MIKE NOBLE'S FIREBALL XL5 - PART SIX...

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Here it is - the fabulous finale of FIREBALL XL5's encounter with the Snowmen of planet Uraniture, written by ALAN FENNELL, drawn by MIKE NOBLE, and originally published in TV CENTURY 21 #39, cover-dated October 16th, 2065.  As a six-year-old boy, I was utterly gripped by this adventure and couldn't wait until the next instalment - and it never failed to deliver in the action, excitement and suspense stakes.  Kids of the '50s may have had EAGLE and DAN DARE, but to be honest, I think they were short-changed in comparison to readers of TV21, which really was a comic of the 21st Century.

The stories from Eagle seem rather dated now (and have done for decades), but strips from the latter periodical still hold up well today.  FRANK HAMPSON's Dan Dare tales can't disguise the obvious - they're a 1950's vision of what the future might be, and it shows on every page.  However, the FIREBALL, STINGRAY and THUNDERBIRDS strips are still far ahead of their time in terms of craft and uniform designs and are almost as fresh as the day they were first created.

Well, that's what I think - feel free to disagree in the comments section.

   

For Part Five, click here.  For Part One, click here.

TERRY'S GIRLFRIEND PASSES AWAY...

Most people will remember her as ROMANA, assistant and fellow (didn't look like a fellow to me) Time Lord to TOM BAKER's DOCTOR WHO in the long-running BBC science-fiction series. However, I can't help but think of her as TERRY COLLIER's Finnish girlfriend, CHRISTINA, in The LIKELY LADS, the film version of the popular television series in the '60s and '70s. (The '70s series was called WHATEVER HAPPENED To The LIKELY LADS - without a question mark.)

I'm referring to actress MARY TAMM, who has sadly died from cancer at the far-too young age of sixty-two.  Mary appeared in various movies, TV, and theatre productions, but it's perhaps as Romana that she'll be best remembered by viewers of a certain age.  What's far more important however, is that she'll be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and comrade by her family and friends, and all those who were closest to her.

At the end of the day, that's the best anyone can hope for.  

SCHOOL'S OUT FOREVER...

Regular readers will doubtless have read me wittering on about my old primary school from time to time.  It's due for demolition in about a year, although it's currently housing pupils from another school while a new building is being constructed for them to move into.

However, the school on which I've previously waxed eloquent was not the first one I actually attended.  No, before that, when I lived in a different neighbourhood, I was the pupil of another educational establishment for which I also have a warm, nostalgic affection.

'Twas in this very school that enthralled pupils discussed television shows like The SINGING RINGING TREE and ROBINSON CRUSOE, on the mornings after their first broadcasts back in the '60s.  We likewise enthused about SUPERCAR, FIREBALL XL5 and STINGRAY on our TV screens, and also in the pages of TV CENTURY 21, which was then a new comics sensation.

Ah, happy memories of days gone by!  It was therefore sad to see, while passing it the other night, that the bulldozers had begun their work of obliterating it from the face of the earth.  I knew it was due to happen, but I had been informed (wrongly) that it wouldn't be 'til October, and had entertained hopes of getting access to take some photos and record it for posterity.

Fortunately, I had managed to get photos of the place some years back, though the camera I used wasn't as good as my current one and the pictures were of average quality.  That's why I was eager to repeat the procedure - so that I could hopefully obtain some superior images.  Alas, it was destined not to be.

However, I suppose I can still seek solace in my stock of older photos, as well as in the many happy recollections stored away in the cupboards of memory, ready to be accessed at a moment's notice whenever I once again want to walk down the first school corridors of my childhood.

The COMPLEXITIES Of TIME...

The perception of time has always perplexed me.  Let me give you an example.  Under normal circumstances, one would assume that a period of 20 years to a 60 year old, in retrospect, should seem, proportionately speaking, the same length of time as 4 years does to a 12 year old; in both cases it's a 3rd of their respective lives.  However, we all know that time seems to pass more quickly the older one gets, so 20 years to a person in their 60s probably only seems like 10 at the most, which is a 6th of their life.  But one 6th of a 12 year old's life is 2 years, so wouldn't that seem to him what 20 years feels like to a 60 year old?  That must mean though, that 2 years and 4 years appear to be pretty much the same to a 12 year old.  Or does it?  See what I mean?  It's confusing, isn't it?

