Here’s the latest downthetubes round up of quick fire comic news items that caught our eye this Friday 14th May 2021, including Meanwhile collections from Soaring Penguin Press, an update on Time Bomb Comics Harker – and some cool new perks for Green Lantern and Wonder Woman artist Liam Sharp’s new art book..l
Soaring Penguin Press has launcheda crowdfunding campaign on IndieGoGo to publish a 220-page full-colour collection that will bring together the first four issues of Meanwhile, the best anthology you may never heard of
Originally launched in 1998 as a black and white anthology, Meanwhile… was relaunched in 2015 with the aim of showcasing the diversity possible in comics storytelling. The first four issues of were 52 pages long, and featured the relaunch of “Strangehaven” by Gary Spencer Millidge, and a brand-new series, “The Bad Bad Place” by David Hine and Mark Stafford, which has since been released as a graphic novel.
The anthology also included self-contained stories, and featured creators from across the globe; Issues 1 to 4 included work by Yuko Rabbit, Chris Geary, Sally Jane Thompson, Krent Able, Jenny Robins, ILYA, Rainbow Buddy, Thierry Labrosse and Darryl Cunningham.
Check out the collection crowdfunded here, which will feature a a new cover by Sally Jane Thompson. The Indiegogo campaign also offers original bookplates by Gary Spencer Millidge and Krent Able among the Perks.
Encore: Gold – The Art of Liam Sharp, Volume 1 deservedly hit its initial target in just one hour, the first of a proposed comprehensive trilogy (‘SILVER’ and ‘BRONZE’) of art books, featuring a huge selection of work from over 35 years in the comics industry by artist and writer Liam Sharp.
This first volume features an incredible introduction by legendary writer Grant Morrison, a creator profile by renowned journalist and interviewer Geoff Boucher, and is a showcase of some of Liam’s favourite pieces.
Having already raised a staggering $58,000 and counting, “Team Sharpy” have added a new, very exciting stretch goal.
“If we hit $90K then included with the book and comic will be one of a set of six cards, of increasing rarity!” says Liam. “Five of them will be picture cards from the world of Lib LaRoche. The sixth will be a simple gold design with a QR code on it that will gift the owner something completely unique!
“Only five of these will be sent randomly into the world with the books, for you to discover!”
Check out the Kickstarter for Encore: Gold – The Art of Liam Sharp, Volume 1 here
Comic creator Mike Garley reminds us about his Kickstarter for the collected edition of the Samurai Slasher comic, which has some 11 days to run and chasing a £13000 target. If successful it will feature many fantastic artists, a new social/drinking game, a Survive-your-own-Adventure book, and loads of extras. Check it out here
One of Stan Lee’s last projects before he died and his first webcomic series, Backchannel introduces us to a new hero, Tom Tanner, who’s secretly an engineering prodigy that finds himself in various personal predicaments. Another Kickstarter success, the collection is now in the works after raising over $70,000 in backing.
Finally, Britain’s Timebomb Comics Kickstarter for The Book of Solomon: Part Two by Roger Gibson and Vincent Danks was funded on its first day, but there’s still plenty of stretch goals to unlock. The book concludes the first Harker story from Roger Gibson and Vince Danks, and publisher Steve Tanner tell us he’s excited to be finishing the story- and to promise more Harker to come!
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.
Categories: British Comics, Crowd Funding Projects, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Tube Surfing