There’s still time – just! – to back Hedrek, a fantastic-looking horror comic project from new independent British publisher Scratch Comics, its Kickstarter closing this weekend and already fully funded.

Created by Professor Laurence Alison and Eagle Award-winning artist David Hitchcock , Hedrek – a tense folk horror comic book mystery, pitched as “Columbo meets The Wicker Man” – draws on rich legacy of eccentric, flawed and often satirical British comics. But it’s also a thoroughly modern story, too, introducing us to a new character, who although certainly heroic, is also flawed and ever so human, as opposed to super human.

“Night of The Mummers” is the first book in a series of high quality comics that give us a view into the folk horror world of DCI Hedrek Stern, as he tackles a startling string of murders that may or may not be supernatural in nature.
The reader is drawn into a macabre story beautifully illustrated by the incredibly talented David Hitchcock, who has previously worked for 2000AD, Heavy Metal and his own acclaimed titles, Spring Heeled Jack and Spirit of The Highway Man.

Writer Laurence Alison is Professor of Forensic Psychology, who’s worked for nearly 30 years on offender profiling and criminal investigation, terrorism, and disaster studies, being the key psychological advisor on many of the most notable cases in recent British History. In 2020, he was awarded an MBE for his services to decision making, rapport-based interviewing and child protection. He has worked across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

“Hedrek by name head wreck by nature. I’ve put our hero through some grim experiences in this and there are more to come,” says Alison, “It’s quintessentially British horror with a man of compassion and intellect at the heart of it. David’s art has elevated it to a creepy, moody masterpiece.”

There are three versions of the printed book available to backers, as well as a digital version – the Standard cover by David Hitchcock; a special limited edition virgin wraparound cover; and the very limited edition original sketch version.

There are still opportunities to gain rewards that include original art – but not many – and other add ons, too, such as a set of exclusive collectors cards designed by artist Gabrielle Noble… but again, you’d better hurry along to the project, because there aren’t too many slots left!

“The police procedural scenes in this book are incredibly realistic and Laurence has been able to draw from his many years of experience to enhance the depth and authenticity of these stories,” offers editor and publisher Shane Chebsey …“and we are so excited to bring Hedrek to readers in 2022.”

• You can pre-order Hedrek – Night of the Mummers now or find out more via the Kickstarter campaign, which closes this weekend

• Check out the Hedrek project here on Facebook

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.

Categories: British Comics, Comics, Crowd Funding Projects, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News

Tags: David Hitchcock, Hedrek, Horror Comics, Laurence Alison, Professor Laurence Alison, Scratch Comics, Shane Chebsey