Tina Turner, who passed on Wednesday aged 83, isn’t just remembered for her music, or her many film appearances. She’s also remembered, here at downthetubes at least, for her role in a “Garth” story in the Daily Mirror, orchestrated by the strip’s writer at the time, Tim Quinn.
Back in the early 1990s, Tim – perhaps best known for his work at Marvel Comics on both sides of the Atlantic, and his work at the Saturday Evening Post – was one of several writers on “Garth”, initially on the story “Treasure of Colchis”, with John Allard.
In 1992, Tim recalls, “I bumped into Tina Turner one day down London way. She was at the peak of her career at the time. I asked her if of all the many extraordinary things she had done whether she had ever appeared in a comic strip. She hadn’t. I told her I could rectify that.
“And so she became Garth’s girlfriend for the next storyline. I sent her the complete work and got back the best quote ever when she said: ‘This is better than getting the cover of Vogue!’ Damn right, it is!”
“Blood Sport”, drawn by Martin Asbury, featured in the Daily Mirror from 17th March until 15th June 1992, Tina so delighted she did not even ask for a fee.
“Shine on, Tina, like the moon and the stars and the sun,” says Tim. As do well.
Tina Turner (born Anna Mae Bullock; 26th November 1939 – 24th May 2023) – the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll”
• Tim Quinn is online at mightyquinnmanagement.com
• ARGH! Tim Quinn’s autobiography, is available now from New Haven Publishing
• Check out our guide to the Garth comic strip here on downthetubes
Blood Sport
Story Number: 142
Writer: Tim Quinn
Artist: Martin Asbury
Published: 17th March 1992 – 15th June 1992 (A65 – A143)
Number of Episodes: 79
• See Also: CBR – Comic Book Legends Revealed – Tina Turner’s Comic Book ‘Secret Origin’
Brian Cronin reveals how Tina Turner’s stage name had a comic book-inspired origin
Garth © Daily Mirror/ REACH
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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