In Review: Paragon Issue 6

By John Freeman on September 8, 2010

The latest issue of indie comic zine Paragon is out now, an anthology title featuring the work of creators Mark Howard, Dave Candlish, the Emperor and Stephen Prestwood.

There’s also a fab ‘guest pin up – a gruesome demon by artist Matt Soffe which will feature in the title’s ‘Jikan’ strip in a future issue.

The range of strips has dropped again – just three strips, as opposed to Issue 5 – but once again, ‘Battle Ganesh’ is my favourite art-wise, a fun modern re-telling of Indian mythology.

Script-wise, I’d argue Mark Howard’s ‘Jikan’ is the best of the title, and Dave Candlish’s clean line is rapidly gaining confidence. His storytelling still needs work – key moments could be better served by more energy and action, and but it’s a distinctive strip and shows promise, if he develops his limited backgrounds.

All in all, Paragon continues to display an enthused energy and the creators all show promise. Check out the title’s blog or track it down at the Smallzone stand at the next big comics event.

• Copies will be available from http://paragoncomic.blogspot.com/ to order any day now. You can also check out the ongoing adventures of ‘Jikan’ as a three frame web comic there

• Read our review of Paragon #5

• Read our review of Paragon #4

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.