Tuesday, 30 August 2016
1978: COMIC MEDIA NEWS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 37
From September 1978: issue 37 of the British fanzine COMIC MEDIA NEWS INTERNATIONAL with some bad news for DC, IPC and fans of Howard T. Duck.
1994: BABYLON FIVE BOOK 1: VOICES BY JOHN VORNHOLT (DELL/ BOXTREE)
From 1994: the first of the Dell BABYLON FIVE paperbacks.
This was pretty disappointing when it was released. Mostly because we'd been reassured that merchandise associated with the show would be of a higher standard and spin-off fiction would be better integrated into the much discussed story arc.
What we got was a book which seemed to have only the most tenuous grasp of the show's appeal, characters and overall format. Apparently this was because Dell were something of a reluctant licencee and wanted the first three paperbacks completed and released during the show's first season... just in case there was no Year Two and no discernable TV afterlfe.
So the books had to be written early in the first season production cycle with only the pilot movie (fairly atypical of the series that followed), early scripts for the weekly series and completed episodes as they rolled off the production conveyor belt.
The B5 production office were also apparently ill-prepared to be dealing with licensed products and there wasn't a system or staff in place to offer advice or give feedback on the submitted manuscripts.
Things did - without doubt - get better later.
This is the UK edition, published as a Channel Four book, by Boxtree.
This was pretty disappointing when it was released. Mostly because we'd been reassured that merchandise associated with the show would be of a higher standard and spin-off fiction would be better integrated into the much discussed story arc.
What we got was a book which seemed to have only the most tenuous grasp of the show's appeal, characters and overall format. Apparently this was because Dell were something of a reluctant licencee and wanted the first three paperbacks completed and released during the show's first season... just in case there was no Year Two and no discernable TV afterlfe.
So the books had to be written early in the first season production cycle with only the pilot movie (fairly atypical of the series that followed), early scripts for the weekly series and completed episodes as they rolled off the production conveyor belt.
The B5 production office were also apparently ill-prepared to be dealing with licensed products and there wasn't a system or staff in place to offer advice or give feedback on the submitted manuscripts.
Things did - without doubt - get better later.
This is the UK edition, published as a Channel Four book, by Boxtree.
1985: DOCTOR WHO POSTER MAGAZINE ISSUE 2 (MARVEL UK)
From February 1985: the second issue of MARVEL UK's DOCTOR WHO POSTER MAGAZINE turned the spotlight on the shiny Cyberman.
Excellent.
Excellent.
Friday, 26 August 2016
STRANGE WORLDS: BRITISH TWIN PEAKS FANZINE ISSUE 3
From the early 1990s: the third issue of the British TWIN PEAKS fanzine STRANGE WORLDS.
I'm pretty sureni had more of these (and several other Peaks zines) at the time but only this one resurfaced when I was trawling through boxes recently. Maybe more are out there... or maybe they have been lost to the Black Lodge over time.
The owls are not what they seem.
I'm pretty sureni had more of these (and several other Peaks zines) at the time but only this one resurfaced when I was trawling through boxes recently. Maybe more are out there... or maybe they have been lost to the Black Lodge over time.
The owls are not what they seem.
1989: THE DESTROYER (REMO WILLIAMS) MAGAZINE ISSUE 1 (MARVEL COMICS)
From November 1989: THE DESTROYER MAGAZINE issue 1, part of Marvel's late decade push back into black & white mag publishing.
This was a spin-off from Warren Murphy's 1971 pulp paperback creation Remo Williams. The character had (almost) gone mainstream that decade thanks to the movie (which no one watched) and spin-off TV pilot (which didn't sell) but didn't quite make it. Both, however, are well worth seeing.
Marvel published nine issues of the magazine (no British editions) before pulling the plug. They percevered with a colour special which collected some of the matqerial, first published in black & white, from the first four magazines. Then they changed track and tried a four-issue comic book mini-series and one further one-shot. And then they bailed.
Warren Murphy also created the rather good but little remembered US TV series MURPHY'S LAW, starring George Segal, which attempted to straddle drama and comedy with varying degrees of success over its short run. The episode with Patrick (The Avengers) Macnee is particularly fine. It was carried by the ITV regions during the early days of overnight TV and another of the unusually fine series created by New World Television.
This was a spin-off from Warren Murphy's 1971 pulp paperback creation Remo Williams. The character had (almost) gone mainstream that decade thanks to the movie (which no one watched) and spin-off TV pilot (which didn't sell) but didn't quite make it. Both, however, are well worth seeing.
Marvel published nine issues of the magazine (no British editions) before pulling the plug. They percevered with a colour special which collected some of the matqerial, first published in black & white, from the first four magazines. Then they changed track and tried a four-issue comic book mini-series and one further one-shot. And then they bailed.
Warren Murphy also created the rather good but little remembered US TV series MURPHY'S LAW, starring George Segal, which attempted to straddle drama and comedy with varying degrees of success over its short run. The episode with Patrick (The Avengers) Macnee is particularly fine. It was carried by the ITV regions during the early days of overnight TV and another of the unusually fine series created by New World Television.
Thursday, 25 August 2016
1981: LEW STRINGER'S METAMORPH ISSUE 2
From Summer/ Autumn 1981... the second issue of Lew (MARVEL UK and a lot else besides) Stringer's fanzine METAMORPH (not to be confused with the later DOCTOR WHO fanzine the same - or similar - name).
This was an early appearance of 'Brick Person', Lew's caped crusader who swiftly became known as BRICKMAN. And eventually graduated to his own Harrier Comics one-stop and - more recently - a really nice digest collection.
The mag itself is a really nice mix of material... the sort of thing that would tickle a Star Age geek's fancy if they found it poking through their letterbox.
This was an early appearance of 'Brick Person', Lew's caped crusader who swiftly became known as BRICKMAN. And eventually graduated to his own Harrier Comics one-stop and - more recently - a really nice digest collection.
The mag itself is a really nice mix of material... the sort of thing that would tickle a Star Age geek's fancy if they found it poking through their letterbox.
