Lockdown Recommendations

Lockdown Recommendations

I am lucky enough to work to work in a frontline role in the NHS at the worlds leading Heart and Lung Specialist Hospital, Royal Papworth.  As you can imagine it is crazy times at the moment and plenty more ahead of us. Needless to say time has been short this past week as, when not at work, I've been scouring the wastelands for food and supplies.  As a result I've not really had time to put something together for the blog, however I have tried to make time to read comics and books as a respite and diversion from the madness.

As much as I like to re-read old classics, I'm a sucker for something shiny and new to read.  I love the thrill of finding a new favourite or something jaw dropping by accident, this is even better when that thrill is cheap or free.  So I thought that I might quickly recommend some comics that I've really enjoyed recently and some that very generous creators and publishers have put out for free at this time to help those self isolating and social distancing.  Hopefully there will be something there that hits the mark for you too.

My first recommendation would be to get the Comichaus app, to use the tagline from the Awesome Comics Podcast guys "it's the Netflix of comics".  There is such a variety of small press and indie comics on there you cannot go wrong. I have found so many real gems during the time I've been using it.  

Most recently I've particularly enjoyed these three comics from Gustaffo Vargas: Lima, Manu and Trujillo. Cyberpunk comics set where pre Columbian culture meets hi and lo technology in a dystopian future (just around the corner).  I'd love to see this guy in 20000AD, he draws some great characters and cityscapes that would suit Megacity One.

You can try Comichaus for free for two weeks by following the link below after the trial it's only £3.99 a month.  https://www.comichaus.com/app

Talking of the Awesome Comics Podcast you should listen to their podcast for top class

banter, creator interviews, honest reviews and recommendations (https://awesomecomics.podbean.com/) I have a wish list longer than my arm after listening to this show each week.  From the Podcasts Tony Esmond, you can read The Whore Chronicles. I particularly enjoyed the story of Peggy with art by Sarah Harris read it here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/8m8djmtnqam5zsf/TWC_PressReady.pdf?dl=0

There are some superb comics to be found on Kickstarter that can be real bargains, especially if you go for digital options.  One I've backed is the latest from one of my favourite creators James McCulloch, called Camp VA70. Here's a quick description:

All animal life has been wiped out by a disease know as 'THE RED'. The agricultural industry crumbles under the weight of demand for food. The world needs help. Our saviours come in the form of an alien race, but their help comes at a price. They need our blood. Food in exchange for our blood. It seemed so simple...

You can back it here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/grandmasterwook/camp-va07-1/description

Thanks to Morgan Spiceman for the heads up about this link which gives information on how to gain access to 100 free comics: https://nerdist.com/article/100-free-comics/

Finally a very generous freebie from publishers of 2000AD, Rebellion a whole volume of Dredd with Case Files 05 The Law ar War which you can download

here: https://shop.2000ad.com/catalogue/GRN281?utm_source=The+2000+AD+Weekly+Thrill-Mail%21&utm_campaign=a3f189a7b1-2000+AD+NEWSLETTER+19-12-18_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f96459e4a2-a3f189a7b1-82803961

So there you go, plenty to get stuck into for free or not very much, hope you enjoy them.  

Thanks to all the NHS staff, postal and delivery drivers and retail sector workers who are keeping us all safe, informed and fed during this difficult time.  Keep the faith guys and stay safe.