However, regardless of whether I can get to grips with understanding what I just said or not, one thing I do know.  Even if I'm lucky enough to live for another 50 years or so, it's going to fly by far more quickly than I'd like it to.  It'll have passed before I even know it's begun.  It doesn't seem fair somehow.

Now, can someone please explain what I'm on about?

PART FIVE Of FIREBALL XL5 - By MIGHTY MIKE NOBLE...

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And now... the penultimate episode in this six-part adventure starring STEVE ZODIAC and the crew of FIREBALL XL5.  (Originally featured in TV CENTURY 21 #38, cover-dated October 9th, 2065.)  Off the top of my head, I can't think of another U.K. artist other than MIKE NOBLE who employed the 'torch in the face' lighting technique usually associated with U.S. comics creator WALLACE WOOD.

Admittedly, there's no example of it in the accompanying two pages, but it was often evident in many of the strips that he illustrated in his long and illustrious career.  (I'm not suggesting that Noble imitated Wood, only that there was sometimes a similarity in the way they both rendered shadows on faces.)

Noble really was a brilliant storyteller, and his action scenes were always compelling and second to none.  Of the four Fireball Annual covers from the '60s, it is arguably the one by Mike Noble that remains in people's memories so long after the fact.  Quite a few artists, amongst them the renowned FRANK HAMPSON and DON LAWRENCE, drew the exploits of Fireball XL5 (in TV21 and other publications) over the years, but Noble remains the one most associated with the strip.  No mean feat in the face of such stiff competition.

Anyway, hopefully you've been enjoying this look back to yesteryear, and will join us again soon for the final part of this action-packed adventure.  (For Part Six, click here.)

CITY In The SKY...

Returning from the shops a week or two back, I stopped at a bench on the outskirts of the park near my home.  As I sat gazing into the distance and enjoying the rest, I was struck by the formation of the clouds on the horizon, which seemed to me like some vast Olympian city of the gods hovering in the sky.  In my imagination I could see tall, robed figures, their noble brows adorned with laurel wreaths, strolling leisurely amongst immense, marbled columns, untroubled by the cares and woes that so often beset we mere mortals.

The park greenery lay before me like JACK KIRBY's NEW GENESIS, while 'SUPERTOWN' floated serenely overhead.  Were they, in some benign and bemused way, studying we finite beings who live our lives in the blink of an eye compared to the eons-long span which gods are heir to?  Did they observe me looking longingly at their heavenly haven?  Did kindness touch their hearts for one brief moment and cause them to call to me, inviting me to stride the streets of their celestial city, there to spend my days in idyllic pursuits, free from the ravages of time?

Then a dog barked and, alas, the fragile spell was broken.  Returned to reality, I bent and retrieved the shopping bags which lay at my feet.  With one last lingering look at the city in the sky, I turned and slowly made my way up the hill to where, at journey's end, a far more humble home awaited me than the one which had so recently seemed to beckon. 

HOPING FOR A RE-ACTION...

Copyright DC COMICS

I acquired the above comic many, many years ago.  Either the late '70s or early '80s, but I'm not exactly sure, to be honest.  May even have been a little later than that, but not by much.  I say 'comic', but to be more precise, it seems to have been extracted from a 'parent' publication - probably ACTION COMICS, I would imagine.  It's dated 1976 in the indicia, and the cover is not glossy - just regular newsprint comic paper. 

Does anyone know for sure which comic it comes from?  Any details would be greatly appreciated.

ANOTHER SKETCH Of The DAY...

For the 'sketch of the day' today, here's an old pencil sketch from 1980, which I drew standing up whilst looking down at the subject - who, incidentally, was reading my then-brand-new copy of HOW To DRAW COMICS The MARVEL WAY.  (Which I got autographed by STAN LEE eleven years later.)  However, lazy me couldn't be bothered drawing the book, so I blacked it out to avoid any unnecessary detail.  You'll have to take my word for this I suppose, but it was a perfect likeness and everybody knew who it was on sight.

