Art Notes

"We might be of some help there."
(evil drool...)

It's a rubbish, embarrassing page, but! - it features an Imperial baddie about as evil as they come. Not just evil. And no, not just very evil. We are now looking at what I can only describe as

1970's WARLORD COMIC NAZI EVIL!

Just look at him in that last panel? This chap is soooo evil that he actually drools saliva down his chin. Oh, come on!

Warlord comic was the worst ever for stereotyping. Japanese soldiers - or Nips - invariably had little round spectacles, buck-teeth and were addressed as 'yellow-bellies'. Usually those were the last words they heard before being blown-up or burned alive. I was sat watching BBC TV's Swap Shop in '76 and Warlord was mentioned. Mum said, "That comic's terrible, the radio said the Japanese all look like Frankenstein." I denied all charges - of course. "Chew grenade Tojo!" Oh, '70s idiots.

Star Wars Convention tales

Steve Sansweet (Ex-LucasFilm) enjoyed seeing the comic (April 2011) What a nice man he is!

I enjoyed meeting Steve Sansweet (recently retired Director of Content Management and Head of Fan Relations at LucasFilm for 15 years). I thought he'd be interested in me wee comic and wasn't disappointed! His enthusiasm for it was a joy to behold. Jeremy 'Boba Fett' Bulloch (behind me in photo) leaned in and had a look too, he remembered seeing the 'Empire' adaptation I showed him at last year's event. "Well, hello again!"

As Gabby took the photo I said: "Obviously, Steve realises that by posing for this photo, he's officially endorsing the comic." He grinned and said "Well of course!" Then I relaxed my sinister grip on his shoulder.

As Steve enjoyed perusing the pages - no joke - I explained how I'd been very snooty about comic art for the last couple of decades but had recently been taught the error of my ways by this rediscovered comic, among other things. Steve said that George (Lucas) had also been a fan of comics when he was a younger man and is now enjoying them all over again.

During his Q&A, Steve - owner of the World's largest Star Wars memorabilia collection - told the audience that these days he's actually more interested in 'fan-made' items. 'Looks like I met him at just the right time!

A very nice guy.

Click to see the whole page

Part V draws to a close

I don't know why but I always feel sad when I finish a section. Maybe because someday I'll reach the very end?

As always: stay tuned on Facebook, Twitter and RSS! Until Wednesday then, thanks for reading and keep the comments coming :)

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