Time Bomb Comics has just announced a partnership with Anderson Entertainment for a new Spectrum anthology, based on Gerry Anderson’s many productions, in a deal brokered by Larkshead Licensing.
The first issue, opening for pre-order sales on Kickstarter in April, with publication later in 2022, will be a 44-page comic anthology featuring three cult titles from the mind of prolific creator Gerry Anderson: New Captain Scarlet, Space Precinct and Terrahawks.
The three titles included in Spectrum span the genre from alien fighting to space-based police procedural. Bringing them together in this anthology will create an exciting and unique comic book.
New Captain Scarlet was a reboot of the original 1960s show broadcast in the 1990s. Using CGI as an evolution of the original Supermarionation puppetry, the show followed the titular Captain Scarlet in his battle against the invading Mysteron aliens.
Terrahawks used an altered version of the Supermacromation style, refined with 1980s technology and incorporating latex hand-puppets. The series sees a ragtag group of humans defend Earth after the destruction of NASA.
Finally, the 1990s Space Precinct was a live action series that incorporated puppetry in creating realistic and sophisticated alien characters. A police procedural set in space, it was known for its groundbreaking special effects.
The creative teams for the new anthology are Steve Tanner (writer), Pete Woods (artist) and James Grey (letters) on New Captain Scarlet; Richmond A Clements (writer) and James Grey (art and lettering) on Space Precinct; and Dan Whitehead (writer), Ste Pickford (artist) and James Grey (lettering) on Terrahawks.
The first Spectrum cover is drawn by Steve Pugh, known for his work at DC, Marvel, Dark Horse and 2000AD.
Gerry Anderson’s work – some series created with Sylvia Anderson – was a huge part of the British television landscape from the 1960s to the 1990s, and his shows remain popular with science fiction fans across the globe.
As a publisher focused on exciting, modern comics with an old-school feel this partnership is perfect for Time Bomb Comics. Indeed, every aspect of the publication has been personally approved by Jamie Anderson, Managing Director and CCO of Anderson Entertainment, and son of Gerry Anderson.
This collaboration is also perfectly timed as it coincides with Time Bomb Comics ’ 15 Anniversary Year and is an exciting development for the company.
“Spectrum marks the first licensed title released through Time Bomb Comics,” says Time Bomb Comics chief, Steve Tanner, speaking about the anthology and his hopes for the future, and I’m delighted it features characters and concepts that are truly warmly recognised around the world.
“Like many of my generation I grew up enjoying the television shows created by Gerry Anderson,” he continues, “and I’m thrilled that we’ve partnered with Anderson Entertainment to create new stories featuring some of his most iconic shows.
“New Captain Scarlet, Space Precinct, Terrahawks and Time Bomb Comics – what a combination!” enthuses Anderson Entertainment chief, writer, producer and director, Jamie Anderson.
“Seeing these three Anderson titles getting a new lease of life is a real thrill for me. The Time Bomb team has done a fantastic job of building out the worlds, keeping an authentic feeling to the stories, and making stunning looking strips. I can’t wait for Anderson fans across the globe to enjoy these new stories ”
Larkshead Licensing are a brand licensing agency and an Anthology Group company. Founded by Bob Benton, the Anthology Group champions media and entertainment through development, distribution and funding of all forms of content across a wide portfolio of media – from feature films to factual entertainment, documentaries and theatre.
Originally founded by legendary creator Gerry Anderson, Anderson Entertainment creates, develops, produces and nurtures Gerry Anderson intellectual property and content for highly engaged passionate fans across the world continuing to build on the incredible legacy of Gerry Anderson ’s globally successful shows.
• Spectrum | 44 Pages, Full Colour, Perfect Bound | Kickstarter Launch Date: 1st April 2022 | Web: timebombcomics.com | Twitter | Facebook
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, Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes News, Other Worlds, Science Fiction, Television
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It’s good to see this happening. As these are properties belonging to Anderson Entertainment, it would be interesting to see the comic anthology idea extend to owned but unmade concepts such as Five Star Five and Intergalactic Rescue Four.