Comics UK

I'd just like to make a shout-out for New Zealand comics!

I recently blogged about a New Zealand comic called Comic Book Project, a large graphic novel currently in the making.

http://www.wackycomics.com/2013/05/comi ... aland.html

But my favourite New Zealand comic has to go to Faction. The first issue of this amazing comic went on sale earlier in the year, and they're hoping for two issues a year. I wrote about it when it came out:

http://www.wackycomics.com/2013/05/comi ... aland.html

Obviously the New Zealand comics industry is nonexistent compared to the UK one, but the few that are here still deserve recognition! The final version of Comic Book Project hasn't been released yet, but Faction is avaliable now, either as a free download or as a paperback comic - which looks and feels amazing so I'd highly recommend it!

In the 40's there was a story paper called New Zealand Chums, perhaps an unofficial continuation of the British Chums which ended in 1940 (with a 1941-dated annual). Among other things, it serialised an old Sexton Blake story called The Land of Fire. This also appeared in the New Zealand Chums annual, which was perhaps a compliation of all the issues(?). I have two issues of it somewhere

To support my New Zealand cousins, I have ordered a copy of Faction.

I thought some members may like to see this NZ comic from 1979, especially any 2000ad collectors as New Zealander Colin Wilson is the artist.

It is a strange comic really, for it is put out by Sunshine watches who produced a sundial watch and compass, so it really counts as an advertising comic, it also has an environmental theme to it

Muchas gracias for Captain Sunshine. I did not know about this character so, much research to be done now.
There was a comic titled, "Captain Havoc and the Phantom Knight" which, I believe was an original NZ title. While not the best art in the world, the 4 issues I have are good fun. If anyone can confirm it was a NZ original, I would appreciate it. Ta in advance.

I cannot help with 'Captain Havoc' Paw, maybe George knows it?

If you would like to give me an address Paw I will send you a copy of 'Captain Sunshine' as I have two copies.

A couple more scans this time more on the environmental theme.

Very kind offer,thank you. See pm.

Captain Sunshine having arrived, I had to dive in and see what was what. The art by Colin Wilson, while not quite up to later standards, is most enjoyable. Pity about the story, which seems a bit preachy to me. That apart, it is another superhero to add to my files. And it is a N.Z. comic.
The other 2 comics which matrix kindly included were The Phantom - an issue I didn't have - reprinting a Wilson McCoy story and Western Kid. This one confused me for a while as, from the layout of some of the stories I thought some of it might be Charlton reprints. But no! Wrong again!. I really should do the research before opening mouth. This contains Marvel reprints from a Marvel Western Kid comic, or comics. Figured out at last.
Please excuse my being a bit off-topic but it seemed easier to put the 2 Aus. comics in beside Cap. Sunshine, rather than starting an Aus. section. But, thinking about it, shouldn't there be an Aus. section? There is a pile of stuff out there and lots of it is worth reading - and discussing.

If you want to find out more about New Zealand comics and cartoonists you should read From Earth's End, the first book dedicated to the New Zealand comic industry. I haven't read it yet, but it has generally positive reviews.

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/From-Ea ... 1869799953

The guy whou wrote it also has a blog about NZ comics.

http://fromearthsend.blogspot.co.nz

I’ve just picked up on the posts re Ne Zealand comics in 1913 and I’m interested in New Zealand Chums to which I subscribed as a boy c. 1947 -50 . Does anyone have any copies?