Durham Red: Long Time Coming- REMIX!

Fresh from the pages of Dogbreath 21- available still, don't tell me you don't have a copy. Matt Soffe has had his Durham Red strip,Long Time Coming remixed. Text has been added by message boarder 'LocustsofLove' and it works really well to me eyes.



To see how the strip looks in the original format, don't forget to check it against your copy of Dogbreath21!

Thought Bubble 2009

This was the first time that I had attended Thought Bubble, but it won’t be the last. I’ve been to many conventions in the time I’ve been involved with the Small Press, but I can honestly say that from an exhibitors point of view- this was the best organised, and possibly the most varied I’ve ever seen.

The venue is superb, right opposite the Royal Armouries in Leeds, I managed to guide the Bolt-Mobile there with almost no mistakes at all, a rare feat. As soon as we entered the hall, we were greeted and shown to our table by one of Lisa’s horde of helpers. A change from one convention where I had to go looking for someone who knew where we were, or another where all we got was a numbered diagram that left us to work it out based on the relative position of the moon and the stars….



ANYWAY! We got set up quickly and away we went! As with any new gig I’d not got the slightest idea of what to expect, but for next year I’ll be more prepared for the vast number of Cos-players, both of the slightly scary Manga variety and the more normal Supergirl or Iron-Man type.

It was lovely to catch up with so many familiar faces at the show, and also to meet some folks I’d only ever spoken to via the internet before. Networking wise I managed to get a proper confirmation for an upcoming cover for Zarjaz, discovered a few juicy bits of info that might be of interest to readers of a certain Megazine and saw an upcoming cover for the galaxies greatest comic.

I also got to make a fool of myself in an interview, scoff a donut given to me by an actual Art-droid and even sell some comics!

Overall it was a quiet day, though I did get to sketch Gene the Hackman for one young reader of 2000ad who knew a lot more than I thought he would.

Next year I’m going to be unleashing my newest assistant- Micro-Bolt! Mini-Bolt will be away at Uni (where do the years go? I remember building his kit as if it was yesterday) and so the baton of minion will pass to the younger Micro-Bolt.

Reminder: Thought bubble.

Just a quick note to remind all you good, good people that the Bolt-mobile will be making its way up the M1 in the early hours of the morning, laden with Zarjaz and Dogbreath for the fine people of Leeds.

If you have so far managed to avoid picking up copies of the finest fanzines in the known multiverse, then tomorrow is your chance to take a peek and see what you are missing.

And I'll even be scribbling sketches for those that want, and if asked nicely I'll spill the beans on the latest strip in to us, that I'm just waiting for final approval of.

See you tomorrow!

ABC Update

We've had quite a lot of interest in the chance to write scripts for the upcoming special issue (currently scheduled to be issue 11- spring 2011) featuring the ABC warriors, and following on from a particularly 'out there' brainstorming session between myself, Richmond and another artist, we think we have come up with a way of actually combining strips from the whole history of the Warriors, not tying them down to a particular era.

We also got a lot of interest over on 2000ad Online, where Davey Candlish posted this...


Which I think is fabulous.

More on this exciting project as it happens.

SD- NEVER TURN ON YOUR OWN

NEVER TURN ON YOUR OWN is a 6 page strip intended for the next issue of DOGBREATH (22, spring 2010) written by Steven Denton and art by John Cahill.

ZARJAZ Special- Call for writers.

We've decided that to celebrate the upcoming A.B.C. Warriors animation from Firestep & Rebellion we will begin to work on a special issue of ZARJAZ.

To that end what we'd like to do is feature seven strips in the issue- that is one for each warrior. So if you have a Mongrol script rattling around your noggin, or a desire to see Morrigun back for one more time, feel free to pitch to us at the usual address.

Rare chance to own a piece of ZARJAZ!

Back in Zarjaz 07, we were very proud to present the above pin-up by art droid Jon Haward. Now Jon is selling the artwork Here! and you can own it!

Best of luck to Jon in the auction and I hope he gets a truly Zarjaz sum for it!
Thanks to the Emperor for pointing me at this.

November 2009: State of play.

