Daily Zarjaz! Judge Dredd- Dashing through the snow

Here at team Zarjaz we believe wholeheartedly in the spirit of Christmas. However, not everyone does...

click on an episode to see a larger version.

Thanks to Lee Robson for the script and the inspiration. All praise Tharg and his mighty organ 2000 AD for blessing us with thrills for yet another year. Grud bless us, every one.

This Just in... A.B.C. Warriors- The Final Battle

Coming to Zarjaz in 2016, preview built by Dave Broughton. 
Click on the image to see a larger version.

COMPETITION! FUTURESHOCK- The Story of 2000 AD

FUTURESHOCK- The Story of 2000 AD

Review by Richmond Clements, used with kind permission of the FPI Blog.

2000 AD has been a part of comic’s history since the far of days of 1977. This documentary, now available on DVD and on streaming services, tells of the birth, near death and renaissance of the title.

It does a fantastic job of setting up the historical context of 2000 AD, with news footage from the time. Strikes, riots, recession and punk rock. Nothing at all like today, of course.

From this cauldron of anger and frustration 2000 AD emerged, steered by the indefatigable Pat Mills. As the founder of the feast, Mills gets the lion’s share of screen time here, and he makes the most of it. It’s well known that Mills has had some shaky relationships with publishers and editors in the past, and true to form, he doesn’t hold back here. That is not to say that this is film a soapbox for Mills. I’m not going to go into details about these feuds here. I shall only say that all sides get to make their point.

The film makers have managed to get interviews from an impressive amount of creators. The only noticeable absence being a certain bearded resident of Northampton, but I suspect he has said all he needs to say about the comic many times over. The Halo Jones baton is taken up by Neil Gaiman (who has written a total of 10 pages for the comic, so he just about scrapes in as a script droid!). He recounts how Moore told him the rest of the saga, and that it would have been great – but I think we knew that already!

A vast amount of material was recorded for this – in a recent 2000 AD podcast, director Paul Goodwin said his first cut came in at something like five hours! And oh how I would love to see that version. As it is, there are a great many superb and entertaining stories told.

I have just realised I have barely mentioned the interviewees. Put it this way: think of an artist or writer who has worked for the comic. They’re probably in there. Everyone from those involved right at the beginning, Mills, Wagner, Bolland, Gibbons, to the very newest crop of droids, such as Emma Beeby, get a word in. We also get comments from some super fans – screenwriter Alex Garland and Scott (Not) Ian from Anthrax are amongst those featured. And these interview pieces are intercut with some terrific animations of iconic 2000AD moments.

I cannot praise this film enough. It is an important and amazingly constructed piece of work. This is absolutely required viewing for any comic fan.

Thanks to the kind folks at METRODOME we have 3 copies of the DVD to give away as well as a signed ‘Quad’ poster measuring (according to the internet) 30 inches by 40 inches! just like the one pictured Above.

To be in with a chance at either the poster AND a DVD or one of the other two DVD’s simply buy comics from FQP.

For all sales between now and the end of January 2016 we’ll send you a raffle ticket. Each comic bought is a single raffle ticket so the more you buy the more likely you will be to win. Also, the winners will have the costs of their purchases refunded.

To also help with this, all FutureQuake & Something Wicked apart from the latest issues (FutureQuake #28 & Something Wicked #11) are going to be priced at £1.50 for the duration. Simply get in touch with us here at FQP with an order (for the competition please do not use the shop) and we’ll even combine any postage too.

So, now is the time to fill the gaps in your collection, or even start a new one. All comics currently available are listed HERE.

Zarjaz 25 Review Fest!

Now that the new issues are all out in the wild, I'll be rolling any reviews I see up into this post.

Of course, I may not see everything, so if anyone out there in blog land spots a review or a mention I've not posted, let me know.

First off is the content of an email from contributor Simon Bennett Hayes:

"Hi Dave, I hope you had  a successful Thought Bubble. I saw the pic on the FP Blog. Very good!

I just wanted to compliment you (and all the creatives obviously), on the last Zarjaz.
Great issue with no duff stories, and 2 outstanding stories that really showed the Big Meg in all it's distopian glory:The Epiphany of Treasure Highland and the story of JJohn Pepps."

