Phosphorescent Illuminates Us
Posted: Wednesday, January 30, 2002
By: Darren Schroeder
THE WATCH #3 WORLD RELEASE!
by Christian Read and Andrew Phillips
The Watch explodes into action once again in this exciting third issue!
The Watch focuses on a group of heroes in a world where super abilities are a way to become rich and famous, where men and women are gifted with enormous powers to change the world for better or worse. The imaginative story and real-world setting blends traditional superhero stories with an uplifting and enlightening dose of reality.
In this issue the members of The Watch continue to search for answers behind the recent attacks on their safety, and to investigate the truth behind the rise of super-humanity. What dark agency has manipulated the growth and destiny of our race for the last six million years? Jack, Bones, Fallout and Xenia come face to face with the evil Abbadon under the desert, and The Fisher and Adapt discuss their 'leader' Jack and his true identity. There's clearly more to this man than he has been telling them.
The 3rd issue of also brings you the final instalment of the initial backup feature "The Potentate", a three part feature that has introduced some of the world's most powerful super heroes from The Watch universe. In this issue The Potentate, led by the mighty Paladin, unearth clues that link the recent emergence of super humanity to a book that has mysteriously surfaced from the dark ages...
The dynamic writer/artist team of Christian Read and Andrew Phillips with the greyscale work of Chris Gavellas brings new life to the superhero genre in their own inimitable style. But get ready for a surprise - things are not always what they seem!
The Watch #3 is IN STORE NOW.
32 pages, b, US$2.95, bimonthly.
Online previews available at http://www.phosphorescent.com.au/comics/news/previews.shtml
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CONVENTIONS / TOUR DATES...
Upcoming conventions that we are attending include:
1. The SUPANOVA Expo, to be held in Sydney on Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st April 2002. For full details see http://www.comicfest.com.
2. The ARMAGEDDON PULP CULTURE EXPO, to be held in Auckland on Friday 12th until Sunday 14th April 2002. For full details see http://www.pulpexpo.com.
Look forward to seeing you there if you can make it!
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SPOTLIGHT ON CHRISTIAN READ...
CHRISTIAN READ, CREATOR AND WRITER OF "THE WATCH" TALKS ABOUT THE DIRECTION THE SERIES IS TAKING AS WE GET READY FOR THE UPCOMING RELEASE OF ISSUE #4 in MARCH 2002... WE THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE NECESSARY AFTER THE STARTLING SURPRISE CONCLUSION TO #3. WE ASKED HIM TO FILL US IN ON WHERE THE WATCH IS AT, AS THE RELEASE OF ISSUE #4 APPROACHES...
CR: With the events of last issue, it was clear that The Watch could not exist as a regular 'superteam' any longer. Treachery from various members of the team, as well as the death of an important individual effectively ended their career. But Jack isn't ready to give up his agenda so easily. Issue #4 will show us where his plans have been leading. The Watch #4 introduces a new thematic element to the work (The Watch moving away from being a superhero 'team' to become a private company, The Watch, Inc). With their sudden corporate goals, how does a team, based on company lines, fight the UN policy on supers? Can they? Does one become the enemy if one adopts it's methodology? There will be two new narrative characters added in this and the next issue to help us get a handle on the new balance of power in our world. The Watch #4 is a good jumping on point for new readers and a new beginning for the old.
PC: Will this period of development effect the core ideas behind "The Watch"?
CR: The book is really about making decisions. About choosing a path. And about whether or not commitments can and should change how we live. Luc, our new character, will reflect this closely. The Watch is finally shaping up to be what I've always wanted it to be. This is the best comic I've written so far. I'm proud of it, and extremely happy with the talented artists I've worked with.
PC: Speaking of artists, we were saddened by Andrew's recent injury. Having worked so closely with him as the writer/artist team on the re-launched series of The Watch) how has his absence affected you? And has the transition to a new artist been successfull?
CR: As much as I miss working with Andrew, it's been great working with Doug Holgate (Dunwich, Cowman and Dollboy, Lusus and Soda) again. He's a good friend and a fine illustrator and I think we are seeing some of the best work of his career here. And having Tim McEwen ink is simply flattering. I've been a follower of his work since I saw Greener Pastures in mini-comic form. He's a pivotal figure of Australian comics, a craftsman of deft skill and a decent chap.
SO IT'S ALL COMING TOGETHER AS PLANNED... WE THANK MR. READ FOR HIS WORDS THERE. MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE PHOSPHORESCENT COMICS SITE NEXT WEEK FOR AN ACCOUNT OF OUR RECENT ADVENTURES IN THE COMIC CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA, THE FAIR CITY OF MELBOURNE!
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WITCH KING #1 LTD. EDITION!
The first issue of WITCH KING is set for release on April 12, 2002 in the form of a Supanova / Armageddon convention special limited edition! The much anticipated launch of this exciting fantasy tale will co-incide with the height of Lord of the Rings revival, so no matter if you've already had your healthy dose of fantasy by then or not, make sure you pick up Witch King - coming in April 2002! More information on this upcoming release can be found at
http://www.phosphorescent.com.au/comics/news/previews.shtml#wk
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