I've recently been thinking that it might be of interest to folks out there to know what is going on currently.

So, Completed.
The cover to the next issue of Zarjaz (09) is completed and ready to use. It is our first Dredd cover, by Nigel Dobbyn.
Strip-wise we have:
Dreddheads by Paul Glasswell and Bolt-01- 1 page.
Judge Dredd- Death by Misadventure by Dave Hailwood and Stu Giddings- 6 pages.
Preview page ripped from Stu's Comicspace page
Rogue Trooper- Supplies by Steven Denton- 4 pages.
Tales of the G.I. In the Zone part 2 by Mike Carroll and Bolt-01- 5 pages
Judge Dredd- Father Figure by Paul Glasswell and Gibson Quarter- 6 pages
Page lifted from GQ's excellent blog

Over in Dogbreath we have, as ever, more Case files being analysed by Leigh.

Strip-wise so far we have:
Strontium Dog- Old Friend by Samson Horn and Jim Campbell- 5 pages.

And that is all :)

However we have quite a bit that is at the 'work' in progress' stage, but it would be rude of me to say what they were.

Up, Up And AWAAY!

No, not superheroes, but Contributor copies!

All contributor copies are now in the post- including a set for the Fanzine of the month feature at SFX mag- so hopefully they will be helping us to spread the ghafflebette thrills we produce with the rest of the country.

Also- the FQP website is now fixed- so if you want those copies of your favourite titles to be ordered direct- you can now use the shop once again! Simply click the link on the right hand column.

Thought Bubble: Here we come!

Now that BICS is done for another year, it is time to start getting sorted for THOUGHT BUBBLE. I've added a pic on the right hand side and I'm going to be making sure the mighty Bolt-mobile makes it through it's 10 year MOT before making the trip up north to Leeds!

As usual I'll have the full compliment of titles with me, though I've had an idea for a different display type to help with the sheer weight of issues we carry.

This is the first time I've been to Leeds, ever (It is after all, on the wrong side of the Penine's for a Manchester lad) so I'm really looking forward to it.

Want any 'old' Zarjaz?

In the light of the continuing lack of news on the FQP website front- I'm reminding folks that as well as the comics that we have produced, i also have stock of the comics produced by the previous editor. Zarjaz 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and the 30th Anniversary special are all available from the main Email address. At the moment they are all available in a pack for £12.00 plus post, however stocks are limited so if you have misse dout, get in touch!

Back to life.. Back to reality...

Starting to get back to sort of normailty after the weekend. I've ordered more Zarjaz AND more Dogbreath from the printer- contributor copies will be starting to be posted this weekend for those of you who haven't already got copies. I've even managed to tweak the Dogbreath cover to fix the horrible colour faux-pas I made on the competition blurb.

I only really got one photo to show over the weekend, but I've had some fun with it...



I also had a lovely chat with Robo-Keef who tells me that the fanzines actually get read in the Nerve Centre! I'm now hoping for a script sub from P14.

DB21 Pimpery 07

Strontium Dog- Short Busts by Dunk! Nimmo brings us two (count 'em) tales from the life of Johnny Alpha, and two of the more unusual cases he has worked on. How unusual? Well if you by a copy of the comic you'll find out, wont'cha?

Z08 Pimpery 06

A final preview of Fr1day: Looking for a reason by Steven Denton & Chris Askham

DB21 Pimpery 06

From, Strontium Dog-Lunacy byAlec Robertson, Bolt-01 & Richmond Clements. This is one of those things I don't like. When I sort these precviews I'm full of witty comments about them- and some of them actually make it to the blog, however- I hate doing this for my own scribbles. I wish I'd picked a panel that was more representative of the actual strip. sigh...

Forbidden Planet!

In my continuing quest to actually get organised enough to make a real go of this comics lark, I have for the first time, managed to get the Forbidden Planet stock away to them 'before' the launch convention. With a bit of luck copies of both Dogbreath and Zarjaz 'should' be available to buy before the end of the week.

These copies will be available till the end of March 2010, after that they are returned to me.

One other thing to note is that due to increased stock vigilance- there are going to be fewer copies of the comics available through FP. If you go to buy a copy and it isn't there- ask the staff if they stock it and mail me if they have run out.

