I received a lovely pdf last night from Molch-R. Read it straight away despite telling myself I would save trading the Sci-Fi Special for a trip somewhere... I may still do that anyway.
It is a good issue not a clunker in sight in my opinion. Nice mix of characters and styles. Plus the Rogue story caters for anyone who doesn't know his back story.
No preview pics in this at the moment. I haven't checked which pages they don't mind me sharing. Will update you later on that.
Link here - http://judgetutorsemple.wordpress.com/2014/05/15/2000ad-sci-fi-special-2014/
Finished this on my phone so ugly link.
I WANT IT NOW.
I've just realised that I've booked a family summer holiday, our first proper one since everything went to shite in 2010, specifically to read this Special on. The subconscious is a dangerous thing!
I wasn't going to ask for a Preview copy but when it arrived I couldn't help myself!!!
But I am going to a wedding in Wales next month n might take my paper copy to read on the way n give the driver a rst from my voice... :)
I'm going to buy it to take on holiday as I would have done as a child.
Can't wait to see it on the shelves, stonking cover inbound!
(http://judgetutorsemple.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/2000ad-sci-fi1.jpg)
hmm - anyone think that visor glare gives Dredd a rather smiley appearance?
Apologies for those (most?) who noticed but that isn't the cover - just a placeholder.
Teaser aye.
Every preview I've read describes Fay Dalton's Anderson pin-up as gorgeous; I can't believe a centrefold is the main reason Tharg will be debiting my account in eleven days time. Some more titbits here (http://downthetubes.net/?p=15296), including an interesting explanation of why special Summer editions of UK comics eventually died out.
Here's the cover, not to my taste at all I'm afraid...
(http://i1.wp.com/downthetubes.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/2000AD-Sci-Fi-Special-2014w.jpg?resize=620%2C816)
You negative git ::)
It's not the George (Best), I'll admit, but a Summer Special and a Sci fi after all these years, I feel a tear welling up at the side of my eye. Z
Quote from: ZenArcade on 17 May, 2014, 12:30:50 PM
It's not the George (Best)
Funny you should say that; the composition's an inversion of this image of the other four Beatles:
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0a/Withthebeatlescover.jpg)
... with the shadowing on the four faces coming from the time tunnel graphic that's been bunged in behind them (for no obvious reason) instead of coming from one side. It's like a mish mash of old tropes (http://www.2000ad.org/covers/2000ad/hires/667.jpg) from Steve Cook (http://www.2000ad.org/covers/2000ad/hires/772.jpg)'s graphic cover designs (http://www.2000ad.org/covers/2000ad/hires/722.jpg). It looks in-house, so I suppose that at least kept the cover price down, and it does a job.
What's with the bloody smudging?
I don't see any online versions without the smudging, and don't get the reference if it's deliberate.
PYE-01 have a shaving accident ?-)
It's not Pye.
The cover artist is mentioned on the link Sauchie posted, which has a link to his dA gallery.
http://superconvoy75.deviantart.com/
Didn't hit Sauchie's link, keeping the content as a greater surprise come release...
PYE-01 comment had a smiley, wild guess on my part.
Best steer clear of the Meg as well then...
Don't worry, Fungus; I posted it and didn't bother following the link to his deviant art page. As well as the Saul Bass inflected advertising work he's produced, Biggie's done some covers for IDW which look great. I can see why he got the gig:
(http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s410/sauchieboy/6b5968ca-053d-4e1a-b009-4122d15ed346.jpg?t=1400345188)(http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s410/sauchieboy/5356d50f-3612-45d2-ae32-001a068c416c.jpg?t=1400345119)
Love the idea of this SS, however that cover is looks like it wouldn't get a placing in a Art comp on this very board, poor show, it doesn't scream Summer Special too me. Mind you the contents look beezer!
Hmm. The stuff in his gallery is, almost without exception, really good - but the Special cover is... decidedly less so. Unfamiliarity/uninterest with the source material, perhaps?
Quote from: Steve Green on 17 May, 2014, 05:20:04 PM
Best steer clear of the Meg as well then...
Ugh, it heavily previews the content then? Then that's real filler. Which Meg readers would need arm-twisting to pick up the 'Special? Full page ad acceptable at most.
Beats articles on Marvel UK, Godzilla and Beeby though :o
There are four pages about the Summer Special.
Is it in the shops yet? its pishing down in Edinbra and CBA with the trip to FP :D
Quote from: Fungus on 19 May, 2014, 04:23:32 PM
Beats articles on Marvel UK, Godzilla and Beeby though :o
Wash your dirty mouth out!
Any idea as to why what was announced as a "Summer Special #1" is now "Sci-Fi Special 2014"?
SBT
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 17 May, 2014, 12:30:18 PM
You negative git ::)
'
call me olde fashioned but that artwork looks like someone's spilt their tea on it :-X
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 26 May, 2014, 03:30:19 PM
Any idea as to why what was announced as a "Summer Special #1" is now "Sci-Fi Special 2014"?
There were many Sci-Fi Specials (http://www.2000ad.org/?zone=covers&page=other&choice=scifi), but only one Summer Special (http://www.2000ad.org/?zone=covers&page=other&choice=summer). Rebellion are hoping to make this and the Winter Special regular fixtures again, so I suppose they want to frame the Sci-Fi Special as a continuation of a tradition, rather than the second in a series of one-offs.
Yup a branding issue I should think. I woulda bought it either way but the title made me smile.
this and the prog shall be my companions on the poophole that is Blackburn station tomorrow :D
Secured mine and locked it away until for one month. My Sci-Fi Specials must only be read in tents, it's an inviolable law.