The subject was rather gangly and the chair was quite low, so because of the angle I was observing from, it really did look as if he was too big for the chair.  Perhaps I should add in some background detail to give a better sense of perspective, but that can wait until I've watched some paint dry.  If you enlarge the picture, you'll see that it was drawn on the back of some computer print-out paper which just happened to be lying around in the subject's flat.

Not too bad for ten minutes work.

******

Update:  Below is a photo taken around a year or two after I did the drawing.  As you see, just like I said above, the chair is low and the subject is rather gangly - and the likeness is spot on.  I should draw for Crimewatch.

MARVEL TALES SPIDEY COVER GALLERY - PART THREE...

Images copyright MARVEL COMICS

Have you ever looked at one of your comics and thought to yourself "I remember buying that a few years ago", as if it's only a fairly recent acquisition?  Then noticed the date on the cover or in the indicia and been amazed to recall that you purchased it around 30 years back?  That's usually how I feel when I look at certain favourite comics in a dreamy daze - it often seems that it wasn't so long ago since they came into my possession, and it can be a shock to the system when the realization dawns (as it always must) that over half my life has passed since I first bought them.

This feeling is no doubt compounded by the fact that my comics are in the same condition as when I first obtained them; if they were well-thumbed, dog-eared and with covers hanging off the staples - had an appearance of age in other words - then perhaps I'd view them in their proper context, time-wise.  However, because most of my comics appear to be brand-new, that's a difficult thing to do.  The only comics I have which look their age are ones that were in that condition when I purchased them - usually back issues from long, long ago.

Anyway, that's enough philosophical profundity for today - let's get straight down to the business at hand.  Which is, you'll be glad to hear, appreciating the next six issues of early SPIDER-MAN covers by STEVE DITKO, as re-presented in MARVEL TALES back in the 1980s.  If you're not lucky (or rich) enough to have the original first printings of these stories, then these reprint mags are the next best thing.  So sit back, cup of tea in hand, and simply salivate at these exquisite pictorial presentations of your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man at his very best.

Click here for Part One, and here for Part Two.

WHO IS 'MOONMANDO'?

Regular readers may have noticed the occasional responses to some of my posts by a certain gentleman calling himself Moonmando.  So who is this mysterious and elusive creature of the night, and why does he appear to have nothing better to do than astound us with his keen, insightful and thought-provoking comments on the wit and wisdom so freely bestowed upon Blogger-land on a daily basis by my good self?

Well, now the hitherto closely-guarded secret can be revealed!  Moonmando is none other than a talented guitarist who delights in strumming his fingers down to the bone in his selfless efforts to entertain all lovers of good music.  Whether it be of the folk, country or classical variety, Moonmando gives it laldy on your behalf, and can often be found playing, singing or composing in his own private studio long into the night, in his all-consuming quest to master the intricacies of some musical masterpiece.

But don't take my word for it.  (Not that you ever do.)  Why not click on this link and see and hear for yourself just how accomplished he is in his chosen craft?  Go on, it'll give you a break from reading my blog at the very least.  (Hey, where the heck did everyone suddenly go?  Fair-weather friends.)

******

Update: Moony passed away from cancer on February 14th 2023.  Rest in peace, old friend.   

SKETCH Of The DAY...

I found this unfinished pencil sketch in a folder earlier today.  It was started when I was living down in Fratton in Portsmouth in 1985, copied from a photograph in an art book of the author, whose name I've long since forgotten.  (In fact, I can't even remember the name of the book.  If anyone knows, feel free to pass it on.)  I never got to finish it before having to hand the book back in to the library, being too busy pursuing my career as a calligraphic artist (okay then... a letterer) in the world of comics.

At the beginning of the book was a quotation from MICHELANGELO, which I was so impressed by that I made a note of it.  Hopefully, if you harbour any artistic aspirations, it may inspire you to achieve them.

"Let this be plain to all: design, or as it is called by another name, drawing, constitutes the fountain-head and substance of painting and sculpture and architecture and every other kind of painting, and is the root of all sciences.  Let him who has attained the possession of this be assured that he possesses a great treasure;..."

Now - go forth and conquer!

PART NINE Of FANTASTIC COVER GALLERY...