Z08 Pimpery 05

The return of a favourite. Zenith-The Red Dragon by Colin Dinnie & Kevin Levell

DB21 Pimpery 05

"Pick up the gun!" Laura Gonzalez has a bad moment, in the first part of From Below by Alec Robertson & Bruce McLaren

Z08 Pimpery 04

You might be forgiven for thinking that it was all about Fr1day this issue, but oh, no! Here's a snippet from Rogue Trooper- Engines of War by former editorial droid Colin Dinnie and John Cahill. Take that, Nort sponsored mecha!

DB21 Pimpery 04

There is trouble in store Mr Moon this issue, in Sun & Moon: Springheeled Jackboots by regular team of The Emperor & James Feist. What will be the end result? BUY THE COMIC TO FIND OUT!

Z08 pimpery 03

Tell me this isn't good enough, go on, I sneckin' dare ya! Beautiful artwork from Fr1day: Looking for a reason by Steven Denton & Chris Askham.

DB21 Pimpery 03

Who's this happy chap? Buy the comic to find out, snecker!
Artwork by Matt Soffe.

Shopping Update! Now you can use the blog!

Greetings Earthlets!

Further to the problems being experienced over at the FQP Webshop, I have now set this very blog to be able to act with Paypal and accept payments. Nothing has changed from the FQP shop, but this allows sales to be carried out whilst the main shop is repaired.

Simply look down the blog to find the issue you require (which surely should be only the new issues, you have had plenty of time to buy the old one's) and click the button underneath.

Happy shopping.

Z08 Pimpery 02

Fr1day: Looking for a Reason by Stephen Denton and Chris Askham shows that this version the oft maligned G.I. really does have good tales to tell. A complete story in 18 pages. You know it ends badly for someone!

DB21 Pimpery 02

From Below by regular team Alec Robertson and Bruce McLaren sees the return of 'no-nose' Laura Gonzalez, along with a face that may be familiar to some readers. This issue sees the set-up for an explosive tale of survival.

Z08 Pimpery 01

I bet none of thought you'd see the return of this fella! Brigand Doom returns in Crunch by The Emperor and Chris Geary. This is possibly the most timely strip we've ever managed. You do NOT want to miss this.

DB 21 Pimpery 01

Today I grant you a glimpse of what Johnny Alpha does when he's got a bit of time to kill in A day in the life by Eric Moore and Matthew Soffe

New Comics Day!

Due to the current problems with the main FQP website, I am unable to open the shop for the titles. However- If folk want to pre-order their copies of any of the titles, please email the comics and I’ll arrange delivery and determine costs.



NOW ON SALE DOGBREATH 21 allows you norms the chance to read the latest dispatches from the mutant underground. DOGBREATH 21 brings you 48 pages of top quality entertainment that you are not fit to read! See just what Johnny alpha does on a quiet day, Gape at the sheer spectacle of a Gronk with a big gun and be agog at the thought of Mr Sun & Mr Moon chasing a nazi through time! Marvel at the astounding knowledge on show in the Search/Destroy case files and wonder why no-one has bought Butch a spell checker yet. Only £3.00
ALSO FOR THIS ISSUE WIN A COPY OF THE LATEST S/D COLLECTION FROM REBELLION. SEE INSIDE FOR DETAILS.
STRIP Pages WRITER ARTIST
Case File 20- Outlaw 2 Leigh Shepherd
Case File 21- The Big Bust of '49 1 Leigh Shepherd
Durham Red- Holiday in the Sun 3 Richmond Clements Alex Smith-Matt Soffe
Durham Red- Long Time Coming 3 Matthew Soffe Matthew Soffe
From Below 8 Alec Robertson Bruce McLaren
SD- A day in the life 4 Eric Moore Matthew Soffe
SD- Short Busts No 1 1 Dunk! Nimmo Dunk! Nimmo
SD- Short Busts No 2 4 Dunk! Nimmo Dunk! Nimmo
SD-Lunacy 7 Alec Robertson Bolt-01 & Richmond Clements
Strontium Gronk 3 Samson Horn Kevin Levell
Sun & Moon: Springheeled Jackboots 6 The Emperor James Feist
Today's special: Traitor to his Kind 1 Butch



