Featuring stunning a cover over by 2000AD artist Steven Austin, Futurequake Press releases Zarjaz Issue 31 next week – the latest issue of the not for profit anthology inspired by the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic!
Torquemada – Grand Master of Termight – demands you join him, as he brings purification to the masses – and “Button Man” Harry Exton makes his first appearance in “Lucky Man” by Lizzie & Conor Boyle.
There’s also a smashing Anderson strip, “Facing Evil’s Past” from writer John Osborne and artist Dave Peloe.
“Facing Evil’s Past” by writer John Osborne and artist Dave Peloe
In this issue…
Torquemada – “Heads you Lose” by writer Lee Robson and artist Steven Denton
The xenophobic Torquemada is betrayed by one of his own… and faces death from an alien that will look familiar to any 1980s Eagle fan…
Find out more about Lee Robson’s work over at Imaginary Stories and Steven is online over on DeviantArt
Judge Fudge And His Pals by writer Matt Sharp and artist Jonathan Dhenry
Worth the measly entry fee alone, this is a hilarious spoof of both Dredd and the Dark Judges. “Gaze in the the all-new fist of Fudge” surely counts as one of the best Dredd spoof panels, ever! A gem. (If you like the look of Jonathan’s arts, there are more treats on his Facebook page)
Button Man – “Lucky Day” by writer Lizzie Boyle and artist Conor Boyle
A visual treat and a masterclass in visual storytelling an action, with Lizzie and Conor pulling out all the stops as assassins battle it out on the streets of London. Conor’s art is exceptional on this strip – a talent deserving the praise he gets. Check out more of Lizzie and Conor’s work over at Disconnected Press.
Anderson, PSI – “Facing Evil’s Past” by writer John Osborne and artist Dave Peloe
John Osborne delivers a cracking Anderson story as Anderson faces past demons – and Dave Peloe’s art on this strip is excellent, delivering the goods on both the nightmares drawn from minds and the story conclusion. His take on Dredd, who makes a brief cameo, is terrific thanks to a deft script.
Bix Barton – “Rum Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em” by writer Mark Howard and artist Simon Bennett Hayes
I’m not quite sure what’s going on in this story, but Bix Barton seems to have a great relationship with Old Nick (providing he doesn’t turn his back on him) and a very poor manner about him when it comes to women – particularly those who work for him, even when they get captured by a devil-worshipping branch of the Mothers Union.
It’s a silly tale with some great one liners, but I can’t quite take to the character.
Judge Dredd – “Descendants Part 2” by writers RoboMonkey147 & Colin Clayton and artist RoboMonkey147
Robots on the rampage? Dredd captured by said mechanicals? The Halls of Justice invaded? I’m in. You had better be, too. RoboMonkey147 delivers some cracking action art on this continuing story co-written by Colin Clayton.
This is a great sign off for another enjoyable issue of Zarjaz. Recommended!
• Zarjaz 31 is on sale from Sunday – 48 pages for the incredible price of £3.00 – at www.futurequake.co.uk
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. Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Star Trek Explorer (previously known as Star Trek 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, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Features, Reviews
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