Loose Ends In. SUNRISE #1, Bill Ryan mentions that second issues tend to get advance orders at around two-thirds of the first issue level. That was written last December, before the black and white comics "glut" really became severe. Actually, SUNRISE #2 came in at 40% of the first issue's advance order level. With uncanny regularity, that also applies to SENTINEL #1 and #2 ... and BARBARIENNE. I can't say I like this manifestation of the "glut", particularly as this 60% mark-down is being made by stores and distributors before they've had a chance to see the first issue. Still, we intend to keep going, and we hope for a good, positive response to the actual issues, with their gorgeous painted covers, and increasingly well-drawn interiors. I was very happy with the way #1 turned out--but that was the first time Nick and I had worked together. I hope you'll agree that this time, we're settling down - in my opinion, Nick has excelled himself. As for the script - well, I'm enjoying the writing. Nick says he thinks that my script for #3 is my best yet; he's shown me some of his pencil work, and I think we're all in for a treat. Assuming you can find a copy, that is, which could be a problem, if the order figure goes down any more. You can ask your comics supplier to reserve copies of BARBARIENNE for you; you can use one of the US subscription services; or you can subscribe direct to BARBARIENNE, or any other Harrier comic being published regularly. Since we've had no letters yet, there's enough space below to list all the Harrier comics, including back issues. If you'd like an autographed copy of BARBARIENNE #1, we can supply one, at the regular price by mail of $2.75; it might add a week or two to the time it takes to get your order to you, however, if I temporarily run out of signed copies! There aren't many "sword and sorcery" comics around, especially ones featuring female lead characters. Harrier's own REDFOX is well worth trying, so don't be put off by its "hot comic" status. But what else can I recommend, to help you through the two months until the story in this issue is concluded? THE REALM, from Arrow; perhaps Aircel's ELFLORD, though I'm. missing an issue of that and so haven't read it through y t ... beyond that, there's not a lot, so perhaps it's just as well there are a couple of other Harrier titles in the sword and sorcery genre under development. Talking of REDFOX, imagine my surprise when I finally got to read #7, and found that Red herself was silent for most of the issue! I didn't find that out until after BARBARIENNE #1 was with the printer, so it's just coincidence. This time, Memree gets to speak; stay with us, and you will find her graduating from chain-carrying "slave-girl" to a full partner in the adventuring business. In her own way, I think we'll find she 's a tough, resilient character. Read on, and let us know if you agree! - Martin Lock |
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...and that was the inside-front-cover text page for the second Harrier issue. There was also room for a half-page Back Issue ad, and an "also this month" Harrier checklist, which included SWIFTSURE #14, Eddie Campbell's BY THE TIME I GET TO WAGGA WAGGA #1, PARIS THE MAN OF PLASTER #1, AVALON #5, and SHOCK THERAPY #6. A diverse selection of comics for one publisher, you must agree! |