NOW ON SALE ZARJAZ 08.
Cover Star Rogue Trooper (Art by PJ Holden & Steven Denton) sets the ‘no- prisoners’ tone for the issue, with a full 48 pages packed to the bio-chips with action. Witness Fr1day’s epic search for a kind of peace, Be amazed at the power of the Red Dragon and learn what Brigand Doom would do in the current economic climate! All this and a Scrotnig Judge Death Star-scan by Graeme Neil Reid. It’s not called ZARJAZ for nothing! Only £3.00 ALSO FOR THIS ISSUE WIN A COPY OF THE LATEST V.C.’s COLLECTION FROM REBELLION. SEE INSIDE FOR DETAILS.

STRIP Pages WRITER ARTIST
Brigand Doom- Crunch 5 Dan the Emperor Chris Geary
Friday: Looking for a reason 18 Stephen Denton Chris Askham
Judge Dredd- Proof of Youth 5 Alex smith- Ben ClarkAlexSmith
Rogue Trooper- Engines of War 7 Colin Dinnie John Cahill
Starscan- Judge Death 1 Graeme Neil Reid
Zenith-The Red Dragon 6 Colin Dinnie Kevin Levell

FQP Shop problems- Website in trouble.

It looks like things are worse than we thought in the website dept. The upshot is that we now do not know how long it is going to take to get the FQP website back into action.

BAH!

In the meantime I'm going to start posting images from the new comics up next week to whet your appetite and hopefully I'll be able to start taking pre-orders via paypal.

Thanks to everyone who has gotten in touch with us about this.

Lauching Imminent! ZARJAZ 08!

None of you will be surprised to know that Zarjaz 08 is about to launch, but did you know that we've got a new strip featuring Siadwell Rhys- The Red Dragon, of Zenith fame?

This image is by Strip Artist Kevin Levell and was done a loong time ago as part of his warm up for the strip itself.

As for what else Kev is working on- simply check his blog for snippets that may well be of interest.

Small Press, Big Mouth: Richmond Clements

Here's a thing! Richmond Clements being interviewed about all sorts of stuff. Hear the man himself as he talks about FutureQuake, Zarjaz, His Shiny new book deal and the comics he's written and then about the Hi-Ex convention he is co-organiser of!

DogBreath 21: Competition Time!

Not content with having a competition in Zarjaz this issue, we also have a pair of GN's to give away in DogBreath too!

Strontium Dog- Traitor to his kind is the latest collection from those amazing folks over at Rebellion, and for your chance to win a copy, simply pick up a copy of Dogbreath 21 (out soon) and enter the competition. It couldn't be easier than that, Norm!

Zarjaz 08: Now with Added Prizes!

I've already blogged the new cover to Zarjaz, however we now have a Ghafflebette competition to win a copy of the new V.C.'s collection 'Back in Action' courtesy of those wonderful droids in the Nerve Centre at Rebellion.

How do you win- easy. Buy a copy of the comic and solve the puzzle within. We've got two copies of the book, and we will be taking answers for a little while!

It ain't called ZARJAZ For nothin'!

Coming soon: ZARJAZ T-Shirts.

Want to look Zarjaz at BICS? Need a companion to your Hi-Ex! T-shirt?

Pre-orders are now being taken for these amazing T-shirts featuring the new look logo designed by Kevin Levell.

Just imagine being at a convention with one of these beauties- never again will you be stuck for something for your favourite art-droid to scrawl on.

There is even a choice of colour for your magnificent new apparel, and all for £11.50 plus P&P.

If you are interested, please get in touch via the usual email and we'll take it from there.

Not Forgotten: Dreddheads.

Coming up in the near future, a new, commissioned for Zarjaz adventure for the Dreddheads.

New Cover: ZARJAZ 08

COMING SOON! Zarjaz 08 features a cover by 2000 ad star
PJ HOLDEN, and coloured by Steven Denton.

