Quietly doing brisk trade in comic shops stocking it, it seems The Panharmonion Chronicles – Times Of London, a new graphic novel written by Henry Chebaane with art by Stephen Baskerville, is proving something of a “sleeper” hit.
Stephen, a guest at London Film and Comic Con this coming weekend, perhaps best known for his work on Transformers comics, reports the graphic novel has already sold out of initial stock – and garnered some good reviews.
Three years in the making, in The Panharmonion Chronicles – Times Of London, a 168-page tale, published by Supanova Media, Alex Campbell is a Canadian musician struggling with a conflicted identity, a tragic past and repressed supernatural abilities. Orphaned at a young age, life was never easy on her and is about to get a lot worse. Alex is a primed time bomb in search of a fuse.
Following the inheritance of a decaying 19th century London house from a mysterious ancestor, she moves to Camden, hoping for a new life and a better future. Soon, her renovation plans are being undermined by agents of a shadowy corporation with ancient roots and a malevolent agenda.
While resisting their increasingly hostile actions, Alex makes some shocking discoveries about her past, her family and herself that changes her grip on reality.
The hostilities soon escalate into violent confrontations, unveiling a doomsday supremacist conspiracy, hidden under the surface of two London cities, England and Ontario.
It’s just a question of time before it spreads across the world. Alex is the only one who can stand in their way.
If she makes it in time…
Times of London is the debut novel of artist and designer Henry Chebaane, from his trilogy The Panharmonion Chronicles, is a gritty thriller that grapples with philosophical questions about the nature of time, reality, and identity. Expect much more action, drama, blood, twists, insights and revelations in future volumes!
Masterfully illustrated by veteran graphic artist Stephen Baskerville (Spider-Man, Transformers, Judge Dredd, Doctor Who), the heady blend of science-fiction, horror and alternative history is spliced through with occasional hints of wry humour, pop culture and homage to music lovers of all genres.
“It would be wildly mean spirited to provide any spoilers,” enthuses Paul N. Neal of the story over on the SHIFT blog, “except to say Henry Chebaane has created an excellent concept packed full with colourful characters. There is a world to discover I suspect in the following volumes… Much like Sherlock, there is a clear love of London as a location on almost every page. In fact the capital city in question is almost a character on its own.”
2024 Update: The Panharmonion Chronicles is widely available online in the UK from Waterstones, Foyles, The Times Bookshop and The Guardian Bookshop, plus several comic shops and the Get My Comics website. It can also be bought direct from the publishers Supanova
• The Panharmonion Chronicles – Times Of London is available from Mega City Comics here
• The Panharmonion Chronicles – Times Of London is available from Gosh Comics here (currently out of stock)
• Check out The Panharmonion Chronicles official web site: panharmonion.com
• Read an interview with Henry Chebaane on the SciFi Now web site
- About the Author
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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, British Comics - Graphic Novels, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News
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