When Billy Dane found an ancient pair of football boots that once belonged to famous professional footballer Dead-Shot Keen, little did he know that they would magically turn him into an incredible player! The first collection of Billy’s Boots is out now!
Running in Scorcher and then Tiger, the adventures of this 12-year-old football mad kid that delighted young readers in the 1970s have been lovingly restored and brought back to life in this beautiful new hardcover collection.
Young Billy Dane was one of the most passionate football fans at Bingley Road Junior school…unfortunately he was also one of the worst players! Then, one afternoon, Billy’s grandmother got him to clean out her attic and Billy finds a pair of old fashioned football boots that belonged to ‘Dead-Shot’ Keen – a famous centre forward who once played for England.
Join us at the start of a stunning saga which entertained football fans for over twenty years!
Two of comics’ most revered names headline the 2020 graphic novel schedule from the Treasury of British Comics.
Don Lawrence’s Rise and Fall of the Trigan Empire and Hugo Pratt’s long-lost war
comics are two major releases from Rebellion’s imprint, which aims to bring
back into print the best series from more than 100 years of comic book
publishing. Acquired by the Oxford-based company in 2017, the comics archives
of publishing giant IPC contain hundreds of classic titles and characters that
helped define British culture for decades.
For those that love their history, Masters
of British Comic Art (April) promises to become one of the definitive
histories of British comic book art. Written by artist and comics historian
David Roach, this 384-page high-production hardcover compendium is a wildly
entertaining and educational journey through the history of British comics –
from the birth of the 20th century to the ‘80s American invasion.
And from funnies to frights, from
superheroes to skateboarders, there’s something for everyone in the 2020 Treasury
collections. The first mass market paperback collections of The
Rise and Fall of the Trigan Empire will debut in March and November,
giving new generations the chance to savour this lush, expansive epic from
Lawrence, the British master of painted artwork.
War comics dominated the British newsstands
for decades and with good reason – February and September will see the War
Picture Library collections of forgotten war comics by Carto Maltese maestro Hugo Pratt, which
shed new light on the formative years of this groundbreaking artist, with fan
favourite artist Ian Kennedy’s stunning Battle of Britain series collected
in April and a brand new collection of Death Squad from classic war comic, Battle, in August.
There’s homegrown heroes aplenty with the
first collection of superhero Johnny Future (April), cited as a
formative influence on talents such as Alan Moore, and the complete collection
of Rebellion’s reboot of classic British superheroes in The Vigilant (September).
Comics aimed at girls, which sold millions
of copies in their heyday, are a rich treasure trove of great stories and
incredible art and skateboarding series Concrete Surfer (June) and the
high-fashion hi-jinx of Sugar Jones (August) are two
fantastic series that feel as fresh and fascinating as they did when they were
first published.
And there’s plenty for kids with football
flight of fantasy Billy’s Boots (January), the collection of new Cor!
Buster stories (November) from Rebellion’s recent specials, Ken
Reid’s Football Funnies (December), as well as second volumes of The
Thirteenth Floor (October) and Black Max (October) alongside
paperback editions of popular collections The Dracula File (October) and Faceache
(November).
Editor Oliver Pickles said: “Each of these
books is an absolute gem, showcasing some of the most glorious art that has
largely been forgotten by today’s comic reading audience. This roster continues
the mission statement of the Treasury of British Comics of bringing these
ignored masterpieces back to the forefront of the public’s consciousness”
Third World War
Pat Mills, Carlos Ezquerra, Angela Kincaid, D’Israeli
ISBN: 9781781087510
9 January (UK) 7 January (US)
UK £19.99 // US $24.99
Pages: // Paperback
Using brand new scans of the original
artwork supplied by the family of the late Carlos Ezquerra, this definitive
collection of Pat Mills and Carlos Ezquerra’s ground-breaking, highly-political
comic book classic of global capitalism, rebellion and exploitation is
collected in its entirety for the very first time! Eve is unemployed after
leaving university and is immediately conscripted as a soldier working for a
corporation and discovers just how South American countries are being exploited
to create food needed to feed the increasing population for their profit under
the guise of western paternalism. ‘Third World War’ is suffused with economic,
political, and social issues, and deals with ever-more prescient issues around
capitalism and global politics. Ezquerra’s painted colour artwork is a
highlight of his long and distinguished career. A truly anti-establishment
graphic novel from the late 1980s, this is unlike anything else published by
the Treasury of British Comics so far!