This issue also sees a new LOGO by the rather talented Kevin Levell, which he talks about on his own blog

The issue will be on sale officially at the >BICS show on the weekend of 3-4 October and is already shaping up to be a classic. As well as Rogue Trooper we have strips featuring Judge Dredd, Fr1day (oh, yes!) and a story set in a series you might not expect. More news as we get closer, but as usual, the Thrill bar is being set waay high.

PJ Also shows his Rogue muscles over on his own blog:Rogue in Colour

This is nicely timed as Pete Wells, over at 2000AD Covers Uncovered has posted an overview of some of the truly astounding covers we have featured here over the last few years.Truly Zarjaz!

Small Universe is currently on it's way from the amazingly talented Nigel Dobbyn.

Can you tell I'm chuffed?

Picture nicked from Nigels Blog.

Search/Destroy Case Files: 10

Leigh Shepherd reaches 'Death's Head' in his massive review. As usual- click on the image for a larger version.

As an aside- this was the first time I'd read Strontium Dog (I didn't read 2000 ad till prog 120) and I 'think' it was also the first time I'd really been exposed to Carlos Ezquerra in full flow. Dave.

TODAY'S SPECIAL: S/D Case Files 02

Courtesy of the Doghouse Barman, Butch. Find him every night in the Kennel, ask about the 'norm' special if you dare...

As usual, click on the images to get a version you can read.

Sneaky hint at the future...

Ooh, Look! Someone is going to be making a vey welcome (In my eyes) return to the world of the Strontium Dog.

Everything comes back to 2000AD podcast #4!

Another fine broadcast here that mentions the wonderful Zarjaz 07!


This is the link to the direct file for saving,
LINKY!! and I want to say thanks for such a top podcast. i'm really enjoying these immensely.

Search/Destroy Case Files: 09

Journey into Hell reviewed by Leigh Shepherd.
As usual, click to get a bigger version.

Small Press, Big Mouth Podcast

Small Press, Big Mouth

What a nice treat for a friday morning. Stacey Whittle and Lee Grice talking about comics and they talk about Zarjaz 07! In a nice way as well.

Thanks to both of them, as I didn't know this was on the cards!

STIX: 8 Bullets

Inspired by the image on page 1, We asked Ed Berridge to write us a story to fit. This is what we got...





As usual, click on the image to obtain the full size version.

Search/Destroy Case Files: 08

The GALAXY KILLERS, by Leigh Shepherd.

As usual, click on the image to get a readable version.

Forbidden Planet Stock AWAY!

As of yesterday (23/05/2009) the stock for the national chain of FP stores was dispatched. Given that it is a bank holiday here in the UK on Monday, I don't think the stock will arrive at the warehouse till Tuesday, but from then it should only take a couple of days for the shops to receive copis of the finest fanzines in all the galaxy.

Remember that these are only going to be available for a limited time through the shop- only till the end of August, so if you want a copy to peruse before you buy- make sure you don't miss out.

Stak scan- VENUS BLUEGENES.

Never Mind Rafaella Blue, The original Female GI was Venus BlueGenes, here depicted by Bryan Coyle, as presented in Stak!

Bristol this weekend.

Final reminder for those heading to Bristol tomoorow to check out Zarjaz & Dogbreath. The BEST fanzines on the market today.

Spring Previews 05:

Slaine- Ukko the god by Al Nolan


Slaine- A Deep Abyss by Richmond Clements & Nick Dyer


Whistler by some hack


Berserker by Richmond Clements & Steve Hills

I'll also have a few copies of the covers printed up as A3 posters for those who are interested. Only £2 each.

Post Update!

Yesterday I collected the new stock from the printers and spent the rest of the night sorting all the pre-orders. If you have ordered anything from me before yesterday (05/05/2009) it is all ready for the post and I plan on dropping it off before the weekend.

Spring Previews 04:

From: ABC Warriors- Crimea River by Mike Carroll & Bolt-01


From: A.B.C. Warriors- Cavey by Bolt-01 & BMB


From: Shadow of the Mutant: 3 by Alec Robertson & Bruce McLaren


From: Berserker 04 by Richmond Clements & Steve Hills