Quote from: mogzilla on 27 May, 2014, 06:57:17 PM
this and the prog shall be my companions on the poophole that is Blackburn station tomorrow :D
The Queen arrived by train last month, so it should still be fairly clean and freshly painted. Still grim though, especially since they've dug up the boulevard and demolished the markets.
admittedly its not as bad as it was when I was living there as a student nurse bloody draughty Victorian roof getting shit on by the swarm of starlings that roosted there...
and the Vulcan pubs gone!!! :o
Quote from: Dandontdare on 27 May, 2014, 07:46:10 PM
Quote from: mogzilla on 27 May, 2014, 06:57:17 PM
this and the prog shall be my companions on the poophole that is Blackburn station tomorrow :D
The Queen arrived by train last month, so it should still be fairly clean and freshly painted. Still grim though, especially since they've dug up the boulevard and demolished the markets.
Have they got round to filling in those four thousand holes yet, though?
blackburns one big hole tbh ;) great comic shop though "the batcave" I shall bob in after my meeting.
Is this coming to digital or do I need to hunt down a paper copy?
Forbidden Planet Belfast are reporting a non-arrival.
Help me. Please help me.
Quote from: Prodigal2 on 28 May, 2014, 10:02:20 AM
Forbidden Planet Belfast are reporting a non-arrival.
Help me. Please help me.
I could grab one here and send it up, Prodigal? No shortage in Easons Tallaght.
It's not in the app! 'Gargles of indignation'
Quote from: TordelBack on 28 May, 2014, 10:19:31 AM
Quote from: Prodigal2 on 28 May, 2014, 10:02:20 AM
Forbidden Planet Belfast are reporting a non-arrival.
Help me. Please help me.
I could grab one here and send it up, Prodigal? No shortage in Easons Tallaght.
Dear God but you are a beautiful man TordelBack. Thank you for that very kind offer.
Early days TB. I was assured by another member of staff on Monday that they would be stocking it and that they would set aside a copy for me. It is not beyond the pale that a wind-up is in place as I have not been physically present in the shop. I will await the reports of the Norn Iron contingent and proceed from there.
Thanks again for that offer though fella. Greatly appreciated.
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 28 May, 2014, 10:32:23 AM
It's not in the app! 'Gargles of indignation'
It's up on the shop/clickwheel now.
Quote from: The Cosh on 28 May, 2014, 12:58:18 PM
It's up on the shop/clickwheel now.
And yet my doormat remains bereft — BEREFT, I say! — of this fine publication.
It's a national scandal. I blame the immigrants.
Cheers
Jim
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 28 May, 2014, 01:24:38 PM
It's a national scandal. I blame the immigrants.
Not
everything is Richmond's fault.
Most things, obviously.
This is a complete no-show in Leeds. None in WHSmiths, Forbidden Planet had never even heard of it until I showed them the advert on the back of this week's prog, and even the trusty Jared of OK Comics hasn't got it. He reckons it may come in next week at some point. Tut.
Needless to say, I was on the internet within minutes to register my disgust.
What's the weather like in Leeds. I'm led to believe publications of this kind are weather dependant. If there is a chance of getting sand and suntan lotion all over it, the likelihood of it appearing on shelves is greater. Probably next to the Fab lollies, under the Spangles.
Quote from: Spaceghost on 28 May, 2014, 01:53:46 PM
This is a complete no-show in Leeds. None in WHSmiths, Forbidden Planet had never even heard of it until I showed them the advert on the back of this week's prog, and even the trusty Jared of OK Comics hasn't got it. He reckons it may come in next week at some point. Tut.
Needless to say, I was on the internet within minutes to register my disgust.
Well done Ashford's WHSmith who had a load of Summer Specials on their shelves! :)
Quote from: James Stacey on 28 May, 2014, 02:20:43 PM
What's the weather like in Leeds. I'm led to believe publications of this kind are weather dependant. If there is a chance of getting sand and suntan lotion all over it, the likelihood of it appearing on shelves is greater. Probably next to the Fab lollies, under the Spangles.
What about if it's cold, grey, miserable and pissing it down?
got mine from Blackburn and enjoyed it immensely! nice job tharg!!
And its also landed in the Grimsby-Cleethorpes conurb.
Quite a nice little surprise to see it this morning as I popped into the shop to get the prog.
Got mine today. Darren Douglas' artwork on Rogue is the star of the show, for me. Oh, and Fay Dalton, obviously. Absolutely brilliant. ;) Mind you, the Missus read this in the bath before I had a chance to get hold of it. Thought the smudges on the cover were her doing, ha.....
It's in the app! Moments after I cave in and buy a physical! Ah well, I always buy end of year progs in paper (for the spines, you see!) so I guess i'll lump it in with them in future. :lol:
Quote from: Darren Stephens on 28 May, 2014, 07:16:54 PM...the Missus read this in the bath before I had a chance to get hold of it.
I'm all for women's lib, but isn't this taking things a
bit far?
Quote from: Spaceghost on 28 May, 2014, 02:24:35 PM
Quote from: James Stacey on 28 May, 2014, 02:20:43 PM
What's the weather like in Leeds. I'm led to believe publications of this kind are weather dependant. If there is a chance of getting sand and suntan lotion all over it, the likelihood of it appearing on shelves is greater. Probably next to the Fab lollies, under the Spangles.
What about if it's cold, grey, miserable and pissing it down?
It's still cold and grey in Leeds, but the rain has stopped and I've got my grubby mitts on a copy.