1993: BABYLON FIVE VHS RENTAL RELEASE
From 1993: the first UK VHS release for BABYLON FIVE.
This is the sleeve for the original rental release of the feature-length pilot episode (aka The Gathering) which was released before the series arrived.
That's because there was a gap between PTEN (Prime Time Entertainment Network - the fancy name for the package of first-run syndicated teleflicks and series Warner Brothers sold to local stations) making and airing the movie and the series proper being given the green light.
I picked this up from the Oxford Circus branch of HMV (they occasionally carried tapes intended for the rental market) and was initially not that impressed. I could see the potential byt the cast seemed a little - ahem - underwhelming in their abilities and some if the creative decisions seemed a little ill-judged (like the Command Centre that seemed to be lit like a night club). But I could see the potential.
Many of those problems were fixed when the series itself launched. And it continued to improve across seasons 1-4 before loosing it in the fifth and final year.
This is the sleeve for the original rental release of the feature-length pilot episode (aka The Gathering) which was released before the series arrived.
That's because there was a gap between PTEN (Prime Time Entertainment Network - the fancy name for the package of first-run syndicated teleflicks and series Warner Brothers sold to local stations) making and airing the movie and the series proper being given the green light.
I picked this up from the Oxford Circus branch of HMV (they occasionally carried tapes intended for the rental market) and was initially not that impressed. I could see the potential byt the cast seemed a little - ahem - underwhelming in their abilities and some if the creative decisions seemed a little ill-judged (like the Command Centre that seemed to be lit like a night club). But I could see the potential.
Many of those problems were fixed when the series itself launched. And it continued to improve across seasons 1-4 before loosing it in the fifth and final year.
Tuesday, 23 August 2016
1981: JAMES BOND 007 FOR YOUR EYES ONLY ADAPTATION (MARVEL COMICS)
From October & November 1981: A spot of Marvel BONDage... the Bullpen's two-issue adaptation of the Roger Moore (did he really have art approval on that first cover?) outing FOR YOUR EYES ONLY.
This limited run repurposed the material that also appeared in the MARVEL SUPER SPECIAL magazine issue 19 (which also used that Howard Chaykin cover) and marked the first time that Marvel had chronicled a 007 adventure (they followed up with OCTOPUSSY, from the Marvel UK team). Marvel had apparently been minded to use this as a launching point for an ongoing James Bond series but a deal couldn't be struck with Eon and the proposal faltered.
UK readers belatedly saw this as one of the movie back-up strips during the first year of RETURN OF THE JEDI weekly.
This limited run repurposed the material that also appeared in the MARVEL SUPER SPECIAL magazine issue 19 (which also used that Howard Chaykin cover) and marked the first time that Marvel had chronicled a 007 adventure (they followed up with OCTOPUSSY, from the Marvel UK team). Marvel had apparently been minded to use this as a launching point for an ongoing James Bond series but a deal couldn't be struck with Eon and the proposal faltered.
UK readers belatedly saw this as one of the movie back-up strips during the first year of RETURN OF THE JEDI weekly.
1986: 2000AD'S DICE MAN ISSUE 4 (IPC)
From 1986: the fourth issue of IPC's comics/ Fighting Fantasy hybrid 2000AD'S DICEMAN.
This time the line-up was Slaine and the eponymous Dice Man, both scripted by Pat Mills.
Cover by Brendan McCarthy.
This time the line-up was Slaine and the eponymous Dice Man, both scripted by Pat Mills.
Cover by Brendan McCarthy.
1992: THE UK STAR WARS FAN CLUB MAGAZINE ISSUE 5
From the summer of 1992, a new (more professional) look for the 5th issue of THE (UNOFFICIAL) UK STAR WARS FAN CLUB MAGAZINE.
The cover art (the origin of which I don't recall although I'm sure I have seen it elsewhere) is a wraparound.
The cover art (the origin of which I don't recall although I'm sure I have seen it elsewhere) is a wraparound.
Monday, 22 August 2016
1995: THE MIGHTY I MAGAZINE ISSUE 1 (IMAGE COMICS)
From May/ June 1995: the first issue of THE MIGHTY I MAGAZINE.
Before Online became ubiquitous, publishers needed a way to reach out to their would-be audience. Fanzines had traditionally provided thet route but their low quality production values - and the whims of their Fan Boy editors - made them unreliable for reaching the mass market. Marvel hit on the solution in the early 1980s: MARVEL AGE MAGAZINE. That was Marvel's own in-house fanzine, stuffed to the staples with suspiciously good news stories about upcoming projects and creative teams. All geared to getting the buyer to buy more. And - best of all - the readership were willing to pay.
DC resisted going down the same route and concentrated their in-store marketing into a one-sheet freebie that compensated for s lack of colour printing by using colour paper. This was definitely low-fi Marketing. Someone obviously noticed and it was upgraded to a monthly glossy colour freebie which showcased upcoming projects in far more luxurious surroundings. Plus, of course, it was free which made it more likely that punters would grab a copy at the counter no matter where their buying loyalties lay.
By the mid 1990s, the unprecedented competition in the market place meant that everyone who could pumped a lot of cash into Marketing. WIZARD and other sympathetic wannabes were the obvious go-to destinations to spread the word (especially if the deal could be sweetened with a trading card or ashcan edition as an insert) but the MARVEL AGE model still ruled supreme.
This was the Image Comics version: THE MIGHTY I.
This was presented in the flip-book format, hence the two covers below.
I love diving into 50p boxes wherever I can in the hopes of uncovering some of these long lost - and long forgotten - mags because no one cares about them (or even remember them) any more. Which makes them prime fodder for STARLOGGED.
For the record: I was never much of an Image Comics fan (although I did like A TOUCH OF SILVER) so I never succumbed to the hype.
