By Joel Meadows, editor, Tripwire
British comic and genre magazine Tripwire didn’t make its Kickstarter campaign goal to raise money for its publication, but we will still be going ahead with its 21st anniversary book in May.
It was always going to be a gamble and the fact is that we have distribution in place which means that we are able to fund the book in a more traditional fashion anyway.
The 21st anniversary book is designed to encapsulate the best of Tripwire from the past twenty-one years plus it also includes a whole raft of new material. About a third of the book is brand new, with art from the likes of famed movie poster artist Drew Struzan, Mike (Hellboy) Mignola, Howard Chaykin, Walter Simonson and many more. It will be a must-own volume for all aficionados of comics and genre.
In May, Foyles hosts a double celebration of Tripwire birthday. Kicking off on 16th May in the gallery at the world-famous bookshop on Charing Cross Road in London is an exhibition showcasing a selection of photographs, images and covers from TRIPWIRE over the years.
It will give visitors the opportunity to see these images up close and at a much larger size than they’ve ever seen them before. It will feature photos of Alan Moore, Grant Morrison, Michael Moorcock and classic covers by the likes of Frank Quitely and our iconic Fury cover by Jeff Carlisle.
Also on 16th May at Foyles, in the evening is the Tripwire 21 event. I’ll be joined by Michael (Elric, fantasy legend) Moorcock, Mike Carey (Felix Castor, The Unwritten), Roger Langridge (Muppets, Snarked!), Peter Milligan (Hellblazer) and Christopher (Bryant & May, Roofworld) to talk about 21 years of Tripwire and 21 years of comics. There will also be copies of the limited edition Tripwire 21 hardcover and the paperback to buy at the event.
Tripwire is read by many of the movers and shakers in the world of comics, genre and film and TV.
Mark Verheiden, TV writer of Falling Skies and Hemlock Grove, was effusive: “Tripwire is essential reading — one of the best on the market!” And film director Guillerme Del Toro, who helmed one of this summer’s anticipated hit Pacific Rim is also a strong advocate of the magazine: “Tripwire has been, for more than two decades the touchstone of comic book culture in the UK and one of the leading periodicals dedicated to this narrative art form. Incisive, smart and always relevant.”
Tripwire 21 paperback, is vailable in the UK from May 10th 2013. Available in the US from the beginning of June 2013. £14.99/ $24.99 US paperback.
Tripwire will also be in attendance at the Bristol Comic Expo from 11th to 12 May.