BEREFT
Quote from: Timothyjacobs on 28 May, 2014, 10:19:01 PM
Quote from: Spaceghost on 28 May, 2014, 02:24:35 PM
Quote from: James Stacey on 28 May, 2014, 02:20:43 PM
What's the weather like in Leeds. I'm led to believe publications of this kind are weather dependant. If there is a chance of getting sand and suntan lotion all over it, the likelihood of it appearing on shelves is greater. Probably next to the Fab lollies, under the Spangles.
What about if it's cold, grey, miserable and pissing it down?
It's still cold and grey in Leeds, but the rain has stopped and I've got my grubby mitts on a copy.
Telling me where you bought it might have been helpful, no?
Walshes independent but utterly brilliant newsagent in Banbridge, County Down, Norn Iron have the special after the merest of mentions from me a week ago. After they stocked Strip magazine I should have recognised their greatness.
Viva Walshes. On Saturday I am going to the coast for a read and a lolly.
Quote from: Spaceghost on 29 May, 2014, 10:13:01 AM
Quote from: Timothyjacobs on 28 May, 2014, 10:19:01 PM
Quote from: Spaceghost on 28 May, 2014, 02:24:35 PM
Quote from: James Stacey on 28 May, 2014, 02:20:43 PM
What's the weather like in Leeds. I'm led to believe publications of this kind are weather dependant. If there is a chance of getting sand and suntan lotion all over it, the likelihood of it appearing on shelves is greater. Probably next to the Fab lollies, under the Spangles.
What about if it's cold, grey, miserable and pissing it down?
It's still cold and grey in Leeds, but the rain has stopped and I've got my grubby mitts on a copy.
Telling me where you bought it might have been helpful, no?
Not really, it's a digital copy. ;)
FP in Edinbra came up empty handed :( the suggested the porn newspaper shop next door ::)
No sign of the SciFi Special in my local newsagents with the Prog yesterday but my daughter says there's lots in Milton Keynes WH Smiths so she's going to pick me up a copy later today. :D
Quote from: Timothyjacobs on 29 May, 2014, 01:36:38 PM
Quote from: Spaceghost on 29 May, 2014, 10:13:01 AM
Quote from: Timothyjacobs on 28 May, 2014, 10:19:01 PM
Quote from: Spaceghost on 28 May, 2014, 02:24:35 PM
Quote from: James Stacey on 28 May, 2014, 02:20:43 PM
What's the weather like in Leeds. I'm led to believe publications of this kind are weather dependant. If there is a chance of getting sand and suntan lotion all over it, the likelihood of it appearing on shelves is greater. Probably next to the Fab lollies, under the Spangles.
What about if it's cold, grey, miserable and pissing it down?
It's still cold and grey in Leeds, but the rain has stopped and I've got my grubby mitts on a copy.
Telling me where you bought it might have been helpful, no?
Not really, it's a digital copy. ;)
Then you don't have your grubby mits on a copy... Your mitts can't touch the electricness of the version you own...
tsk...
(http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb36/jimcampbell2000/Bereft-01_zpsdd00055d.png)
but well written :D
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 29 May, 2014, 02:25:55 PM
(http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb36/jimcampbell2000/Bereft-01_zpsdd00055d.png)
Why did this look like a comic title to me?
Quote from: Prodigal2 on 29 May, 2014, 03:49:37 PM
Why did this look like a comic title to me?
You're confusing it with BERET, the short-lived Frank Spencer comic...
Cheers
Jim
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 29 May, 2014, 03:54:15 PM
Quote from: Prodigal2 on 29 May, 2014, 03:49:37 PM
Why did this look like a comic title to me?
You're confusing it with BERET, the short-lived Frank Spencer comic...
Cheers
Jim
God fuckin' dammit, Jim!
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 29 May, 2014, 04:02:37 PM
God fuckin' dammit, Jim!
You're a doctor, not a...?
Cheers!
Jim
Quote from: TordelBack on 28 May, 2014, 07:58:47 PM
I'm all for women's lib, but isn't this taking things a bit far?
I know, I know,......and I've still not read it!
I enjoyed this comic a lot. So much that I intend to make a proper, wordy blether about it incorporating annotated screenshots!
I can't find this anywhere in London. Maybe next week...?!
You can get it in paper or electricky format from Tharg's Future Shop (http://shop.2000adonline.com/products/2000_ad_scifi_special_2014)
I enjoyed that. Great to have the special back.
It felt like the specials of old, especially the Dredd tale. Great stuff, I hope we get more.
The only thing I wasn't keen on was the cover. :(
Are they not stocking in WHSmiths? Or have I missed it at mine?
You have to pay £2 postage to get it from Tharg's shop. Why can't I walk into Forbidden Planet or Orbital or any other shop in London that stocks 2000AD and buy it there for the cover price?
Bad shops!
Hey, wasn't that great? A good read, especially the Orlok story. Sovtastic stuff from Arthur Wyatt!
I've seen it in pretty much every newsagents I've been in in Cardiff. Some I went in especially to look
Jared just tweeted that the Sci Fi special is expected to arrive next Wednesday at OK Comics.
I assume it's going to be around in the shops for quite a while ?
Quote from: Bat King on 30 May, 2014, 08:38:56 AM
Jared just tweeted that the Sci Fi special is expected to arrive next Wednesday at OK Comics.
Cool. Cheers Steve.
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 29 May, 2014, 03:54:15 PM
Quote from: Prodigal2 on 29 May, 2014, 03:49:37 PM
Why did this look like a comic title to me?
You're confusing it with BERET, the short-lived Frank Spencer comic...
Cheers
Jim
Ha!
QuoteYou have to pay £2 postage to get it from Tharg's shop. Why can't I walk into Forbidden Planet or Orbital or any other shop in London that stocks 2000AD and buy it there for the cover price?
