Small Press Updates

This article originally appeared in Strangehaven issue issue #12, October 1999.

Adam Jakes has put out a third and final issue of Floid, as reviewed last issue. In his own words, he “grew more and more frustrated with the basic style” which he had adopted and wrapped up Floid with #3 in order to start afresh with “something more ambitious.”

Shortly thereafter, I received a comic-book sized anthology called The 5 Horsemen #1 which included a couple of short strips and illustrations by Adam. More mature and accomplished certainly, if not overly ambitious. The anthology itself is a typically mixed bag, which apparently had a local arts council sponsorship withdrawn after they viewed the content. And as I go to press, I’ve just received the 5 Horsemen #2 which is a little thinner and containing a more traditional-looking strip by Adam – and the covers (by A Stapleton) are spectacularly colourful

Dream Factory, also reviewed last issue, has had its second issue published. Subtle improvements over the first issue, including proofreading! A good value wodge of strips (vintage Mike Kazybrid and Shaky Kane) and text stories but sans the interviews, which actually gives the package a better balance. Colour covers plus 52 magazine-size pages, but bizarrely, no permanent mailing address or e-mail. So hopefully they’ll call you.

Roger Langley, veteran Prisoner Appreciation Society guru and Strangehaven fan has produced a lavishly illustrated, very heavy glossy colour book, The Prisoner in Portmerion, celebrating the connection between the enigmatic TV show and the extraordinary place. Running at over 120 pages with over 220 pictures – many in full colour, it’s one of the very best and nicest-smelling publications on Patrick McGoohan’s classic creation. Lavish.