40 Years of Scream! – a second nerve-jangling, exclusive sneak peek

By John Freeman on March 12, 2024 • ( 5 )

Celebrating 40 years since IPC launched its iconic “horror” anthology, Rebellion will release 40 Years of Scream! next month – and here’s the second of two exclusive sneak peeks on downthetubes!

You can check out our first look at the collection, which includes a guide to its stories that featured in Scream!, here.

40 Years of Scream - An unused Scream cover intended for Issue 19, by artist and 2000AD Art Editor Robin Smith — *An unused Scream cover intended for Issue 19, by artist and 2000AD Art Editor Robin Smith*

Produced “from the depths” of King’s Reach Tower by the mysterious “undead” editor Ghastly McNasty, the first issue of Scream! was unleashed in March 1984, the first issue cover dated 24th March.

40 Years of Scream! will feature all of the strips included in the 15-issue run of the short-lived weekly comic, and much more besides, and featured here is some of the unpublished work from Eric Bradbury and Robin Smith which will be included in the new anniversary collection, along with some editorial design work on Ghastly McNasty himself!

Unpublished art by Eric Bradbury for an episode of the Scream story, "The Dracula File" — *Unpublished art by Eric Bradbury for an episode of the Scream story, “The Dracula File”*

Designs for Scream's fictitious editor, Ghastly McNasty — *Designs for Scream’s fictitious editor, Ghastly McNasty*

Plus, enjoy this look at one of two board games originally published in Scream – “Hunt for Dracula”!

Hit by censorship from management by the get go, Scream! often proved more tongue-in-cheek than horrific. But down the years the short-lived comic has taken on near mythic status, offering strips from such talents as writers Gerry Finley-Day, Simon Furman, Alan Grant, Alan Moore (very briefly), Tom Tully and John Wagner, with art from the likes of Eric Bradbury, Cam Kennedy and Jose Ortiz.

Scream - "Hunt for Dracula" game art — *Scream – “Hunt for Dracula” game art*

40 Years of Scream!, available through Rebellion’s Treasury of British Comics imprint in slipcase and standard formats, delivers a celebratory collection of the entirety of Scream!, includes every single strip published in 1984 from issues 1-15 of the original run.

Due for release on Thursday 25th April 2024, Rebellion are holding back some surprises for readers of the book, but some uniquely interesting stuff has been included – and we hope this taster wets your appetites!

The webshop-exclusive slipcase edition is designed by David Roach, making it an even more ghoulishly exciting for true horror afficionados.

• 40 Years of Scream! The Archival Collection goes on sale on Thursday 25th April 2024 | Hardcover, 464 Pages | ISBN: 978-1837861071

• Check out our first exclusive look at the 40 Years of Scream!, which includes a guide to its stories, here.

• Order 40 Years of Scream! The Archival Collection – Slipcase Edition direct from the Treasury of British Comics web site

• Order 40 Years of Scream! The Archival Collection -Standard Edition direct from the Treasury of British Comics web site

• Order 40 Years of Scream! Standard Edition from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)

• ComicScene: 40 Years of Scream by the title’s editor, Barrie Tomlinson

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.