so strongly about while he was still part of 2000AD editorial.  Or that he actively enforced work-for-hire practices on other creators while apparently privately trying to ensure those same conditions didn't apply to him.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: CalHab on 23 November, 2016, 07:35:48 AM
Quote from: GordonR on 23 November, 2016, 07:23:49 AM
Alan's bold stance on creators' rights gladdens the heart.

How strange, though, that he didn't try to reform a system he feels so strongly about while he was still part of 2000AD editorial.  Or that he actively enforced work-for-hire practices on other creators while apparently privately trying to ensure those same conditions didn't apply to him.

Quite. To put it charitably, he is a bit inconsistent on the issue,
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: CalHab on 23 November, 2016, 07:47:44 AM
Ridgway, on the other hand, comes across admirably.  I'd view McKenzie in a better light if he wasn't trying to assert sole ownership at the artist's expense.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: GordonR on 23 November, 2016, 07:48:09 AM
Quote from: CalHab on 23 November, 2016, 07:35:48 AM
Quote from: GordonR on 23 November, 2016, 07:23:49 AM
Alan's bold stance on creators' rights gladdens the heart.

How strange, though, that he didn't try to reform a system he feels so strongly about while he was still part of 2000AD editorial.  Or that he actively enforced work-for-hire practices on other creators while apparently privately trying to ensure those same conditions didn't apply to him.

Quite. To put it charitably, he is a bit inconsistent on the issue,

Or him claiming the creators' rights mantle, while also saying he's the sole creator or the work, thus actively trying to screw John Ridgeway out of any participation in the rights.

Alan Moore, he ain't.

Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 23 November, 2016, 08:10:15 AM
Quote from: GordonR on 23 November, 2016, 07:48:09 AM
Quote from: CalHab on 23 November, 2016, 07:35:48 AM
Quote from: GordonR on 23 November, 2016, 07:23:49 AM
Alan's bold stance on creators' rights gladdens the heart.

How strange, though, that he didn't try to reform a system he feels so strongly about while he was still part of 2000AD editorial.  Or that he actively enforced work-for-hire practices on other creators while apparently privately trying to ensure those same conditions didn't apply to him.

Quite. To put it charitably, he is a bit inconsistent on the issue,

Or him claiming the creators' rights mantle, while also saying he's the sole creator or the work, thus actively trying to screw John Ridgeway out of any participation in the rights.

Alan Moore, he ain't.
Aye, artists seem to get frequently fucked over for creative rights.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 23 November, 2016, 08:40:48 AM
Quote from: Hawkmumbler on 23 November, 2016, 08:10:15 AM
Aye, artists seem to get frequently fucked over for creative rights.

You'd be amazed how many 'creator owned' books are actually 'writer owned' with everyone else involved on WFH contracts.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: GordonR on 23 November, 2016, 09:31:34 AM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 23 November, 2016, 08:40:48 AM
Quote from: Hawkmumbler on 23 November, 2016, 08:10:15 AM
Aye, artists seem to get frequently fucked over for creative rights.

You'd be amazed how many 'creator owned' books are actually 'writer owned' with everyone else involved on WFH contracts.

Yes.  Just remember - when you see some people banging on about creator rights, what they really mean is my rights, and they'll happily exploit other creators further down the industry food chain.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: TordelBack on 23 November, 2016, 09:39:43 AM
It seems a very odd view for a comics editor to express, that the artist isn't co-creator of a strip.  I can't help imagining what Luke Kirby would have been if Alan had asked (for example) me to draw it...  I'm not sure that a hairy stick figure chasing a small stick figure around on a backdrop of photocopied trees wouldn't quite have captured the atmosphere, sense of period and place, and believable characters that John imbued it with, no matter how many captions Alan stuck on it assuring us that it was rural Britain in the 1960s. 

Even contemporary artists who I would consider eminently suitable for this kind of low-key period-supernatural thing, for example Ranson, Burns or Ortiz, would have given us something very different from what we got.  I'd be fairly sure that it was John's specific vision as much as anything that created such a memorable story, which isn't to take away from Alan's concept and script at all.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: credo on 24 November, 2016, 02:44:30 PM
Hang on ... doesn't this mean we can now get the collected Bradley!?!?!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: CalHab on 24 November, 2016, 02:59:11 PM
I never got Bradley. I wouldn't mind taking another look at Brigand Doom, though. I liked the style of Dave D'Antiquis' work.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: credo on 25 November, 2016, 11:35:13 AM
Quote from: CalHab on 24 November, 2016, 02:59:11 PM
I never got Bradley. I wouldn't mind taking another look at Brigand Doom, though. I liked the style of Dave D'Antiquis' work.

Not very good. Art is lovely, but the story is very much a (very) poor man's V for Vendetta. Where Moore does a lot of very careful world building to pull the whole thing off, Doom relies on you having read stuff like that and not actually caring too much about understanding the nature of the state/system beyond 'it's bad'.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: IndigoPrime on 25 November, 2016, 12:03:54 PM
Bradley was amusingly anarchic, fizzing with energy, and seemingly challenging the manicness of Dr & Quinch. But from a story standpoint, it never felt that strong to me, and was too often a bit reliant on you having the same musical tastes as the writer. (Whose tastes were, as I recall, oddly similar to Roxilla's.)
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: James Stacey on 25 November, 2016, 12:07:51 PM
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 25 November, 2016, 12:03:54 PM
Bradley was amusingly anarchic, fizzing with energy, and seemingly challenging the manicness of Dr & Quinch. But from a story standpoint, it never felt that strong to me, and was too often a bit reliant on you having the same musical tastes as the writer. (Whose tastes were, as I recall, oddly similar to Roxilla's.)
It certainly never got better than this
(http://www.forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/wp2013/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/tumblr_n8gbdkbhC51temt2vo2_1280-628x862.jpg)
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: AlexF on 25 November, 2016, 12:27:39 PM
For my money, the first 4 or 5 Bradley strips, before the music thing intervened, were the equal of DR & Quinch for delightful comedy. The rest wasn't to that level but the art was always gorgeous.

