PART TWO OF SOMETHING EXTRA FOR 1965...

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Here are three more super stories from the TV CENTURY 21 SUMMER EXTRA from 1965 that we didn't cover last time 'round.  The free gift that came with this issue recently sold on eBay for nearly £90, which is close to what the comic commands by itself these days, depending on condition.  Just think, you've now got most of that comic through the auspices of this blog - and it didn't cost you a penny!  (A heart of gold I have and no mistake, cor blimey, guv'nor.)

I well recall the warm summer early evening I bought this Special from my local newsagent's, and the thrill of owning such a bumper-sized comic containing all my television favourites.  Of such moments are memories made, memories that last forever and warm us with the glow of long-ago summers in the autumn and winter of our years.

However, that's enough of waxing lyrical - now plunge right in to the following adventures in the 21st century - and one in 1965.

(Incidentally, the LADY PENELOPE strip is illustrated by no less celebrated a personage than the creator of DAN DARE, FRANK HAMPSON.  His signature is on the page below.)

FAB!

(Click here for Part One.)

1st ISSUE CLASSICS: TV CENTURY 21 #1...

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TV CENTURY 21 was an instant success with readers when it hit newsagents' shelves back in January of 1965, and no British comic since has come anywhere near to matching its circulation at its height.  I well remember walking home with the first issue in my schoolbag after my brother had managed to secure it from a pal, having been too late to purchase one from the shops a day or two before as they were sold out.

I also recall taking it out to look at on the way home and being startled to discover that STEVE ZODIAC was dead - I was instantly hooked, and the images from that FIREBALL XL5 story (illustrated by GRAHAM COTON) were burned into my young mind forever.  As was the back page DALEKS strip, drawn by RICHARD JENNINGS, whose Daleks were probably even more sinister-looking than the television incarnations.

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been in on such a comics phenomenon from the very beginning, and - feeling in a generous mood - I thought I'd share the experience with those of you who are too young to have been there at the time.  Or, if you were there, now you can relive the thrill of discovery that was yours nearly 50 years ago.

Comic fans everywhere - I now present to you the complete 1st issue of TV Century 21 from 2065.  Enjoy!