downthetubes Links: British Graphic Novels Release List

2008
Note - all dates remain provisional and the further into the future they get, should be treated with caution.

Jump To: On Sale Soon • November 2008 • December 2008
2009: January • February • March • April • May • June • July • August • September

• ABC Warriors: The Third Element by Pat Mills Art by Henry Flint and Carlos Ezquerra.
The ABC Warriors return in another blistering collection of explosive stories. Pat Mills takes the Warriors back to Mars.
• The Art of War edited by David Roach
Featuring almost 1000 fabulous full-colour artworks created for the covers of Fleetway/IPC’s classic War, Battle, Air Ace and War at Sea Picture Libraries published from the 1950s to the 1970s. See blog news item
• The Bash Street Kids Annual 2009 D C Thomson
• Battle Picture Library: Let 'em Have It edited by Steve Holland
By the time it was launched in 1961, "Battle Picture Library" already had two stablemates at Fleetway Publications - "War Picture Library" and "Air Ace Picture Library". To avoid any conflicts with its sister magazines, Battle concentrated solely on stories based on land, although the authors and artists had plenty of scope when deciding on settings for their tales of action and adventure.Stories such as "Fort Blood" or "The Fire-Eater" pit our fighting men against their bitter enemies in the heat and dust of the desert while "The Flame and the Fury" or "The Island of Guilt" see them slogging their way through the intense tropical humidity of the darkest jungles."The Let 'Em Have It" collection features some of the finest stories ever to appear in the "Battle Picture Library" series, providing hours of entertainment for fans of fighting yarns whether they be revisiting the classic comic book series they remember from their youth, or whether they are going into Battle for the first time.
• The Beano Annual 2009 D C Thomson
• The Beano Book 1940: A Facsimile Edition of the First Ever Beano Annual
• The Best of 2000AD Prion Books
This huge book contains hundreds of comic strips, features and articles from the utterly original and anarchic comic that defined a generation.
• The Best of Alex 2008 by Charles Peattie & Russell Taylor
Part of 'Best of' series, this annual gathers together strips from the ageing yuppie's Daily Telegraph appearances during 2008.
• Best of My Weekly Annual 2009 D C Thomson
• The Best of Punch Cartoons edited by Helen Walasek Carlton Books
The biggest and best collection of cartoons ever published from the greatest humour magazine of them all. 600 pages packed with magnificent gags and beautiful artwork by some of the finest illustrators of the past two centuries.
• The Biggest Jackie Annual Ever! The Best Thing for Girls - Next to Boys Carlton Books
• The Broons and Oor Wullie: Facsimile edition of the first annuals [in slipcase] Aurum Press
• Charley's War: Return to the Front Titan Books
Renowned UK comics writer Pat Mills (Marshal Law, Slaine) and legendary artist Joe Colquhoun continue the thrilling, humorous and horrifying story of World War One soldier Charley Bourne.Returning to the front, Charley is reunited with old comrades Weeper and Old Bill - and, unfortunately, bully Grogan and the vile Lieutenant Snell. As the bullets fly and bombs fall, Charley faces as much danger from his own ranks as from the enemy's...Rich in the detailed minutiae of the terror-punctuated existence of a Tommy, this fifth volume of "Charley's War" features a brand new introduction and director's commentary by Pat Mills, plus exclusive bonus content.
• A Christmas Carol (Original Text, abridged) Classical Comics
Classical Comics' first Dickens title is probably his best-loved story, beautifully realized by Sean Michael Wilson, Mike Collins and David Roach. Scrooge gets a rude awakening to how his life is, and how it should be.
• A Christmas Carol (Quick Text) Classical Comics
• Commando Ammo Box Carlton Books Limited/Numbered edition
This unique limited edition presentation set contains three of the hugely successful classic Commando collections - "The Dirty Dozen", "True Brit" and "All Guns Blazing". The 36 explosive issues in the three volumes are supplemented by a special printing of the very first issue of Commando - 'Walk or Die!' - reproduced exclusively for this set.
• Commando: Bandits at 12 O'clock edited by George Low Carlton Books
• The Complete Ace Trucking Co by Wagner and Grant & Massimo Belardinelli Rebellion
• The Cream of Tank Girl by Alan C Martin & Jamie Hewlett Titan Books
Spewing filth and fury since 1988, celebrate the 20th anniversary of Alan Martin and Jamie Hewlett's foul-mouthed, anarchic creation with "The Cream of Tank Girl"! Boasting tons of unseen artwork, rarely seen comic strips, every Jamie Hewlett "Tank Girl" cover ever, publicity posters, script samples and more besides, this is the ultimate guide to Tank Girl and her world.
• The Dandy Annual 2009 D C Thomson
• Dennis the Menace Annual 2009 D C Thomson
• Derek the Sheep by Gary Northfield Bloomsbury
• Dragon's Claws Panini UK
Marvel UK's first regular "US-size" comic, reprinted in a collection for the first time. The elite law enforcement team of the far future returns! In the dystopian year of 8162 Greater Britain desperately needs heroes; warriors willing to do whatever it takes to safeguard mankind. Consequently, the shadowy government agency N.U.R.S.E. (National Union of Retired Sports Experts) reinstates ""the greatest game players in the world"" to bring order to chaos.
• The Eagle Annual of the Cutaways edited by Daniel Tatarsky Orion
Read the downthetubes review by Jeremy Briggs
