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Red Alert! Little time left to back Spectrum – The Worlds of Gerry Anderson #2, from Time Bomb Comics

By John Freeman on July 29, 2023

There’s still time – but not much! – to back the second issue of Time Bomb Comics SF anthology Spectrum #2 – a second full colour, perfect bound, 44-page comic anthology featuring three new and original comic adventures set within the worlds created by Gerry Anderson: New Captain Scarlet, Space Precinct and Terrahawks.

Following the success of last year’s Spectrum anthology, Time Bomb Comics has smashed most of the stretch goals for the series’ second issue, featuring all-new stories from largely returning creative teams: “New Captain Scarlet”, “Space Precinct” and “Terrahawks” – in time for the latter’s 40th anniversary in October 2023.

Needing no introduction, Gerry Anderson’s work was a huge part of the British television landscape from the 1960s to the 1990s, with his shows becoming favourites of many science fiction fans. The three titles included in Spectrum span the genre, from alien fighting to space-based police procedural.

Time Bomb Comics SPECTRUM #2 - New Captain Scarlet

Time Bomb Comics SPECTRUM #2 - Space Precinct

The creative teams for the Spectrum anthology issue 2 are Steve Tanner (writer), Pete Woods (art), John Charles (colours) and James Gray (letters), on New Captain Scarlet; Richmond A. Clements (writer) and James Gray (art and lettering) on Space Precinct; Dan Whitehead (writer), Ste Pickford & Gary Crutchley (artists), Owen Watts (colours) and James Gray (lettering) on Terrahawks.

The cover for this issue is drawn by Steve Pugh, known for his work at DC, Marvel, Dark Horse and 2000AD.

The first issue of Spectrum outperformed sales and critical expectations, with the title being sold in both newsagents and specialist comic book stores, enabling it to reach a wide range of readers. The second issue is expected to go even further in reaching both old and new audiences.

Time Bomb Comics SPECTRUM #2 - New Captain - New Captain Scarlet preview page: line art by Pete Woods and colour art by John Charles
Scarlet — *New Captain Scarlet preview page: line art by Pete Woods and colour art by John Charles*

*Terrahawks preview page: Line art by Ste Pickford and colours by Owen Watts*

One of the rewards for this issue of Spectrum is a very special limited A3 print by Graham Bleathman, an artist perhaps best known for his Gerry Anderson themed artwork.

“Graham produced a brilliant exclusive Terrahawks piece for the first Spectrum book,” says publisher Steve Tanner, “and I’m delighted that he’s now created an exclusive Space Precinct artwork for this campaign. These will be signed and numbered by Graham, and are bound to be extremely collectable.”

Terrahawks print for SPECTRUM #2 campaign, by Graham Bleathman

“It’s wonderful to be able to see our books out in the streets and to know they’re reaching people!” Steve Tanner says. “The sales success of Spectrum issue #1 demonstrates how much Gerry’s work resonates, and that there’s a huge audience of people who are just waiting to start reading comics!”

“I’m delighted to see how the Gerry Anderson titles and characters have evolved in the second issue,” says Anderson Entertainment chief, writer, producer and director, Jamie Anderson. “The Time Bomb team have kept the authentic feel of the shows and the comic looks fantastic.”

This 44-page anthology is the second publication released in partnership with Anderson Entertainment, in a deal brokered by Larkshead Licensing, with a planned publication date later in 2023.

• Check out Spectrum #2 here on Kickstarter – this campaign closes on Tuesday 1st August 2023 at 10.00pm UK time

John Freeman

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.