I'd happily read a collected Brigand Doom in a floopy, or maybe even a digital collection. But yes, if you compare it to V for Vendetta, it falls pretty far short. I kinda liked the David Lynch vibe it had going, where it was all pretty dream-like and you could never be sure whether Investigator 9 was in the real world or lost in a drug-induced haze.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Colin YNWA on 25 November, 2016, 09:05:07 PM
I really enjoyed the first Brigand Doom story and as said Dave D'Antiquis' art was fantasticly dark and oppressive. Shame it was a case of deminishing returns as the series went on (as I recall at least), though it always remained readable.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 25 November, 2016, 09:23:41 PM
Bradley, The Clown and Armoured Gideon have to be three of the most unfairly maligned 90's thrill's i've read.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Jimmy Baker's Assistant on 26 November, 2016, 10:47:18 AM
Quote from: Hawkmumbler on 25 November, 2016, 09:23:41 PM
Bradley, The Clown and Armoured Gideon have to be three of the most unfairly maligned 90's thrill's i've read.

I liked Bradley at the time. Don't really remember The Clown, I think that was probably after I had jumped ship. Armoured Gideon was awesome, though. Such wonderful art.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: dweezil2 on 26 November, 2016, 11:15:19 AM
As Brian Glover was fond of saying, there's nowt wrong with the The Clown.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 26 November, 2016, 11:43:04 AM
Gorgeous painted art work by Robert Bliss as well.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: dweezil2 on 26 November, 2016, 11:45:48 AM
Quote from: Hawkmumbler on 26 November, 2016, 11:43:04 AM
Gorgeous painted art work by Robert Bliss as well.

Most definitely!  :thumbsup:

A story full of longing and pathos-one of my favourites from that era!  ;)
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: IndigoPrime on 26 November, 2016, 02:12:02 PM
I find it a bit surprising and disappointing we've not had any more Armoured Gideon in the Meg floppy. Mind you, it's turned into the Sin/Dex floppy these days. (I hope that changes soon. I realise the characters are popular, but I've never much cared for them. Moreover, though, the floppy's supposed to offer some variety, surely, rather than a permanent fixture?)
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Rara Avis on 16 February, 2017, 02:33:57 PM
Shut up and take my money ...

Quote from: TordelBack on 23 November, 2016, 09:39:43 AM
I can't help imagining what Luke Kirby would have been if Alan had asked (for example) me to draw it...  I'm not sure that a hairy stick figure chasing a small stick figure around on a backdrop of photocopied trees

Any more news on when this might be released?
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: dweezil2 on 16 February, 2017, 02:53:47 PM
Amazon has it down as May 4th!  :)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Summer-Magic-Complete-Journal-Kirby/dp/1781085412/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1487256710&sr=1-1&keywords=luke+kirby
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Rara Avis on 16 February, 2017, 03:17:40 PM
May the Fourth be with us!!!

This is excellent news.

Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: dweezil2 on 16 February, 2017, 03:26:12 PM
Quote from: Rara Avis on 16 February, 2017, 03:17:40 PM
May the Fourth be with us!!!

This is excellent news.

Indeed!!!  :) ;)
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Rara Avis on 16 February, 2017, 03:35:47 PM
At last! I'm not alone.

I don't understand the enduring popularity of these two characters at all.

Quote from: IndigoPrime on 26 November, 2016, 02:12:02 PM
Mind you, it's turned into the Sin/Dex floppy these days. (I hope that changes soon. I realise the characters are popular, but I've never much cared for them.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Rara Avis on 16 February, 2017, 03:41:13 PM
I probably missed the last few parts of this story.

Does the story conclude in the rest of what was published? 

Quote from: dweezil2 on 16 February, 2017, 03:26:12 PM
Indeed!!!  :) ;)
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: IndigoPrime on 16 February, 2017, 07:55:48 PM
It doesn't conclude so much as stop, but if the book runs the content in order of publication, it ends in a good place. Frankly, Luke Kirby could – and should – have run and run.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Colin YNWA on 17 February, 2017, 07:43:10 AM
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 16 February, 2017, 07:55:48 PM
It doesn't conclude so much as stop, but if the book runs the content in order of publication, it ends in a good place. Frankly, Luke Kirby could – and should – have run and run.

Yeah it would have been great if that had happened. Even though John Ridgway really owned the strip I really enjoyed Steve Parkhouse's art when he took over and would happily have seen more from him.

Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: IndigoPrime on 17 February, 2017, 09:23:08 AM
The art switch was really jarring. Ridgway's style has that realistic edge that really suited the story. Parkhouse was much more cartoony back then – although I recall his art working really nicely when Kirby was [spoiler]surrounded by demonic horrors[/spoiler].

I wonder: why did it stop? Did the end of Kirby coincide with McKenzie leaving the Prog, or did he just get fed up writing it? I mean, he did an awful lot for the Prog at the time, but this strip stood out as being properly good.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: I, Cosh on 17 February, 2017, 09:29:22 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 17 February, 2017, 07:43:10 AM
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 16 February, 2017, 07:55:48 PM
It doesn't conclude so much as stop, but if the book runs the content in order of publication, it ends in a good place. Frankly, Luke Kirby could – and should – have run and run.
Yeah it would have been great if that had happened. Even though John Ridgway really owned the strip I really enjoyed Steve Parkhouse's art when he took over and would happily have seen more from him.
I vaguely recall from my last reread that at least one of Parkhouse's stories had gorgeous watercolour art which fitted in a lot better with the bucolic gothic vibe of the story than his Big Dave style might have.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Rara Avis on 17 February, 2017, 11:58:15 AM
I'm really looking forward to reading the collected edition, it's good to know the story has a reasonable conclusion especially when it leaves the door open for either your imagination or a possible revisit.

