The unique connection between TV21 and A.P. Films has always led me to think that many details in those cutaways maintain a certain authenticity in relation to each series. The comic strips though, had broader aspects. (I always preferred the more mature look of the Fireball XL5 strip, in TV21) But generally, I've always enjoyed that natural affinity between my favourite comic and my favourite TV series'.
As far as I was, (and still am) concerned the so called TV21 Universe of connecting Fireball XL5, Stingray, Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet filled in the gaps not revealed in each series, and helped to enhance my enjoyment of each series. Even though Joe 90 couldn't be part of this universe, his own comic and annuals still maintained an expanded backstory for the reader/ viewer to enjoy.
So any smarty fanboys who arrogantly state that' if it isn't in the show it ain't canon' obviously weren't around during the original days of TV21, just ask young Joe McClaine, seen here enjoying issue 183!
Anyway, here's some cutaways.
These cutaways drawn by Eric Eden ,featured some of the vehicles that appeared in Captain Scarlet, and appeared in TV21 during January, 1968.
And for Tony K , and all other Fireball fans the cutaway from the 1967 TV Century 21 annual
Love those Eden cutaways Scoop. they look so cool and remind me of his drawings for SWORD vehicles in the 66 TV21 Summer Special. Eric Eden could be seen as the father of SWORD. Do you think that the new Thunderbirds comic will be as loved as TV21 was by our generation? And you've given me the name for a new band, Smarty Fanboys' Canon! ha ha
ReplyDeleteI don't really think the quality of kids comics are up to much these days. There's not much reading, and the photoshop artwork doesn't do anything for me. There's too much going on on the front cover in an attempt to grab the kiddies attention. Not much style over very little content! If it wasn't for the cheap free gifts I don't think they'd leave the shelves!
DeleteAlthough I can understand how you see Eric Eden as the father of Sword, I think considering what Keith Shackleton has said I think it's Jack Rosenthal who's the daddy! Eric is certainly there in the mix though.
Ah Brilliant, thanks scoop :D
DeleteLove the vintage comic cutaways Scoop. Looking back, they always seemed to add a certain unspoken stamp of authenticity to what I watched on telly. My own fav is the XL5 double page spread, featured in TV Century 21 Annual, (p78-79),Christmas 1967. Great to see these again. regards, Tony K
ReplyDeleteI like what you're saying Tony, and because it's Christmas I'm adding the Fireball XL5 cutaway just for you! ; D
DeleteAh Brilliant, Thanks scoop, Tony K :D
DeleteGreat stuff. I've got the Annual, and the updated version of the Fireball cutaway (which appeared somewhere a few years back) echoed the TV21 original. Yeah, comics (if they even qualify as comics) aren't what they used to be, that's for sure. I always get criticized for saying it 'though. The new Thunderbirds mag isn't anywhere near as good as TV21 was, or even the '90s TB comic - and that was mostly reprint.
ReplyDeleteHave to agree with you 100%,Kid.
DeleteGreat post. While I don't know if it bothered me at the time, the idea of connecting the universes of Fireball, Stingray & Thunderbirds, which happened in one early story, does have some difficulties. eg. It seems to me Fireball is far more advanced than anything (including TB3) in the Thunderbirds universe.
ReplyDeleteHa,ha!I think that might have crossed a few people's minds Andy, but as a seven year old I just used the ol' 'willing suspension of disbelief' and it works a treat. I still use it now. The well known XL5 'Astran story' you're referring to was a great crossover, but it must have caused a few headaches for the editor :D
DeleteI think it was the editor (Alan Fennell) who wrote that story, Scoop, so I don't think he was much worried by any seeming difficulties. His view was that, in the comic, the Gerry Anderson universe was inter-connected, so he had no problems reconciling the various continuities.
DeleteWell, I certainly glad he did, Kid. :D
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