the Gerry Anderson Home Page

Well that was a long wait. Almost 40 years after the last TV 21 annual was published in 1972, this summer will see the publication of "Gerry Anderson's Century 21 Annual 2011". As you might imagine, details are few right now, except it has 96 pages and will be published by Reynolds and Hearn on August 31 2010. Not September 13th as some might have hoped.

It is listed as a hardcover and the cover art looks really nice, as you can see. It's available for pre-order from Amazon.co.uk.

In addition, Reynolds and Hearn has published 2 additional volumes to the "Century 21" series of books featuring the classic strips from the comic. There are now 4 volumes in total, available in paperback and hardback, although the earlier volumes are now getting spendy in hardcover format. They are excellent books and well worth picking up.

The latest issue of Andersonic, issue 9 is now available.

This Anderson fan magazine is good quality with original material and is published about twice a year. The latest issue include an interview with Mike Trim, a recollection of a set visit on Space:1999 and a re-evaluation of Supercar.

Full details below...

Almost 2 years ago, author and documentary maker  Stephen La Riviere announced that he was working on a book which thoroughly documents the Supermarionation era.

Prior to this, he made the superb “Supercar Full Boost Vertical” video which was a detailed documentary into the making of Supercar. It featured extensive interviews, video clips, photos and major research to thoroughly document the making of supercar.

When I first saw this I recall wishing this was the first in a series of documentaries, as it would wonderful if there was one for each of the Supermarionation shows.

What follows is a detailed review of the book.

Click the "Read More" link or title for the full article...

The Thunderbirds BluRay set is available in the UK and even though it is marked as REGION B (PAL I think), I had been told by multiple sources that the set is region free. I took a chance and ordered the now much cheaper set. I paid £58.88 from Amazon UK. I use a normal Sony Playstation 3 with no hacks. The Thunderbirds BluRay set plays just fine on my USA Playstation 3. The shows look amazing on my *ahem* 58" plasma screen and I have to say the show looks incredible presented in this way.

I know the top and bottom have been cut off, but to be honest, 98% of the time, you won't even notice. They did grab some extra side area that was never shown before, so generally its a major win in terms of picture quality. Colour is excellent and it looks like a major restoration was done for the most part. The sound is available in 5.1 surround (???) and stereo. Stereo is the default and for good reason. Still some additional "effects" but thats OK in moderation. (read on)

Fan-produced fanzine Andersonic has just released issue 8. The magazine is great treat for Anderson fans and contains much original content.

Full summar

From the publisher:

Issue 8 is now available, comprising 40 pages and featuring a new interview with Mike Noble who discusses his work on Anderson-related comic strips in TV21 and Look-In. Other features include:-

• Stingray - is there more to Stingray's longevity than all that colour? Line out to Deepsville with Commander Daddio to find out about the Andersons' foray into inner space.
• Joe 90 - City of Dolls: a look at how the series captured the zeitgeist of the late 60s.
• Joe 90/ Business Holiday - Classic episode reviewed.
• The Metamorph Retrospective - Changes were deemed necessary to get the series back on the air, but did they do the trick? Our writers take a closer look at the colourful opening episode of Space:1999's reboot.
• Beyond Century 21 - a look at the fate of costumes, instrumentation and miniatures from the Anderson series after the closure of the studios... but where exactly do Sid James and mashed potato fit into the equation?
• Space:1999/ Missing Link - a look at Edward di Lorenzo's thoughtful offering from the first series. Is it more important to feel than to think? Koenig's not sure...
• Interview - artist Mike Noble discusses his comic strip career, his techniques, influences and drawing everything from cowboys to bedsteads!
• UFO/ The Square Triangle - UFO does melodrama. Classic episode reviewed.
• Review Section - Fanderson's Stingray CD and two volumes of TV21 reprints.
• Alpha Mail - Readers letters and comments.
• Things You Do - ...when you're a fan. Back by popular demand!

The new issue is available via the website www.andersonic.co.uk - price £2.25 including UK postage and also from eBay for a limited period. If you'd prefer to pay by cheque or PO, please get in touch for our postal address.

Australian actor Ray Barrett, who voiced many memorable characters from the Supermarionation era has passed away. He was 82 and passed away on Tuesday 8th September in a hospital in Queensland. Ray Barrett did many voices, including that of Commander Shore from Stingray as well as John Tracy and the Hood from Thunderbirds.

A more detailed account of his passing can be found here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/08/2680208.htm