Given the high-profile release given to THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO the publishing arm of Century 21 was always likely to be at the vanguard of the project in media terms. The TV21/LADY PENELOPE adaptations, the Daily Mail newspaper strip and paperback book were all nicely done but nothing was more eagerly awaited by fans of the television show than this lavish brochure.
Released a week or so prior to the official premiere of the film itself this gorgeous collectible is still one of the most prized amongst enthusiasts. At the time it offered an almost unheard amount of behind-the-scenes detail to the creation of the miniatures and puppets. Children were able to put faces to the names seen on screen. Gerry and Sylvia and their team including Derek Meddings, Barry Gray, Bob Bell and director David Lane were there for readers to see 'in the flesh'. Voice artists heard by millions now had 'faces' and I recall as a child being transfixed by this publication and it acted as the bedrock for my enthusiasm as an adult for special effects and film and television in general.
It was in no way a juvenile venture either as there is informative text which balances well the fantasy of the film itself with the reality of the production of a television or film project. As with all the THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO/ZERO X related pieces Paul is running during December I recommend anyone who hasn't got this to try and nab one. They appear regularly on eBay and at comic and Sci-Fi collectors fairs. You won't be sorry. Jim Lewis
I've got this magazine. Picked it up for a tenner at Dewsbury Car Boot Sale last year. It's a classic and crammed with brilliant photo's and articles. Like Jim says, recommended reading.
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