Ministry Of Space

While I enjoyed reading comics as a kid I must admit I don’t bother much with the modern stuff which to my mind is too graphic and takes itself far too seriously. With the odd exception, I was never into the American costumed superhero, preferring British comic characters like Dan Dare and The Steel Claw.

However, once in a while a modern comic attracts my interest.

Although it came out a few years ago now, The Ministry of Space was an irregular three part comic mini series beginning in April 2001 and finally ending in April 2004.

 

It was written by Warren Ellis, illustrated by Chris Weston and coloured by Laura Martin

Warren Ellis had the idea for the comic while cleaning out his loft. He found a reprinted copy of a Dan Dare story, The Man from Nowhere. Although, in the fifties it was science fiction now in 2000 it could be seen as an alternative history - a time where Britain had led and won the space race!

The Dan Dare story was written at a time when Britain was recovering following the Second World War. It carried a strong sense of patriotism and an open optimism for the future.

The Ministry of Space carried a darker message and replaced that patriotism with jingoism, and the optimism with good old fashioned British cynicism.

So what’s it all about?

 

At the end of WW2, British troops capture German rocket technology ahead of the Americans at Peenemunde. With a technological advantage over the rest of the world, The Ministry of Space is brought into being led by ex Battle of Britain pilot, John Dashwood who convinces Prime Minister Winston Churchill to fund it as a secret project.

Soon British pilots have broken the sound barrier, manned space stations and landed on the Moon and Mars.

The twist in the tale is the source of the funding and the price paid for progress!

 

If you haven’t come across Ministry of Space before,  check it out - it’s a bit like Dan Dare meets Project Sword!