Quote from: IndigoPrime on 16 February, 2017, 07:55:48 PM
It doesn't conclude so much as stop, but if the book runs the content in order of publication, it ends in a good place. Frankly, Luke Kirby could – and should – have run and run.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Frank on 17 February, 2017, 02:01:36 PM
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 17 February, 2017, 09:23:08 AM
... why did it stop? Did the end of Kirby coincide with McKenzie leaving the Prog?

David Bishop says he replaced McKenzie as Tharg on December 18th 1994 (http://www.2000ad.org/?zone=thrill&page=profiles&Comic=2000AD&choice=LUKEK). The last full series of Luke Kirby ran six months later, so it seems safe to assume that was an example of Bishop/McManus running something that was already in the pipeline when they assumed the Planet Of The Apes mask and overalls.

McKenzie's most recent post-mortem appearance in 2000ad was RAM Raiders (http://www.2000ad.org/?zone=prog&page=profiles&choice=989) (1996), which seems like the definition of the stuffwefoundatthebackofacupboardthatthepublishersmadeusputinthecomic mentioned in Thrillpower Overload.

His awful Chopper series and the Brigand Doom with the vampire accountant show up around the six month mark too, but I don't think McKenzie was ever commissioned to write for the comic after he left, whatever the reasons for that departure were.


Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: DarkDaysBish-OP on 17 February, 2017, 11:27:02 PM
Quote from: Frank on 17 February, 2017, 02:01:36 PM
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 17 February, 2017, 09:23:08 AM
... why did it stop? Did the end of Kirby coincide with McKenzie leaving the Prog?

David Bishop says he replaced McKenzie as Tharg on December 18th 1994 (http://www.2000ad.org/?zone=thrill&page=profiles&Comic=2000AD&choice=LUKEK). The last full series of Luke Kirby ran six months later, so it seems safe to assume that was an example of Bishop/McManus running something that was already in the pipeline when they assumed the Planet Of The Apes mask and overalls.


Nope, I said 18 December 1995 - not 1994. I was still on the Meg the. Alan and six other Egmont Fleetway staffers were made redundant in November 1994, including 2000AD;s publisher, Chris Power.

davidbishop
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: DarkDaysBish-OP on 17 February, 2017, 11:28:14 PM
John Tomlinson & Steve MacManus took over at 2000AD in November 1994, if memory serves...

db
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Frank on 17 February, 2017, 11:37:54 PM

Cheers, David.


Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: IndigoPrime on 15 March, 2017, 05:13:57 PM
Limited hardback now up (https://shop.2000ad.com/catalogue/XB625). Only 200 copies. Well, 199 now.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Greg M. on 15 March, 2017, 05:25:16 PM
And now 198. I don't often go in for the special editions (Zenith was an exception) but this one's worth pushing the boat out for.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Daveycandlish on 15 March, 2017, 06:24:08 PM
Sorely tempted by the hardback but I'd like to know the size of the book. Are we talking same size as the current softback range or same size as originally published way back when?
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: hippynumber1 on 15 March, 2017, 06:24:44 PM
And one for me.  :D
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: moly on 15 March, 2017, 06:52:03 PM
Ordered but I'm a sucker for a lovely hardback
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: CalHab on 15 March, 2017, 06:56:24 PM
One for me as well. I'm really looking forward to reading these again. It deserves to be ranked among the best things to have appeared in the prog.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Tony Angelino on 15 March, 2017, 07:23:01 PM
Ordered a copy of the hardback there. I have only a vague recollection of this story now other than I enjoyed what I read of it (apart from a one-off strip that appeared in one of the sci-fi specials). It will be good to see it again.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Arkwright99 on 15 March, 2017, 08:45:41 PM
I'll admit I'm torn on this one. On the one hand a limited hardback with exclusive John Ridgway art print is 'Whoo!" but on the other I'm not exactly rushing to put Summer Magic on my wish list. I remember liking the first series when it appeared in the Prog but I don't look back on it with the same fondness as, say, 'The VCs' or 'Meltdown Man' (which I'd love hardback editions of), so I don't know if it's an essential purchase for me despite its previous scarcity...  :-\
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 15 March, 2017, 09:02:24 PM
'Yoinks' And another volume purchased by moi!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Jimmy Baker's Assistant on 15 March, 2017, 09:35:19 PM
Yep, had to jump right on this pre-ordering the hardback bandwagon.

Summer Magic was one of the greatest 2000AD strips ever, and the sequels weren't bad either.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Rately on 15 March, 2017, 09:57:28 PM
Just ordered the limited edition hardback.

Can't wait for it to be delivered.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Tony Angelino on 15 March, 2017, 10:03:31 PM
Quote from: Arkwright99 on 15 March, 2017, 08:45:41 PM
I remember liking the first series when it appeared in the Prog but I don't look back on it with the same fondness as, say, 'The VCs' or 'Meltdown Man' (which I'd love hardback editions of), so I don't know if it's an essential purchase for me despite its previous scarcity...  :-\

Meltdown Down is probably my favourite one-off strip that 2000AD produced (in that there was never a follow up). Loved it and would definitely buy a hardback of it.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Rately on 15 March, 2017, 11:40:00 PM
Hugely excited about the hardback. I'm mostly digital nowadays, but I would safely say that I would pick up any limited edition 2000AD hardback graphic novel.

What about a nice Button Man hardback with a new Ranson cover?
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Prodigal2 on 16 March, 2017, 09:44:59 AM
So is the version to be released on 4th May only available in hardback and it's a limited run?

Apologies for what I strongly suspect are stupid questions.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: robert_ellis on 16 March, 2017, 11:22:59 AM
There's a paperback for £19.99
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Molch-R on 16 March, 2017, 12:15:16 PM
Quote from: Daveycandlish on 15 March, 2017, 06:24:08 PM
Sorely tempted by the hardback but I'd like to know the size of the book. Are we talking same size as the current softback range or same size as originally published way back when?

