Explore the early world of British comics with two new titles from Alan Clark

By John Freeman on September 19, 2021

British comics historian Alan Clark, who’s been bringing us some great books on Golden Age British comics lately, has two new titles out now, connected by one influential creator – C.H. Ross.

Ally Sloper: His Life & Times delivers exactly what you expect from the title, according to Alan, chronicling the life (and yes, you guessed it, the times) of the greatest of all British comic characters from his creation by C.H. Ross in 1867 and through his various lives, first in the comic paper Judy in 1867, through Ally Sloper’s Comic Kalendar, Ally Sloper’s Summer Number (1870s and 1880s) and spin-off publications to Ally Sloper’s Half-Holiday (1884-1914), together with his astounding re-appearance in 1922-1923. This book also features a wide range of Sloper ephemera.

Also available now is Sugar-Plums & Tootletum: The Work of C.H. Ross, which celebrates the work of one of the greatest of British humorists, Charles H. Ross; author, playwright, Theatre Impresario, artist, Editor, Publisher (and, of course, creator of Ally Sloper!).

Offering essential information, the book includes rate Comic Papers, in particular C.H. Ross’s Variety Paper (1887-1888), pictured for the first time since original publication; and Queens & Kings & Other Things (1874), reprinted for the first time in 147 years.

*Check out our review of this other great book from Alan here*

Alan is publishing some fantastic books at present covering the history of early British comics, and these two titles, will , I’m sure, just like his previous books prove worthy additions to any comic archivist’s book shelf. (If you haven’t already bought it, then The Fun Factory of Farringdon Street, copies still available, a fascinating guide to the story of the comics and story papers published by the Amalgamated Press, is well worth your attention. Check out my review here).

As with all Alan’s self-published books, the print runs on his latest Ally Sloper-related works, printed in A5 format, are very limited, non-profit publications, and you can buy both together here on eBay now.

For anyone wishing to purchase just one of the books, Alan says there will be a separate eBay listing for each in the next few days.

Thanks to Paul Gravett for the heads up on this release

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.