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By various (Titan Books)
ISBN: 1-84023-930-1
Presumably as a result of the recent TV revival, Titan Books collected the best of the 1970s comics originally published by Marvel (issues #1-5, 15-16). Behind a new Garry Leach cover you’ll find the adaptation of the TV pilot and the opening episode (‘Exodus’ and ‘Deathtrap’) by Roger McKenzie and the hugely under-rated Ernie Colon, followed by ‘The Lost Gods of Kobol’ two parter by McKenzie, and comic big-guns-in waiting Walt Simonson and Klaus Janson.
Rounding out the reprints are two stories original to the comics (‘Derelict’ and ‘Berserker’), the last of which is notable for being one of the first instances of Walt Simonson’s return to his celebrated high-graphic style (so revolutionary in the seminal Manhunter) where abstraction and typography become dominant over company “house-styleâ€.
All Titan publications have a nice collection of added features and this one’s no exception with articles on the show in paperbacks and merchandise as well as comics, plus a set of blueprints for various bits of kit from the series.
Although not a fan of the show and not terrifically impressed by the comics at the time, I now find these to be a surprisingly good read with some very competent picture-making too. This is a great entry-level package to get people into comics.
© 2004 Universal Studios Licensing LLLP. All rights reserved.