Billy’s Boots
Fred Baker, Colin Page, Mike Western, Tom Kerr, Bill Lacey
ISBN: 9781781086711
23 January 2020
UK £14.99
Pages: 120 // Hardcover
A brand-new restoration paperback of one of
the most popular football comic strips ever produced! Young Billy Dane was one
of the most passionate football fans at Bingley Road Junior
school…unfortunately he was also one of the worst players! Then, one afternoon,
Billy’s grandmother got him to clean out her attic and Billy finds a pair of
old fashioned football boots that belonged to ‘Dead-Shot’ Keen – a famous
centre forward who once played for England. Perfect for nostalgic gift purchase
for dads who remember it fondly from hugely popular Striker magazine, this is
the beginning of the popular serial that ran for over 20 years – never before
been reprinted! A brilliant companion comic to the new Roy of the Rovers comics
and fiction, these fantasy infused sports stories are sure to delight and
surprise!
War Picture Library: Battle Stations
Donne Avenell, Hugo Pratt
ISBN: 9781781087527
20 February 2020 (UK) 18 February 2020 (US)
UK £14.99 // US $19.99
Pages: 64 // Hardcover
The first in a major series of new
collections bringing the long lost UK war comics of Italian art maestro Hugo
Pratt to the public in stunning new editions. Two brothers of differing rank
have to make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of the toughest duty. This is
a true story of courage under fire; a high-octane story of a blistering World War
II naval battle. All illustrated by Hugo Pratt, one of the world’s most
renowned comic book artists. This thrilling war picture story marks the
beginning of the Treasury of British Comics mission to return all of Pratt’s UK
work to print. Published in an oversized format befitting the importance of his
incredible and highly influential artwork. Part of a new ‘War Picture Library’
series showcasing the finest combat comics illustrated by legendary and iconic
artists, this oversize book highlights the extraordinary the artwork of the
international comics luminary and creator of ‘Corto Maltese’.
The Rise and Fall of The Trigan Empire
Volume 1
Mike Butterworth, Don Lawrence
ISBN: 9781781087558
19 March (UK) 17 March (US)
UK £19.99 // US $24.99
Pages: 304 // Paperback
The Trigan Empire was a landmark 1960s
science fiction series which rivalled Game of Thrones in popularity and was the
precursor to every mythic sci-fi adventure to come! Under the leadership of
Trigo, the Vorg tribesmen band together to resist the Lokan invaders, forming a
new country, The Trigan Empire. This is the epic story of its rise and fall.
Featuring an extraordinary combination of the Roman Empire and ancient Greece,
Trigo’s story is told in ground breaking fully painted artwork. Originally
published in Ranger magazine, it transferred to the hugely popular Look and
Learn where it ran for over a decade. This is the first in a series collecting
all the stories painted by the legendary Don Lawrence.
Masters of British Comic Art
David Roach
ISBN: 9781781087596
2 April (UK) 7 April (US)
UK £39.99 // US $50
Pages: 384 // Hardcover
This wildly entertaining and educational
tome is a journey through the history of British comics – from the birth of the
20th century to the ‘80s invasion of American comics and through to today’s
best contemporary artists! A high-production hardcover compendium perfect as a
coffee table book or academic encyclopedia, Masters of British Comics is
painstakingly researched. Behind a brand new cover by superstar artist Brian
Bolland, and featuring artwork from a vast number highly-acclaimed artists
carefully scanned from original artwork, Masters of British Comic Art is the
definitive study and celebration of a beloved industry! Featuring a Who’s Who
of talent, including Brian Bolland, Yvonne Hutton, Dave Gibbons, celebrated
greats such as Don Lawrence and lost masters like Reg Bunn and Shirley
Bellwood. Author and 2000 AD artist David Roach takes us on a journey through
time detailing the surprising and fascinating evolution of the art from its
humble beginnings to its current world-conquering status.