Copyright MARVEL COMICS

And now, from the vaults of history (and a box in my cupboard) comes yet another six sensational, classic covers - plus their back page pin-ups - from that perfect POWER PACK publication from the swingin' '60s - the frighteningly-fearless, fabulous FANTASTIC.  All hail to ALF, BART, and COS, Britain's bombastic stand-ins for STAN, JACK, and, er... IRVING FORBUSH.

Ah, I only have to gaze upon these pulsating pictures by KIRBY, HECK, ROTH, and SMITH to once again (in my mind's eye) be merrily frolicking back in the heady, halcyon days of my childhood, when the world was a better place and I thought I would be a boy forever.  Chances are, you did too - unless you're a girl, that is.

So come with me now - on a journey back to when the world seemed fresh and new, and wonders aplenty were aborning each and every week in the pages of Britain's Brightest Superhero Comic.  There is - there can be - simply no other word for it - it's - FANTASTIC.

  

Don't forget to tune in again for future instalments in this Fantastic series.

SKETCH Of The DAY...

One thing I hope you're not doing is assuming that these lightning-fast sketches rendered with a brush pen are being offered as examples of 'good' comic art.  They're nothing more than mere doodles - but done in ink instead of pencil.  Produced during an idle moment several years ago, they were merely for my own amusement and therefore shouldn't be regarded as reflecting the standard of my finished art.

Anyway, the 'sketch of the day' (as in posted today, but not necessarily drawn today) is a 1960s-looking The INCREDIBLE HULK.  I always preferred the green-skinned goliath as he was drawn in the first five issues of his own magazine by JACK KIRBY.  Consequently, whenever I draw him, there's usually at least a hint of Kirby's version in the result.

 Another 'sketch of the day' coming soon.  (Unless you pay me to stop.)   

FIREBALL XL5 By MIKE NOBLE - PART FOUR...

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Well, things appear to be 'hotting up' for STEVE ZODIAC and his crew - which is ironic given all the snow and ice that surrounds them. Hopefully, all you cavortin' Crivvies are enjoying this fantastic FIREBALL XL5 adventure, this particular episode originally having been published in TV CENTURY 21 #37, cover-dated October 2nd, 2065.

Comics weren't constrained in the way that television was in the 'special effects department' (especially in the '60s), so ALAN FENNELL, the writer, could really let himself go without having to worry about budget restraints.  Whatever he could think of, no matter how fantastic or far-fetched, artist MIKE NOBLE could deliver - and make it look as real and convincing as anything else he was capable of drawing - which seemed to be absolutely everything.

Be sure to read Part Five - just a click away.

MEET The MIGHTY MEGA-MAN (SKETCH Of The DAY)...

Taking a leaf out of DON HUDSON 's excellent blog, ATTACK AT DON! (here), I thought I'd feature the odd 'sketch of the day' from time to time.  I've got a small drawing pad in which I used to practise with a brush pen while having a latte in my local coffee bar - just quick sketches done 'off the cuff '.  They're not finished art by any means, and it's been a good while since I've drawn anything in it, but the handful of doodles contained therein may be of interest to some of you Criv-ites out there.  Remember, they were just lightning-quick attempts to get the hang of using a brush pen for the first time, so please be gentle.

Incidentally, in case you were wondering, 'DUNN KWIK ' is a pen name I use for dashed-off drawings that I regard as somewhat 'loose' - to say the least.  To see brush art as it should be done, why not jump over to Don's blog at the above link?  

'ON The SCENE' - With BATMAN & ROBIN...

Characters copyright respective owners

Back in 1966, the WARREN PUBLISHING COMPANY issued a mag called On The SCENE Presents SUPER HEROES.  It featured articles on BATMAN, The PHANTOM, SUPERMAN, FLASH GORDON ("I'll come quietly officer" - little joke there), CAPTAIN AMERICA, and CAPTAIN MARVEL.  It also had ex-clusive photos of the new BATMAN movie with ADAM WEST and BURT WARD, to boot.

I thought there might be some people out there in Bloggerland who'd be interested in seeing its contents, so - starting now - is the first in an occasional series, beginning with the opening article of the magazine.  Future posts will feature each article in sequence - and who knows?  I may even throw in some of the ad pages - they're worth a look all by themselves.  Click on any image to enlarge, then click again for optimum size.  And don't ever say I'm not good to you.

Click here to read Part Two - The PHANTOM!