Found a whole load in the Smith's on High Holborn down the road from my office on Wednesday. Curious that the proper comics shops haven't got any in yet.
Not a big fan of the cover but perhaps it has potential to draw in crowds of computer games magazine fans; huge fan of the insides, which is the main thing! Well-loved strips with new creators is just the ticket.
Quote from: Richard on 30 May, 2014, 12:23:44 AM
Why can't I walk into Forbidden Planet or Orbital or any other shop in London that stocks 2000AD and buy it there for the cover price?
I'm pretty sure it's Rebellion's intention that you should be able to. It's an odd sort of business model that actively seeks to keep product out of the hands of punters who want to buy it.*
Cheers
Jim
*And yet, you'd be forgiven for thinking that this is
exactly how the distribution system works.
I've got mine from smiths in Walsall. First glance it looks as good as you want it to.
Smiths In Brum City Centre had only one copy, though that is Friday afternoon, so may have had more in... I was working overtime Wednesday and Thursday, so it was the first time I could get to a shop that had it... Nostalgia told me Thursday Lunchtime they were getting it in Friday, but no sign there... maybe they got it in Wed and sold out?
Quote from: Proudhuff on 29 May, 2014, 01:44:35 PM
FP in Edinbra came up empty handed :( the suggested the porn newspaper shop next door ::)
It's in Forbidden Planet now.
Smiths in Sheffield has a few in. Picked mine up today and you know what I might follow Tharg's advice and save this until I go on my hols this year... might... looks good though...
Any joy in Belfast yet, I haven't had a chance to get this weeks prog or the special (out of town)? Z
Yes, what Jim says.
Smiths in Portsmouth had a handful in on Wednesday, if anyone's local.☺
Quote from: M.I.K. on 30 May, 2014, 09:56:07 PM
Quote from: Proudhuff on 29 May, 2014, 01:44:35 PM
FP in Edinbra came up empty handed :( the suggested the porn newspaper shop next door ::)
It's in Forbidden Planet now.
cheers, I'll nip doon at lunchtime
This is the prodigal transmitting live from Newcastle county down on a sunny day with the sound of the sea caressing my ear drums and a summer special in my arms.
I am 50 and a half years old. love to all.
Bereft...
Was in Newcastle for 3 days during the week. Stunning! Have a good one buddy. Are you having one or two in the Donard, the Anchor and Quinns? Z :D
Quote from: ZenArcade on 31 May, 2014, 01:12:52 PM
Was in Newcastle for 3 days during the week. Stunning! Have a good one buddy. Are you having one or two in the Donard, the Anchor and Quinns? Z :D
I am more or less tee-total these days mate. having said that I have just met a mate that I have not seen since 1986-a drinking buddy famed for having a home brew kit in hiss room at Queens Elms. I might fall off the wagon for old times sake!
in other news a young man tripped in Maude's and exploded a tea pot in my immediate vicinity. I am a mess but the special is un-marked.
Good stuff. That was probably the best Future Shock I have read in a very long time.
Yep proteus, pretty much the same here, more's the pity. QUB was my old alma mater as well, spent a year in Hamilton Hall up at the Elms, boy did we have some craic! Mauds does a fine sandwich and no mean ice cream either. Glad to hear the special's ok, l think I'm going to be tortured trying to get it next week.
Really nice special, when all strips have to get to the point and wrap up quickly it really doesn't let up.
Highlights... Worley's fun Robo-Hunter (especially dialogue); Wyatt's taut Orlok tale; Douglas' detailed Rogue art.
Anderson pin-up obviously welcome.
Rest was fine too (except the terrible cover), well done Rebellion. The oldest specials and annuals
had a fair share of filler, but not this time :)
Now, there's talk of a Winter Special as well as Prog 2015?
Just finished reading the special and really enjoyed it!
Rogue Trooper was the stand out thrill for me, but all the stories were entertaining.
I also understand the use of the striking cover image, as it marked it out from the Prog and Megazine covers on the rack.
I really hope the experiment of relaunching the Summer Special pays of, as I'd like it as a permanent fixture! :)
Quote from: Proudhuff on 31 May, 2014, 03:39:19 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 31 May, 2014, 01:10:02 PM
Bereft...
not missing much :-X
I spent some of this morning trying to listen to the ECBT2000ad (http://2000ad.wordpress.com/2014/05/29/ecbt2000ad-podcast-episode-168/) podcast over the sound of a strimmer, and Flint positively
raved about the Summer Special * - and he hates
everything. If you're out to take the title of grumpiest man in fandom, you've got some pretty big boots to fill.
* well, he hated the cover and the presumed involvement of Gordon Rennie in the Dredd story, but only one of those has any basis in reality
Quote from: lord sauchie on 31 May, 2014, 04:04:47 PM
Quote from: Proudhuff on 31 May, 2014, 03:39:19 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 31 May, 2014, 01:10:02 PM
Bereft...
not missing much :-X
I spent some of this morning trying to listen to the ECBT2000ad (http://2000ad.wordpress.com/2014/05/29/ecbt2000ad-podcast-episode-168/) podcast over the sound of a strimmer, and Flint positively raved about the Summer Special * - and he hates everything. If you're out to take the title of grumpiest man in fandom, you've got some pretty big boots to fill.
i wouldn't try! Anyway I thought Logan was the grumpiest man in fandom?
Enjoyed the Rogue and the FS, never been a fan of Durham or Sam Slade but liked the art on all of these stories.
I enjoyed it. The Future Shock I had figured out from page one and was pretty unoriginal to be polite.
The Dredd was smashing though. A proper fun little tale with all the ingrediants of a fond classic from the old annuals (but a bit of Necros dark magic is always a plus in my books).