War Picture Library: Battle of Britain
Ian Kennedy
ISBN: 9781781087794
16 April (UK)
UK £14.99
Pages: 128 // Paperback
The second in the new ‘War Picture Library’
series showcasing the finest combat comics illustrated by legendary and iconic
artists. Two true stories of aviation heroism and derring-do – ‘Never Say Die’
and ‘Steel Bats’ – set during the Battle of Britain in 1940 and drawn by comics
legend Ian Kennedy! A talented pilot who never loses his determination to
defend his country against immense obstacles both technical and personal. A
squadron undertakes heart-stopping missions to combat the intense night-time
assaults of the Axis air force. Set against the backdrop of the Battle of
Britain comes an enthralling collection of aviation and heroism featuring
daredevil pilots and the lengths they go to stop the German Luftwaffe attacking
Britain.
The Complete Johnny Future
Alf Wallace, Luis Bermejo
ISBN: 9781781087589
30 Apr 2020 (UK) 28 Apr 2020 (US)
UK £19.99 // US $24.99
Pages: 208 // Hardcover
One of the most memorable comic strips of
the 1960s, which asks the question “What if King Kong became Superman”? This is
the complete hardcover collection of breathtaking Pulp adventure comics –
beloved by fans and the creators it inspired – Alan Moore among them! ‘The
Missing Link’ – a creature of limitless strength, is drawn to Britain in
pursuit of an expedition party he encountered in his homeland. The man-ape
causes havoc until he accidentally stumbles into an experimental nuclear
research facility and is bombarded by radiation. Instead of killing him, the
creature evolves into an advanced human. Now possessing a genius mind,
super-strength, enhanced senses and the ability to fly, as Johnny Future he
protects mankind from such sinister beings as The Master, Disastro, Animal Man
and the Secret Society of Scientists. Perfect for fans of Rebellion’s only
other superhero property – ‘Zenith’, the first superhero saga penned by comics
legend, Grant Morrison!
Concrete Surfer
Pat Mills, Christine Ellingham
ISBN: 9781781087633
25 June 2020
UK £9.99
Pages: 80 // Paperback
A skateboarding rivalry, timed to coincide
with skateboarding’s 2020 Olympic debut! Sent home to Britain after her parents
fail to establish a new life in Australia, Jean Everidge is forced to rely on
family charity, moving in with her Aunt, Uncle and cousin Carol, successful
gymnast, beloved of teachers and pupils alike, and all round charming “top
girl”. Jean has one solace left to her – skateboarding, surfing the concrete
pavement, while forgetting all her troubles, and feel free. But Jean’s
freestyling talent soon attracts attention, and if there’s one thing Carol
can’t stand, it’s being out of the spotlight. With the new skatepark freestyle
contest coming up, just how far will Carol go to stay number one?
War Picture Library: Battler Britton
V.A.L. Holding, Hugo Pratt
ISBN: 9781781087664
30 July 2020 (UK) 28 July 2020 (US)
UK £14.99 // US $19.99 // CAN $26.99
Pages: 64 // Hardcover
In this second book in the series of
collections reprinting every story drawn by Hugo Pratt, the Italian art maestro
meets one of the most popular British comic book characters: Battler Britton!
Battler Britton is a World War Two air ace as skilled a fighter on land as he
is in his Spitfire. In 1960, Hugo Pratt drew two of his adventures – Wagons of
Gold and Rockets of Revenge – and they are to be reprinted in graphic novel
format for the first time. These fast-paced adventure stories feature the
classic character facing off against the Nazis and this second book continues
Rebellion’s mission to bring all of Pratt’s work back into print. Readers of
Corto Maltese will love these forgotten classic war stories from the
worldrenowned comic book artist, published in a format larger than originally
published to show off his impressive and universally-lauded artwork.
Death Squad
Alan Hebden, Eric Bradbury, Carlos Ezquerra
ISBN: 9781781087688
20 August 2020 (UK) 18 August 2020 (US)
UK £14.99 // US $19.99 // CAN $26.99
Pages: 128 // Paperback
Meet the deadliest band of fighters on the
Eastern Front in an all-out all-action, complete-in-one brutal war story from
the pages of the classic war comic, Battle! During World War Two the Eastern
Front was Hell on Earth – German Punishment Battalions were thrown into the
thick of the conflict where they were expected to fight well and die hard. In
these harshest of conditions only the strongest warriors survived. Enter the
Death Squad – Grandad, Swede, Licker, Gus and Frankie. Alone they were failures
and outcasts, but together they were one of the most formidable combat units
the Russians ever faced! One of the all-time classics from the groundbreaking
and hugely influential Battle comic, this features gritty art from Eric
Bradbury and Carlos Ezquerra, bringing the horrors of the Eastern Front to
readers in a brand new collection!
