A last post on my look at some of the classic British space heroes that appeared in comics back in the fifties and sixties.
I did plan to do a piece on Ron Tuner and Rick Random, but I think I'll leave that for now, call it a day, and concentrate on something different.
Anyway, for those who've retained some interest, my grateful thanks for looking in and here's some pages from the three Captain 'Space' Kingley annuals that were published in the early fifties.
'Space' Kingley was another Dan Dare clone of course, but as he never appeared in a regular comic at the time, I'd suspect he's largely unknown
The three annuals which were published were mainly filled with text stories, a few strip stories and a fair few features on fictional future technology and the Inter-Planetary Rangers, the space force that Kingley and his comrades worked for.
The first annual, published circa 1952, was written by Ray Sonin. It's been a while since I read them, but from what I remember the over- arcing stories hinted at a future utopian world leaning towards a kind of socialism. The book was illustrated in sepia tone by R.W. Jobson, who's depictions appeared to take inspiration from the 1936 film , Things to Come., and the 1950 film, Destination: Moon
The second annual, published circa 1953 is a bit lighter in tone, and includes a colourful wrap round cover painted by. R.W. Jobson. It also includes 4 additional colour plates, as well as two strip stories.
The story arc is written by Ernest A. Player.
The third book, 'Space' Kingley and The Secret Squadron, was published circa 1954, is similar fare to the second annual. Written by David White, and again, illustrated by R.W. Jobson.
Unlike Dan Dare, I don't think there was much in the way of any spin off merchandise featuring Captain Kingley, apart from maybe a jigsaw.
Several years ago, I did scratch-build a model of 'Space' Kingley's spacecraft, The Comet.
Fascinating Scoop! I really like the artwork in these.
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