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Thunderbirds Versus the Hood audio adventures takes off in August

By John Freeman on June 24, 2022

Thunderbirds Versus The Hood - FINAL COVER

Hot on the heels of their recently revealed TV Century 21 Audio Annual, Anything Can Happen, Anderson Entertainment is preparing for the FAB launch of Thunderbirds Versus The Hood in August 2022.

Featuring two stories adapted from the original comic strips (“The Vanishing Ray” and “Brains is Dead”), this first volume of Thunderbirds stories expands on the adventures of the beloved 1960s TV series, taking characters on new and thrilling missions.

“I’ve been itching to bring Thunderbirds to the world of audio drama for years, and now, having created a range of audiobooks, this felt like the perfect time to bring some exhilarating adventures to life” explains Gerry’s son and managing director of Anderson Entertainment, Jamie Anderson.

GerryAndersonTV · Thunderbirds Versus the Hood – Full Cast Audio

“We have such an impressive array of voice talent working across our titles that it made sense to bring them all together for the start of this sensational new range of Thunderbirds stories.”

These new audios pit the iconic team of Parker (Jon Culshaw), Lady Penelope (Genevieve Gaunt) and International Rescue against the villainy of The Hood (Justin T. Lee). The new adventures also stars Joe Jameson, Andrew Clements, Chris Dale and Ben Page.

Genevieve Gaunt voices Lady Penelope and Jon Culshaw is parker in new Thunderbirds audio adventures — *Genevieve Gaunt voices Lady Penelope and Jon Culshaw is Parker in new Thunderbirds audio adventures. Image: Anderson Entertainment*

“The Vanishing Ray“, was the final “Lady Penelope” strip to appear in TV Century 21 before the secret agent moved to Lady Penelope comic, running in the comic in Nos. 44 – 51 in late 1965, shortly after the series made its TV debut, and early 1966. Although uncredited, it was possibly written by Alan Fennell, with art definitely by Eric Eden.

TV Century 21 No. 44 - Lady Penelope - art by Eric Eden — *“Lady Penelope”, from TV Century 21 No. 44 – art by Eric Eden*

Adapted by Ben Page, in the story Lady Penelope gets a strange new invention in the post, MI5 and International Rescue’s evil nemesis The Hood soon comes calling… And now it’s up to her ladyship and the stalwart Parker to solve a mystery! In the original story, we’re witness to events leading up to Penelope’s recruitment by Jeff Tracy as an agent of International Rescue.

“Brains is Dead” was originally written by the late Scott Goodall MBE, which first appeared in TV21 Nos 162 – 167 in 1968, with art by Frank Bellamy. It’s been adapted by Chris Dale.

The opening episode of "Brains is Dead", from TV21 No. 162, written by Scott Goodall MBE, with art by Frank Bellamy — *The opening episode of “Brains is Dead”, from TV21 No. 162, written by Scott Goodall MBE, with art by Frank Bellamy*

International Rescue is rocked by the death of one of their own when Brains is the victim of a seemingly motiveless murder in New York. But before the team have a chance to come to terms with this loss they find themselves facing an all-out attack against Tracy Island. Their oldest enemy is about to make his final most devastating move against them – and among his new allies is a very familiar face…

Directed by Samuel Clemens, son of the great Brian Clemens, these new Thunderbirds adventures aim to bring back that Sunday afternoon feeling of settling down to enjoy the latest perilous adventure from the universally-loved series.

• Thunderbirds Versus The Hood runs for approximately 80 minutes and is available direct from GerryAnderson.com for £16.99, with pre-orders now live

• You can get yourself up to speed at GerryAnderson.com and follow the Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts, as well as checking out The Gerry Anderson Podcast which recently enjoyed its 200th weekly episode.

• Those looking to refresh their love of all things Anderson are also encouraged to watch the Gerry Anderson Primers series on YouTube

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.