• Frank Bellamy's King Arthur and His Knights: The Complete Adventures edited by Steve Holland Book Palace Books
• Frankenstein (Original Text, abridged) Classical Comics
'Cursed be the hands that formed you'! True to the original novel, Declan Shalvey's naturally gothic artistic style is a perfect match for this epic tale. "Frankenstein" is such a well known title, yet the films strayed so far beyond the original novel that many people today don't realise how this classic horror tale deals with such timeless subjects as alienation, empathy and understanding beyond appearance. Another great story, beautifully crafted into a superb graphic novel.
• Frankenstein (Quick Text) Classical Comics
• Gentleman Jim by Raymond Briggs Jonathan Cape
• Doctor Who: The Betrothal of Sontar by Nick Abadzis, John Tomlinson, Gareth Roberts, Mike Collins Panini UK
The first volume of comics collecting the 10th Doctor's complete strip adventures from the pages of Doctor Who Magazine and the Doctor Who Storybook. The famous Time Lord and his companion Rose Tyler battle Sontarans, meet mythical monsters and face a terrifying encounter with the new "Lords of Time".
• High Noon: Wild West Picture Library edited by Steve Holland
Whooping Injuns, wandering cowpokes, grizzled prospectors, mysterious hombres in sombreros and masked outlaws - this is the untamed West of our childhoods, where the heroes are rugged and honest, the villains are yellow-bellied cowards and only the toughest survive. From the Great Plains to dusty Texan trails and lawless prospecting towns, every thrilling story in this book is jam packed with gunfights, jaw busting saloon punch ups, racing stagecoaches and tomahawk throwing varmints. So saddle up partner, grab your six-gun and prepare to ride into town.
• The History of the Beano: The Story So Far D C Thomson
On the 30th July 1938 a rainbow of colour emerged into the lives of children in bleak, pre-war Britain. The Beano was born. To celebrate its 70th year, and as a tribute to both yesterday s fans and today s enthusiasts, DC Thomson & Co. Ltd., and Waverley Books proudly present this lavishly illustrated history. Researched and written by DC Thomson staff writers, this account explains how the comic has evolved and innovated, examining the secret ingredients behind seven decades of success. Anarchic, anti-establishment and - above all else - funny, The Beano burst into life pioneering a new style of comic strip that combined graphics and text. Highly recommended!
• Hospital Nurse Picture Library: Love on Ward B edited by Melissa Hyland Carlton Books
• The Hot-Shot Hamish Annual 2009 Black & White Publishing
• Jane Eyre (Original Text, abridged) Classical Comics
This Charlotte Bronte classic is brought to vibrant life by artist John M. Burns. His sympathetic treatment of Jane Eyre's life during the 19th century will delight any reader with its strong emotions and wonderfully rich atmosphere. Travel back to a time of grand Victorian mansions contrasted with the severest poverty and immerse yourself in this love story. It is presented in full colour graphic novel format wonderfully illustrated by legendary artist John M. Burns. It meets UK curriculum requirements. Teachers notes/study guides for KS2/KS3 available.
• Jane Eyre (Quick Text) Classical Comics
• James Bond: The History of the Illustrated 007 by Alan J Porter Hermes Press
• Look-In: The Best of the Eighties edited by Graham Kibble-White Prion
• Judge Dredd: The Complete Case Files Volume 11 by various Rebellion
• Karl the Viking Volume 1: The Sword of Eingar Don Lawrence Collection
• Karl the Viking Volume 2: The Powers of Helvud Don Lawrence Collection
• Karl the Viking Volume 3: Island of the Monsters Don Lawrence Collection
• Karl the Viking Vol 4: Quest of the Long Ships Don Lawrence Collection
• The Leather Nun and Other Incredibly Strange Comics by Paul Gravett & Peter Stanbury Aurum Press
• Marshal Law: Origins by Pat Mills & Kevin O'Neill Titan Books
• Marvel Masters: The British Invasion Vol.2 Panini
Where Marvel Masters: The British Invasion Vol 1. focused on the best of the UK's writers to have worked for the House of Ideas, Volume 2 celebrates the nations greatest artists. Includes stories illustrated by such renowned artists as Dave Gibbons, Alan Davis, Bryan Hitch, Steve Dillon, Barry Windsor-Smith, Paul Neary, Frank Quitely and Mark Buckingham.
• Modesty Blaise: Green Cobra by Peter O'Donnell, John Burns, and Pat Wright Titan Books
• Roy of the Rovers: The Unauthorised Biography by Mick Collins Aurum Press
Following on from his bestselling All-Round Genius about a real life sports man who resembled a comic strip hero, Mick Collins turns his attention to a comic strip hero that many thought was a real life striker. "Roy of the Rovers" delighted fans from the early '50s right up to the strip's closure in the 1990s. This is a 'biography' of Roy, but it sets the comic in the context of the times showing how the rise in computer games eventually spelled the death knell for Britain's most famous sporting hero.
• Rick Random, Space Detective edited by Steve Holland Prion
• Storm The Collection Volume 8 Don Lawrence Collection
• Strontium Dog: The Kreeler Conspiracy by John Wagner Rebellion
• The Tale of One Bad Rat by Bryan Talbot Jonathan Cape Hardcover
• Tank Girl 1 (Remastered edition): 1 by Alan Martin and Jamie Hewlett
Publisher: Titan Books Warning: Adults only!
• Watching the Watchmen by Dave Gibbons, Chip Kidd & Mike Essl Titan Books
• Fred Basset 2008
• Proper Go Well High by Oliver East Publisher: Blank Slate Books
• Sparky O'Hare - Master Electrician by Mawli Publisher: Blank Slate Books