Before Online became ubiquitous, publishers needed a way to reach out to their would-be audience. Fanzines had traditionally provided thet route but their low quality production values - and the whims of their Fan Boy editors - made them unreliable for reaching the mass market. Marvel hit on the solution in the early 1980s: MARVEL AGE MAGAZINE. That was Marvel's own in-house fanzine, stuffed to the staples with suspiciously good news stories about upcoming projects and creative teams. All geared to getting the buyer to buy more. And - best of all - the readership were willing to pay.
DC resisted going down the same route and concentrated their in-store marketing into a one-sheet freebie that compensated for s lack of colour printing by using colour paper. This was definitely low-fi Marketing. Someone obviously noticed and it was upgraded to a monthly glossy colour freebie which showcased upcoming projects in far more luxurious surroundings. Plus, of course, it was free which made it more likely that punters would grab a copy at the counter no matter where their buying loyalties lay.
By the mid 1990s, the unprecedented competition in the market place meant that everyone who could pumped a lot of cash into Marketing. WIZARD and other sympathetic wannabes were the obvious go-to destinations to spread the word (especially if the deal could be sweetened with a trading card or ashcan edition as an insert) but the MARVEL AGE model still ruled supreme.
This was the Image Comics version: THE MIGHTY I.
This was presented in the flip-book format, hence the two covers below.
I love diving into 50p boxes wherever I can in the hopes of uncovering some of these long lost - and long forgotten - mags because no one cares about them (or even remember them) any more. Which makes them prime fodder for STARLOGGED.
For the record: I was never much of an Image Comics fan (although I did like A TOUCH OF SILVER) so I never succumbed to the hype.
1998: THE UNOFFICIAL SFX EPISODE GUIDE TO (STAR TREK) DEEP SPACE NINE (FUTURE)
From 1998, another of the occasional paperbacks that issues to be presented free with SFX MAGAZINE: THE UNOFFICIAL SFX EPISODE GUIDE TO (STAR TREK) DEEP SPACE NINE.
As with the previous books, this one contained all-new material but, unlike the others, this was dedicated to one long-running show rather than several more - ahem - short-lived ones.
This easily gives the paid-for episode guides a run for their money in terms of coverage and is well worth grabbing should a copy ever pop up in a charity shop or other likely location.
It does unfortunately only cover the first six seasons (with a tickle of the seventh) which means it can't provide a comprehensive overview of the most interconnected of the Treks.
As with the previous books, this one contained all-new material but, unlike the others, this was dedicated to one long-running show rather than several more - ahem - short-lived ones.
This easily gives the paid-for episode guides a run for their money in terms of coverage and is well worth grabbing should a copy ever pop up in a charity shop or other likely location.
It does unfortunately only cover the first six seasons (with a tickle of the seventh) which means it can't provide a comprehensive overview of the most interconnected of the Treks.
1994: DOCTOR WHO POSTER MAGAZINE ISSUE 1 (MARVEL UK)
From December 1994: the first issue of MARVEL UK's (note the short-lived logo) DOCTOR WHO POSTER MAGAZINE, another DWM spin-off.
As I've said before, Poster Magazines have always held a finite appeal for me so this (and the BLAKE'S SEVEN companion which Starlogged has covered in the past) wasn't on my mental pull list when it first came out. Buying budgets were tight and I preferred magazines with a little bit more substance. However, in my quest to accumulate as many Marvel UK titles as I could find, I did luck onto a near complete run a couple of years ago and snapped them up. Copies come to market surprisingly infrequently which suggests a combination of low circulation figures and few surviving copies in circulation.
The early issues were themed around a particular WHO monster, beginning (of course) with the Daleks. A late-in-the-run reboot shifted the coverage onto a particular story... although that plan didn't progress very far as the plug was promptly pulled as the British Bullpen was being streamlined for the Panini takeover. Suddenly DWM was once again Number One in a field of one.
The format was the usual whopping poster on one side/ articles on the reverse as seen so many times before. That made the price-per-word pretty high compared with the main magazine.
As I've said before, Poster Magazines have always held a finite appeal for me so this (and the BLAKE'S SEVEN companion which Starlogged has covered in the past) wasn't on my mental pull list when it first came out. Buying budgets were tight and I preferred magazines with a little bit more substance. However, in my quest to accumulate as many Marvel UK titles as I could find, I did luck onto a near complete run a couple of years ago and snapped them up. Copies come to market surprisingly infrequently which suggests a combination of low circulation figures and few surviving copies in circulation.
The early issues were themed around a particular WHO monster, beginning (of course) with the Daleks. A late-in-the-run reboot shifted the coverage onto a particular story... although that plan didn't progress very far as the plug was promptly pulled as the British Bullpen was being streamlined for the Panini takeover. Suddenly DWM was once again Number One in a field of one.
The format was the usual whopping poster on one side/ articles on the reverse as seen so many times before. That made the price-per-word pretty high compared with the main magazine.
Friday, 19 August 2016
1992: JASON KING VOLUME 1 VHS COVER (ITC VIDEO)
From 1992 (or thereabouts): something for the weekend... the first JASON KING VHS (starring the ever-watchable Peter Wyngarde) released by ITC VIDEO.
The show was, of course, a spin-off from the earlier ITC drama (and something of a proto-X FILES) DEPARTMENT S.
I had a chance to meet Mr Wyngarde last year... and tick off another on my (actually pretty short) list of screen-icons-to-meet.
The show was, of course, a spin-off from the earlier ITC drama (and something of a proto-X FILES) DEPARTMENT S.
I had a chance to meet Mr Wyngarde last year... and tick off another on my (actually pretty short) list of screen-icons-to-meet.
1984: SHEENA MOVIE ADAPTATION (MARVEL COMICS)
From December 1984 and February 1985 (which makes me suspect that the first issue shipped later than planned... presumably to align with the film's release dates): Marvel's two-issue mini-series adaptation of SHEENA, starring ex-Angel Tanya Roberts as the Queen of the Jungle.
Based on the 1930s newspaper strip character, the return to comics marked a return to old territory for the character. Unfortunately the film was a spectacular non-starter (even at the Golden Raspberry Awards where it snagged five nominations but no awards) and vanished back into the shrubbery.