The Best of Sugar Jones
Pat Mills, Rafael Busóm
ISBN: 9781781087701
20 August 2020 (UK)
UK £14.99
Pages: 112 // Paperback
Sugar Jones is the charming
twenty-something host of her own late night variety show, beloved by viewers up
and down the nation. Only her assistant Susie knows her secret – Sugar is
really selfish, sour, scheming – and 40 years old! She do anything to make a
quick buck. Written by 2000 AD legend Pat Mills, Sugar Jones features stunningly
beautiful art from Spanish illustrator Rafael Busóm – it’s not just a comic
book but an archive of 1970s fashion too! A luscious collection that will
appeal to readers young and old, a morality tale that combines fashion and soap
opera in only the way ‘70s British comics could! Sugar Jones is a forgotten gem
from The Treasury of British Comics’ archive!
The Vigilant
Simon Furman, Simon Coleby, DaNi, Henrik Sahlstrom, Warwick Fraser-Combe, Staz Johnson, Will Sliney, Jake Lynch
19 September (UK)
UK £14.99
Pages: 128 // Paperback
Classic British Superheroes remade for a
21st Century audience! Lost in the mists of time, home-grown British
superheroes once entertained and enthralled millions of kids…Now, the likes of
Adam Eterno, Blake Edmonds, Thunderbolt the Avenger, and The Leopard from Lime
Street are back for a new generation of readers. This volume collects the
trilogy of Vigilant stories written by Simon Furman (Transformers) and drawn by
an all-star roster of artsists including Simon Coleby (Dark Souls), DaNi
(Coffin Bound), Henrik Sahlstrom (Thirteenth Floor), Warwick Fraser-Combe, Staz
Johnson (Spider-Man), Will Sliney (Spider-Man 2099), Jake Lynch (Judge Dredd)
The Thirteenth Floor Vol Two
John Wagner, Jose Ortiz
ISBN: 9781781087725
October
UK £14.99
Pages: 176 // Paperback
Collecting the darkly comical series from
the pages of Eagle, this second volume of the hugely popular The Thirteenth
Floor continues the misadventures of the murderous machine A.I., Max! The
Thirteenth Floor exists in Maxwell Tower – an experimental tower block run by
an A.I. called Max who looks after his tenants and take revenge on those who
threaten them by sending them to The Thirteenth Floor – a place where nightmare
and reality become one! This second collection of the popular series which
began in Scream! and continued in Eagle carries the story further into the
Eighties with the authorities becoming more aware of Max’s out of control
vindictiveness, and their attempts to shut him down.
Black Max Vol. 2
ISBN: 9781781088623
October
UK £14.99
Pages: 112 // Paperback
Bi-planes vs giant vampire bats in this
thrilling collection of war comics with a horror twist! Lieutenant Tom Wilson
returns to battle Baron Maximilien Von Klorr and his attack force of giant
vampire bats in a continuation of the popular series. The World War One era
story moves to England with a monstrous albino bat attacking London with each
page beautifully drawn by Alfonso Font working on one of his very first comic
series. This exciting World War One aviation adventure is ideal for fans of
Charleys War, Battle, and Hammer horror films!
The Trigan Empire Vol. 2
Mike Butterworth, Don Lawrence, Ron Embleton
ISBN: 9781781087756
November
UK £19.99 // US $24.99 // CAN $33.99
Pages: 288 // Paperback
The lost sci-fi classic from the 1960s
continues in gloriously restored collections! Among the distant stars,
fractious tribes come together to found a mighty empire that will wage war
against aggressive kingdoms, battle alien invaders, and conceive of incredible
new technologies. This extraordinary volume continues to chart the glorious
Rise and Fall of the Trigan Empire! A landmark in British comics history,
painted by the legendary Don Lawrence in stunning, classic style, and springing
from the grandiose pen of Mike Butterworth, this is an epic tale that creates a
new far-future science fiction mythos that captured the imagination of a
generation. This new collection features an introduction from one-time Don
Lawrence apprentice Chris Weston (The Filth).