November 2008

• Captain Britain Volume 3: The Lion and the Spider Publisher: Panini On sale 2 Nov 2008
The Lion of London returns in this eagerly awaited third volume. The United Kingdom's very own Marvel super hero, Captain Britain. A collection of his original appearances.
• Great Expectations (Original Text, abridged) Classical Comics On sale from 3 November 2008
• Great Expectations (Quick Text) Classical Comics On sale from 3 November 2008
• The Best of Tharg's Future Shocks (Various authors) Rebellion On Sale from 13 November 2008
• The Complete Ro-Busters by Pat Mills and others Rebellion On sale from 13 November 2008
• Alan Moore (Pocket Essentials) by Lance Parkin Pocket Essentials On Sale 20 November 2008
• James Bond: Polestar
by Ian Fleming, Jim Lawrence, Yaroslav Horak, and John McLusky
Publisher: Titan Books On Sale 28 Nov 2008
• Tank Girl 2 by Alan Martin, Jamie Hewlett Publisher: Titan Books On sale from 28 Nov 2008
• Tank Girl Visions of Booga by Alan Martin & Rufus Dayglo Titan Books On sale from 28 November 2008

December 2008
• Judge Dredd: The Pit by John Wagner Rebellion On sale from 11 December 2008
• The VCs by Gerry Finley-Day & various Rebellion On sale from 11 December 2008
• Roy of the Rovers Archives: Season 1954-55 Titan Books On sale from 20 December 2008
He's back! Britain's most famous fantasy footballer, Roy Race, makes his long-awaited return, in this first of a series of spectacular archive volumes collecting all of Roy's thrilling escapades from the very beginning! Rarely seen, never collected, these are the original Roy of the Rovers tales, lovingly restored and presented in beautiful dust-jacketed hardbacks. The first of a highly collectible library, this debut volume also sports fascinating features on the genesis and history of Roy, along with commentary, checklists and an exclusive introduction.

• Jane (The Misadventures of a Bright Young Thing)
by Don Freeman Publisher: Titan Books Publication Date TBA
These are the cartoon strip (mis)adventures of Britain s first and best loved World War II Pin-up - the scintillating, blue eyed, blond-haired, clothes-phobic cartoon legend that is Lady Jane Gay. The ever patriotic Jane wasted no time in joining up, following Britain s entry into the war, and following a brief stint as a chauffeur, secretary and with the W.A.A.F.S. Jane finally joined Army Intelligence in 1941 where she stayed off and on for the remainder of the war battling 5th columnists and Nazi spies.

