If you want to know which British comic characters Time UK own, then check out Albion by Leah Moore, John Reppion and Shane Oakley.
Script: Leah Moore & John Reppion
Pencils: Shane Oakley
Inks: George Freeman
Colour: Dave Gibbons, Wildstorm FX
Lettering: Todd Klein
Released: 29th June 2005
Publisher: Wildstorm FX
Rediscover the classic heroes of Britain’s yesteryear in a new series that teams legendary Alan Moore as plotter with writers Leah Moore and John Reppion (Wild Girl), artists Shane Oakley and George Freeman and cover artist Dave Gibbons (Watchmen)!
Britain never had any super-heroes. It had something much stranger: a collection of paragons, monsters, and clowns that vanished a quarter century ago, never to be seen again. Who were Robot Archie and the Steel Claw? Who was Captain Hurricane, or the Spider? And where have they been for 25 years?
Find out in the spectacular and historic first issue of Albion!
To be honest, this almost wasn’t my pick of the week. As a fan of British comics and characters from the age of five, I would personally have preferred a more “in your face” treatment of some of of my favourite heroes, perhaps in the style of Alan Moore’s Tom Strong” books rather than another “conspiracy” storyline.
That said, I am intrigued by this strange world where heroes exist side by side with their comics, and enjoyed the mainly one frame “guest appearances” that will fly over the head of many readers (The Dolls of St. Dominics bullies, the Cloak) but don’t impinge on the story itself.
Shane Oakley’s art suits the mood of the strip perfectly and writers Leah Moore and John Reppion have acknowledged he added many visual gags and references to Britain’s past comics legends himself.
This is “Pick of the Week” partly because I want to see it succeed, and lead to a return of The Steel Claw, Kelly’s Eye, The Spider and Robot Archie. I have my doubts this is the book to do it, but I’ll reserve finals judgement until this six issue mini-series is completed.
• Read our interview with Leah Moore and John Reppion about the Albion project
• Read our interview with Shane Oakley about the Albion project
• Read our interview with Andrew Sumner about the Albion project
Web Links:
• Leah Moore and Joh n Reppion are online at www.moorereppion.com
• Shane Oakley is online at shaneoakley.blogspot.com
[amazon_link asins=’1845763513,1845761561,B01B98MRPC,1781087172,B00KY3N3LG’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’downthetubes’ marketplace=’UK’ link_id=’a9fd9c5e-1b40-475c-b4c1-3920efb14012′]