Cor! Buster
Cavan Scott, Neil Googe, Hilary Barta, Tom Paterson, Sheli Paroline, Olivia Hicks and Brett Parson
ISBN: 9781781088647
November
UK £10.99 // US $13.99
Pages: 96 // Paperback
Brighten up the Xmas holidays with this
bumper collection hilarious stories filled with laughs and fun, for kids of all
ages! Britain’s golden age of humour comics returns for the 21st century, with
brand new stories by today’s top talents. Featuring characters like Kid Kong,
Grimly Feendish, Faceache, and Frankie Stein are given new life in this
compendium of hilarity by Neil Googe (The Flash), Cavan Scott (Doctor Who), Tom
Paterson (The Beano, The Dandy), Shelli Paroline (Adventure Time) and Hilary
Barta (DC Comics Plastic Man)!
Ken Reid’s Football Funnies
Ken Reid
ISBN: 9781781087794
3 December (UK)
UK £19.99
Pages: 144 // Hardcover
The master of British humour comics turns
his pen towards the hilarity of people who play football! For four years from
1970 Ken Reid drew a weekly humour strip for Scorcher and Score, this
collection collects the first two years of those strips. Featuring the characters Sub,Manager Matt,
Hugh Fowler and the Football Forum pundits, this collection combines Ken Reid’s
love of football with his natural ability to find the funny side of the great
game. This is the first collection of the never before collected strips from
Scorcher and Score.
“Unashamedly polemic in its approach, and touching on everything from environmental politics, to food monopolies, to state surveillance, 3WW pre-empted the obsessions of current online activists by some quarter of a century” – Ian McQuaid, Ransom Note
Read one of British comics’ most politically conscious series – Pat Mills and Carlos Ezquerra’s Third World War is out now in paperback and limited edition hardcover!
Using brand new scans of the original artwork supplied by the family of the late Carlos Ezquerra, Rebellion’s Treasury of British Comics brings you the definitive collection of the highly-political comic book classic of global capitalism, rebellion and exploitation.
The paperback collection is available from the Treasury of British Comics webshop, as well as all good book and comic book stores, and online retailers.
Available to order exclusively from the Treasury of British Comics webshop, the hardcover edition of Third World War is limited to 300 copies.
Eve is unemployed after leaving university and is immediately conscripted as a soldier working for a corporation and discovers just how South American countries are being exploited to create food needed to feed the increasing population for their profit under the guise of western paternalism.
Running in Crisis from 1988-1990 and including work by Angie Kincaid and Matt “D’Israeli” Brooker, Third World War is suffused with economic, political, and social issues, and deals with ever-more-prescient issues around capitalism and global politics. Ezquerra’s painted colour artwork is a highlight of his long and distinguished career.
A truly anti-establishment graphic novel, unlike anything else published by the Treasury of British Comics so far, the collection will be available in January 2020.
Indulge in some wild weirdness this winter and become a gloriously grotesque globe-trotter with Ken Reid’s World Wide Weirdies – out now in print and digital!
This beautiful and bizarre illustration collection from the legendary British cartoonist (ir)responsible for the gloriously grotesque Faceache – released to coincide with the holidays – is filled with the most wonderful weirdness you could possibly hope to encounter – from The Petrifying Pyramid to The Houses of Horrorment, from The Gruesome Gondola to The Chew-EE 2!
World Wide Weirdies collects the almost weekly run of Reid’s beautifully bizarre illustrations from IPC’s Whoopee! and Shiver and Shake.
Usually displayed in colour on the back cover, they are among the most striking images to have appeared in British comics and represent a major part of this master artist’s ouevre.
Prepare to be astounded and amazed as Rebellion Publishing brings back a long-forgotten master of the uncanny, Janus Stark!
The Incredible Adventures of Janus Stark is out now, a perfect-bound 48-page magazine showcasing one of the forgotten heroes of the heyday of British comics – a rubber-boned Victorian escapologist capable of incredible feats of agility and able to squeeze through the smallest gaps!
The Incredible Adventures of Janus Stark collection begins with his very first adventure in the pages of Smash from 1969. Written by Tom Tully and drawn by Francisco Solano López, the series ran in syndication until 1971 and was one of the few to survive Smash’s merger into Valiant in 1971.
