Its cover bedecked in Christmas decorations, the final EAGLE Times of 2023, the journal of the Eagle Society, is available now on subscription.
While the fanzine’s focus remains the original EAGLE, the title has expanded its remit down the years, and this issue is no exception, leading with an introductory article to Classics Illustrated series, written by Kevin O’Donnell.
My first encounter with this title was in the early 1970s, on holiday with family friends in Kent, a huge box full of back issues that was my first introduction to classic fiction by the likes of authors such as Charles Dickens, Jules Verne and HG Wells and more, some of which I would later read in their original form. For me, they offered a fantastic gateway to classic fiction, and Kevin’s article stirred memories of a couple rainy days, many years ago.
If you remember them too, you’re probably already aware CCS Books, the worldwide exclusive publishers of the Classics Illustrated comic book series in English, have been publishing refreshed versions of this well-loved comic book collection for over ten years, providing wonderful, high quality reproductions of the heritage comic line. They also carry plenty of back issues of the original editions.
Also in this issue is the final part of Steve Winders’ reviews of the “Luck of the Legion” novels, and a smashing item by David Britton on the first Dan Dare, a superhero American detective, published by Fawcett Publications, now owned by DC Comics. (There’s no evidence to suggest the creators of Eagle’s space hero were familiar with the character, and there are no similarities between the two).
A welcome addition to the A4 fanzine’s line up is a new series about the great illustrators of the 1950s by Adam Goodman, starting with the legendary and hugely influential American comic artist Milton Caniff, perhaps best known for the US newspaper strips, “Terry and the Pirates” and “Steve Canyon”. This is a great addition to EAGLE Times mix, especially as we know Dan Dare creator Frank Hampson was one of the artists Caniff influenced.
Also in this issue is an excellent article about the 1960 – 62 Eagle strip, “Knights of the Road”, by Jim Duckett, , and an item by Harry Royle about the actress Shirley Cain, whose early career was featured in Girl Annual; and a feature from Peter Barr on cricketer Patsy Hendren, a significant contributor to the early EAGLE.
Rounding the issue off, we’re also treated to a one off Christmas story, “The Case of the Christmas Naughty List”, starring Archie Berkeley-Willoughby of Scotland Yard, by Steve Winders. I do hope that at some point Steve considers offering these tales in a collection.
As I’ve said previously, if you’re a fan of the original Eagle, both Eagle Times and the Society blog are excellent companions to the title, and my thanks once again to the team for this latest issue.
• Membership of The Eagle Society is via Annual Subscription to Eagle Times magazine, which is published four times annually. Please make cheques payable to the ‘Eagle Society’. The current subscription rate (unchanged since 2018) is UK £30, Overseas £40 (all payments required in £s Sterling)
Postal applications to: Eagle Society Membership Secretary, Bob Corn, Mayfield Lodge, Llanbadoc, Usk Monmouthshire NP15 1SY | Web: eagle-times.blogspot.com | Enquiries: membership@eagle-society.org.uk
If you wish to pay by Paypal (from your Paypal account to the e-mail address above) – The Society request that you make your payment as a GIFT)
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, Classic British Comics, Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Features, Magazines, Other Worlds, Reviews