DAN DARE MEETS STEVE ZODIAC (SORT OF)...

Copyright relevant owner

In TV CENTURY 21 issue #40, DAN DARE creator FRANK HAMPSON took over the art duties on the full-colour FIREBALL XL5 strip for four episodes, and demonstrated that his years of drawing EAGLE comic's PILOT Of The FUTURE had more than adequately prepared him for illustrating the epic adventures of STEVE ZODIAC and his fellow astronauts from the WORLD SPACE PATROL.

I recall reading this tale when it was first published, though it was many years later (decades in fact) before I found out that Frank Hampson was the artist responsible for these memorable instalments in TV21's comic strip incarnations of GERRY ANDERSON's very first puppet programme to be set in the 21st century.  In fact, back then I'd never even heard of Frank Hampson and wouldn't have known who he was if I had.

I associate all four parts with one specific house, but looking at the dates, I'm surprised to see that I may've read the last one in the new house to which we'd only just moved.  It depends on whether the comic went on sale a full week or just a few days before the cover date.  A full week and it was my old house - a few days, it was the new one.  Thinking back now though, it seems I'd read these strips months before we flitted.  Funny how the mind plays tricks, eh?

Anyway, here's hoping you enjoy reading these strips today at least half as much as I did way back in 1965.  (Or perhaps I should say 2065?)  If you don't, better check your pulse - you could be dead!  (But let's hope not.)

  

WAHOOOO! MIGHTY MARVEL COVER GALLERY - PART ELEVEN...

Images copyright MARVEL COMICS

At last - the return of The MIGHTY WORLD Of MARVEL cover gallery, featuring issues #26-28.  Just look at all these great images from the sizzling '70s, when we Brits were being treated to the best that Marvel had to offer from the swinging '60s - the best of both worlds in other words.

One day I really must get 'round to printing out these super little mini-posters and sticking them up on the walls. They looked great way back then and they still look great today.  And, if you should have the same idea, well - don't let me stop you.

Don't forget to tune in again for the next instalment in this sensational series of covers and pin-ups from MWOM!