Durham Red felt more like a FS than the actual FS did! Great stuff and some decent art, even if the backgrounds are, quite literaly, dull as a rock.
Robo-Hunter and Rogue Trooper where servicable but both had their fair share of pro's and con's. The story in RH was more engaging while the art in RT was....wonderful. Highlight of the prog IMHO.
The Orlok story is an odd beast, but very enjoyable. Some nice nods to continuity and a nice break from Orlok hating on MC1.
Have tried 5 shops today that all carry Twooth and the Meg and none have the special >:(
Have despatched the Wife to the wilds of Biggleswade in search. She better not come back empty handed... :-\
Quote from: ZenArcade on 31 May, 2014, 02:39:11 PM
Yep proteus, pretty much the same here, more's the pity. QUB was my old alma mater as well, spent a year in Hamilton Hall up at the Elms, boy did we have some craic! Mauds does a fine sandwich and no mean ice cream either. Glad to hear the special's ok, l think I'm going to be tortured trying to get it next week.
Mate let me know if you cannot get it and I will check my local newsagent for spare copies. I am usually the only purchaser of thrill power and there were a few on the shelves. I will purchase and post it to you.
Nostalgia in Brum now have many copies in
Proteus, I'll pm you if I'm in diffs, can collect next sat at comic con if need be!
I grabbed a couple in WH Smith Exeter, and there's about 5 copies left on the shelf.
Cheers
Now available in Travelling Man in Leeds.
Got mine and enjoyed it a lot, although it was little slim - Summer specials should be full of features, quizzes and puzzles!
Quote from: Timothyjacobs on 03 June, 2014, 06:40:12 PM
Now available in Travelling Man in Leeds.
But still not on my doormat. :-|
Cheers
Jim
No bikini-clad Molch-R doorstep delivery yet Jim? Not good enough, simply not good enough...
Nobody is even referring to Jim's plight. Have we really grown so cold to human suffering?
Quote from: Prodigal2 on 04 June, 2014, 11:31:35 AM
Have we really grown so cold to human suffering?
His kind live for it - it validates their lifestyle choices.
Quote from: Prodigal2 on 04 June, 2014, 11:31:35 AM
Nobody is even referring to Jim's plight. Have we really grown so cold to human suffering?
We're all claiming ignorance so when Jim murders his post man we'll have had nothing to do with it.
If it helps, imagine a pale figure slouched in a faded Sisters t-shirt, gazing hopelessly at a bare doormat. Forever.
Tharg knows his customers.
Quote from: TordelBack on 04 June, 2014, 11:35:35 AM
If it helps, imagine a pale figure slouched in a faded Sisters t-shirt, gazing hopelessly at a bare doormat. Forever.
(http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb36/jimcampbell2000/Facebook_like_thumb_zpsa015e0f4.png)
It's in London's Forbidden Planet now.
Finally found it in a newsagent in Crouch End. Couldn't find it in any of the big WH Smiths in Central London, even though they had the prog and the meg. Weird.
Loved it. Real (and obviously very deliberate) old school, fun feel to most of the strips, Robo Hunter especially.
And I particularly liked the fact the cover was glossy. Please, please can we have glossy covers on the Prog and Meg Tharg? Obviously it makes it more expensive to produce, but it makes such a difference...
Quote from: Richard on 04 June, 2014, 02:24:38 PM
It's in London's Forbidden Planet now.
Well, since they're the fuckers that are supposed to be posting it to me, I'll cross my fingers...
Cheers
Jim
That's interesting. I pre-ordered it from FP, to avoid disappointment. I had pawed it playfully in WH Smith for a couple of days, while FP continued to "PROCESS" it. Thought Sod This, bought it, cancelled the other. Perhaps the special edition nature of it has thrown them.
After looking in 15 (I kid you not) different newsagents, and going back to 6 of them to double check some days later, I have given in and ordered it from the online store.
I hope the lack of special in shops does not reflect too badly in sales, although I suspect it might.
Found it the first time I looked, FP in Glasgow has dozens on the shelf.
Was quite good too.
I was pleasently surprised got both prog and special on monday and this weeks prog today, all in FP Belfast. Triple the thrill and after reading them all that's no word of a lie. Z
OK Comics in Leeds have some in stock. They will post them I imagine if required.
So, I've gotten my Sci-Fi Spesh from my local WH, but, guess what? The people in charge of stocking them are under the impression that this publication is in place of the weekly! Now that can't be right. So I have to go digital this week because someone along the distribution brook has made an error in placement.
Quote from: Hoagy on 06 June, 2014, 05:39:39 PM
someone along the distribution brook has made an error in placement.
That sub-Bridget Riley (https://www.flickr.com/photos/de_buurman/8125269116/) cover has really mangled people's brains in the retail trade.
Wow, I cant believe this has been so hard to track down. And for all you big city squaxx's, to boot.
I got mine in a little out-of-the-way newsagent in Cleethorpes pretty much on the day of release. Tharg must have fancied some fish n chips, and a donkey ride...
Anyways, a good little, if slightly lightweight release. Orlok, and Rogue in particular being aces.
Considering the end of year prog does replace the weekly, I guess it's not too hard a mistake to make.
I do not mind a bit lightcweight as long as it can be anchored by some heavyweight weeklyprog. No such luck but this may not be the thread to continuously harp on about these irreverencies.
I look forward to having a gander of my blastback thrillage shortly.
Got mine via Disposable Heroes - £4 including p&p and it came bagged and boarded. Great deal cover price is £3.50.
Special itself was OK - I don't think any of the material was 'Prog worthy' but some decent efforts although most were a pale imitation of the characters' former glories.