Thanks for getting in touch Simon, and for those out there who missed the pic- here it is:

Picture harvested from: The FPBlog photo by Richard Bruton

Creator Detail- David Broughton talks Judge Dredd.

Pencils by David Broughton- click to view a larger version.

Over on his blog, Dave Broughton has posted a fully detailed post regarding his work on Judge Dredd- Yet Another Rainy Day.

Thanks to David for Sharing.

Zarjaz #08- Sold out.

SOLD OUT! It had to start somewhere! Zarjaz #08 is no longer available from the FQP webshop.

Plans are afoot to enable the long term availability of older comics from FQP, but if you were waiting for your chance to sample the amazing quality of stories from FQP, take my advice - don't. As a rule we do not support the comics past the initial print run, so once they are gone- they are gone for good.

Thanks to all the creators involved with this issue.

Thought Bubble 2015!

It is almost time for possibly the biggest comics gig in the UK- Thought Bubble.

As usual FQP will have a table at the party and we have some fantastic new comics for sale. 

FutureQuake #28- Cover by Steven Austin & Darren Stephens heads the table.

next we present issue #11 of Something Wicked, cover by Matt Sandbrook.

Rounding out the new comics for this year we have the astounding Zarjaz #25, with a cover by Daniel Dwyer, who was the winner at the 2000 AD competition at Thought Bubble 2014.

This will be the seventh time that FQP has had a table at the gig and as this is the tenth anniversary of the first year of FQP we've decided to drop the price of all bagged back issues. Yup. Whether you want to fill your gaps in your Zarjaz collection, or dip your toes into the astounding worlds on show in FutureQuake, all back issues (the bagged ones) are going to be available for 50p off cover.

This year FQP are in the New Dock hall, and can be found at table #133 (The link goes to a map- nifty, eh?)

Still wanting more? Well we also have the amazingly good value collection of the NEROY SPHINX stories from the pages of FutureQuake.

This collection, reviewed extensively here, is starting to become limited in numbers, so if you want to read what all the fuss is about, make sure you pick up a copy. Available for a paltry £5.00

News Just in: I've been sent some copies of 'El Bigote- La Noche de los Muertoads' issue 01 courtesy of the creative team. I've got 10 copies of this book, all available for £1.00.

Remember, all purchases over £10.00 get to choose a complimentary mini sketch, as drawn by Bolt-01 over the last few months. At the Edgbaston comic expo in April, we gave away 100 of these with the premier goody bag. 

If I can think of anything else, I'll mention it here in the run up to the gig! Drop by and say HI!

ZARJAZ 25- Now on Sale (Pending website update)

Beneath the cover by Daniel Dwyer, the winner of the2000 AD thought bubble competition in 2014, we bring you more thrills than you should be allowed to access in a single sitting. 48 pages for the amazing price of £3.00.

Strips:

A.B.C. Warriors- Red Spice by writer Lee Robson and artist Alfie Gallagher

A.B.C. Warriors- Rover by Martin Currie

Future Shock- Trash Ed by writer Ryan King and artist Stephen Prestwood

Judge Dredd-The Epiphany Of Treasure Highland by writer Mark Howard and artist Daniel Dwyer

Rogue Trooper - Lone Gunnar by Martin Currie

Rogue Trooper - The Walking Dead by writer Lee Robson and artist James Newell

Shakara- The fourth Buggerian by Scott Twells

Tales Of Mega-City 1- The Story of Jjon Pepps by writer Alistair Mclean and artist Danos Philopoulos

Still only £3.00, you don’t deserve it! From TheFQP Webshop once the website is updated...

Remember all orders over £10.00 will receive a mini sketch by Bolt-01.

For those of you who prefer to collect your thrills in person, we will be at the Thought bubble Gig in Leeds for the weekend of 14-15 November. Further details soon.

Zarjaz #25- 01 days to go!

To herald the launch of the next wave of comics from FQP, we will be updating the blog each day with a look at one of the strips.

Today we look at the cover, kindly provided by Daniel Dwyer and featuring Rogue Trooper, which will be appearing in Zarjaz #25.

