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Advance Review: Review: Rok of the Reds TPB

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

Way back in the distant time, one of the bastions of the UK comic industry was the Eagle and Roy of the Rovers, both predating the then upstart 2000 AD.  This trade paperback collects the 6 issues run of a comic from BHP Comics, that mixes its historical influences as Rok from the planet Arkadi “substitutes” himself for star player and start prat Kyle Dixon of the Radford Reds.

Writers John Wagner and Alan Grant should be familiar to an army of comics fans, having spent their time working on Judge Dredd for a number of years, and with Alan Grant’s history with Batman across a variety of title.  This book is probably as far removed as you can get, being as it harkens back to simpler story telling, which is fair to say, has more cheese than round of Maccy D burgers!  Still, the pair manage to give the reader a believable protagonist, who ends up falling for the beautiful game of football (soccer, not NFL).  Along the way, Rok immerses himself into various lives in Radford as he looks to complete his mission, despite the attentions of nefarious referees, harsh tackles, Kyle’s past and of course a couple of enforcers who are out to kill him.  There are moments of comedy, with an overall easy-going vibe that is a real palette cleanser.

Helping the overall feelings of nostalgia is the art by Dan Cornwell who seems to have researched Roy of the Rovers well, which with all football as a pretty good call.  Sports art is unique thing, it has to convey the spirit of whichever sport is being focussed, along with the pace.  Here, Cornwell makes no bones about the sport; if you want an explanation of the offside rule you will not find it here.  The sport whilst is a focus, Cornwell other elements scream British comics at its heyday.  Also contributing is Abby Bulmer as colorist who has to deal with a number of differing scenarios,

Reading this book brought back a load of memories. Of course there are obvious comparisons to Roy of the Rovers, but behind that there are elements of Doomlord which was one of key series from the Eagle book.  Does Sci-fi and soccer mix?  Knee jerk, you would think not, but under that care of Wagner, Grant and Cornwell this book delivers a clear result.  What more can I in a World Cup year, but Rok for England!

Rok of the Reds is due out on 16th April, where ever great comics are sold!

Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Colors – 5 Stars

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

Written by; John Wagner & Alan Grant
Art by; Dan Cornwell
Colors by; Abby Bulmer
Published by; BHP Comics

 

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes
I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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