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Blazer! team storm past target for third issue in latest Kickstarter campaign

By John Freeman on September 22, 2022

The Kickstarter for the third issue of independent retro-style comic BLAZER has deservedly proven a stunning success, smashing its original target and continuing to attract support, with a strong line up of strips in this latest release.

Blazer! is a 36-page, indie anthology comic published by The77 Publications, publishers of The77, Pandora, This Comic is Haunted and more.

You can back it now on Kickstarter here. We’ve been treated to a sneak peek, and the new issue is great fun, with some terrific art and stories, including a simply brilliant lead tale, “Lupu’s Transylvanian Tales“, written by Dave Heeley, with knock out art from Lee Millmore. But there are many more thrills besides!

"Lupu's Transylvanian Tales", written by Dave Heeley, art by Lee Millmore — *“Lupu’s Transylvanian Tales”, written by Dave Heeley, art by Lee Millmore*

There are plenty of quirky extras on offer for backers, including art cards and the opportunity to feature as an “intern” on the feature pages of the comic,

The format of Blazer is in the style of the British newsstand weeklies of the 1970s, such as Battle Picture Weekly, Action, 2000AD and Starlord. However, rather than being a themed SF, war title, Blazer! harks back to more general titles such as Lion comic or Valiant, its strips covering a variety of genres.

The title is the brainchild of Steve MacManus, who began his editorial career in 1973 as a sub-editor on Valiant comic published by Fleetway Publications. He went on to work on Battle Picture Weekly and Action, before moving to 2000AD, which he edited from 1979 to 1987, commissioning writers such as Alan Moore, Pat Mills, John Wagner and Peter Milligan. Subsequently, he sought to establish a market aimed at older readers, launching the titles Crisis, Revolver and the Judge Dredd Megazine, in quick succession.

The group editor on Blazer! is Ben Cullis, ably assisted by designer and sub-editor Andrew Richmond. Contributor to this upcoming issue are Ian Baker, Dom Brodowska, Dave Heeley, Steve MacManus, Colin Maxwell, Lee Milmore, Peter Western, Andrew Richmond and Brendon Wright.

This issue features…

DERRINGER & SO’N
Written and drawn by Colin Maxwell

Jack and So’n are on the trail of an elusive card sharp, in sleazy Atlantic City!

LUPU’S TRANSYLVANIAN TALES
Written by Dave Heeley and drawn by Lee Milmore.

Each issue, Lupu will be presenting a chilling tale from the land of bloodthirsty vampires!

DOMENICA’S RING
Written by Dom Brodowska and drawn by Peter Western

Domenica learns the shocking truth about a secret war to defend planet Earth from alien invaders!

DEATHMATCH
Written and drawn by Andrew Richmond

A 1970s wrestling star grapples with the criminal underworld of London in a tale that takes him to hell and back.

THE TINKLING TRIANGLES
Written by Steve MacManus and drawn by Brendon Wright

What’s this… our sonorous superstars in a mid-strip makeover? Sounds like trouble ahead for their double-crossing manager Snuff Sourdough!

This issue of Blazer really cranks up the title’s mix of stories – check it out now on Kickstarter

• The Kickstarter for Blazer! Issue 3 will run until 10.30pm Sunday 9th October 2022

About the Author
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John Freeman

John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.

He’s the writer of comics such as 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.