Happy Easter!

It doesn't seem a year since the Cor!! Buster Easter Special was published. What a year it's been! If you're inclined to celebrate Easter I hope you can have an enjoyable weekend despite the lockdown restrictions. 

If you missed the aforementioned Easter Special it's still available to buy directly from the publisher at this link:

https://treasuryofbritishcomics.com/catalogue/humour/RCS2052 

The panel above is from the Buster and Delbert story I drew for the comic, written by John Freeman. Both the Easter Special and the previous Humour Special from 2019 have been collected into a softback book which you can buy at this link:

https://treasuryofbritishcomics.com/catalogue/humour/RCA-H0018 

There won't be a Cor!! Buster Special this year but in September look out for the all new Monster Fun Halloween Spooktacular! 

Happy Easter weekend! 

 

Currently in print...

A quick plug for the comics / mags currently on sale that I did some work for:

Buster and Gums strips for the Cor!! Buster Easter Special.

https://treasuryofbritishcomics.com/catalogue/humour/RCS2052

The Daft Dimension mini-strip for Doctor Who Magazine.

https://doctorwhomagazine.com/

Ellis's Great Escapes for The Beano.

https://shop.beano.com/beano-comic-subscription

Sgt.Shouty for The77.

https://getmycomics.com/The77

Postman Prat for The Dandy Summer Special.

https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/dandy-summer-special-2020

Postman Prat and Keyhole Kate for The Dandy Annual 2021.

https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/the-dandy-annual-2021

Lord Snooty mini-strips for The Beano Annual 2021.

https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/beano-annual-2021

Coming up:
Specky Hector, Comic Collector mini-strip for the Battle Special.

https://treasuryofbritishcomics.com/catalogue/RCS2063

(It sounds like I've been busy but the annual and special strips were drawn long before the pandemic.)

Don't miss out on the fun!

 

With unpredictable bad timing The Cor!! Buster Easter Special was available in WH Smiths... during the lockdown, so as most branches of Smiths were closed it meant that some readers missed it! 

However, the good news is you don't have to miss out because the comic is still available to buy by post, directly from the publisher!  

The Easter theme is only present in a few of the strips so you can look at it as a Summer Special if you wish, although hopefully you'll still find the Easter stories egg-selent too! (Couldn't resist. Don't worry. The humour in the special is funnier than that!)

I'm very pleased with how the special turned out and it was a pleasure to contribute, so I hope you enjoy it too! Hop over to the Treasury of British Comics website to order it now!
https://treasuryofbritishcomics.com/catalogue/humour/RCS2052 

...and if you missed last year's special, that's still available too! 
https://treasuryofbritishcomics.com/catalogue/humour/RCS1951 
 

Happy 60th, Buster!

Advert for BUSTER NO.1 from the DAILY MIRROR, 23rd May 1960.

It slipped my mind but it was the 60th anniversary of Buster comic the other day! Launched on 23rd May 1960, Buster was the first of Fleetway's new style 1960s comics. It heralded a more modern style of British weekly, moving away from the artistic styles of the long defunct titles such as Comic Cuts and Funny Wonder. He was billed as the "Son of Andy Capp" in those days when they shared the same publisher, but that was soon dropped and there's no connection between the two characters today.

Buster ran for almost 40 years, ending in December 1999. 

As this is my personal blog I thought I'd write some personal remembrances about it. I'd been a reader of Buster in the 1960s, becoming a regular reader in 1969 as it seemed to be the closest thing to the much-missed Power Comics, with its balance of humour and adventure strips.

I was privileged to be one of the numerous artists/writers that contributed to the comic in its later years. I came on board in 1988, when Oink! merged into Buster, bringing with me my characters Tom Thug and Pete and his Pimple.  

One of the covers I did for BUSTER. Colours by John Burns.

Tom Thug proved to be the most popular of those two, and gave the more established characters a run for their money too, as explained in this letter I received from the editor... 

 

After his two year run in Oink!, Tom Thug ran for another eight years in Buster before the comic went all-reprint in 1996. Then reprints of Tom Thug continued until the final issue in 1999, so the character was in print consistently for thirteen years, ten years of which were new material (over 400 episodes, all written and drawn by me).

Buster was an excellent comic to contribute to in the 20th Century, so I was over the moon to be invited back as an artist on the recent all-new Cor!! Buster Specials and drawing the Buster strip itself (and also the Gums strip this year.)

Page 1 of the new Buster and Delbert. Script by John Freeman, art by Lew Stringer.

  

Page 1 of the new Gums strip. Script by Lizzie Boyle, art by Lew Stringer.

