Recommendations: Blazer #1

When I initially pledged for the Kickstarter of Blazer I didn't really know what to expect all I knew is that it was going to be a love letter to British comics of the 70s, with all stories written by the Mightiest of Mighty Ones, Steve Macmanus.  With that pedigree I was sold and happily, after reading, I wasn't let down either.

Straight away the look and feel of Blazer is a time machine, back to the mid 70s, with great little design touches, like an old school price sticker on the front cover. Then we get right into the action with Godwins Law, a fast paced war story with art by Dan Cornwell.  This was a perfect opener with Dan's superb kinetic art blasting off the page - I really want to see him do more war stories. 

Derringer and S'on with art by Colin Maxwell was a throwback to all those American series, from the 70s, that we would sit in front of our huge wooden box TVs and watch. We had the voice over introducing us to the characters and backstory, loads of action ensues and then winds up with a final panel reminiscent of the TV show freeze frame...annnd roll credits. 

These are just the opening shots of the retro fun, we get so much more including a footie story in Boot Room Boy, magic and mystery with, the surprisingly dark and cheeky, Domienicas Ring.  A superb cast of artists including Peter Western and Charlie Gillespie and letterers all bring TMOs' words to life brilliantly. 

There is an argument that we shouldn't glorify the past and that we should always be moving forwards.  But sometimes, especially in the days we're living through right now, it's nice to harken back to simpler more carefree times.  Blazer is a comic that unashamedly wraps the reader in a blanket of action packed nostalgia.  Steve Macmanus, the artists and the guys behind the scenes involved in the production of Blazer obviously have a love and respect for the comics of the 70s that shines through here.  Expect this title to blaze brighter with each issue.

If you want to get a piece of the action you can order it here: https://the77comic.bigcartel.com/