It should be the same size as the recent Cursed Earth Uncensored book.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: hippynumber1 on 16 March, 2017, 12:44:16 PM
Quote from: Molch-R on 16 March, 2017, 12:15:16 PM
Quote from: Daveycandlish on 15 March, 2017, 06:24:08 PM
Sorely tempted by the hardback but I'd like to know the size of the book. Are we talking same size as the current softback range or same size as originally published way back when?

It should be the same size as the recent Cursed Earth Uncensored book.

Perfect.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: IndigoPrime on 16 March, 2017, 02:16:58 PM
Quote from: robert_ellis on 16 March, 2017, 11:22:59 AM
There's a paperback for £19.99
Links below:

Limited edition hardback (200 copies; b+w Ridgeway print) — £25 (https://shop.2000ad.com/catalogue/XB625)
Paperback — £19.99 (https://shop.2000ad.com/catalogue/XB609)

I imagine the latter will be cheaper elsewhere, but for this one, I'm happy to splash out for the hardback. I'm really happy this story's being reprinted. Also, given that loads of my trades now have a nasty case of the bends, I'd like to support more hardback editions, even if they're limited and pricier.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Mardroid on 16 March, 2017, 07:30:58 PM
I was impressed by how little more the Barbados was. Okay £6.00 is significant, but when you consider hardbacks are often proportionally far higher than the paperback equivalent... I'm really tempted.

Thing is, I haven't read this before. What if I don't like it? Would the nice edition with the extra lovely print still be worth it in that eventuality? Probably not. I like nice comic art but not to that degree. It seems up my street but, it's still a bit of a chance.

Hmm.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Woolly on 16 March, 2017, 10:03:30 PM
Gah! Why am I skint right now?
Fingers crossed the hardback is still available next month...  :'(

Quote
Thing is, I haven't read this before. What if I don't like it? Would the nice edition with the extra lovely print still be worth it in that eventuality? Probably not. I like nice comic art but not to that degree. It seems up my street but, it's still a bit of a chance.

Hmm.

Get the paperback, definately. No reason to get the hardback. Noooo siree. Not at all. (cough)  ::)
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Rara Avis on 17 March, 2017, 02:22:32 PM
Just ordered my hardback copy too.

I've re-read some of this recently when I went through my old comics but I think I missed the beginning and the end. I'm pretty excited to be able to have it all in one go now.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Michael Knight on 18 March, 2017, 09:05:26 PM
Hardback ordered just the now. Really looking forward to reading this in its entirety. Remember it running in the Prog when I first started reading it regularly in the early 90s. Gutted that the bookplate edition of The Last American is sold out in the shop. This obviously passed me by whilst I was in hospital for nearly 3 months
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Mardroid on 18 March, 2017, 09:44:17 PM
Quote from: Woolly on 16 March, 2017, 10:03:30 PM
Gah! Why am I skint right now?
Fingers crossed the hardback is still available next month...  :'(

Quote
Thing is, I haven't read this before. What if I don't like it? Would the nice edition with the extra lovely print still be worth it in that eventuality? Probably not. I like nice comic art but not to that degree. It seems up my street but, it's still a bit of a chance.

Hmm.

Get the paperback, definately. No reason to get the hardback. Noooo siree. Not at all. (cough)  ::)

Heh. Joking aside, I think you're right. Someone who loves the series deserves the limited edition hardbacks more. An I'll save even more ordering the paperback elsewhere.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: AlexF on 20 March, 2017, 01:57:46 PM
I haven't re-read the whole thing ina  while, but I have pretty solid memeoires of the first strip, Summer Magic, being pure ace, while the other longer stories aren't quite to that level. But there are some single episodes here and there that are superb. And yes, the art, from both Ridgway and Parkhouse (the latter especially on 'the Old Striaght Track') that are gorgeous. But I would caution undsure buyers that the story as a whole kind of doesn't finish. I don't know if it was ever meant to, as the whole thing is set up from the off as recollections of a childhood from a now-adult wizard. There are climiactic moments here and there, but I always wanted to know more about what happens to Kirby in the 'normal' world, and was less taken by the wizard-y / devil shanenigans.

Still, Summer Magic on its own is must-have 2000AD!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: seanharry on 20 March, 2017, 02:33:51 PM
So pleased that Rebellion are doing a hardback for this, and ordered as soon as I saw it last week.

Still furious that I didn't know their was an option for a hardcover of The Last American, and I missed out :(
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: CalHab on 20 March, 2017, 02:50:31 PM
Quote from: seanharry on 20 March, 2017, 02:33:51 PM
Still furious that I didn't know their was an option for a hardcover of The Last American, and I missed out :(

There was an option for about 24 hours. I don't know why they don't print more.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Dandontdare on 20 March, 2017, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 16 March, 2017, 07:30:58 PM
I was impressed by how little more the Barbados was. Okay £6.00 is significant,

So for an extra £6 you get to read it in Barbados? Bargain!  :D

I'm not sure about this - I may need to have browse before deciding if to buy it - I remember quite enjoying it back in the day but it was never one of my top thrills. Even pre-Hogwarts it seemed a bit of a cliche (I seem to remember at the time thinking it was a rip-off of the Dark is Rising  books) Looked lovely though.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Mardroid on 20 March, 2017, 06:01:47 PM
Heh! I totally missed that! Even with going and cleverer-than-it-thinks autocorrect on my phone, i don't know how 'hardback' became 'Barbados'!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Mute77 on 21 March, 2017, 08:46:49 AM
Just ordered this..i never read the original series so im quite looking forward to it!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Woolly on 01 April, 2017, 06:20:36 PM
Yes! Hardback still available and ordered. Count one more happy squaxx!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: IndigoPrime on 02 May, 2017, 09:56:27 AM
The post arrived this morning shortly before an email to say my copy of Summer Magic had been dispatched. And it was said copy of the book. Only had a quick look, but all seems in order. 16/200 in my case, apparently, which means 15 people were somehow quicker off the mark. Looking forward to reading this one.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Timothy on 02 May, 2017, 12:02:16 PM
Number 74 for me.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: seanharry on 02 May, 2017, 01:29:35 PM
Number 65 for me.