This is first in a series of specials from Rebellion bringing classic British heroes out of the archive and back onto the page. It follows the company’s acquisition of the vast IPC back catalogue in 2017, creating the world’s biggest archive of English-language comics and encompassing more than a century of comic book publishing.
The Treasury of British Comics is pleased to unveil Chris Weston’s brand new cover for a retailer exclusive hardcover edition of the first volume of The Rise and Fall of the Trigan Empire.
With this special cover – available only from selected comic book stores – the artist on Judge Dredd, The Filth and The Invisibles has paid tribute to the inimitable work of the legendary Don Lawrence, artist on Trigan Empire – one of the finest comics creators in British comics history, and Weston’s mentor early in his career.
The retailer variant hardcover with Chris Weston cover will be available to buy from Forbidden Planet, Forbidden PlanetInternational, OK Comics, Book Palace, and other selected stockists.
The hardcover variant, individually numbered with a cover by Don Lawerence, is also available to pre-order from the Treasury of British Comics website until 4th December.
The standard paperback collection will be available in March from all good retailers and comic book stores.
Featuring stunning artwork taken from crisp scans of Lawrence’s original artwork, this 304-page volume includes a touching introduction from Liam Sharp (Green Lantern), who was also mentored by Lawrence, and marks the first time the series is being collected in a mass market edition.
Co-created by Lawrence with writer Mike Butterworth, The Rise and Fall of the Trigan Empire merges the movie serials of the 1930s, Flash Gordon, John Carter, and ancient history into a sprawling, classic science-fiction epic. It has been named as a major influence by the likes of writer Neil Gaiman (Sandman), artist Dave Gibbons (Watchmen) and Brian Bolland (Judge Dredd), amongst many others.
Originally published in the anthology title Ranger from September 1965, and Look and Learn from June 19966 until April 1982, the series told the story of an alien empire on the planet Elekton that was heavily influenced by history, particularly that of the Roman Empire. Created by Mike Butterworth, who died in 1986, and artist Don Lawrence, who died in 2004, the series’ mix of political intrigue and Lawrence’s lush painted artwork won a host of fans worldwide, and proved to be highly influential, inspiring a generation of comic book creators with its depth and beauty.
Lawrence, who started out as a comics creator in the Gower Street Studios in London, first working on Marvelman before moving on to Karl the Viking for Lion. Other artists who worked on the strip include Ron Embleton, Miguel Quesada, Philip Corke, Oliver Frey and Gerry Wood. Although the strip has seen only limited English-language release it remains one of the most popular comic series in Holland and Germany, with over two million albums sold.
Indulge in some wild weirdness this winter and become a gloriously grotesque globe-trotter with Ken Reid’s World Wide Weirdies– out on 11th December!
This beautiful and bizarre illustration collection from the legendary British cartoonist (ir)responsible for the gloriously grotesque Faceache – released to coincide with the holidays – is filled with the most wonderful weirdness you could possibly hope to encounter – from The Petrifying Pyramid to The Houses of Horrorment, from The Gruesome Gondola to The Chew-EE 2!
World Wide Weirdies collects the almost weekly run of Reid’s beautifully bizarre illustrations from IPC’s Whoopee! and Shiver and Shake.
Usually displayed in colour on the back cover, they are among the most striking images to have appeared in British comics and represent a major part of this master artist’s ouevre.
Exploding from the pages of Crisis, the paperback and hardcover editions of Third World Warby Pat Mills and Carlos Ezquerra are available to pre-order now!
Using brand new scans of the original artwork supplied by the family of the late Carlos Ezquerra, this ground-breaking, highly-political comic book classic of global capitalism, rebellion, and exploitation is collected in its entirety for the very first time!
Rebellion is pleased to announce that a limited hardcover edition – only available from the 2000 AD and Treasury of British Comics webshops – is also now available to pre-order, alongside the paperback editions of this definitive collection.
Third World War is suffused with economic, political, and social issues, and deals with ever-moreprescient issues around capitalism and global politics. Ezquerra’s painted colour artwork is a highlight of his long and distinguished career. A truly anti-establishment graphic novel from the late 1980s, this is unlike anything else published by the Treasury of British Comics so far!
The international best-selling series – Operation Overlord – is out now in an English-language graphic novel for the first time.
