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I've likely shown these covers before, but these scans are new, improved versions from my own personal copies of these half dozen TV CENTURY 21 Specials. The back page below was used again on the next two comics so I've not repeated it, and the final three comics each had different back cover ads. If I remember correctly, I had the first three issues back in the '60s, but I don't recall having the three THUNDERBIRD ones - not that it matters, 'cos I've got 'em all now!
It's a shame there's a smudge on the back cover ad of the final Special, but that's the way it was when I bought most of these replacements many years ago. I was lucky enough to get five of them all at one go, and finally acquired the FIREBALL XL5 cover issue a good 20 years after the others (and around 50 years since I'd bought my original copy back in 1965 - or 2065 if you prefer TV21's dating).
Did you have any of these Specials back in the day, Criv-ite chums, and if so, what (if anything) do you remember about them? Also, did you have any of the toys featured in the ads, and if so, which ones - and what were your favourites? The comments section eagerly awaits your visit.
(Incidentally, the above Special was actually the second one, but I've placed it first because it was always my favourite out of the three I had back then.)
10 comments:
I remember all those TV 21 Specils with great fondness.My favourite was the one with the Stingray sticker,s,with those stuck on my Tee shirt I,d pretend that I was a real life member of the Wasps.I had the JR21 Thunderbirds 1,2 and 3 ,Thunderbird 2 had the Mole inside the pod.
I also had the parachute Fireball XL5, mine had golden junior I,ve looked for one to buy but had no luck so I've had to buy one with a yellow junior.Tanks for sharing those great covers.
I didn't have the J. Rosenthal FAB 1, TB cap pistol, TB4 or TB5, but I had TB1 (two different coloured ones), TB2 & TB3, plus the multi-directional water pistol, as well as the Quercetti Fireball XL5. (In fact I had two - one in 1962 or '63, and another one in 1969 or '70.)
The Quercetti XL5 came in two colours. One had a silver back end, a light grey front end, and a yellow nosecone (Junior). The other was all silver with an orange nosecone - could that be the one you're remembering as gold? I've got both versions now, but they cost a pretty penny.
Glad you enjoyed the post.
Thanks ! I don't think these are in the reprint edition I have.
The Lady Penelope story from the first Special has been reprinted at least a couple of times (it's drawn by Frank Hampson), and is in one of the two Egmont editions I think. However, as far as I recall, none of the six covers are.
Fabulous cover collection Kid! The Summer Special contains the origin of a brace of Project SWORD vehicles without actually saying so. The designs are all there by the great Eric Eden.
Its interesting about the JR21 Quercetti XL5. I never had one and don't now. What are the makers marks on it Kid? Is there a kite shaped JR monogram?
Well, it goes without saying that it's not just the covers I have - got the full magazines as well. Just took a look at the XL5 toy - it says Quercetti on it, and Made in Italy, plus a patent number and info. Unlike the Thunderbirds toys, the Fireball one wasn't connected to J. Rosenthal/Century 21.
Thanks Kid. Quercetti's Fireball must have been an early try-out for Jack Rosenthal to see if marketing Gerry Anderson suited his form and vice verse. I never had one but it does look like a lovely toy.
I'd always assumed that Century 21 Toys and J. Rosenthal were synonymous, but Rosenthal may just have been the official distributor of the Thunderbirds toys. You'll know more about that than I do, I'm sure. In the case of Fireball, I think Rosenthal merely distributed the toy in this country. Feel free to supply the details or correct me if I'm wrong.
I think youre right about the Fireball XL5. Scoop has done an old post on it on Moonbase. I'll have a look there as well.
I'll take a look there as well. Synchronize watches.
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