The Marvel adaptation also appeared, in magazine format, as MARVEL SUPER SPECIAL 34. There was no UK outing from the British Bullpen.
Based on the 1930s newspaper strip character, the return to comics marked a return to old territory for the character. Unfortunately the film was a spectacular non-starter (even at the Golden Raspberry Awards where it snagged five nominations but no awards) and vanished back into the shrubbery.
The Marvel adaptation also appeared, in magazine format, as MARVEL SUPER SPECIAL 34. There was no UK outing from the British Bullpen.
1979: FILMS ILLUSTRATED SIGOURNEY WEAVER ALIEN COVER
From September 1979: FILMS ILLUSTRATED magazine calls it right with this Sigourney Weaver ALIEN cover.
SILVER DREAM RACER ain't bad either. Honest.
SILVER DREAM RACER ain't bad either. Honest.
1994: COMICS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 50
From December 1994: Britain's COMICS INTERNATIONAL magazine celebrates its 50th edition.
PS: it wasn't the end of SPIDER-MAN... although Marvel did spend most of the decade trying to screw things up for the Web Slinger.
PS: it wasn't the end of SPIDER-MAN... although Marvel did spend most of the decade trying to screw things up for the Web Slinger.
Thursday, 18 August 2016
1999: HEAT MAGAZINE ISSUE 1 (IPC)
From the first week of February 1999: the first issue proper (after the previous week's freebie giveaway) of IPC's deep-pocketed entertainment weekly (not to be confused with ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY... which it was clearly modeled on... and occasionally shared international material with) HEAT.
Ironically, the first edition's big exclusive turned a bit sour when Kelly (proper actress) Brook struggled to anchor a free-flowing daily magazine programme like THE BIG BREAKFAST (I suspect the production team probably didn't help her predicament once they sensed blood in the water) and the press latched onto every gaff as further evidence of her - ahem - shortcomings.
Her telly track record has been patchy ever since (although people keep employing her... maybe they just like her hair) but she has been in PIRANHA 3D and SMALLVILLE. Beat that Vaughan.
Ironically, the first edition's big exclusive turned a bit sour when Kelly (proper actress) Brook struggled to anchor a free-flowing daily magazine programme like THE BIG BREAKFAST (I suspect the production team probably didn't help her predicament once they sensed blood in the water) and the press latched onto every gaff as further evidence of her - ahem - shortcomings.
Her telly track record has been patchy ever since (although people keep employing her... maybe they just like her hair) but she has been in PIRANHA 3D and SMALLVILLE. Beat that Vaughan.
1999: XENA WARRIOR PRINCESS MAGAZINE ISSUE 1 (TITAN MAGAZINES)
From November 1999: the first issue of Titan Magazine's XENA WARRIOR PRINCESS MAGAZINE, based (of course) on the fun syndicated action show.
I'm not sure how long this ran for... some online sources suggest 25 issues, which isn't a bad run for a licensed magazine... especially one from Titan.
Xena fans looking for another perspective on the show should seek out the documentary THE XENAPHILES which turned up on Channel Four back in the day. It looks at Xena's fandom... particularly within the gay community. The burly bloke cosplaying (before the word even existed) is a sight to behold,
I'm not sure how long this ran for... some online sources suggest 25 issues, which isn't a bad run for a licensed magazine... especially one from Titan.
Xena fans looking for another perspective on the show should seek out the documentary THE XENAPHILES which turned up on Channel Four back in the day. It looks at Xena's fandom... particularly within the gay community. The burly bloke cosplaying (before the word even existed) is a sight to behold,
1993: DC COMICS NEWSTIME MAGAZINE MARKS THE DEATH OF SUPERMAN
From May 1993: Remember when Doomsday killed SUPERMAN... the first time?
DC made the most of the media hoopla around the death of the Man of Steel (the same mass media that was also suckered into thinking every comic book published that year was a surefire investment opportunity... suckers!) by publishing this in-universe current affairs mag (the title is a clue) giving a DCU perspective on the loss and the aftermath.
It's a fun read - complete with spoof ads and articles - that complemented events in the main comic books. As far as I know, it has never been reprinted and remains an interesting oddity.
DC made the most of the media hoopla around the death of the Man of Steel (the same mass media that was also suckered into thinking every comic book published that year was a surefire investment opportunity... suckers!) by publishing this in-universe current affairs mag (the title is a clue) giving a DCU perspective on the loss and the aftermath.
It's a fun read - complete with spoof ads and articles - that complemented events in the main comic books. As far as I know, it has never been reprinted and remains an interesting oddity.
Tuesday, 16 August 2016
1999: STAR WARS COMIC ISSUE 1 (TITAN MAGAZINES)
From July 1999: the first issue of Titan's STAR WARS COMIC, a reprint vehicle (beginning inevitably with the adaptation of THE PHANTOM MENACE) for the myriad of US Dark Horse strips.
The first issue stayed on sale for a fortnight which allowed Titan to cover flash the second issue as "the first weekly issue"... unobservent collectors take note as I've seen at least one dealer trying to sell it as issue one!
This was a bit of a landmark as it was the first time that a regular WARS comic had appeared in the UK since the ill-fated Dark Horse International monthly at the beginning of the decade. Titan had, however, already been publishing the magazine (which initially featured some comics reprints) for several years.
I didn't follow the fortunes of the comic after this because the film was such a crushing disapointment (I was however surprised to find that I had some copies in storage which I must have acquired at some point) but I am aware there's been numerous reboots and relaunches over the next seventeen-odd years, usually coinciding with the next development in the screen life of the franchise.
The first issue stayed on sale for a fortnight which allowed Titan to cover flash the second issue as "the first weekly issue"... unobservent collectors take note as I've seen at least one dealer trying to sell it as issue one!
This was a bit of a landmark as it was the first time that a regular WARS comic had appeared in the UK since the ill-fated Dark Horse International monthly at the beginning of the decade. Titan had, however, already been publishing the magazine (which initially featured some comics reprints) for several years.