Still bummed out that I missed out on the HC of The Last American.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: hippynumber1 on 02 May, 2017, 01:44:18 PM
126 for me; how the hell is that so high, it's not like I was slow off the mark? Ho hum. I also have two of the signed prints so, if you have copy 122, I have yours! Drop me a pm and we'll sort out posting it on to you.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Rara Avis on 02 May, 2017, 03:42:43 PM
I have not received an email to say my order has been despatched. Has everyone else?
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Timothy on 02 May, 2017, 03:46:52 PM
I got the book but no dispatch email.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Rara Avis on 02 May, 2017, 03:51:32 PM
Ah ok, I guess I can expect it any day now so.

Exciting times!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Tony Angelino on 02 May, 2017, 06:51:40 PM
I didn't get despatch email but I got the book and print today. Better that than the other way round I suppose.

Its a nice book, thicker than I thought it would be. There will be about half of it I haven't read before and it will look well on the shelf when I've finished reading it.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Tjm86 on 02 May, 2017, 06:56:42 PM
Aye, 'tis a thing of beauty to be sure.  Rebellion seem to have woken up to this and are finding ways of making it appealing even though it might be part of a wider collection already.  Ridgeway and Parkhouse's artwork is sublime and for me this shows why I don't hold Rowling in much regards.  Far superior.

When they emailed about the Last American bookplate balls up they said that they were looking at the problems with the dispatch emails since the same thing happened with the 40th Anniversary prog.  Looks like they've decided to dispense with them, at least for now anyhoo.  Not a loss.  Nice surprise.  Also the packaging is much better this time round.

And yes is does look good on the shelf with the rest of Rebellion's recent offerings.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Woolly on 02 May, 2017, 07:30:18 PM
No email, but the book turned up. Somehow I got number 12, so im guessing these have been randomly selected. No way was I the twelfth to place an order!

And yes, the book is absolutely stunning!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Geoff on 02 May, 2017, 10:38:53 PM
I have the email but no book...wish it was the other way round...
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Rately on 03 May, 2017, 12:22:57 AM
167 for me.

Lovely stuff. As others have said, it will look lovely on the book shelf when I've got around to reading it.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: CalHab on 03 May, 2017, 10:30:21 AM
I got mine yesterday but only received the email today. It really is a lovely thing and John Ridgway's art is even better than I remember. Well done to everyone at Rebellion.

I'm not sure the numbering is in any order. I must have been one of the earlier orders, and my copy is 160-something.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: IndigoPrime on 03 May, 2017, 11:11:45 AM
On having a longer look yesterday, it's good to see the ordering's done correctly, that the collection is complete, and that the repro is as good as can be expected. There's a little moire here and there, but mostly the imagery looks as it should. The paper feels oddly thin to my hands, but doesn't show through anything from the reverse side. There's a touch of warping to the pages as a whole, but nothing too bad. Print is crisp and clear.

Moreover, it's interesting to see how many of the 'we will never see this' stories are now out. We have the full set of Zenith and Luke Kirby; Burger Wars is in the wild; and many more obscure titles are seeing print. In an ancient suggestions thread (http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php?topic=2678.msg23210#msg23210) from – gulp! – 2002(!), I listed:

Quote
Firekind
Revere
The complete Zenith (yeah, like that'll _ever_ happen)
Not Finn, as it was total poo
Dante, right from the start, in as few books as possible
Button Man (yeah, it's creator-owned, but so what?)
Stront Dog - The Killing
Luke Kirby

(Sorry, Finn fans.) Bar a lack of John Smith love and Finn, everything else has seen print – and even those other titles have come out in some way (in Extreme Editions or Meg floppies). That said, I would love a Firekind trade, with corrected episode order. Perhaps it'd be good to release at the same time as the Avatar sequel, next December!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: TordelBack on 03 May, 2017, 11:18:23 AM
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 03 May, 2017, 11:11:45 AM
That said, I would love a Firekind trade, with corrected episode order. Perhaps it'd be good to release at the same time as the Avatar sequel, next December!

Pretty sure we were arguing this for the original DVD release!  But yes, yes and thrice yes. A bumper John Smith hardback would tickle the old receptors (even aside from the good odds on representation in the Hachette series if it comes to pass).
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Prodigal2 on 03 May, 2017, 12:45:38 PM
Looking forward to reading this though I must confess a moral lapse since I had already pre-ordered it on Amazon. I cancelled that this morning and bought it from Tharg.

I feel cleaner now.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Max Headroom on 03 May, 2017, 01:08:03 PM
Just wondering why the 2000ad Yearbook 1994 story 'Trick or Treat' was omitted? (I really hate it when things are not complete).
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: IndigoPrime on 03 May, 2017, 01:27:58 PM
Trick or Treat is in there, unless I'm hallucinating right now.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Timothy on 03 May, 2017, 01:35:38 PM
Yup, it's just after the Sympathy for the Devil prologue. On the subject of not being complete though, it would have been nice to have included the covers.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Rara Avis on 03 May, 2017, 03:35:28 PM
I got the email this morning so one way or another my order is in the post.

Re: Firekind (one of my all time favourite stories) this was reprinted in chronological order in an Extreme Edition. Was there more to the story after the initial run? I'm trying not to get my hopes up but this could be the greatest news I've heard this century ....
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: SIP on 03 May, 2017, 03:46:21 PM
....no more that I can remember.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Rara Avis on 03 May, 2017, 03:53:08 PM
What exactly do you mean by this?

