I have reviewed the first two issues of ZARJAZ in recent months and been tremendously impressed. Now is the time to take a step back and have a reality check before examining issue three.
Let us consider for a moment that Zarjaz is a fanzine, albeit a remarkably well put together fanzine. Think for a second what this means. All the artists and writers are creators that likely aspire for bigger and greater success. For some Zarjaz may be that vehicle, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Breaking in professionally as a published creator in the comic industry has always been a steep hill to climb.
Many involved may have regular day jobs.... consider this! Some work full or part time jobs and spend their valuable free time (and likely their well earned money too) to create comics to entertain and amuse other fans. This is what a publication like Zarjaz and other titles in the thriving independent UK comic scene represent. Few do it for the financial rewards, because let's face it the comic industry creates very few millionaires. They do it because they love comics. It just felt important to state and acknowledge this fundamental truth when reading titles like Zarjaz.
Occasionally industry legends that have reached the giddy heights to tell comics stories as a genuine full time concern share anecdotes about how they were simply fortunate. Perhaps they were in the right place at the right time, they met a kind editor or the comic gods just looked down upon them fondly. Certainly for some that may be true, a little luck in life may well play a part. In most cases however it came down to continued conscientious bloody hard work with hour after hour spent honing and perfecting their craft.
With Andrew J Lewis as a guiding light this has UNDOUBTEDLY been the case in crafting this issue. The time and effort, and all that hard work, put into issue three is so clear to see.
So let's dive in shall we...
Issue three begins with a self-containing six page Rogue Trooper story by Zarjaz artist, and on this occasion writer as well, Brett Burbridge. Hear No Evil, See No Evil, isn't ground breaking, but what it represents is a statement of intent from the Burbridge Droid.
He is not messing about. This is a creator that in a few years time will create something remarkable.
This is a fine and accomplished short story that can stand head and shoulders alongside the many Trooper stories of the past. In two words: Nailed it.
***
Next up is a slightly unique two page strip. It is revamped version of a ZARJAZ classic Anderson story written by the hugely missed legend ALAN GRANT. "All in the Mind" is a cheeky Anderson strip (which under the circumstances may be an odd choice of words) and Adrian Bamforth is to be utterly commended for his work here.
To my mind everything Alan Grant touched is comic gold. Two words: Bloody Marvellous!!
***
On the following page there is a Zarjaz pinup by David Broughton. The way he combines his use of black and crosshatching is a difficult trick to pull off. His Strontium Dog and ABC Warriors piece is lovely. Two words: SPOT ON!!
***
Bill Savage Armageddon 1980 continue apace. This is a strip that vexes a little. Writer Daniel Whiston is crafting an interesting narrative and some nifty character beats. There is a slight problem and it is by no mean the fault of artist Chris Geary, but he is the third artist in three issues to take on this storyline. I may be wrong but for some this inconsistency might feel jarring. None the less the storyline barrels along at a fair pace with the promise that something interesting is about to emerge. One can't help sensing there is a big reveal just around the corner.
Two Words: Nearly Wonderful.
***
Confession time: The Rot and Rise of Feg, presents me with a dilemma. This is a Slaine adjacent story. I happen to fall into the group of fans that believe the character's adventures ought to have ended with the conclusion of Pat Mills and Simon Bisley's Horned God Trilogy. Regardless Ed Traquino presents a wonderfully fruity and erotic tale that may gird the loins of fans of all things Celtic. Despite my misgivings, I can't fault it. Indeed, the dialogue is an example of controlled and disciplined writing that ought to be studied by seasoned professionals.
NOTE: It also gets this issue's prize for the best one-liner. Spiderman fans beware! It will raise a smile.
Two words: Celtic LOVE!?!
***
Inevitably we come to Judge Dredd. This follows Brett Burbidge's rather tasty cover image.
Pete Howard's Ricochet continues with style and several clever visual gags. It also concludes with a satisfying cliffhanger. One wonders if the creative team had access to a Goldfinger DVD, but damn it all to hell, it is effective and works very well.
You can't fault these seven pages. They are just a riot.
Two words: DREDDFULLY PERFECT!