Pick for me was the Orlok tale with a nice ret-con into some ancient Dredd Luna -1 tale.
Overall worth the effort and I hope they'll keep on coming.
The Dredd story wasnt too bad.
Dredd, Robo-hunter, FutureShocks good enjoyable stories and the first 2 made me crack a laugh out loud.Loved the art for the 3rd.
Durham's story was good and dark but the colouring was it's detractor. Elle's lettering brought me back in when my eyes were ready to slide off the page.
I was surprised to feel uncomfortable by JTPeggs art for Orlok as I'd bought the Sci-Fi with this being a deciding element. Halftone can really jar me out of a panel and I felt glad I wasn't reading on a train without a hangover. Not read the story yet.
Rogue Trooper was my favourite though. A great sequential artist and the story is a great vehicle for Rogue. Typical with a fresh twist.
If I've offended then indeed compare what I did like with what I didn't and hopefully you'll know this is a matter of taste.
No, I think your on the mark there. Z
I thought the cover art was poor and the inside not much better. It seems a lot of money for such a poor return.
But on the other hand I thought the prog was great this week!
I loved the fact that the " fatties fun run" looked no fun at all!
I enjoyed it.
Highlights for me were the Dredd and Orlok stories. Nice to see the return of Sam Slade as well.
Cheers
It was good fare all in all, the Dredd story was well drawn and well told, the rest were of a similar pattern, the Orlok story stood out as well. The new talent took a pretty good stab at some old staples (not Greg). Z
All those who can't find one come to Richmond WH Smiths, they've got about a dozen but never any of the bloody prog propers.
Possibly because I'm 'old-skool' but I enjoyed this very much.
Orlok was my favourite but I enjoyed them all.
Quote from: Mattofthespurs on 09 June, 2014, 02:18:36 PM
Possibly because I'm 'old-skool' but I enjoyed this very much.
Orlok was my favourite but I enjoyed them all.
Yeah Orlok for me as well-it reeked wonderfully of old school. I licked the pages after I licked my ice-cream.
Cockles and winkles for myself but it takes all sorts.
Sand in your sandwiches (ironically, perhaps), bee stings, sea weed, penny a go on the pier, fish and chips smothered in salt and vinegar, late bed times, peeling skin off your back because we used no sun cream in those days and a 2000 AD summer special, and then back to the confines of a caravan in [add your own if it pleases you] the Isle of Wight.
Good times.
Oh thanks mattofthespurs I want half a pint of cockles now.
:D
Where is this Sci-Fi Special I hear of? Nowhere to be seen round my way. (Surprisingly, quite a lot of thrill merchants stock the actual prog in my neck of the woods.)
Quote from: SuperSurfer on 09 June, 2014, 10:48:56 PM
Where is this Sci-Fi Special I hear of? Nowhere to be seen round my way. (Surprisingly, quite a lot of thrill merchants stock the actual prog in my neck of the woods.)
I couldn't find it for love nor money (although I suspect if I had found it it would have been money they would have wanted, not love).
Had to order it from the Future Shop in the end.
Quote from: Mattofthespurs on 09 June, 2014, 06:21:39 PM
Cockles and winkles for myself but it takes all sorts.
Sand in your sandwiches (ironically, perhaps), bee stings, sea weed, penny a go on the pier, fish and chips smothered in salt and vinegar, late bed times, peeling skin off your back because we used no sun cream in those days and a 2000 AD summer special, and then back to the confines of a caravan in [add your own if it pleases you] the Isle of Wight.
Good times.
I like this post immensely.
Quote from: Prodigal2 on 11 June, 2014, 11:03:24 AM
Quote from: Mattofthespurs on 09 June, 2014, 06:21:39 PM
Cockles and winkles for myself but it takes all sorts.
Sand in your sandwiches (ironically, perhaps), bee stings, sea weed, penny a go on the pier, fish and chips smothered in salt and vinegar, late bed times, peeling skin off your back because we used no sun cream in those days and a 2000 AD summer special, and then back to the confines of a caravan in [add your own if it pleases you] the Isle of Wight.
Good times.
I like this post immensely.
Yeah, seconded. Was also transported...
Haven't read the rest of the thread for fear of spoilers, but is anyone else still waiting for their copy from Forbidden Planet?
I ordered online from FP as originally suggested, but haven't received anything and when I log into my account it says:
"We are currently waiting for updated information from our suppliers".
?
I think that means "we've got it, but are currently shifting all our stock via the shelves, and if we've got any leftover we'll send them by post, or maybe we'll try to order some more"
:o
>:(
I certainly hope that's not the case - if so, then Rebellion needs to get onto their arses - considering it was the official newsletter that recommended ordering from there in the first place!
Not a happy bunny.
FYI, when I bought weekly prog at lunchtime in FP Belfast, they had a new bundle of about 15 Specials on the shelf! Z
Quote from: Fungus on 11 June, 2014, 03:36:45 PM
Quote from: Prodigal2 on 11 June, 2014, 11:03:24 AM
Quote from: Mattofthespurs on 09 June, 2014, 06:21:39 PM
Cockles and winkles for myself but it takes all sorts.
Sand in your sandwiches (ironically, perhaps), bee stings, sea weed, penny a go on the pier, fish and chips smothered in salt and vinegar, late bed times, peeling skin off your back because we used no sun cream in those days and a 2000 AD summer special, and then back to the confines of a caravan in [add your own if it pleases you] the Isle of Wight.
Good times.
I like this post immensely.
Yeah, seconded. Was also transported...