I'm pleased that, for Buster's 60th anniverary, there is currently a new Buster title on the stands... and if you have difficulty finding it during the lockdown you can order it directly from the publisher at this link:
https://treasuryofbritishcomics.com/catalogue/RCS2052

Happy 60th, Buster! Now you're back, let's hope you stick around for a long time to come!  

**************************

Don't forget your COR!! BUSTER Special!

Just a little reminder that the Cor!! Buster Easter Special is still on sale, even though it's no longer Easter. It should be in selected newsagents until early June, or you can order it directly from the publishers, Rebellion, at this link:
https://treasuryofbritishcomics.com/catalogue/RCS2052

For years, fans of UK comics gave been hoping the old characters would return and now they're back in a brand new 52 page special! Don't miss it! 

**************

New interview online

Richard Brunton did an interview with John Freeman and me for the 2000AD website on the work we did on the new Cor!! Buster Easter Special. (John wrote the script for the Buster and Delbert strip I drew.) You can read the interview at this link:

https://2000ad.com/news/cor-buster-easter-special-2020-buster-delbert-the-team-up-youve-been-waiting-for/

***********************

OUT NOW! The COR!! BUSTER EASTER SPECIAL!

After months of preparation I feared this comic might not appear due to the current situation. I'm pleased to say that The Cor!! Buster Easter Special is out there in the wild (newsagents) a day earlier than scheduled! 52 pages of boredom-busting fun for all ages, reviving characters of yesteryear (including 6 pages drawn by me from scripts by John Freeman and Lizzie Boyle).  If you can't find it in a shop you can order it directly from the publisher (print or digital) at this link:
https://treasuryofbritishcomics.com/catalogue//RCS2052

I'm really proud to be part of this brilliant comic and having the opportunity to draw Buster and Gums and add cameos of long-forgotten characters such as Alfie the Air Tramp and Weary Willie and Tired Tim alongside more recognisable ones such as Fuss Pott and Mowser! Top class strips throughout, including new Sweeny Toddler and Grimly Feendish by Tom Paterson and an excellent Creature Teacher strip by Lee Langford and Brett Parson plus many more.

Last year's special sold well so I hope this one does too, despite WH Smith being closed now and people going out less. (Buy it by post if you can't find one!) The thing I like most about it is that editor Keith Richardson has made sure it has its own style, rather than imitate those other great comics The Beano or The Phoenix. It's good to see such a diverse range of art styles in there, along with "veterans" such as me and Tom Paterson. Such a lively mixture that I think will go down well with the readers.

Will there be future humour specials or a more regular title? That's up to you, folks! Support the Cor!! Buster Easter Special and that possibility becomes more likely. 

********************

Rebellion issue a statement about their comics in the current crisis

For those of you asking if the Cor!! Buster Easter Special will still be published on 8th April, the answer is yes. As things stand now, the all-new Action 2020 Special, Cor!! Buster Easter Special, 2000AD and Judge Dredd Magazine will be out on schedule. You'll also be able to order them by post, or buy digital editions. 

The planned Best of 2000AD reprint monthly has been put on hold though.

Here's your link to order the Cor!! Buster Easter Special:
https://2000ad.com/news/pre-order-the-cor-buster-easter-special/ 

Rebellion have issued a press release with full details of how things stand as of today. Obviously things can change and if they do I'll post a follow up. Here's their press release from Mike Molcher in full....

As the UK government brings in restrictions on movement in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rebellion would like to reassure readers that 2000 AD will continue to be published.

We are working closely with our printers and distributors to ensure that the supply of Thrill-power continues through this difficult time.

This is a rapidly-changing situation so please bear with us - our top priority is the safety of all our staff, as well as those at our printers and distributors, and delivery staff. We are constantly monitoring developments and reappraise our operations on a daily basis, taking both government advice and common sense into account when making decisions.

It is important to us that comics, which can provide distraction and entertainment at a time when people are unable to leave their homes, continue to reach those who need them.

As things stand at 12noon on Tuesday 24 March, 2000 AD and the Judge Dredd Megazine will continue to be printed and sent to subscribers. Non-subscribers can order physical copies of both titles from the 2000 AD webshop. Newsagents and retailers will receive comics as well, with some exceptions outlined below.

Physical copies of our specials, such as this week’s Action 2020 Special and the forthcoming Cor!! Buster Easter Special, will still go out to customers and stockists, and will be available to buy from the 2000 AD and Treasury of British Comics webshops.

While newsagent chains such as WH Smiths are closing selected stores, we will continue to support independent newsagents, comic book stores, and supermarkets that remain open and which stock our titles. 

Comic book stores especially face a huge challenge as Diamond Distribution is ceasing all deliveries of new titles, please support them through this difficult time where you can with mail order custom or the purchase of gift certificates etc.

Due to the closure of Diamond’s distribution network, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the publication of Best of 2000 AD #1, which was due to go on sale on 29 April. This title is postponed until further notice.

