TV Century 21 returns, but as audio annuals, not a comic

By John Freeman on June 17, 2022 • ( 1 )

Building on the success of their growing audio book and audio drama range, Anderson Entertainment has unveiled a new range of TV Century 21 Audio Annuals, starting with Anything Can Happen, available next month (July 2022).

Narrated by Wayne Forester (New Captain Scarlet, Thunderbirds) and Nicholas Briggs (Doctor Who, the voice of the Daleks), these new Audio Annuals bring back classic Gerry Anderson stories from yesteryear to rekindle that nostalgic Christmas feeling and memories of a simpler time.

Thrill to new adventures of the Tracy Brothers from International Rescue – and gasp in awe at the perils faced by Troy Tempest, Captain Scarlet and Joe 90 – in seven epic adventures (plus extras!) across 240 minutes and four CDs. Whether it’s last-minute rescues, nefarious criminal schemes or menacing alien foes … in the fantastic worlds of Gerry Anderson, Anything Can Happen!

A weekly comic led by stories featuring series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson in the 1960s, even then TV Century 21 spun out its own vinyl 33rpm records, loved by fans.

*TV21 Themes, offered here on Better on Vinyl*

“Dad was always looking to tell new stories and expand on the worlds he created, so having the opportunity to bring these overlooked gems to life is very much in keeping with what he would want,” explains Gerry’s son, and managing director of Anderson Entertainment, Jamie Anderson. “The work we’re doing on these Audio Annuals will continue to develop those worlds as we prepare for the next phase of Anderson Entertainment’s evolution.”

The TV Century 21 Audio Annual 2022: Anything Can Happen will be available direct from GerryAnderson.com 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.

*The unadorned Time Bomb Comics SPECTRUM Anthology Cover by Steve Pugh*

Anderson Entertainment is working with Time Bomb Comics on new comics, the first issue of SPECTRUM released earlier this month, now available from WHSmith and as well as any newsagents they supply.

The TV Century 21 brand is owned by Rebellion, acquired after the publisher of 2000AD bought the comic library formerly owned by T1 Media.

• Pre-order the new audio annual here now

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.