Art By Daniel Dwyer- click to view larger version

Daniel Dwyer (Art: Cover) After winning 2000 AD's portfolio competition at Thought Bubble 2014, I was happy getting my first gig drawing a Future Shock for prog #1932. At this very same festival I met Bolt-01 and came to know FQP! www.danielpdwyer.com

Many thanks to Daniel for this astounding piece of work.

Join us tomorrow as we launch Zarjaz #25!

Zarjaz #25- 06 days to go!

To herald the launch of the next wave of comics from FQP, we will be updating the blog each day with a look at one of the strips.

Today we look at A.B.C. Warriors- Rover, which will be appearing in Zarjaz #25

Art By Martin Currie- click to view larger version

Martin Currie (A.B.C. Warriors- Rover) first drew Dredd in 1978, in the margins of his school books. Now in his fifties you'd think he'd have grown out of it. It would seem not.

This is Martins second strip in Zarjaz #25, and his inventive storytelling never fails to impress.

Join us tomorrow as we take a look at another upcoming strip!

Zarjaz #25- 10 days to go!

To herald the launch of the next wave of comics from FQP, we will be updating the blog each day with a look at one of the strips.

Today we look at Tales of Mega-City one- The Story of Jjon Pepps, which will be appearing in Zarjaz #25

Art By Danos Philopoulos- click to view larger version


Alistair Maclean (Writer: The Tale of JJon Pepps) co-wrote Baby Jays in Zarjaz issues 18 and 19. This is his first solo story, with his second appearing in the Psychedelic Journal soon. Find out more at fifthRifle.wordpress.com.

Danos Philopoulos (Art: The Tale of JJon Pepps) lives in Athens, Greece. His artwork has appeared in several anthologies and most notably in the Eisner nominated 'To End All Wars' from Soaring Penguin. More info online at danosart.blogspot.gr

Join us tomorrow as we take a look at another upcoming strip!

Zarjaz #25- 13 days to go!

To herald the launch of the next wave of comics from FQP, we will be updating the blog each day with a look at one of the strips.

Today we look at Shakara- the fourth Buggerian, which will be appearing in Zarjaz #25

Art By Scott Twells- click to view larger version

Scott Twells (Shakara- The Fourth Buggerian) when he's not shouting abuse at passers-by, he likes to waste his time drawing comics for you fine folk to enjoy. So enjoy, dammit...

Teaser Art By Scott Twells- click to view larger version

As a warm-up for this strip, Scott produced the above teaser- which we are pleased to share.

Join us tomorrow as we take a look at another upcoming strip!

Zarjaz #25- 17 days to go!

To herald the launch of the next wave of comics from FQP, we will be updating the blog each day with a look at one of the strips.

Today we look at Rogue Trooper- The walking Dead, which will be appearing in Zarjaz #25.

Art By James Newell- click to view larger version


Lee Robson (Writer: Rogue Trooper- The Walking Dead) is the writer/co-creator of the critically acclaimed OGN Babble. His work has also appeared in FutureQuake, Something Wicked and the Accent UK series of themed anthologies. Find his blog at http://www.imaginarystories.co.uk.

James Newell (Art: Rogue Trooper- The Walking Dead) Big 2000 AD & Zarjaz fan, loves drawing comic, links to my works can be seen at http://jamescnewell.blogspot.ie email: jameschristophernewell@gmail.com

Join us tomorrow as we take a look at another upcoming strip!

Zarjaz #25- 20 days to go!

To herald the launch of the next wave of comics from FQP, we will be updating the blog each day with a look at one of the strips.

Today we look at Judge Dredd- The Epiphany of Treasure Highland, which will be appearing in Zarjaz #25.

Art By Daniel Dwyer- click to view larger version

Mark Howard (Writer: The Epiphany of Treasure Highland) is struggling manfully against life's slings and arrows.

Daniel Dwyer (Art: The Epiphany of Treasure Highland) After winning 2000 AD's portfolio competition at Thought Bubble 2014, I was happy getting my first gig drawing a Future Shock for prog #1932. At this very same festival I met Bolt-01 and came to know FQP! www.danielpdwyer.com

Join us tomorrow as we take a look at another upcoming strip!

Zarjaz #25- 23 days to go!

