Some absolutely splendid posters to mark the 60th anniversary of TV’s The Avengers go on sale today at 5.00pm UK time from Vice Press, featuring terrific art by Francesco Francavilla.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the The Avengers first hitting our screens in the UK. Introducing us to such iconic characters as John Steed (played by Patrick Macnee), Cathy Gale (Honor Blackman), Emma Peel (Diana Rigg) and Tara King (Linda Thorson), the original series ran from 1961 to 1969.
To celebrate the anniversary Vice Press have partnered with artist Francesco Francavilla and Studiocanal to release a set of prints featuring arguably the series most legendary pairing, Steed and Peel.
“I couldn’t be happier for my first poster drop of 2021 to be part of the anniversary celebrations of such an iconic duo and such a legendary TV show,” says Italian comic book artist Francesco Francavilla.
On Friday the 29th January 2021, Studiocanal will also be hosting a very special screening event.
“This celebratory evening is a tribute to one of the most endearing British TV creations of all time,” the Vice Press team enthuse. “Join us as we raise our bowler hats to the marvel (ahem) that is The Avengers!”
You’ll be able to watch three classic episodes; “Tunnel of Fear”, “The Nutshell” and “The Forget-me-Knot”, featuring Q&A’s with special guests including Paul O’Grady, director Sam Clemens, writer Richard Harris and stunt coordinator Ray-DeVeres Austin.
Fans will be able to interact using Virtual Cinema’s live chat bar, enjoying the social experience in real time, from the comfort of home.
As John Steed might say, “How absolutely splendid!”
• Tickets to the event and more details can be found here on Virtual Cinema
• The Avengers – Steed and Peel by Francesco Francavilla are on sale at Vice Press from Friday 29th January 2021
The Avengers – Steed and Peel Art Print set by Francesco Francavilla
Size: Set of two A3 (11.7 x 16.5 inches) | Edition of 250 | Fine art pigment prints on Mohawk Superfine 270gsm archival paper
Produced under licence from Studiocanal | £34.99 set of two
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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