:) Thanks
Quote from: jackstarr on 11 June, 2014, 04:42:38 PM
:o
>:(
I certainly hope that's not the case - if so, then Rebellion needs to get onto their arses - considering it was the official newsletter that recommended ordering from there in the first place!
Not a happy bunny.
Did it?
My emails suggest using mid town comics, ordering through Diamond or the future shop. Am I getting the US version of this email?
If so, how do I change it?
Quote from: jackstarr on 11 June, 2014, 04:31:55 PM
Haven't read the rest of the thread for fear of spoilers, but is anyone else still waiting for their copy from Forbidden Planet?
Yes. Me. And a request for an update on when they might actually post the damn thing remains unanswered.
Cheers
Jim
Quote from: Mattofthespurs on 11 June, 2014, 05:22:14 PM
My emails suggest using mid town comics, ordering through Diamond or the future shop. Am I getting the US version of this email? If so, how do I change it?
Hmmm, emails are sent out based on the recipient's IP address so not sure why you'd be getting the North America one. Bob your email address to press@rebellion.co.uk and I'll see if I can change it.
Loads of copies in FP London last Saturday. Also still copies in my local newsagent if anyone is still looking and wants me to pick one up.
Quote from: Molch-R on 11 June, 2014, 05:29:48 PM
Quote from: Mattofthespurs on 11 June, 2014, 05:22:14 PM
My emails suggest using mid town comics, ordering through Diamond or the future shop. Am I getting the US version of this email? If so, how do I change it?
Hmmm, emails are sent out based on the recipient's IP address so not sure why you'd be getting the North America one. Bob your email address to press@rebellion.co.uk and I'll see if I can change it.
Done. Cheers :)
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 11 June, 2014, 05:29:21 PM
Quote from: jackstarr on 11 June, 2014, 04:31:55 PM
Haven't read the rest of the thread for fear of spoilers, but is anyone else still waiting for their copy from Forbidden Planet?
Yes. Me. And a request for an update on when they might actually post the damn thing remains unanswered.
Cheers
Jim
As per reply #119, me too. I gave up. At least cancelling orders is easy (if you pick it up by other means). FP are generally great, but not 100%.
Yep. My LCS failed to get it in. Ended up picking it up from WHSmiths at lunchtime today.
Finally got round to reading the Summer Special today. Surprised at how enjoyable it was. Sam Slade meets IKEA meets ABBA was fun to read. Loved the FS artwork. And the pre-Apocalyse War Orlok story was a trip down Nostalgia Lane. Durham Red was the only strip I didn't enjoy.
No copies locally today; Future Shop it is...
Just finished reading my Sci Fi Special. Here are my thoughts -
Cover. Sorry, I don't like this. It looks a bit GCSE to be honest.
Dredd. Loved it. Script and art both top notch. A really memorable and funny one off.
Robo Hunter. Not my cup of tea. Not saying it isn't well done but comedy strips are very hard to do in my opinion. I never really liked Robo Hunter post Verdus anyway.
Future Shock. Not very shocking and a bit wishy washy but the art is really good.
Durham Red. The art is attractive but the storytelling isn't too great. I didn't like how Red killed the guy and other than that there wasn't really a great deal of story.
Orlock. This art suffers from the opposite problem of that on the previous strip. It's ugly and scribbly but it tells the story well. The script was very good but it only really works if you're familiar with the character and history.
Rogue Trooper. Very nice. A rather throw away story but handled well. The script is tight and the art is lovely.
All in all I'm not massively impressed. Every strip has something going for it but it feels very 'small press' in places.
My main bugbear is that, as a product, the whole thing feels very old fashioned. It feels like a comic aimed at 50 year old blokes looking for nostalgia - I think a dash of something new and exciting would have gone a long way.
Quote from: JamesC on 17 June, 2014, 06:31:32 PMEvery strip has something going for it but it feels very 'small press' in places.
Ouch.
Quote from: JamesC on 17 June, 2014, 06:31:32 PM
Every strip has something going for it but it feels very 'small press' in places.
Congratulations, you managed to insult the pros
and the small press with one sentence. Maybe you ought to try engaging your brain before typing stuff that makes you look like a dismissive, snotty prick, eh?*
Bah.
Jim
*Yes. Pot. Kettle. Irony. I
know.
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 17 June, 2014, 08:41:10 PM
Quote from: JamesC on 17 June, 2014, 06:31:32 PM
Every strip has something going for it but it feels very 'small press' in places.
Congratulations, you managed to insult the pros and the small press with one sentence. Maybe you ought to try engaging your brain before typing stuff that makes you look like a dismissive, snotty prick, eh?*
Bah.
Jim
*Yes. Pot. Kettle. Irony. I know.
That wasn't my intention and I apologise for any offence caused.
I'm certainly not snotty about small press, I support it, but I think many small press titles are a training ground for creators that want to get into the professional game. They're not a professional commercial product and aren't judged as such. Part of the joy comes from seeing creators grow and improve in an environment which encourages their developing craft and which has enough goodwill to overlook the shortcomings (or at least offer constructive criticism).
My comment wasn't intended to be insulting but when you're putting out a commercial product it has to be judged by the standards by which you would judge another commercial product and I think that the Sci Fi special fell a bit short in places.
Apologies again for any offence.
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 17 June, 2014, 08:41:10 PM
Quote from: JamesC on 17 June, 2014, 06:31:32 PM
Every strip has something going for it but it feels very 'small press' in places.
Congratulations, you managed to insult the pros and the small press with one sentence. Maybe you ought to try engaging your brain before typing stuff that makes you look like a dismissive, snotty prick, eh?*
Bah.
