Back in October 2020, independent comics distributor and publisher GetMyComics released the first issue of SHIFT Magazine to newsagents and comic shops… and now, they’re seeking crowdfunding support for an awesome Winter Special!
Continuing to release new issues throughout 2021 – despite the ongoing lockdowns and pandemic – SHIFT has garnered both critical acclaim and the appreciation of its growing audience.
As well as several ongoing series – Soulwind, Foot Soldiers, To The Death, Kora, Crucible, Shifter and Tiny Acts of Violence – SHIFT has also showcased a variety of one-off short stories and articles. It continues to push the boundaries of the anthology title with bold storytelling techniques, including such innovations as large gatefold widescreen strips (Foot Soldiers), augmented reality (Shifter) and telling the origin story of To the Death‘s Killatoa as a newspaper strip insert.
Now SHIFT is offering you the chance to get a copy of its amazing SHIFT Winter Special … ahead of general release!
“As it’s our birthday, it seems apt to go live with the Kickstarter for our Winter Special,” enthuses publisher Adrian Clarke.
This 128-page opus is packed with only the finest sequential blockbusters, including…
An all new To The Death story, “The End of the Beginning”, as created by Simon Furman and Geoff Senior. Simon and Geoff are joined by their Marvel UK Dragon’s Claws teammates Steve White on colours and Richard Starkings on letters.
“This is set after the events detailed in our ongoing series in SHIFT, is exclusive to our winter special,” Adrian says.
A new sci-fi thriller, “The Key” by Christopher Frank with art by Andrw Sawyers, promising action, adventure and big guns!
Andrw’s action packed, vibrant art was first seen working with Bambos Georgiou on “The Cell” in The77, and has gone from strength to strength.
“He’s turned out his best work ever for this special,” Adrian enthuses, “and we can’t wait for you to see the rest of the story from this technicolour wizard!”
Plus, there’s virtual reality, mind-bending sci-fi in “Another Time and Place” by Hal Laren.
Simon Furman and Barry Kitson are also back together after 30 plus years! The team that brought you the stunning episodes of “Dinobot Hunt” and “Second Generation” in Marvel UK’s Transformers create an all-new fully painted story, “Bring the Rayne”.
“Secret History” is a beautiful one-shot by Lyndon Webb (“Perfect Shot”, SHIFT issue #8) and SHIFT #8 cover artist Lee Milner.
2000AD veteran and acclaimed artist Alan Langford, creator of the recently self-published, stunning graphic novel The Secret of the Aesir, brings you “The Star-Drake of Dumnonia”, lettered by Robin Jones.
“Black Train” by Dave Clarke and Ian Stopworth is a mind-bending tale – as told in beautiful, fully painted art – interpreting the story from the epic song of the same name.
“Ian has been producing incredible painted strip work on ‘Extinction 2040’ in The77,” Adrian notes, “and now brings us the truly magical ‘The Black Train’, based on the 20-minute rock epic by The Mighty Bard, and scripted by guitarist/songwriter Dave Clarke.
“The Black Train is truly special and will be accompanied by an upcoming vinyl release of the track.”
“The Hypersonic Subatomic Super Sci-fi Symphony” is the work of Chris Geary (“Kora”, Aces Weekly).
“A Wakefield Winters Tale”, featuring Victorian war robot Chuffin Billy, Hero of the Martian War, is written by Noel K Hannan and illustrated by John Welding.
Finally, there’s “Technofreak” as written by Mike Carey (Lucifer, Hellblazer, X-Men), created by John Charles (2000AD) and brought to life by brilliant artist Tom Newell.
This Kickstarter comes with a variety of as yet unrevealed variant covers, including one by Barry Kitson, plus SHIFT back-issues options, slipcases, hoodies, signed prints and even mugs to choose from, our pledges and add-ons that offer something for both new and devoted fans of SHIFT.
The special will be printed and sent to Kickstarter backers ahead of general release elsewhere.
Plus, for the first time for SHIFT, a digital option will also be available. Any backer of physical copies will receive access to the digital version. (And GetMyComics will also follow up with digital back issues of the main title soon).
“A number of rewards are limited – original art, signed items, commissions,” Adrian notes. “When they’re gone, they’re gone.
“The standard cover will be in stock for ordering after the campaign finishes. Barry’s variant cover will not be.”
• Check out the SHIFT Magazine Winter Special crowdfunder here on Kickstarter
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, Digital Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News
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