All titles will be available digitally on their existing publication dates from 2000 AD and the Treasury of British Comic’s webshop. All pre-orders of physical paperback and hardback editions will also be supplied.

Our huge backlist of titles will continue to be available to order from the 2000 AD and Treasury of British Comics webshop. There will be unfortunate but understandable delays to overseas deliveries. Please consult your government’s advice on postal services for information about local deliveries and border closures.

The 2000 AD webshop and apps will continue to be updated with our latest titles. Go to https://2000ad.com/get-the-app/ to download our apps for Apple, Android, and Windows 10 devices.

Please stay safe, Earthlets: follow the advice to stay home where possible, wash your hands regularly, and maintain social distancing, but ensure you help vulnerable members of your community as much as you safely can.

We may often deal in dystopias, but if our 43 years of stories have taught us anything it’s to work together and look out for one another.

All the best,
Mike

*****************

GUMS!

Last night I completed the art on a three page GUMS story for the Cor!! Buster Easter Special from a script by Lizzie Boyle. (As you know I've also drawn a three page Buster and Delbert story for the same special, written by John Freeman.) 

Gums was last-minute job needed quickly as it goes to press this week! I was filling in for another artist who was off sick so I tried to "ghost" her style to a certain extent. The comic will be in shops on 8th April (if the shops are still open in April during this pandemic crisis) but you can pre-order it to make sure of your copy from the publisher's website here:
https://2000ad.com/news/pre-order-the-cor-buster-easter-special/

These are very worrying times but if we do have to go into lockdown, comics are an ideal way to take our minds off it and escape into other worlds! I hope that doesn't sound like I'm trivialising the situation. Far from it. Seriously, any reading matter or other escapism (music, films, hobbies) are a good way to keep the mind healthy. 

Wishing you all good health and brighter times ahead. 

•••••••••••••••••••••••

Preview: COR!! BUSTER EASTER SPECIAL

Rebellion have released a few preview pages from the upcoming Cor!! Buster Easter Special, including one I drew (written by John Freeman). This is the start of a three-pager featuring Buster and Delbert and cameos by a multitude of UK comics characters from the past. See how many you recognise! (Some date back to the 19th Century so don't be too hard on yourselves if you don't know them.) 

I really enjoyed drawing these pages and bringing back characters from long ago. The special goes on sale next month but you can pre-order it now direct from the publisher at this link:
https://shop.2000ad.com/catalogue/graphic-novels/treasury-of-british-comics/RCS2052

Cover art by Neil Googe and Jim Boswell.

*****************************

BUSTER's 30th Anniversary.... 30 years ago! (1990)

While I'm busy finishing off my contributions for the Cor!! Buster Easter Special I thought you might like to see a strip I did for Buster weekly way back in 1990, for the comic's 30th anniversary!

I'd forgotten all about this until Peter Gray reminded me by posting it on his UK Comics Facebook page. These are Peter's scans as I don't have time to dig my issue out at present. 

As you know, Tom Thug was usually a single page strip, but as the character had become popular the editor Allen Cummings allowed me two and a half pages that week to do justice to the anniversary story I'd come up with. I really enjoyed drawing the old characters such as Faceache and Pongo. I embellished them with a grey wash to reflect the days when Buster was a black and white comic, and also to give them a ghostly appearance. 

I miss working for Buster, but it's great to be drawing pages for the new Cor!! Buster specials! Especially as this year is the 60th anniversary of Buster! 

Were you a reader of Buster years ago? Post your thoughts and comments about the comic below!

*******************

Cor!! Buster is back next month!

Only a month to go before the all-new Cor!! Buster Easter Special goes on sale! 52 pages of fun reviving classic characters from the past in brand new stories. Here's a glimpse of a fraction of one panel when it was still in the rough pencil stage. A three-page story starring Buster and Dilbert (with cameos from loads of others) written by John Freeman and drawn by me.

...and this week I'm drawing another three-pager for the same special. Who will it feature? I'll reveal a bit of it after I've drawn it! 

***************

Bad Penny returns!

This week, 54 years ago in 1966, Odhams published the first issue of Smash!, a companion comic to Wham! that, for many of us, was even better than its sister paper. One of the main characters was Bad Penny, created by Leo Baxendale. It has to be said that Penny was inspired by the Beano's Minnie the Minx (also created by Leo) but she was a great character in her own right, and the strips were often even more unrestrained than those of the Beano at the time. 

It was an honour to bring back Bad Penny last year as part of the comic gang in Who's In Charge (written by John Freeman) in Rebellion's Cor!! Buster Humour Special. I'm pleased to say that I've also put her in this year's Cor!! Buster Easter Special as part of the crowds in the Buster and Dilbert strip I've drawn (also written by John Freeman). 