I didn't follow the fortunes of the comic after this because the film was such a crushing disapointment (I was however surprised to find that I had some copies in storage which I must have acquired at some point) but I am aware there's been numerous reboots and relaunches over the next seventeen-odd years, usually coinciding with the next development in the screen life of the franchise.
1996: DUE SOUTH SIGNED VIDEO SLEEVES (CLEAR VISION)
From 1996: two signed VHS video sleeves for DUE SOUTH.
The stars of the show flew over to the UK in '96 to drum up publicity for the show (airing on the BBC) and the VHS releases from Clear Vision.
One of their bookings was an appearance at London's HMV flagship Oxford Street store. The signing took place upstairs in the video department and was well attended by the shop's fans. The autograph line snaked around the department and between the rows of shelves (no doubt a nightmare for casual shoppers and store detectives alike).
The event was also covered by Channel One, London's other cable station which was even less viewers and was less talked about than legendary rival Live TV. The sight of a camera crew led one nervous punter standing near me to panic because they'd bunked off work for the day to attend and feared their boss might spot them. Seeing which channel it was, they had little reason to worry.
Both stars seemed very polite and - if memory serves (I didn't take any pictures, this was long before the ubiquitous smart phone) - both wore their costumes from the show. A really nice touch. Someone had also gone to the effort to bring along a "prop" real husky (who was very well behaved) just to complete the illusion. A really nice bit of 'value added' which helped the event feel pretty special.
The two tapes purchased on the day were episodes (with - I think - the exception of Letting Go) which hadn't yet aired on British TV as they were from the start of the second season... which the BBC had purchased but not played at that point.
The cast (and - I think - the stand-in dog) also shot a promo (the roof of BBC TV Centre rings a bell) for the launch of year two on BBC ONE.
The stars of the show flew over to the UK in '96 to drum up publicity for the show (airing on the BBC) and the VHS releases from Clear Vision.
One of their bookings was an appearance at London's HMV flagship Oxford Street store. The signing took place upstairs in the video department and was well attended by the shop's fans. The autograph line snaked around the department and between the rows of shelves (no doubt a nightmare for casual shoppers and store detectives alike).
The event was also covered by Channel One, London's other cable station which was even less viewers and was less talked about than legendary rival Live TV. The sight of a camera crew led one nervous punter standing near me to panic because they'd bunked off work for the day to attend and feared their boss might spot them. Seeing which channel it was, they had little reason to worry.
Both stars seemed very polite and - if memory serves (I didn't take any pictures, this was long before the ubiquitous smart phone) - both wore their costumes from the show. A really nice touch. Someone had also gone to the effort to bring along a "prop" real husky (who was very well behaved) just to complete the illusion. A really nice bit of 'value added' which helped the event feel pretty special.
The two tapes purchased on the day were episodes (with - I think - the exception of Letting Go) which hadn't yet aired on British TV as they were from the start of the second season... which the BBC had purchased but not played at that point.
The cast (and - I think - the stand-in dog) also shot a promo (the roof of BBC TV Centre rings a bell) for the launch of year two on BBC ONE.
1988: DWB ISSUE 58
From September 1988: DWB issue 58 announces the new D0CTOR WHO Producer is none other than the guy who already had the job.
This no doubt came as a blow to both the vehemently anti JN-T DWB but also to many of its readers. What they didn't realise was that JN-T was pretty much the show's only cheerleader within the BBC and - had he have walked away (or been able to walk away... a one show CV and the closure of staff producer jobs was limiting his options) then the sixth floor would almost certainly have called time.
At least he - and the show - went out on a high with two seasons of (for the most part) decent adventures.
This no doubt came as a blow to both the vehemently anti JN-T DWB but also to many of its readers. What they didn't realise was that JN-T was pretty much the show's only cheerleader within the BBC and - had he have walked away (or been able to walk away... a one show CV and the closure of staff producer jobs was limiting his options) then the sixth floor would almost certainly have called time.
At least he - and the show - went out on a high with two seasons of (for the most part) decent adventures.
Monday, 15 August 2016
1989: THE MEAN GREEN LETTERZINE (RIPTIDE) ISSUE 11
From 1989: THE MEAN GREEN LETTERZINE issue 11.
Remember the world before the internet and instant messages? Of course you do. One way that fandom stayed active was to write Letters of Comment (LoCs) about whatever subject or show tickled the writer's fancy. These would often appear in club newsletters or in standalone zines like this one.
This was, as the cover suggests, devoted to the Stephen J. Cannell show RIPTIDE from way-back-when. UK broadcasts were limited to a few episodes in a few regions (I discovered it on Thames where It played in the afternoon's alongside the swiftly cancelled TUCKER'S WITCH) so I think contributors were keeping up to date thanks to the long lost art of tape swapping.
I think the zine eventually broadened its horizons to cover other Cannell shows (the Eighties was his creative peak) or there may have been a companion zine with a broader remit. The memory cheats.
The title is a reference to something in the show... although the significance is lost on me. The helicopter (Eighties shows had to have moustaches and helicopters... The audience research demanded it) was definitely pink.
Remember the world before the internet and instant messages? Of course you do. One way that fandom stayed active was to write Letters of Comment (LoCs) about whatever subject or show tickled the writer's fancy. These would often appear in club newsletters or in standalone zines like this one.
This was, as the cover suggests, devoted to the Stephen J. Cannell show RIPTIDE from way-back-when. UK broadcasts were limited to a few episodes in a few regions (I discovered it on Thames where It played in the afternoon's alongside the swiftly cancelled TUCKER'S WITCH) so I think contributors were keeping up to date thanks to the long lost art of tape swapping.
I think the zine eventually broadened its horizons to cover other Cannell shows (the Eighties was his creative peak) or there may have been a companion zine with a broader remit. The memory cheats.
The title is a reference to something in the show... although the significance is lost on me. The helicopter (Eighties shows had to have moustaches and helicopters... The audience research demanded it) was definitely pink.
