Andrew Newton reviews Tales of Telguuth: A Tribute to Steve Moore…
In March 2014, British comics lost one of its’ most creative and distinct voices in the form of Steve Moore. The father of the 2000AD Future Shock, Steve created many memorable characters including Lazer Erazer and Axel Pressbutton for Warrior, and the psychotic Dalek killer, Abslom Daak for the Doctor Who Magazine. This collection features the highly-regarded fantasy series which Moore developed for 2000AD, along with some of his classic Future Shocks. It will also featur a new introduction from Alan Moore (no relation), for whom Steve Moore was a major influence.
March 2014 was a sad time for the British comic scene as it saw the sad passing of Steve Moore. He was an amazingly talented writer who first set foot on his path to a successful career back in the late 60’s with Odhams Press. From Odhams Press, his talent would take him through many familiar places, Doctor Who Comics by Marvel UK , the creation and editing of Fortean Times, and more famously for his work with 2000AD. Within the 2000AD family he introduced us to Tharg’s Future Shocks, a superb Dan Dare storyline and the subject of this collection, The Tales of Telguuth.
This collection opens with a foreword by Alan Moore (no relation) who became a good friend and whose work was strongly influenced by Steve Moore’s imagination, dedication and storytelling.
For those new to Telguuth, it is a world in the middle of the galactic hub. It’s a world of yeti like creatures, sea serpents, carnivorous plants, daemons and unparalleled perversions. Not exactly a holiday spot but a brilliant place for a good storyline where, very much like our own world, there is no guarantee of a happy ever after.
The Tales of Telguuth collection gives us 25 stories, of the magical, mysterious, warlike, greedy and idiotic inhabitants of the planet and they all make fantastic reads. Telguuth, despite its misfortunes, provides a very satisfying read in that you know that everyone regardless of being right or wrong somehow get their comeuppance for their own stupidity or greed.
With artwork by a variety of talented artists, who incidentally also manage to capture the essence of each story, the success of these 25 tales is all down to the writing of the late great Steve Moore. Mr Moore has managed to bring these inhabitants and locations within Telguuth to life through such vividly painted characters and imaginative names that if it wasn’t for the share fantasy of the tales, one would almost believe he had visited Telguuth himself.
This is a collection worthy of any British comic fan or those with an interest in the fantasy genre. Enjoy.
Andrew Newton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ONsp_bmDYXc
Originally published March 13, 2015. Updated April 14, 2018.