To herald the launch of the next wave of comics from FQP, we will be updating the blog each day with a look at one of the strips.

Today we look at Rogue Trooper- Lone Gunnar, which will be appearing in Zarjaz #25

Art By Martin Currie- click to view larger version

Martin Currie (Rogue Trooper- Lone Gunnar) first drew Dredd in 1978, in the margins of his school books. Now in his fifties you'd think he'd have grown out of it. It would seem not.

As an extra, Martin sent us the following image which was too good to not work up into a rough cover. 

Image by Martin Currie- Click to view a larger version.

Join us tomorrow as we take a look at another upcoming strip!

Zarjaz #25- 26 days to go!

To herald the launch of the next wave of comics from FQP, we will be updating the blog each day with a look at one of the strips.

Today we look at A.B.C. Warriors- The Red Spice, which will be appearing in Zarjaz #25.

Art By Alfie Gallagher- click to view larger version

Lee Robson (Writer: ABC Warriors- Red Spice) is the writer/co-creator of the critically acclaimed OGN Babble. His work has also appeared in FutureQuake, Something Wicked and the Accent UK series of themed anthologies. Find his blog at http://www.imaginarystories.co.uk.

Alfie Gallagher (Art: ABC Warriors- Red Spice) has had comic material printed through Uproar Comics, Water Closet Press and Zarjaz among others. He has also self-published his own series ‘Charlatan Tales’ in the past few years. www.alfiegallagher.com

Join us tomorrow as we take a look at another upcoming strip!

Zarjaz #25- 29 days to go!

To herald the launch of the next wave of comics from FQP, we will be updating the blog each day with a look at one of the strips.

Today we look at Trash Ed, A Future Shock, which will be appearing in Zarjaz #25.

Art by Stephen Prestwood.

Ryan King (Writer: Trash Ed) writing has appeared in Hobart, Driftwood Press, Nameless Magazine, and Bleeding Cool. He suffers from thirst and dehydration in California. Follow his inevitable mummification on Twitter and Tumblr.

Stephen Prestwood (Art: Trash Ed) As well as my own Dark Zone comic I have illustrated for The Jock, Zarjaz, BAM!, Violent!, Paragon and many others.

Join us tomorrow as we take a look at another upcoming strip!

Judge Dredd- Video Nasties

Episode 05- click to see larger version.

Concluding JUDGE DREDD- Video Nasties by Lee Robson and Alex Mines 

This strip was Alex' 'try-out' for us here at Zarjaz and I am very excited to say that Alex is already hard at work on more pages for us here at the Galaxies Greatest Fanzine.

Thanks to Lee & Alex for all their hard work and to Tharg the Mighty for allowing us to play with his toys.

Lee is the writer/co-creator of the critically acclaimed OGN Babble. His work has also appeared in FutureQuake, Something Wicked and the Accent UK series of themed anthologies. Find his blog at http://www.imaginarystories.co.uk.

Alex is an amateur comic artist from Newport, Wales. Long time out of the scene now back with a vengeance. Living the dream just taken 40 years to get there!  Deviantart  Email: amines2058@ntlworld.com

Don't forget to order your copy of Zarjaz for more top class hyper-thrills!

Judge Dredd- Video Nasties

Episode 04- click to see larger version.

Continuing JUDGE DREDD- Video Nasties by Lee Robson and Alex Mines 

This strip was Alex' 'try-out' for us here at Zarjaz and I am very excited to say that Alex is already hard at work on more pages for us here at the Galaxies Greatest Fanzine.

Lee is the writer/co-creator of the critically acclaimed OGN Babble. His work has also appeared in FutureQuake, Something Wicked and the Accent UK series of themed anthologies. Find his blog at http://www.imaginarystories.co.uk.

Alex is an amateur comic artist from Newport, Wales. Long time out of the scene now back with a vengeance. Living the dream just taken 40 years to get there!  Deviantart  Email: amines2058@ntlworld.com

Don't forget to order your copy of Zarjaz for more top class hyper-thrills!

Judge Dredd- Video Nasties

Episode 03- click to see larger version.

Continuing JUDGE DREDD- Video Nasties by Lee Robson and Alex Mines 

This strip was Alex' 'try-out' for us here at Zarjaz and I am very excited to say that Alex is already hard at work on more pages for us here at the Galaxies Greatest Fanzine.