1981: DC COMICS IN THE SUPER HEROES MONTHLY VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 (LONDON EDITIONS)
From 1981: the gang's all here in this fantastic wraparound cover, by Alan Craddock, to launch Volume 2 (aka issue 13) of THE SUPER HEROES MONTHLY.
There really isn't much difference between the two volumes (still black & white interiors. Still a smorgasbord of DC reprints from across the decades) so the reboot seems to have just been publishing tradition rather than a Panini-style jumping on point dictated by storylines and reboots.
The second volume ran for a mere seven issues although the masthead continued for a few more years as a run of annuals.
There really isn't much difference between the two volumes (still black & white interiors. Still a smorgasbord of DC reprints from across the decades) so the reboot seems to have just been publishing tradition rather than a Panini-style jumping on point dictated by storylines and reboots.
The second volume ran for a mere seven issues although the masthead continued for a few more years as a run of annuals.
Friday, 12 August 2016
1994: STAR TREK MAGAZINE ISSUE 1 UNUSED COVER (TITAN MAGAZINES)
From December 1994: an advert for the monthly Diamond-published phone book thickness (especially at the height of the 1990s boom when it was at its thickest AND included assorted bound-in trading cards and other promotional items to catch the eye of retailers and punters) PREVIEWS.
It's of note because it includes a dummy cover for the launch issue of Titan's upcoming STAR TREK mag. The publisher was presumably using this mock-up to drum up interest pre-launch. The published version used a publicity still of Patrick Stewart as Picard as it's main cover image.
It's of note because it includes a dummy cover for the launch issue of Titan's upcoming STAR TREK mag. The publisher was presumably using this mock-up to drum up interest pre-launch. The published version used a publicity still of Patrick Stewart as Picard as it's main cover image.
1986: JEM ISSUE 1 (LONDON EDITIONS)
From 1986: the launch issue of JEM, published by London Editions.
This was, of course, another toy-animation-merchandising triple play by the guys at Hasbro. The enjoyable animated series (from the Hasbro-Sunbow-Marvel alliance) was a fixture of the TV-am weekend schedules for a while. The premise was to spice up the traditional Barbie market with a range of highly fashionable dolls based around the concept of an all girl rock group.
LE quietly cut a niche for themselves by being the 'other' publisher of such licensed fare, although they seldom gave Marvel UK much to worry about. Their biggest hit was MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (a property the British Bullpen let slip through their fingers) but they also published SHE-RA, MY LITTLE PONY (writing for that must have been painful... and just how does a pink horse play tennis anyway?), BATTLE BEASTS (originally, in Japan at least, part of the TRANSFORMERS universe), CENTURIONS and no doubt others I didn't notice or have long forgotten.
Most LE titles suffered from sub-standard - and usually uncredited - artwork which I always had the suspicion originated somewhere in Europe. Although I'm not sure if that is actually true or not.
Jem has subsequently returned to comics in a new series from IDW. There was also a underwhelming feature film reboot which managed to be a lot worse than the JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS film of a generation ago, not least because they tried to bolt on a silly high-tech subplot (a nod to the original I think) onto what should have been a fairly decent flick about a teen who becomes a rock star in the age of social media. I'm still flummoxed by the fact that no one recognised her, despite apparently living an average teenage life. The now obligatory end of movie teaser, which introduced rival rockers the Misfits, promised a far more interesting follow-up, which won't happen thanks to a disastrous worldwide box office gross.
I've no idea how long the British Jem comic stayed in the charts. This is the only issue I've ever seen.
This was, of course, another toy-animation-merchandising triple play by the guys at Hasbro. The enjoyable animated series (from the Hasbro-Sunbow-Marvel alliance) was a fixture of the TV-am weekend schedules for a while. The premise was to spice up the traditional Barbie market with a range of highly fashionable dolls based around the concept of an all girl rock group.
LE quietly cut a niche for themselves by being the 'other' publisher of such licensed fare, although they seldom gave Marvel UK much to worry about. Their biggest hit was MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (a property the British Bullpen let slip through their fingers) but they also published SHE-RA, MY LITTLE PONY (writing for that must have been painful... and just how does a pink horse play tennis anyway?), BATTLE BEASTS (originally, in Japan at least, part of the TRANSFORMERS universe), CENTURIONS and no doubt others I didn't notice or have long forgotten.
Most LE titles suffered from sub-standard - and usually uncredited - artwork which I always had the suspicion originated somewhere in Europe. Although I'm not sure if that is actually true or not.
Jem has subsequently returned to comics in a new series from IDW. There was also a underwhelming feature film reboot which managed to be a lot worse than the JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS film of a generation ago, not least because they tried to bolt on a silly high-tech subplot (a nod to the original I think) onto what should have been a fairly decent flick about a teen who becomes a rock star in the age of social media. I'm still flummoxed by the fact that no one recognised her, despite apparently living an average teenage life. The now obligatory end of movie teaser, which introduced rival rockers the Misfits, promised a far more interesting follow-up, which won't happen thanks to a disastrous worldwide box office gross.
I've no idea how long the British Jem comic stayed in the charts. This is the only issue I've ever seen.
Thursday, 11 August 2016
1999: HEAT MAGAZINE PREVIEW ISSUE
From January 1999: the special free one-week-before-launch preview issue of HEAT magazine.
This wasn't the same Heat that became a sizzling success (possibly one of the last great magazine success stories before the internet made real inroads into the industry) with an understanding line-up of celebs, gossip, fashion and interviews.
When it started It was positioned as the British version of ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: a concoction of up-to-the-minute news and features focused across the entertainment spectrum. IPC sunk huge amounts into a strong editorial line-up, TV advertising, hoardings on Soho newsagents and - of course - this glossy giveaway.
Unfortunately the punters didn't flock in any great numbers and it looked like IPC had a hugely expensive dud. Until they reworked it and dropped the entertainment in favour of OK style celebrity coverage... and circulation figures soared. It was at they moment that I stopped buying it.