Quote from: IndigoPrime on 03 May, 2017, 11:11:45 AM
That said, I would love a Firekind trade, with corrected episode order.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: IndigoPrime on 03 May, 2017, 04:02:07 PM
As in, I'd like the Extreme Edition, but as a proper book. Perhaps I should just get one of those places to do a custom one for the shelf, from some EEs!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Mute77 on 03 May, 2017, 06:22:43 PM
Number 56 for me, the book does indeed look lovely. This came in much better packaging so no chance of corner dents. Cant wait to read it!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Jimmy Baker's Assistant on 03 May, 2017, 06:36:30 PM
Number 149 checking in.

Read the whole book yesterday in one sitting. It really is a lovely thing, and the strips themselves are pretty much uniformly excellent. Well done, Tharg, another triumph!

For me, these hardback special editions are very appealing. Not sure what should come next, though. I'd snap up Firekind, as I haven't ever read it. Top of my deluxe wishlist is probably Slaine The King. I'd hold up Fabry's work on that run as probably the greatest artwork 2000AD has ever published. Mills was on fine form too. Killing Time would be a close second. Button Man creeps in at third, just edging out Bad Company.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: moly on 03 May, 2017, 06:38:55 PM
Received mine yesterday and it is a lovely hardback it they carry on doing them like this I'm going to even more skint than normal
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Woolly on 03 May, 2017, 07:21:15 PM
Just up to The Old Straight Track, and everything is just sublime! I'd only ever read the one-off where Luke confronts his bullys before, so this is all new to me.

Can't recommend this book enough, just a shame John Ridgeway wasn't asked to continue the story.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: robert_ellis on 03 May, 2017, 07:50:53 PM
This might be the best looking book Rebellion have ever put together. I love the endpapers & cover. The art looks a bit darker than in the prog and is all the spookier for it. Ridgway & Parkhouse's are is stunning.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Geoff on 04 May, 2017, 12:14:53 PM
Number 40 has arrived safely. It's a lovely book and bigger than I expected. Cover looks like it was painted on canvas.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Greg M. on 04 May, 2017, 02:30:21 PM
Quote from: robert_ellis on 03 May, 2017, 07:50:53 PM
The art looks a bit darker than in the prog and is all the spookier for it.

I noticed this too, and it's a bit of a double-edged sword. It benefits 'Sympathy for the Devil', which was a bit lurid at times in its original incarnation - this edition takes the edge off that somewhat. 'The Old Straight Track', however, with its explorations of the countryside, would probably benefit from being brighter. Nonetheless, it's still a smashing book.

(Mine is number 36, if we're keeping track.)
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Rara Avis on 04 May, 2017, 06:14:44 PM
Ah gotcha! Even though I have the comics it originally appeared in and the Extreme Edition I would also buy this again as a proper book.

Quote from: IndigoPrime on 03 May, 2017, 04:02:07 PM
As in, I'd like the Extreme Edition, but as a proper book. Perhaps I should just get one of those places to do a custom one for the shelf, from some EEs!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: The Corinthian on 04 May, 2017, 09:24:15 PM
Quote from: Rara Avis on 03 May, 2017, 03:53:08 PM
What exactly do you mean by this?

Quote from: IndigoPrime on 03 May, 2017, 11:11:45 AM
That said, I would love a Firekind trade, with corrected episode order.

One episode of Firekind was accidentally left out of its original run, and ended up being published the week after the series had ended.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: The Adventurer on 04 May, 2017, 09:43:03 PM
I personally thought there was a missed opertunity to rereprint Firekind bundled in the Leatherjack collection.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 05 May, 2017, 12:04:55 AM
Quote from: robert_ellis on 03 May, 2017, 07:50:53 PM
This might be the best looking book Rebellion have ever put together. I love the endpapers & cover. The art looks a bit darker than in the prog and is all the spookier for it. Ridgway & Parkhouse's are is stunning.

Quite cross I didn't order one of these now!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: JOE SOAP on 05 May, 2017, 12:17:52 AM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 05 May, 2017, 12:04:55 AMQuite cross I didn't order one of these now!

You still can, Jim. Go on...do it (https://shop.2000ad.com/catalogue/XB625).
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: TordelBack on 05 May, 2017, 10:40:46 AM
Oh feck this, I'm in. If I can't get to Enniskillen, I may as well spend some of the OT on something as nice-looking as this. Ordered!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: TordelBack on 05 May, 2017, 10:54:54 AM
And threw in a copy of The Mighty One to offset horrid P&P (a bit). Presume international postage will be almost free after Brexit, once all that awful common market redtape is gone?
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Woolly on 05 May, 2017, 06:32:10 PM
Just finished it all - quite simply one of the best series ever to see print in the prog. Just jaw-droppingly stunning throughout.
Wasn't convinced when I first saw Steve Parkhouse's take, but his work The Old Straight Track won me over. Truly beautiful artwork.
If Tharg could sort things out with Alan McKenzie and get him writing for the prog again, and get John Ridgeway back on art duties, I would probably be the happiest squaxx in the world.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: IndigoPrime on 05 May, 2017, 08:02:25 PM
It's also so much better than anything else McKenzie did for 2000 AD. Hard to know why. Did he just put more effort into this one, or gel with it in a manner he didn't with his other work?
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Woolly on 05 May, 2017, 08:30:28 PM
For me it's the overall coherence of the ideas throughout the story. It never feels like it's been written on the fly, and suggests there was alot more plot already mapped out that we haven't had a chance to see yet.
The collection certainly reads more like an introductory book for a much longer series.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Greg M. on 05 May, 2017, 08:57:39 PM
Quote from: Woolly on 05 May, 2017, 08:30:28 PM
For me it's the overall coherence of the ideas throughout the story. It never feels like it's been written on the fly, and suggests there was alot more plot already mapped out that we haven't had a chance to see yet.

