The77 anthology launch on course for mid-May debut

By John Freeman on April 2, 2020

downthetubes has had word from The77 comic team that the planned launch of the new quarterly comic anthology is still on course for launch next month.

The77 #1 - Final Regular Cover by Ade Hughes — The77 #1 – Final Regular Cover by Ade Hughes

“We’ve received great news from our distributors at GetmyComics.com,” editor Ben K Sy told downthetubes. “The printing presses are still operational which means that everything is still on track regards the official launch date for The77 – 16th May!

The first issue of the all-new retro anthology includes strips by British industry veterans such as former Tharg Steve MacManus and a back cover poster by “The Ballad of Halo Jones” co-creator Ian Gibson’s promoting his “Lifeboat” story, alongside established independent talents such as Mal Earl and Phil Elliott, and a host of terrific rising comic stars.

“As the editor I feel a personal responsibility in times like this,”, he continued. “If we can bring some happiness and entertainment, even in a small way, through our new anthology comic, and can ensure that all involved in its creation, production and distribution can stay safe and are provided with all the necessary safeguards to do their jobs, that we should still go ahead.”

The team originally planned to launch The77 at the now sadly cancelled Lawless convention in Bristol, but the Coronavirus Pandemic lockdown put paid to their plans.

“Issue 1 will be posted out first to the 400 plus Kickstarter backers, and then the many fans who have pre-ordered from our sales page,” says Ben.

“Issue Two has been commissioned and will be available from August and we are delighted to say that we are receiving submissions from all over the world and from many, very well known creators about how they can get on board the UK’s newest comic anthology.

“All the best to you all, and stay safe!”

• Order your copy of The77 here | Full strip line-up here on downthetubes

The first issue of The77 costs £6.95 for the standard print edition with a cover by Ade Hughes (£4 PDF), or £7.77 for the Variant Cover edition by Nick Percival.

Also offered are a copy of the comic, plus a signed writer’s script (£17); a copy of the comic plus an A3 signed cover print by Ade Hughes (£17); comic plus T-shirt (£20); or the comic plus A3 Ian Gibson signed “Lifeboat” print (£27).

• You can pre-order The77 now! Message the team via the title’s Facebook page or email – the77comic@gmail.com to place an order. Payment by PayPal

• Join The77 on Facebook and Twitter @77Comic and Instagram @The77 comic

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.