As far as I'm concerned, Bad Penny deserves her own strip once again, and hopefully she will one day, but for now at least she's back in a guest star role. Look out for The Cor!! Buster Easter Special when it goes on sale in April!

...and if you're nostalgic for the original Smash!, see my article on the first issue that I wrote on my other blog a few years ago...
https://lewstringer.blogspot.com/2016/01/50-year-flashback-smash-no1.html 

Cor!! Buster sneak peek

As other artists are showing glimpses of their art for the Rebellion specials I guess that it's ok if I do the same. This is only a tiny fraction of a large panel though, and larger than printed size, so you'll still have to wait a few months to see the full picture. 

I had great fun working from John Freeman's script to draw the new Buster and Dilbert three pager for The Cor!! Buster Easter Special.  It's out in April from W.H. Smith and comic shops, so pre-order it from your local comic shop so you don't miss out! Let's support these specials and get comics moving again! 

Below: The image shown above but at the pencil stage...

...and at the initial inked stage...

More news about stuff I can't show yet

I sent off my three pages for the Cor!! Buster Easter Special today, bang on deadline. I can't show any panels from it yet but I can tell you there are a lot of old characters making cameo appearances in it and it took me a week of long hours and little sleep to draw and colour it. John Freeman puts a lot into his scripts!

Some characters you'll remember, some will be from before your time, but if you know your comics history I hope you'll have fun spotting who's who. If you don't know your comics history it doesn't matter as they're incidental characters and knowledge of their past isn't important to your appreciation of the story, in the most part. 

Anyway, I'm sure it's frustrating and probably a bit pointless for me to talk about a strip without being able to show anything but hopefully those crumbs of background info will suffice until April when the comic comes out. If you want to pre-order it, Rebellion have a special offer for all their specials as a package (sent individually as they come out):
https://treasuryofbritishcomics.com/catalogue//B0015

Busy week!

I'm pleased to say that I have a lot of work on this week! There's the new Buster strip to draw for the Cor!! Buster Easter Special, another Daft Dimension to do for Doctor Who Magazine.... and the first of my brand new strips for the Beano! 

I can't really show much this far in advance, but above is a tiny fragment of the Buster strip before colouring it. There's a lot going on in this story, and loads of characters, some of whom haven't been seen in print for a very long time, but the script by John Freeman is fun to draw! I'm really enjoying this. 

Anyway, it's 1.47 A.M. and I need to get some rest before embarking on more of it in the morning! 

•••••••••••••••••••••••

Tom Thug will return!

I'm going to make sure that Tom Thug turns up in next year's Cor!! Buster Easter Special. In fact, John Freeman has written him into the script. It's only a cameo part, but he'll be part of a crowd scene in a few panels. (He also appeared briefly in this year's special, if you recall.)

Hopefully it'll eventually lead to Tom coming back in his own strip one day. After all, he was one of the most popular strips in Oink! and Buster from the late 1980s to the final Buster in 1999 and even took over the cover position on several occasions.  When I did the last one I counted up how many Tom Thug strips I'd drawn, and it was well over 400. 

People still ask me for a sketch of him at conventions, so the brainless bully is still fondly remembered. He was never a character to emulate of course. More of a catharsis for readers to see the bully get his just desserts every issue. Readers laughed with the other Buster characters, but Tom was designed to be laughed at. 

If you'd like to know how Tom Thug came to be, I wrote a blog post about it five years ago. Click on this link to read it...
https://lewstringercomics.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-origin-of-tom-thug.html

BUSTER is coming back in 2020

As you may have read on my other blog, 2020 will see Rebellion publish twelve specials across the year, most of which will revive classic comics of the past with brand new material. 

One of the first to be released will be the Cor!! Buster Easter Special. A second outing for the successful humour special published last year. It'll be packed with old favourites given a new spin, and I'm very pleased to say that I'll be drawing a three page Buster and Delbert strip written by John Freeman

The three pager involves an Easter egg hunt, and will feature a lot of familiar comic faces, - not just from Buster, but from other comics of the past too. (A few going wayyy back.) 

I was one of the original artists in Buster comic (on Tom Thug) throughout the late 1980s until it's end in 1999 so it's a thrill to draw the title character. I'm excited to be following in the footsteps of such great artists as Bill Titcombe (the first artist of Buster in 1960), Angel Nadal, Reg Parlett, Tom Paterson, Jimmy Hansen and many more! My version will try to capture the essence of all the previous styles but will essentially be my own. A few preliminary sketches accompany this article. 

The Cor!! Buster Easter Special will go on sale in early April 2020. I'll post more news about it in the future! 

Below: the cover by Neil Googe and Jim Boswell...