Lee is the writer/co-creator of the critically acclaimed OGN Babble. His work has also appeared in FutureQuake, Something Wicked and the Accent UK series of themed anthologies. Find his blog at http://www.imaginarystories.co.uk.

Alex is an amateur comic artist from Newport, Wales. Long time out of the scene now back with a vengeance. Living the dream just taken 40 years to get there!  Deviantart  Email: amines2058@ntlworld.com

Don't forget to order your copy of Zarjaz for more top class hyper-thrills!

Judge Dredd- Video Nasties

Episode 02- click to see larger version.

Continuing the latest Daily Zarjaz; Lee Robson and Alex Mines present JUDGE DREDD- Video Nasties.

This strip was Alex' 'try-out' for us here at Zarjaz and I am very excited to say that Alex is already hard at work on more pages for us here at the Galaxies Greatest Fanzine.

Lee is the writer/co-creator of the critically acclaimed OGN Babble. His work has also appeared in FutureQuake, Something Wicked and the Accent UK series of themed anthologies. Find his blog at http://www.imaginarystories.co.uk.

Alex is an amateur comic artist from Newport, Wales. Long time out of the scene now back with a vengeance. Living the dream just taken 40 years to get there!  Deviantart  Email: amines2058@ntlworld.com

Don't forget to order your copy of Zarjaz for more top class hyper-thrills!

Judge Dredd- Video Nasties

STARTING TODAY!

Episode 01- click to see larger version.

Join us for the next 5 days as Lee Robson and Alex Mines present JUDGE DREDD- Video Nasties.

This strip was Alex' 'try-out' for us here at Zarjaz and I am very excited to say that Alex is already hard at work on more pages for us here at the Galaxies Greatest Fanzine.

Lee is the writer/co-creator of the critically acclaimed OGN Babble. His work has also appeared in FutureQuake, Something Wicked and the Accent UK series of themed anthologies. Find his blog at http://www.imaginarystories.co.uk.

Alex is an amateur comic artist from Newport, Wales. Long time out of the scene now back with a vengeance. Living the dream just taken 40 years to get there!  Deviantart  Email: amines2058@ntlworld.com

Don't forget to order your copy of Zarjaz for more top class hyper-thrills!

First Look! Strontium Dog- No Choice At All.

Art By David Broughton- click to see larger.

Currently being worked on by artist David Broughton for Dogbreath, Strontium Dog- No Choice At All has been written by Lee Robson and is currently scheduled for Dogbreath #31, on sale spring 2016.

INCOMING! Judge Dredd- The Epiphany of Treasure Highland

Art by Daniel Dwyer- click to see larger.

Coming soon to the pages of Zarjaz, Judge Dredd- The Epiphany of Treasure Highland is by writer Mark Howard and artist Daniel Dwyer.

Mark "is struggling manfully against life's slings and arrows."

Daniel " won 2000 AD's portfolio competition at Thought Bubble 2014, and got his first professional gig drawing a Future Shock for prog #1932. www.danielpdwyer.com"

Judge Dredd- The Epiphany of Treasure Highland is scheduled to appear in Zarjaz 25- on sale November, just in time for Thought Bubble!

FIRST LOOK: Hershey- A Day In The Life.

Art by Conor Boyle- Click to see larger.

A first look here at a strip that is currently only a work in progress.

Hershey- A Day In The Life is written by Santiago Mayaud and is currently being worked on by artist Conor Boyle. I think you will agree that if the rest of the strip looks as good as this, then we are in for something special.

Thanks to Conor for sharing.

The Great Summer 2015 Review Post

Seeing as the new comics are out in the wild now I'm going to be opening this post for all reviews and comments that I see or get sent.

Starting with:
Mac's Books over at Bleeding Cool.
Thanks to Olly Macnamee for writing this and to Cal's Arena artist Steve Austin for telling me about it before anyone else.

Next up is long time friend of FQP- The Fobidden Planet blog, thanks guys!

We've also had a cracking review over at Starburst Magazine, giving special mention to THE WEE NAP. Thanks to Alister Davison.

As always- if you see anything more- please send me a link!