Now available on Amazon, if you’re a steampunk fan, then check out Chuffin Billy: T’ Yorkshire War Robot, written by Noel K. Hannan with stunning art from John P. Welding.
In this beautifully-realised tale, some of it featured in the SHIFT Yearbook 2022, Yorkshire war robot Chuffin Billy sets out to discover the secrets of the Battle of Doncaster, where the Martians were finally defeated.
This 56-page collection from RAWHEAD Books features a representation of “A Wakefield Winter’s Tale”, plus a new fully-painted episode, “Wakefield High Noon”, a portfolio section featuring interpretations of the Chuff by Mal Earl, Clint Langley, Ian D Peterson, Rik Rawling, SP:Zero, Derek Gray, Ben Allen and Lyndon Webb, and a sketchbook and some incredible work by John Paul Welding from the ‘corrupted archives’ in the shape of Philosophical Iron.
“This book has been a long time in production and it is my great pleasure to bring it to you,” says writer Noel. “Myself and John Paul Welding have been working together since we were 15. We’re both late 50s now…”
“I swore that I would never do comics again,” said artist John P. Welding of the origins of Chuffin’ Billy back in 2021. “They are too involved with all the layouts, penciling, design, inking, speech bubbles, colouring, editing, marketing and… I’m too old for it. Although something keeps drawing me back to want to do them.
“About three years ago I started a strip called ‘Chuffin’ Billy’ with my friend and long time collaborator from the nineties Noel Hannan. I did layouts for the first five pages and then had a nervous breakdown. The two occurrences, layouts and breakdown were not related.
“By March 2020 I was in a slightly better place both physically and mentally and decided, with Noel’s gentle persuasion, to give the Chuffin’ Billy project a second go.”
Of course, it still wasn’t easy, and you can read more about the project’s development in the book, and on John’s website.
“Noel K. Hannan creates a tight, at once mysterious, teasing and fully immersive script for this introductory chapter of Chuffin’ Billy,” enthuses contributor Mal Earl of the book.
“He is a fine writer, and coupled with the simply magnificent comic art and design work from John Paul Welding this is an exceptionally fine unveiling of what could become an iconic character within the framework of new British comics if there is any justice in the world.
“I loved it, and highly recommend jumping in on the upcoming adventures… you won’t be disappointed!”
Chuffin Billy: T’ Yorkshire War Robot is available here on AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)
Noel K. Hannan has been writing and publishing science fiction, fantasy and horror for over four decades. He is the writer of the comic book series Night of the Living Dead, based on the George Romero movies, and creator owned series such as Weird West, Streetmeat and Air Warriors. With Rik Rawling, he is the publisher of the RAWHEAD imprint. He is also the other author of several novels, including Wild Tundra and The Children.
RAWHEAD Books are hosting a pop-up shop in the centre of Hereford Butter Market this Friday, 22nd March 2024, in conjunction with Q’s Comics – you will find them on the stall opposite Q! The whole range of RAWHEAD books will be on sale, including new releases Unit 666 and Chuffin Billy, and a vast array of original art for sale at affordable prices ranging from £10 to £50. Noel K Hannan, writer and publisher, will also be on hand to lift the hood on the comic writing and publishing process.
• Chuffin Billy: T’ Yorkshire War Robot is available here on AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)
• Follow Noel K. Hannan on Facebook | AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)
• John P. Welding is online at johnwelding.comix.org.uk| Instagram
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.
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