That said, there's an interesting continuity glitch in Trick or Treat / Sympathy for the Devil. The idea that Luke's dad was taken away by a demon doesn't tie in at all with The Night Walker, in which Luke strongly implies he saw his father's body. Moreover, if from Luke and his mum's perspective, his dad had simply disappeared one day (and has only been gone four months at the time of Summer Magic) they surely wouldn't automatically assume he was dead. Even the police refer to him as dead. (You could, of course, come up with magical explanations for all this, but still.)
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Woolly on 05 May, 2017, 09:43:38 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 05 May, 2017, 08:57:39 PM
Quote from: Woolly on 05 May, 2017, 08:30:28 PM
For me it's the overall coherence of the ideas throughout the story. It never feels like it's been written on the fly, and suggests there was alot more plot already mapped out that we haven't had a chance to see yet.

That said, there's an interesting continuity glitch in Trick or Treat / Sympathy for the Devil. The idea that Luke's dad was taken away by a demon doesn't tie in at all with The Night Walker, in which Luke strongly implies he saw his father's body. Moreover, if from Luke and his mum's perspective, his dad had simply disappeared one day (and has only been gone four months at the time of Summer Magic) they surely wouldn't automatically assume he was dead. Even the police refer to him as dead. (You could, of course, come up with magical explanations for all this, but still.)

I read that as meaning [spoiler]there was a body, but his soul was trapped in hell. Hence '..he doesn't belong alive, either. He's dead and he has to go on.'[/spoiler]
Also, the Sympathy for the Devil prologue makes it clear that [spoiler]astral projection is a power the Alchemists have, which may explain how a body could be left behind.[/spoiler]
That said, the art makes it pretty clear that [spoiler]the demon has literally taken Luke's dad through to hell[/spoiler]. Maybe [spoiler]the witch didn't have all the info, and was making it up a bit?[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Greg M. on 05 May, 2017, 09:51:55 PM
Quote from: Woolly on 05 May, 2017, 09:43:38 PM
Also, the Sympathy for the Devil prologue makes it clear that [spoiler]astral projection is a power the Alchemists have, which may explain how a body could be left behind.[/spoiler]

Fair points all. This is probably the explanation that works best, though as you say, that's not how it's drawn. Dramatic license on the witch's part then. To me, it feels like McKenzie's plans changed between the (excellent) Sympathy prologue and Trick or Treat: the story being set up by the former seems a lot more chilling and exciting than how it actually panned out.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Rara Avis on 05 May, 2017, 10:40:39 PM
Quote from: The Corinthian on 04 May, 2017, 09:24:15 PM
One episode of Firekind was accidentally left out of its original run, and ended up being published the week after the series had ended.

(https://media.giphy.com/media/umuDPcy78IbkY/giphy.gif)

Sorry, I just couldn't help myself.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Prodigal2 on 06 May, 2017, 10:18:09 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 05 May, 2017, 10:40:46 AM
Oh feck this, I'm in. If I can't get to Enniskillen, I may as well spend some of the OT on something as nice-looking as this. Ordered!

A last minute no-go on Enniskillen and how I wish I had made the same choice as you now TB.

Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: CalHab on 07 May, 2017, 10:22:24 PM
I've just finished the book, and it really was as good as I remembered. John Ridgway's art is incredibly evocative. Wonderful.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: CalHab on 08 May, 2017, 08:12:08 AM
Thinking on it a bit more, Sympathy For the Devil does seem a bit of a misfit. It seemed fine to me back when I was reading it in the prog, but it jars when you read the rest of the series. I like the Parkhouse art, and it is some of his best work, but he doesn't seem to be able to decide whether it is set in the 60s or 90s. Is this deliberate? The rural setting of the other series is abandoned for a predominantly urban one, and the tone is totally different. I can see why they went back to the countryside for The Old Straight Track.

I'm glad that the book confirmed my fond memories of reading it in the prog, though. One of the best collections Tharg has put out, in my opinion.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Woolly on 08 May, 2017, 08:53:53 AM
Quote from: CalHab on 08 May, 2017, 08:12:08 AM
.. he doesn't seem to be able to decide whether it is set in the 60s or 90s. Is this deliberate?

I'm guessing you mean the nightclub bits? Again, I'm reading stuff into this but I just took it as a joke towards crap 90s dance music. 'So bad it must come from hell' kinda thing.
There's the one panel of Luke [spoiler]reading Kim's fortune which shows the car crash, definately in the future.[/spoiler]

One question I have - When Luke first meets 'Jack' in the shop, he's given some chocolates for his Mum. She definately looks like the name Jack means something to her... wonder where that story thread was going?

I do agree that the tone feels a little bit off in 'Sympathy for the Devil', but maybe thats the point?
A harsh, horrible concrete world of demons, that no respecting alchemist would ever want anything to do with?
Again, I'm reading alot into this...
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Greg M. on 08 May, 2017, 12:49:59 PM
Quote from: CalHab on 08 May, 2017, 08:12:08 AM
Thinking on it a bit more, Sympathy For the Devil does seem a bit of a misfit. It seemed fine to me back when I was reading it in the prog, but it jars when you read the rest of the series.

Sympathy is a curate's egg of a story - individual bits are good, but it doesn't hang together that well in its own right, let alone in context. For instance, Elias warns Luke that Jack's just running him through Hell, hoping Luke will eventually slip up, and indeed Jack deliberately blasts Luke into an abyss (I do love the panel of Jack breathing fire - very sinister.) However, at the end, Jack comes to help Luke deal with his father's captor, apparently wanting to eliminate an ambitious underling, and the two part as chums. He tried to kill you, Luke - why don't you think he's a bad guy? (None of this really ties into the much more Dennis Wheatley-ish prologue either.) Luke and Kim's ages also seem inconsistent – at one point, Luke says he's been flying since he was nine, but he's nine when he says it, because his tenth birthday's in 'The Old Straight Track'. (He also makes a comment about Kim that seems a little mature for a boy his age.) Kim, meanwhile, seems to be Luke's age to begin with, but by '...Track' he's referring to her as older, in comparison with the Chinese sorceress he meets.

