I've got to say the display of original comic artwork at this year's event was exceptional.
Artwork had been on display at previous events, however boards were usually lent up behind models, which generally prevented folk from getting a close look. Artist and comic fan, Graham Bleathman persuaded the organisers to allow a dedicated room for the display, and boy, it was certainly worth it.
Most of the original TV21 artists were represented, as was some examples from Lady Penelope, Joe 90: Top Secret and Countdown.
A fine example of Frank Bellamy's Thunderbird strip for TV21.
Don Harley art for the TV21 Thunderbirds strip. Thunderbirds on Venus! What were they thinking! Don, of course worked on Dan Dare in Eagle comic, along side artist Frank Hampson.
Don Lawrence art for Fireball XL5. Don, as comic fans will know is best known for the Trigan Empire strip in Ranger and later Look & Learn. I'm not really sure he got the shape of Fireball quite right, though.
An example of Jim Watson's Zero X artwork from TV21 comic. Many will recognise his loose style from some of the annuals.
I reckon most will recognise the style of one of my favourite TV21 artists - Mike Noble.
Another favourite, Ron Embleton on Stingray. I remember reading this in TV21 as a kid.
The story of Marina in Lady Penelope comic drawn by Rab Hamilton. I was more familiar with Rab Hamilton's art on Agent 21 in TV21. I never had sisters so I never got to read that at the time.
The great style of Frank Langford for Lady Penelope. Looks like XL5's Robert the Robot makes a guest appearance in this.
I love this piece of art, used for the TV21 'Saturn Probe' feature, and sadly done by an artist I can't identify. I recognise the style, as I'm sure something similar turns up in the Project SWORD annual, and this front cover from Joe 90: Top Secret comic.
Gerry Haylock art on the UFO strip in Countdown. I remember talking to Don Harley one time at an Eagle comic event, about Countdown and this strip, and he reckoned it was originally planned for himself to do the UFO strip.
A couple of examples of the Space: 1999 strip for Look -In. The first being in the unique style of John M Burns, another favourite of mine.
Black and white art from Mike Noble for the Look -In Space:1999 strip. It's fairly well known that when Mike started on the strip he drew three rear engine bells rather than four, which was simply down to a lack of good reference material for the show. Mike didn't watch much TV as he was always far too busy painting.
Finally, there was also quite a few original examples of concept art on display from Mike Trim and Derek Meddings.
A big thanks to Graham and all those owners who contributed to make this an absolutely superb display.
That is a stunning display. They are all great, but Noble remains my favourite.
ReplyDeleteFor someone like me who loved TV21 as a youngster it was marvellous Kev. Sadly, one of the artists not represented was our old favourite Ron Turner - maybe next time :)
Deletegorgeous art. its a shame we dont see such calibre today
ReplyDeleteThankfully, proper art is still represented with Graham Bleathman and Lee Sullivan. I find it hard to imagine photo realistic art being celebrated in fifty years time.
DeleteSuperb Scoop. What a display! And some of those artists were actually there as well! Gorgeous photos of yours too. I don't suppose box art was mentioned was it?
ReplyDeleteThanks Woodsy, sorry, but box art wasn't in there. I did ask a couple of folk about the Saturn Probe MEV lookalike artist but those I asked didn't have a clue. Looking at that close up I'm convinced it's the same one in the SWORD annual. Graham Bleathman commented and reckons former TV21 editor Alan Fennell told him it was an artist called Chris Harrison who possibly also did the Captain Scarlet annual covers as well. Maybe he did the box art as well.
DeleteYes, a beautiful selection of art, Scoop. I really couldn't pick a fave as they're all so evocative of a younger time.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it was a fine selection Tony. Thanks go to all those contributors. : )
DeleteSuperb art. I was looking in WH Smiths this week at their 2018 children's annuals and there is just no comparison. Sad.
ReplyDeleteWonderful artwork !
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for these brilliant pieces on "Special Assignment" Scoop. I was elsewhere celebrating a large birthday with family. Maybe I can attend next year! The Bellamy and Nobles still give me a thrill but the other artwork is gorgeous too. Keep up the great blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks Norman,I'm glad you liked them, and hope you can make it to the next one.
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