PART TWO Of 'SMASHING' FACTS & FIGURES...

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Well, what can I tell you about SMASH! that I haven't already told you or you didn't already know?  Not much, I imagine, so I'll just present second part of images from issue #2 from 1966 - the actual ODHAMS PRESS file copy that contained labels detailing who did what and how much they got paid for it.  Fascinating stuff, don'tcha think?  Anyway, there's one final instalment still to come, so don't stray too far, y'hear?  You wouldn't want to miss LEO BAXENDALE's rottenest crook in the world, ol' GRIMLY FEENDISH - in full colour, and with info on exactly how much dosh Leo received for writing and drawing him.

Don't you just get an unhallowed thrill sticking your beak into other people's business?  I know I do!  Be here for Part Three.

    

The DRIFTING COFFIN - A RON TURNER XL5 ADVENTURE...

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Above is the cover illo from the FIREBALL XL5 Annual for 1966, illustrated by mighty MIKE NOBLE.  This was the last of four COLLINS Annuals based on GERRY ANDERSON's space-themed puppet programme, which first aired back in October 1962.

From that Annual comes the following adventure, entitled The DRIFTING COFFIN, drawn by rollickin' RON TURNER, who was responsible for the art chores on quite a few Anderson strips over the years.  It's easy to see why - he's pretty durn good!

So sit up straight, ensure there's some ice in your glass - and thank B. SMITH for 'requesting' this titanic tale of the fabulous Fireball XL5 and her cataclysmic cosmic crew.