I think we all know what JamesC meant - lazy shorthand for 'not professional standard'. I have nothing but good things to say about the small press and have myself done a lot of work for Dogbreath and Zarjaz and the like in the past, but if something in the prog is sub-par I'm sure I've been guilty of saying 'Feels a bit small press' in the review thread. It's not entirely tactful but it's not malicious either.
I think it was largely billed as an experimental special, so most seem to have given it the benefit of the doubt. It's enjoyable on those terms.
What you might compare it with are the Sci-Fi Specials and Annuals of old. Excepting the first Dredd annuals, they felt cobbled together to me. One day I'll dig some out to prove this (or myself wrong).
One more week until I get to read mine! :D
Quote from: Fungus on 17 June, 2014, 10:30:55 PM
What you might compare it with are the Sci-Fi Specials and Annuals of old. Excepting the first Dredd annuals, they felt cobbled together to me. One day I'll dig some out to prove this (or myself wrong).
I remember the first Judge Dredd annuals being exceptional, with all that beautiful colour
Ezquerra & McMahon work, but the 2000AD annuals
-previous to 1981- have some woeful filler from the 60's.
Same with the Star Lord annuals. The 78, 79 + 80 2000ad's were filled with stuff like 'Phantom patrol and space shuttle/NASA filler. Still ok though! Z
Indeed. It was experimental, it was showcasing old characters for nostalgia and newer talent to give them more air time - remember how folk whine if it is too long between a Wagner or Williams or Carroll Dredd for example...
In my opinion it was a successful experiment - though distribution issues might need looking at. That said, pre-orders with most LCS were probably filled... and the Futureshop had it...
I am hoping we get another one next year. I'm also hoping for an Annual.
And I don't want rubbish non-story filler but I would like a few non-story pages. An interview, a detailed postergraph, nowt wrong with a quiz. Oh and text stories can be fun.
"My main bugbear is that, as a product, the whole thing feels very old fashioned. It feels like a comic aimed at 50 year old blokes looking for nostalgia - I think a dash of something new and exciting would have gone a long way."
I hate 50 year old blokes who went specifically to the seaside to read their copy while staring at a beach and eating ice-cream (carefully).
Losers.
Ps It was dead sunny.
Quote from: Bat King on 18 June, 2014, 12:34:33 AM
Indeed. It was experimental, it was showcasing old characters for nostalgia and newer talent to give them more air time - remember how folk whine if it is too long between a Wagner or Williams or Carroll Dredd for example...
I think you hit the nail on the head there BK - there are a lot of old characters in there so I can see how James ended up with the impression he got. I enjoyed it on the whole and thought most of the stories were good.
I must admit that I am a bit confused about what has happenned with Durham Red. I recently read the Dan Abnett tpbs of the stories that were in the Meg and thought they were really great and breathed new life into the character. Are these stories now considered non canon now that Johnny is back or are they still in the same timeline? Either way, after reading the tpbs, having Durham going back to normal SD duties does feel less zarjaz.
I loved this.
A great experiment in bringing back old characters with new talent an it worked in the main.well done to all involved. It made my day.
I thought it worked well too, like the anthology there was a few bits that didn't work, eg Red's character was off, but the art more than made up for the lack in the story.
Missed it by a day for my holidays in France, but I had a bumper read waiting for me in the newsagent when I got back (yes my local newsie had two copies). More please!
Hmm, did I forget to mention that several of the writers here got first published work via FutureQuake Press (http://www.futurequake.co.uk/)?
Still no 'like' button on here Bolt.
Well I'm late to the party - cos I managed to do what I planned and kept this for when I was on holiday. So here I am in our holiday flat (very nice too) on the edge of the Northumberland National Park and I read it after a sun kissed day in Alnwick.
It really is what it claims to be a showcase for developing talent with all the ups and downs you'd expect that to bring.
I really enjoyed the Dredd - harking back to some comments I made in the 1891 (I think it was) Prog review thread I thought it keep the feel and fun of an old skool Dredd without feeling tired and skipped along very nicely with some great art.
Robo-Hunter I didn't enjoy it felt a bit heavy and cumbersome, trying to fit into too much and for me the art didn't quite manage to carry the strip needed though had loads of potential, just not quite there yet for me.
Really enjoyed the Future Shock. Art was great if a little flat at times and the story was pretty good.
Durham Red was pretty good on both counts too, not stella but not bad at all, likewise Orlok.
Rogue Trooper was similar to the Dredd it what I should say about it, alas I didn't enjoy it anywhere near as much, I think that has more to do with my apathy for the character though. So an old skool vibe there, however fresh just doesn't particularly move me.
Overall though very happy this exists and more please Tharg.
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 26 July, 2014, 09:30:25 PM
Robo-Hunter I didn't enjoy it felt a bit heavy and cumbersome, trying to fit into too much and for me the art didn't quite manage to carry the strip needed though had loads of potential, just not quite there yet for me.
Thing is, I'm struggling through the Millar Robo-Hunter (for the first time) and it's desperately awful. The Sci-Fi Special nailed Robo-Hunter and that's not easy...
Quote from: Fungus on 27 July, 2014, 03:10:20 AM
Thing is, I'm struggling through the Millar Robo-Hunter (for the first time) and it's desperately awful.
Just nail one of your testicles to the coffee table — it'll be just about as pleasurable, but over more quickly.
Cheers
Jim
Hmmmm, Mark Millar's deleterious effect on the prog could be a good topic for future discussion at the Belfast 2000AD discussion group. The testicle to the table analogy is apt in a sense, however there surley is a niche group who derive a modicum of pleasure from just such an action; I am unaware of any group who derive a similar sense of pleasure from Millar's butchery of Robo Hunter. Read the Summer Special on Friday evening again, that Orlock story isn't half bad. Z