• The Best of Battle: Volume 1 Titan Books
A product of the same keen editorial minds that revolutionised British comics with Action! and 2000AD, Battle is regarded by many as the greatest British war comic ever published. This collections fratures over 300 pages of relentless action, from the desperate dogfights of Johnny Red to the down-and-dirty Rat Pack, the reflective, critically acclaimed Charley's War and the uncompromising Hellman of Hammer Force.

2009
Note - all dates remain provisional and the further into the future they get, should be treated with caution.

January
• Tank Girl 3 (Remastered Edition) by Alan C. Martin and Jamie Hewlett Publisher: Titan Books On sale from 13 January 2009
• Judge Dredd: The Complete Case Files Volume 12 Rebellion On sale from 15 January 2009
• Kingdom: The Promised Land by Dan Abnett & Richard Elson Rebellion On sale from 15 January 2009
Out in the wilderness they trek, led by the Urgings from their Masters, charged with keeping Them off his lawn. The pack, led by Gene the Hackman, are strong experienced soldiers - they don't know exactly what Them are, but they have their orders and Them are to be scrapped at every opportunity. The Masters must be obeyed.
• Shakara: The Assasin by Robbie Morrison & Henry Flint Rebellion On sale from 15 January 2009
The galaxy is in turmoil. Once a place of peace and order, now a time of terror has descended upon it, with races waging war upon one another unchecked by any authority. Planets, civilisations, even entire star systems face total annihilation or enslavement. but a vengeful figure has emerged from the chaos, striking at targets with a ruthless determination. This alien being calls itself Shakara and it is seemingly bent on wreaking revenge on those responsible for the destruction of its people.

February

• Nikolai Dante: The Beast of Rudinshtein by Robbie Morrison Rebellion On sale from 5 February 2009
Year of the Tsar 2674 AD and bastard son of the Romanovs Nikolai Dante has bonded with a cyberorganic Weapons Crest - an alien combat computer which allows him to extrude lethal bio-blades. Following the civil war, Tsar Vladimir the Conqueror is strengthening his control over imperial Russia and he's appointed Dante as his troubleshooter.
• Thrill-Power Overload by David Bishop Rebellion On sale from 15 February 2009 (Softcover)

March 2009
• The Bumper Book of Battle Titan Books On sale from 23 March 2009
• Tank Girl: The Odyssey (Remastered Edition) by Peter Milligan and Jamie Hewlett
Publisher: Titan Books On Sale from 27 March 2009
• Dan Dare: Phantom Fleet Publisher: Titan Books On sale from 27 March 2009

April 2009

• Captain Britain Omnibus
One of the Marvel Universe's most staggering sagas from two of Britain's most remarkable writers, reprinted in total for the first time! Captain Britain fights to save a universe...and fails! But a single reality is small change in the game Merlyn's playing against Mad Jim Jaspers, who's rewriting reality so he's the center of the universe! Worlds collide, heroes and villains die, and Captain Britain's beside himself - except when he's fighting himself...to the death! Featuring the first appearances of the metamorphic Meggan, Opal Luna Saturnyne, the Captain Britain Corps, and more! Plus: Psylocke joins the X-Men, and the X-Men join Captain Britain on a cosmic quest into the secrets of life and death! The fiendish Fury, the horrific Horde, and the malevolent Mojo are only a few of the adversaries who await within! Also guest-starring the New Mutants and Captain America! Collects Marvel Super-Heroes (UK) #377-388, The Daredevils (UK) #1-11, Captain America #305-306, Mighty World of Marvel (UK) #7-16, Captain Britain (UK) #1-14, New Mutants Annual #2, and Uncanny X-Men Annual #11.
• Wallace and Gromit: The Best of Wallace and Gromit by Dan Abnett and Jimmy Hansen
• Modesty Blaise: The Lady Killers Titan Books On sale from 7 April 2009

April 2009
Information Welcome!

May 2009
Information Welcome!

June 2009
• James Bond: The Girl Machine Titan Books On sale from 30 June 2009

September 2009
• Football's Comic Book Heroes: Celebrating the Greatest British Football Comics of the Twentieth Century Mainstream Publishing On sale from 3 September 2009