Strawjack – The Terror of Romney Marsh drops anchor, steeped in piracy, smuggling and general skullduggery!

Well, I have been quiet, haven’t I? But I haven’t been slacking, honest, because, in addition to other comics work, Strawjack – The Terror of Romney Marsh drops anchor today, a new steampunk-tinged graphic novel by Keith Page, steeped in piracy, smuggling and general skullduggery!

I’m absolutely thrilled to announce the arrival of the first graphic novel from my imprint, Crucible Comic Press, Strawjack: The Terror of Romney Marsh, written and drawn by Commando and Eagle comic artist Keith Page.

It’s been a long time in the works, but the final book, which I’m publishing using Amazon’s Print on Demand service, I think, looks great, and Keith’s very pleased with it, too.

Available now in print and digitally, Strawjack: The Terror of Romney Marsh is written and illustrated by Keith Page, lettered by Robin Jones and edited by me, John Freeman. It’s been created with invaluable support from David Hailwood, and has a smashing series logo created by Jim Campbell.

Set in an almost-historical Britain at the turn of the nineteenth century, the story concerns the dark doings of a gang of ex-pirates, now operating as smugglers on Romney Marsh, a place of deep waters and deeper secrets, where the supernatural is wont to knock on the door at any moment. Altogether a grand spot for a gang of smugglers to make their hideout!

During one smuggling trip, the opening of a cursed treasure chest leads to the release of a terrifying evil spirit, who quickly begins to wreak havoc. Suddenly finding himself in the unaccustomed role of hero, can Strawjack, aided by mysterious and unexpected allies, defeat this unholy terror…before it claims more than his soul?

Strawjack: The Terror of Romney Marsh is the creation of Keith Page. Inspired by the great British comics artists of the past such as Frank Hampson, Don Lawrence and Joe Colquhoun, he’s worked full-time in comics and illustration for almost 30 years. Subjects have ranged from television-related material such as Thunderbirds, science fiction, and war stories of all periods for Commando.

Keith is also the creator of several The Adventures of Charlotte Corday projects, some available online as well as those previously released in print. Recent works also include The Casebook of Bryant and May: The Soho Devil, written by Christopher Fowler.

The all-new story is the first “Strawjack” adventure from my independent comic imprint, Crucible Comic Press. A second story, Figgerty’s Gallop, is already in the works, written by Commando and Charlotte Corday writer, Stephen Walsh.

I’ve been working with Keith on various projects for over ten years now, starting out with the graphic novel The Iron Moon. I simply love his enthusiasm for comics, his sheer inventiveness and the unstoppable energy of his art.

With many of his fans clamouring to see his work in print, how could I disappoint them? So I do hope that, if you like what you see, you’ll buy the book, available here from AmazonUK and here from Amazon.com.

Thank you in advance!

Oh, and in addition to helping deliver new Charlotte Corday and Strawjack adventures, I’m also working with Keith and Stephen on a 270-plus page graphic novel, Hancock: The Lad Himself, which will be published by B7 Comics later this year. That looks amazing, too!

• Strawjack – The Terror of Romney Marsh is available now from Crucible Comic Press, currently from AmazonUK, in print and as a digital edition | Paperback: ‎ 44 pages | ISBN-13 9798531575012 | Buy it from Amazon.com

• Find out more about The Adventures of Charlotte Corday at www.charlotte-corday.com | Read the stories for free on Tapas

• You can find out about other Crucible Comic Press titles on downthetubes, my comics web site, here