This wasn't the same Heat that became a sizzling success (possibly one of the last great magazine success stories before the internet made real inroads into the industry) with an understanding line-up of celebs, gossip, fashion and interviews.
When it started It was positioned as the British version of ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: a concoction of up-to-the-minute news and features focused across the entertainment spectrum. IPC sunk huge amounts into a strong editorial line-up, TV advertising, hoardings on Soho newsagents and - of course - this glossy giveaway.
Unfortunately the punters didn't flock in any great numbers and it looked like IPC had a hugely expensive dud. Until they reworked it and dropped the entertainment in favour of OK style celebrity coverage... and circulation figures soared. It was at they moment that I stopped buying it.
1980: DC COMICS IN THE SUPER HEROES MONTHLY VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 (London Editions)
From 1980: the first issue of Britain's THE SUPER HEROES MONTHLY. Not to be confused with any Marvel UK weeklong Montgomery a similar name.
This was a reprint vehicle, from London Editions (aka Egmont), showcasing assorted classic strips (in black & white) from the DC COMICS archives.
The 'Showcase' approach meant each issue had a different emphasis, allowing a wide trawl of the back catalogue. Most of the reprints were self-contained and done-in-one. The line-up was varied but with an emphasis on DC's most bankable screen heroes: Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.
Where the title really excelled was the editorial attention to detail. From the specially commissioned covers (which were usually also published on the back cover - usually prime advertising space - without the logo and cover text) through to the original feature pages... this felt altogether more classy than the cobbled together Marvel UK reprints.
The first volume ran for twelve issues. The second extended the run by another seven before the title was cancelled. LE were also publishing the British editions of the SUPERMAN POCKET BOOK and BATMAN POCKET BOOK (editions also appeared in other European markets thanks to switching out the black plates, with dialogue and captions, at the printers) around this time. They also published a number of annuals which also used British artists to provide new covers.
London Editions, latterly Fleetway Editions, renewed their association with DC later in the decade.
This was a reprint vehicle, from London Editions (aka Egmont), showcasing assorted classic strips (in black & white) from the DC COMICS archives.
The 'Showcase' approach meant each issue had a different emphasis, allowing a wide trawl of the back catalogue. Most of the reprints were self-contained and done-in-one. The line-up was varied but with an emphasis on DC's most bankable screen heroes: Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.
Where the title really excelled was the editorial attention to detail. From the specially commissioned covers (which were usually also published on the back cover - usually prime advertising space - without the logo and cover text) through to the original feature pages... this felt altogether more classy than the cobbled together Marvel UK reprints.
The first volume ran for twelve issues. The second extended the run by another seven before the title was cancelled. LE were also publishing the British editions of the SUPERMAN POCKET BOOK and BATMAN POCKET BOOK (editions also appeared in other European markets thanks to switching out the black plates, with dialogue and captions, at the printers) around this time. They also published a number of annuals which also used British artists to provide new covers.
London Editions, latterly Fleetway Editions, renewed their association with DC later in the decade.
Tuesday, 9 August 2016
2001: FARSCAPE MAGAZINE ISSUE 1 (TITAN)
From June 2001: the first issue of Titan's officially licensed FARSCAPE MAGAZINE.
Technically this falls outside STARLOGGED's pre-millennial remit but the show itself started in March 1999 so (just about) qualifies. It notched up four seasons (through to 2003) before the Sci-Fi Channel reneged on a deal for Year Five and the show ended suddenly. A mini-series followed in 2004.
The magazine itself, published on a hi-monthly schedule, notched up twelve issues before ending in April 2003.
Technically this falls outside STARLOGGED's pre-millennial remit but the show itself started in March 1999 so (just about) qualifies. It notched up four seasons (through to 2003) before the Sci-Fi Channel reneged on a deal for Year Five and the show ended suddenly. A mini-series followed in 2004.
The magazine itself, published on a hi-monthly schedule, notched up twelve issues before ending in April 2003.
1993: COMIC SPECULATOR NEWS ISSUE 10
From December 1993: the tenth issue of British fanzine COMIC SPECULATOR NEWS, surely the quintessential boom years mag.
This was a COMICS INTERNATIONAL wannabe that distilled the rampant collecting-for-investment frenzy fuelled by WIZARD and the Movers & Shakers section of CI into one black & white, desktop-published compilation of news, features and - most importantly of all - which recent comic books were shifting at more than cover price (clue: you will find most of them in the 50p boxes today) and - more importantly for the fevered collector - which upcoming books might set you up for life.
By the time this issue appeared, the bottom had already dropped out of the market and publishers and shops were starting to shutter in unprecedented numbers. Unsurprisingly, it didn't last much longer.
Issue 12 was the last issue you had to pay for. Plans were announced that the title was going to switch to being a freebie but I don't honestly remember if that happened.
Investors take note: Copies are now (ironically) hard to come by.
This was a COMICS INTERNATIONAL wannabe that distilled the rampant collecting-for-investment frenzy fuelled by WIZARD and the Movers & Shakers section of CI into one black & white, desktop-published compilation of news, features and - most importantly of all - which recent comic books were shifting at more than cover price (clue: you will find most of them in the 50p boxes today) and - more importantly for the fevered collector - which upcoming books might set you up for life.
By the time this issue appeared, the bottom had already dropped out of the market and publishers and shops were starting to shutter in unprecedented numbers. Unsurprisingly, it didn't last much longer.
Issue 12 was the last issue you had to pay for. Plans were announced that the title was going to switch to being a freebie but I don't honestly remember if that happened.
Investors take note: Copies are now (ironically) hard to come by.
1997: DARK SKIES: THE AWAKENING ON UK VHS
From 1997: the UK rental release of DARK SKIES.
This is the Tobe Hooper directed pilot episode that established the show's X-FILES-in-the-Sixties premise. Although it had oodles of flaws, I think this was by far the best of the glut of wannabe shows that bubbled to the surface in the wake of Mulder and Scully and had the potential to having something interesting to say over several seasons. Unfortunately, viewer perceptions that it was simply a knock-off kept audiences low and ended the run after a single season.
