Planet Jimbot launches a collection of the ground-breaking science fiction story Savant this week, the first time the story has been gathered together since its serialised appearance in Dark Horse Presents.
A stunning science fiction story by Jim Alexander (2000AD, Metal Hurlant Chronicles), Will Pickering (Burke and Hare), coloured by Fin Cramb (Mono), lettered by Jim Campbell, Savant was first published by Planet Jimbot in 2013, an adventure originally conceived for STRIP: The Adventure Comics Magazine. Acclaimed Spanish artists Josep Lluis Ferrer (2000AD, Starlord) and Carlos Vila even drew some pages, before the project was sadly curtailed.
It was later picked up and serialised in Dark Horse Presents, launching in #32, published in 2017.
Savant introduces the mysterious memory-gatherer, Lode from the planet Savant, who has gone walkabout around the universe. She chooses to chronicle the lives of the dying, and as a result, seeks out war zones. She is not a harbinger of death; but it is death nevertheless that draws her in, like a moth to a flame.
Her travels bring her to Hubris, a planet ripped apart by war. Here, she is recruited by local government forces to help hunt down a war criminal. It is a journey that will take her to the mouth of madness. The End of Days itself…
As the original editor on the tale, I’ve previously admitted my bias, but for me, Savant is one of Jim Alexander’s best SF stories, a great “high concept” tale, beautifully realised by Will Pickering, who is perhaps best known for his work on the Burke & Hare graphic novel.
It’s all the more enjoyable to read it complete, in one sitting, some years since Jim’s remarkable story first dropped into my inbox for consideration. After the creator-owned project foundered, through no fault of those involved on the creative side, Jim went ahead with a new version of the story and this resulting collection makes for an enjoyable, thought-provoking read.
• Savant is available now, direct from Planet Jimbot on Etsy | and AmazonUK (Affiliate Link), Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and other places | ISBN 978-1916453562
• Jim Alexander is online at jimalexanderwriting.com | Twitter
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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