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Crowdfunding Spotlight: Sentinel Issue Seven: Hell on Harry Howson

By John Freeman on April 5, 2021

After the rousing success of the sixth issue of Sentinel, the silly and stupendous story “Bad Kitty”, the team behind the pocket digest-sized comic are bringing back the stars of their very first issue for Issue Seven – space couriers Doyle, Braddock and RHLSTP.

“Issue One was such a hit and we loved doing it, so another rousing buddy action comedy was just asking to be made,” explains writer Alan Holloway, who is delivering an all-new story, “Hell on Harry Howson”, with artist Ed Doyle.

This time round, the guys have got their customer rating up to four stars – life is sweet! However, a simple job on Harry Howson’s World turns out to be anything but… When their ship is swallowed by the planet (hey, these things happen!) they have to venture into the underworld (sounds safe, huh?) and battle all sorts of monsters from Greek legend before the utterly brilliant final act. (No spoilers!)

As with every issue of Sentinel, on offer is a complete, 64 page story in digest format, much like the old Starblazer or ongoing Commando comics published by DC Thomson.

The whole thing was inspired by Alan and Ed’s love of the work of master of stop motion Ray Harryhausen.

“Any fans of his should get a real kick out of this, even if we had to change the name and alter some of the monsters slightky so as not to infringe any copyright,” says Alan. “Doyle and RHLSTP were the perfect characters to chuck in at the deep end and we had a ball making this one and still giggle when we read through it.”

As ever, this campaign includes a number of potential add-ons in addition to simply backing publication of the comic. As Issue One of Sentinel, “Special Delivery” is sold out, for example, Alan and Ed have decided to reprint it, and it is available as an add on in print or digital form, with a brand new cover from Ed Doyle.

Sentinel Issue One - 2021 Cover — *Sentinel Issue 1 new cover*

Ian Beadle has also updated his original cover which is now inside the back cover.

Sentinel Issue One - Ian Beadle's Redesigned cover (available as a print only) — *Ian Beadle’s Redesigned cover (available as a print only)*

Both covers are available as prints to go with the new printing, also as part of the add ons when bought with a copy.

For details of other extras, including commissioned art options, head over to Kickstarter and give this fun independent comics project your support.

• Back Sentinel Issue Seven: “Hell on Harry Howson” here on Kickstarter

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.