Featuring four extraordinary tales of heroism set during the World War II Normandy landings on D-Day, this critically-acclaimed collection tells true stories from the biggest amphibious landing in history.
On June 6th 1944, the Allies launched a huge offensive in Normandy in order to rid Europe of the Nazi terror. The strategic and human scale of the operation, led by General Eisenhower, has never been equalled as some 132,000 men were transported by sea and a further 24,000 came by air – all headed for five sweeping beaches on the French coast.
Everyone had their story, their dreams, their motivations. Everyone would live with the horror of war in their own way. Not everyone would come back …
June 1944: the Allies launch a grand offensive in Normandy in order to definitively rid Europe of the Nazi terror. The strategic and human scale of the operation, led by General Eisenhower, is unequalled. No less than 160,000 troops will be deployed on five beaches in northern France.
Omaha Beach
Normandy. G.I.s from Easy Company are briefed on Operation Overlord and beside them is Robert Capa, a war photographer, who will capture the indiscriminate killing of the day as death will not choose only one side. Germans and Americans endure bullets and mortars as their blood dyes the sand of the infamous Omaha Beach.
The Merville Gun Battery
Bulford Camp has a faithfully reconstructed replica of the Merville gun battery, a strategic D-Day objective. This German artillery piece threatens Sword Beach and must at all costs be dismantled to facilitate the landing of Allied forces on the beaches of Normandy. Adrien Bellefontaine, a Canadian artist, is part of the paratrooper unit who must protect the left flank of the battalion taking the battery and this is his story.
Commando Kieffer
Sergeant Clague films the final preparaions for Operation Overlord. Among the forces involved there is a single French commando unit, led by Kieffer. They will land with the British forces and their mission is to clear out Ouistreham, join the 6th Airborne on the bridges of the Orne and then march on the Amfreville. The mission will be difficult and their daredevl commander plans losses of 50%, they will succeed or die in the process.
“Behold, Janus Stark! Master of illusion, son of the unknown! No lock can fetter me … no rope or chain can bind my limbs!”
Prepare to be astounded and amazed as Rebellion Publishing brings a long-forgotten master of the uncanny, Janus Stark!
The Incredible Adventures of Janus Stark is a perfect-bound 48-page magazine showcasing one of the forgotten heroes of the heyday of British comics – a rubber-boned Victorian escapologist capable of incredible feats of agility and able to squeeze through the smallest gaps!
It will be available exclusively from the Treasury of British Comics webshop from 27th November, with online pre-orders from 4th November. Early preview copies will be available from the 2000 AD stand at the Thought Bubble convention in Harrogate this weekend (Tables 10-12, Comixology Originals Hall).
This is first in a series of specials from Rebellion bringing classic British heroes out of the archive and back onto the page. It follows the company’s acquisition of the vast IPC back catalogue in 2017, creating the world’s biggest archive of English-language comics and encompassing more than a century of comic book publishing.
The Incredible Adventures of Janus Stark collection begins with his very first adventure in the pages of Smash from 1969. Written by Tom Tully and drawn by Francisco Solano López, the series ran in syndication until 1971 and was one of the few to survive Smash’s merger into Valiant in 1971.
Janus Stark is an escapologist in Victorian London who appears to be a simple music hall act, but who privately uses his extraordinary abilities to battle crime and injustice. With an unusually flexible bone structure, Stark is able him to get out of an astonishing variety of tight situations at will, all the while either dressed in a three-piece suit or with his shirt off – a unique, unusual, and quintessentially British character.
Born in 1840 as the orphan Jonas Clarke, he was sent to an orphanage where he was mistreated, but escaped and lived in the streets. There he befriended a beggar, Blind Largo, who taught him pickpocketing but also trained Clarke to use his unique gift. As an adult, Clarke became Janus Stark, escapologist and private detective!
Oliver Pickles, editor at Rebellion Publishing, said: “Janus Stark is such an interesting character, but perhaps more beloved abroad that at home, after all his adventures continued with original stories in his own comic in France which culminated with his death in 1990, and none of those tales have been translated back into English. But this is a chance to restore his profile as a mainstay of classic British comic characters in the start of this series of affordable collections of his adventures.”
The Incredible Adventures of Janus Stark 48-page perfect-bound magazine is out on 27th November and available to pre-order now from www.treasuryofbritishcomics.com.
