Review: Spectrum
A new anthology from Time Bomb Comics
After a successful Kickstarter campaign, Spectrum - a new anthology featuring classic characters is available now from Time Bomb Comics.
Time Bomb Comics is delighted to announce that the new Spectrum Anthology has surpassed its pre-order Kickstarter campaign by almost 2000%. Featuring three popular titles from the mind of prolific creator Gerry Anderson, the enthusiasm of backers is testament to the enduring appeal and continued relevance of these classic properties.
Gerry Anderson’s work was a huge part of the British television landscape from the 1960s to the 2000s, and his shows remain popular with sci-fi fans across the globe. The three titles included in Spectrum (New Captain Scarlet, Space Precinct and Terrahawks) span the genre from alien threats to space-based police procedural, and bringing them together in one book creates an exciting and unique comic book event.
New Captain Scarlet was a reboot of the original 1960s show broadcast in the 2000s. Using CGI as an evolution of the original Supermarionation puppetry, the show followed the titular Captain Scarlet in his battle against the invading Mysteron aliens. Terrahawks used an altered version of the Supermacromation style, refined with 1980s technology and incorporating latex handpuppets. The series sees a ragtag group of humans defend Earth after the destruction of NASA.
Finally, the 1990s Space Precinct was a live-action series that incorporated puppetry in creating realistic and sophisticated alien characters. A police procedural set in space, it was renowned for its groundbreaking special effects.
The creative teams behind the new anthology are Steve Tanner (writer), Pete Woods (artist) and James Grey (letters) on New Captain Scarlet; Richmond A Clements (writer) and James Gray (art and lettering) on Space Precinct; and Dan Whitehead (writer), Ste Pickford (artist) and James Grey (lettering) on Terrahawks. The cover will be drawn by Steve Pugh, known for his work at Marvel, DC, Dark Horse and 2000AD.
As a publisher focused on exciting, modern comics with an old-school feel this partnership is perfect for Time Bomb Comics. Indeed, every aspect of the publication has been personally approved by Jamie Anderson, Managing Director and CCO of Anderson Entertainment, and son of Gerry Anderson. This collaboration is also perfectly timed as it coincided with Time Bomb Comics’ 15th Anniversary Year as well as the Kickstarter across the annual Gerry Anderson Day.
Time Bomb Comics chief, Steve Tanner spoke about the anthology and his hopes for the future:
"Spectrum marks the first licensed title released through Time Bomb Comics and I'm delighted it features characters and concepts that are truly warmly recognised around the world. Like many of my generation I grew up enjoying the television shows created by Gerry Anderson and I'm thrilled that we've partnered with Anderson Entertainment to create new stories featuring some of his most iconic shows. Captain Scarlet, Space Precinct, Terrahawks and Time Bomb Comics - what a combination!"
I always enjoy an anthology comic. This is possibly because I was (and still am) into 2000 AD, and from a young age, I enjoyed the change of pace from story to story. That has progressed, and I will read titles such as Spacewarp and recently, Flintlock. Flintlock from Time Bomb Comics is an interesting example as the setting is slightly different. Nevertheless, Time Bomb Comics have teamed up to bring some real classic characters back to print.
First of all, one thing that I did like about reading Spectrum is that you didn’t need to have prior knowledge of the characters before delving in. In the stories, there is a good explainer of the situation, but anything else you bring to the table is extra!
First up, Captain Scarlet brings us some excellent action and espionage. I like the build-up to the reason behind the attack, and the explanation makes sense. The fact that Captain Scarlet happened to be there reminded me of some of the old Bond movies.
In the classic sense, there was a good fight, a betrayal and some great explosive suspense.
Space Precinct 2040 brings us a good police procedural story. This could fit into a normal police story, but it adds in some good alien aspects and kind of reminds me of the movie Alien Nation. I like the family aspect to it though, and this builds into the story.
I really enjoyed the colouring in this issue and it fits the style of the story.
The Terrahawkes has some classic tropes in it all and feels like a classic Future Shock story. There is fun humour here - mainly from the villains, and a good threat to the Terrahawkes too. I like the way this story moved along and had some excellent action and storytelling. There was a good TV/80s style ending here too.
This was an entertaining read - and I think it would fit for both new readers and those who remember the classic TV series.
You can get Spectrum from Time Bomb Comics online at their store in print and digital formats here.