That said, I do think '...Track' pulls the series right back on... well, track. I'm not keen on the last episode ([spoiler]I'd prefer it hadn't all been a test[/spoiler]) but it would have been very interesting to see where the series might have gone next.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: CalHab on 08 May, 2017, 01:50:38 PM
Quote from: Woolly on 08 May, 2017, 08:53:53 AM
I'm guessing you mean the nightclub bits? Again, I'm reading stuff into this but I just took it as a joke towards crap 90s dance music. 'So bad it must come from hell' kinda thing.
There's the one panel of Luke [spoiler]reading Kim's fortune which shows the car crash, definately in the future.[/spoiler]

One question I have - When Luke first meets 'Jack' in the shop, he's given some chocolates for his Mum. She definately looks like the name Jack means something to her... wonder where that story thread was going?

I do agree that the tone feels a little bit off in 'Sympathy for the Devil', but maybe thats the point?
A harsh, horrible concrete world of demons, that no respecting alchemist would ever want anything to do with?
Again, I'm reading alot into this...

Well, there's that (and Alan McKenzie was fond of throwing in dance music references) but also the clothes and haircuts look far more 90s than 60s in "Sympathy...".

That's before you get to the fact that Jack Hobb is quoting Stones lyrics that hadn't been written yet.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: CalHab on 08 May, 2017, 01:57:20 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 08 May, 2017, 12:49:59 PM
Luke and Kim's ages also seem inconsistent – at one point, Luke says he's been flying since he was nine, but he's nine when he says it, because his tenth birthday's in 'The Old Straight Track'. (He also makes a comment about Kim that seems a little mature for a boy his age.) Kim, meanwhile, seems to be Luke's age to begin with, but by '...Track' he's referring to her as older, in comparison with the Chinese sorceress he meets.

The Chinese sorceress is referred to as being an adult by Luke, which is a bit odd. I can only assume that she is only a little older than Luke, and that he simply views everyone more than a couple of years his elder as "old", otherwise her interest in him is... inappropriate.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Greg M. on 08 May, 2017, 02:05:24 PM
I do like the fact that the pair are basically Tigerlily and the Conjurer from 'Rupert Bear' though.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: CalHab on 08 May, 2017, 02:11:05 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 08 May, 2017, 02:05:24 PM
I do like the fact that the pair are basically Tigerlily and the Conjurer from 'Rupert Bear' though.

Ha! I hadn't thought of that, but you're right.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Andy B on 12 July, 2017, 01:12:25 AM
I just got the paperback version of this, and surprised to find that it's BIG. That is, same size as a hardback.

Just thought I'd mention it in case anybody's getting this for anal same-size-as-the-others reasons: might as well get the HC.

So it's got a bit of a Yearbook feel... The art is absolutely gorgeous: can't wait to read it.

No mention of Dr Who in the John Ridgway biography. Fail!
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: sheridan on 12 July, 2017, 09:58:47 AM
Quote from: CalHab on 08 May, 2017, 01:50:38 PM
Well, there's that (and Alan McKenzie was fond of throwing in dance music references) but also the clothes and haircuts look far more 90s than 60s in "Sympathy...".

That's before you get to the fact that Jack Hobb is quoting Stones lyrics that hadn't been written yet.


Surely that's because Jack hadn't sold the lyrics to the Stones yet (in exchange for their souls, etc).
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: The Adventurer on 29 July, 2017, 06:10:55 AM
Has anyone else notice the Summer Magic collection seems to have vanished from the eShop? I mean, I already have my copy but I went looking for creator credits and noticed it MIA, even with a search.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: Mute77 on 29 July, 2017, 07:31:51 AM
Yeah i just looked and couldnt find it which is a bit weird..glad i got the hc when i did.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: TordelBack on 29 July, 2017, 10:23:39 AM
Aye, one of the best spur-of-the-moment purchases I've ever made. I only really remembered the perfect first story, and I was delighted to find that there was so much more, and all of it good-to-great. A real lost treat of a read, and a gorgeously produced volume.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: IndigoPrime on 29 July, 2017, 04:25:31 PM
Still available on Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Summer-Magic-Complete-Journal-Kirby/dp/1781085412/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1501341842&sr=8-3&keywords=summer+magic) and Wordery (https://wordery.com/summer-magic-alan-mckenzie-9781781085417?cTrk=NTY2OTAzMTZ8NTk3Y2E4YzU4OGJlNToxOjE6NTk3Y2E4YWFjYmQzYzQuMTk5ODI5OTI6YzIzZTkwYTc%3D) at the time of writing, if anyone still needs a copy.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: The Adventurer on 29 July, 2017, 05:14:36 PM
I suspect its an error. As its not been out very long, and I don't know what voodoo licensing deal Rebellion made but it'd be crazy if it was actually that short of a time period. Even if the physical copy was sold out, you should still be able to buy it digitally.
Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: JOE SOAP on 29 July, 2017, 05:33:17 PM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 29 July, 2017, 06:10:55 AM
Has anyone else notice the Summer Magic collection seems to have vanished from the eShop? I mean, I already have my copy but I went looking for creator credits and noticed it MIA, even with a search.


Both paperback and hardback are in the 2000AD shop: https://shop.2000ad.com/series/story/summer-magic

Title: Re: Luke Kirby
Post by: The Adventurer on 29 July, 2017, 05:47:02 PM
Its not listed under Graphic Novels > More Titles. Nor does it appear if I search 'Summer Magic' or 'Luke Kirby' in the search bar.


I can find it if I go through my own purchase history however. So it's still on the site, but unlisted