The first issue of Comics Rule OK, a new title devoted to to vintage British comics, has just launched, available through Amazon as both digital and print editions.
The first 50-page issue, whose contributors include James Bacon and Jim O’Brien, supported by Bill Cunningham, with editorial assistance from Richard Sheaf. Reflecting publisher Justin Marriott’s rediscovered love of the medium during the pandemic, it’s a celebration, not a study, of various aspects of British comics from the 1960s through to the 1980s.
The first not-for-profit issue offers a huge range of articles, on strips such as Action’s hugely controversial “Kids Rule OK” characters such as Marvel UK’s Night Raven (a smashing spotlight that includes interviews with editor and publisher Dez Skinn and writer Steve Parkhouse, talking about the character), 2000AD’s Judge Dredd and Nemesis the Warlock, John Kent’s “Varoomshka” for The Guardian, plus items on Eccentric British Superheroes, and Dinosaurs and even Oil Rigs in British Comics!
CROK doesn’t provide what can be sometimes dry, indepth studies of aspects of British comics. It revels in the sheer weirdness and enduring appeal of many stories and characters, and is all the better for that approach. This isn’t to denigrate the fascinating research of many elsewhere, but if you want a zine that captures the sheer joy comics can bring, then CROK should be right up your street.
CROK Issue One also offers a guide to Garth Ennis’ Troubled Souls, Carlos Ezquerra horror strips, Class War Comix, and much more, including two welcome features on often overlooked girls comics, including a look at “Slaves of Orphan Farm”, a harrowing strip that ran in Tammy.
The new title is another publication from the unstoppable Justin Marriott, who’s also publisher of the brilliant Battling Britons comics zine, Paperback Fanatic, Sleazy Rider and more, all also available through Amazon.
Just like his other projects, the features are top notch, both writing and accompanying illustrations,
• Comics Rule OK is available now exclusively on Amazon | AmazonUK Affiliate Link |Amazon.com
• Check Justin Marriott’s many other titles (AmazonUK Affiliate Link)
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: 2000AD, British Comics, Classic British Comics, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Features, Reviews