***
Writer Tom Shapira and artist Conor Boyle (with Jim Campbell's letters) combine to create a compelling ABC Warriors tale. Their story of the robot afterlife is fun and can't be easily questioned for simply being sublime entertainment.. It just works. Screw AI, this is robotic perfection.
Conor Boyle's clever art is presented in black and white and yet it feels full of a kaleidoscope of cosmic rainbows. I am fascinated to see his art again. Here is another Zarjaz artist to watch.
Two words: Heavenly Data!!
***
The continuing adventures of Torquemada's' boudoir secrets are baffling.
Every issue Mathew Ellis and Chris Geary produce a wonderful double page spread.
It is a daft and incorrigible tease of a strip. Every issue promises slightly more only to dangle the promise of a little more. Perhaps this is the genius here? ....One wonders if the tease will lead to more colourful secrets.
Either way it is a lot of fun and the art is just a joy to behold.
Two Words: Flirty Genius.
***
A note should be made of Ed Tranquino's Star Scan. It is most excellent.
I cannot help but wonder if this was once considered as a cover image for issue 3 before the justice department censors decided it was too risqué for us mortal citizens to handle. Despite the fact I am a fan of black and white artwork I would be interested to see this image coloured up, and indeed mocked up as an alternate cover for issue 3. It is that good.
Maybe Andrew Lewis may indulge my curiosity and make it a reality as an online experiment?
I love this image, but you'll have to buy a copy to see what I mean.
PS: Is that a Predator in the background?
Two words: Damn Cool.
***
We come to INVASION: The Rise of Wolfie Smith Part Three. Craig Dawson and Tom Bonin's ongoing storyline is fast becoming my favourite thrill of Zarjaz.
Tom Bonin was clearly born to create dynamic black and white comic pages, he's up there with Steve Yeowell. His control of black and white deserves to be studied. Each episode just ratchets up the drama. By keeping the same creative team on every episode this is rapidly becoming the silent standout star of every issue. I hope it soon becomes worth of a cover. The team have earned it.
Two Words: Immaculate storytelling.
***
I'll admit in the my past reviews I have found fault with Zarjaz's Mach One.
In issue Three this strip finally comes good. This is what the creative team of Pete Hobson, Jonno and artist Tim Burnell have been building up to all this time. It is action packed and crackles with energy. Is it too little too late? No not at all.
I do argue this may be the one strip from Volume 3 of Zarjaz that may benefit from eventually being collected. As much as I am loathe to admit it, some strips may flourish from a little colour. I hope Zarjaz productions might one day consider releasing this adaptation in a way it can be fully appreciated. I honestly feel Burnell's art would benefit, especially given all the flashback sequences in previous episodes.
Two Words: Action Packed !!
***
Almost closing out issue three is an absolute treat. We have here a six page Strontium Dog masterpiece. With A Matter of Time Dr Bob presents a fine and noble effort to respect the Strip's slightly Scottish heritage, but with respect to the writer, artist Darren Chandler aka ROBOMONKEY147's art is rather special.
Just for a minute or two I felt King Carlos Ezquerra was involved. This is meant as the highest possible form of flattery. Humbly I hope the king would approve, because it is not an artist trying to impersonate another, it is a respectful homage. The attention to style and detail here brought a tear to this cynical old fan's eyes.
Two words: Royally good!
***
There is one final thrill of note. Troopers by Paul Malone is just a wonderfully fun way of ending things. It is colourful and a damn sweet brief little giggle.
Two words: More please?
***
Conclusion: I am not entirely sure where Zarjaz goes from here. Issue three is once again so close to perfection. MY issues revolve around the rotating artists on the Bill Savage Strip and perhaps the fact Mach One despite blowing my socks off still vexes a little. I cannot for the life of me quite put my finger on what the imperfection might actually be on this occasion.
I simply hope one day Zarjaz publications might consider a collected edition of their Mach One strip with a dash of colour here and there and I would argue Bill Savage deserves a consistent artist.
I may be wrong. Final words: 97.5 % perfection.
I cannot be alone in eagerly awaiting the arrival of issue 4.