A second VHS tape followed with episodes two and three.
TRIVIA: Sony didn't want the show to impinge on the potential big screen success of the impending MEN IN BLACK. So they demanded that none of the government operatives wear black suits.
This is the Tobe Hooper directed pilot episode that established the show's X-FILES-in-the-Sixties premise. Although it had oodles of flaws, I think this was by far the best of the glut of wannabe shows that bubbled to the surface in the wake of Mulder and Scully and had the potential to having something interesting to say over several seasons. Unfortunately, viewer perceptions that it was simply a knock-off kept audiences low and ended the run after a single season.
A second VHS tape followed with episodes two and three.
TRIVIA: Sony didn't want the show to impinge on the potential big screen success of the impending MEN IN BLACK. So they demanded that none of the government operatives wear black suits.
Monday, 8 August 2016
1998: PUPPETS PLAYBOYS AND PRISONERS from CULT TV MAGAZINE
From 1998: PUPPETS PLAYBOYS AND PRISONERS, the slim paperback devoted to the ITC shows of the Sixties and early Seventies presented free with CULT TV magazine.
Unlike the specially commissioned episode guide books published for SFX magazine, the CTV equivalent (presumably reflecting a more modest budget for commissioning freebies) was a straight forward and factual affair with no comment or commentary on the individual episodes. Which makes it a lot less fun to read.
The contents had actually first appeared in the fan-published book THE ROGERS AND GILLIS GUIDE TO ITC, the sort of old-fashioned reference book that flourished before the combining of the web. I have a copy on my shelves somewhere.
The two SFX episode guide books still occasionally surface in secondhand book stores but this one, perhaps reflecting CTV's lower sales, seems to appear far less frequently.
Future Publishing certainly had better freebies than the far more frugal Visual Imagination.
Unlike the specially commissioned episode guide books published for SFX magazine, the CTV equivalent (presumably reflecting a more modest budget for commissioning freebies) was a straight forward and factual affair with no comment or commentary on the individual episodes. Which makes it a lot less fun to read.
The contents had actually first appeared in the fan-published book THE ROGERS AND GILLIS GUIDE TO ITC, the sort of old-fashioned reference book that flourished before the combining of the web. I have a copy on my shelves somewhere.
The two SFX episode guide books still occasionally surface in secondhand book stores but this one, perhaps reflecting CTV's lower sales, seems to appear far less frequently.
Future Publishing certainly had better freebies than the far more frugal Visual Imagination.
1991: 'V' in TV ZONE MAGAZINE (VISUAL IMAGINATIION)
From December 1991: 'V' gets the cover treatment in TV ZONE issue 25, published by Visual Imagination.
The still is part of a set of widely circulated publicity photos especially shot for the launch of the 1984-85 weekly series. They popped up in various magazines and merchandise including the trading card collection.
The still is part of a set of widely circulated publicity photos especially shot for the launch of the 1984-85 weekly series. They popped up in various magazines and merchandise including the trading card collection.
1985: BEEB MAGAZINE ISSUES 19-20
From 1985: the June issues of BEEB magazine, the BBC's not-long-of-this-earth rival to LOOK-IN.
Only two issues in June?
Yup, without warning publisher Polystyle pulled the plug after only twenty weeks on the shelves, presumably having been underwhelmed by the early circulation figures and concerned that sales would only slump further over the long summer with more outdoor distractions, and less top-notch telly, available to kids.
There's already a sense, just by looking at the last few covers, that the editor was trying to move away from a heavily reliance on BBC properties (many of which had already gone on summer hiatus) to the more rock solid, year round, appeal of pop people.
But it just didn't work out...
Friday, 5 August 2016
1980: FRANTIC ISSUE 1 (MARVEL UK)
From March 1980: the first issue of the ongoing run of FRANTIC, the obvious MAD-alike magazine concocted by Dez Skinn (who just happened to be the former editor of the British edition of MAD) during his tenure as the Big Chief at MARVEL UK.
Dez, before committing too much effort to the title, tested the concept with two specials, summer and winter, published the previous year. With these deemed a success, the Annex of Ideas jumped in and launched its first regular humour title. It was all part of Dez's plan to break out of the superhero ghetto which was deemed to have a very finite audience amongst UK buyers.
The bulk of the material was swipped from Marvel's US Mad clone CRAZY, bulked out with pages from HOWARD THE DUCK and other humour fare. It also included a limited amount of original UK material.
It eventually ran for eighteen regular issues (and no further specials) before folding into the title obviously devised to replace it: MARVEL MADHOUSE.
Madhouse launched in June 1981 and the two titles merged with the fourth issue. Despite being heavily dependent on tired sixties reprints from NOT BRAND ECCH! (as well as new material by Tim Quinn and Dicky Howett - their autobiography is out now and well worth a read for their adventures in comics and TV), MM mustered a commendable seventeen months before the Bullpen pulled the plug in October 1982.
Dez, before committing too much effort to the title, tested the concept with two specials, summer and winter, published the previous year. With these deemed a success, the Annex of Ideas jumped in and launched its first regular humour title. It was all part of Dez's plan to break out of the superhero ghetto which was deemed to have a very finite audience amongst UK buyers.
The bulk of the material was swipped from Marvel's US Mad clone CRAZY, bulked out with pages from HOWARD THE DUCK and other humour fare. It also included a limited amount of original UK material.
It eventually ran for eighteen regular issues (and no further specials) before folding into the title obviously devised to replace it: MARVEL MADHOUSE.
Madhouse launched in June 1981 and the two titles merged with the fourth issue. Despite being heavily dependent on tired sixties reprints from NOT BRAND ECCH! (as well as new material by Tim Quinn and Dicky Howett - their autobiography is out now and well worth a read for their adventures in comics and TV), MM mustered a commendable seventeen months before the Bullpen pulled the plug in October 1982.
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