Heroes Unlimited

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Zine
Title: Heroes Unlimited, Merry Marvel Fanzine
Publisher: Anthony Roche
Editor(s): Anthony Roche, Peter C. Phillips and Peter Simpson
Date(s): 1966-1969, 2018
Frequency: bi-monthly
Medium: print
Fandom: comics
Language: English
External Links: MMF Issue #2, MMF Issue #3
full issues 1-8 of HU at the Fanscene Project
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Originally the Merry Marvel Fanzine which was the first British comics fanzine published (late1966[1]), the zine was rebranded "Heroes Unlimited" after 3 issues and expanded to cover comics generally, not just Marvel Comics properties. The zine was printed and edited by teenager Anthony Roche out of Dublin, Ireland and is considered the origin of comics fandom in Ireland and the UK.

Comics fandom as it now exists, as a loose worldwide collection of enthusiasts, didn't exist except in small growing pockets as an off-shoot of Sci-Fi in America until a Dublin fan called Tony Roche wrote to the letters page of one of the afore-mentioned Power Comics, announcing that he was in the process of writing and printing what was to be the first fan -produced magazine devoted to comics {initially Marvel Comics alone} The first "fanzine" as these little mimeographed magazines were eventually called was to be named {naturally enough}, The Merry Marvel Fanzine and began appearing late in 1966 or early 1967. I wrote to Tony , and as a fellow Irishman we corresponded our mutual enthusiasm. I was about fourteen at the time and Tony would have been a few years older., but that's when comics fandom in Britain and Ireland was initially spawned.The MMF ran as a foolscap sized brochure, stapled together and printed in blue ink{!!!}before evolving into a more compact sized magazine. Tony ran reviews of comics , news, artist profiles and even competitions and adverts for back issues.

 [2]

Roche was inspired by American comic zines - specifically Alter Ego - and developed MMF along the same lines.

Originally, the Merry Marvel Fanzine was more like the shorter, simpler versions put out by dealers who wanted to trade back issues – just a few stapled together pages made up mainly of lists of titles for sale. The MMF began as one of these while aspiring to be and eventually evolving into a proper comics fanzine like Alter-Ego (it took Heroes Unlimited for this to be achieved). Another incentive was the fact that there was office equipment I could use to physically produce the mag.At the top of the Dublin Woollen Company, above my father’s office, was a small room containing a Gestetner duplicator and supplies of carbon typing sheets, ink, reams of paper and the other necessary materials. My father gave his permission for me to use these and even more his support: he provided the supplies to enable me to produce the fanzine and they were posted from the shop.

...

There might well have been only one issue of the MMF. It was only a few pages stapled together and it only had 5 or 6 readers (pen pals of mine from the UK, acquired through buying and selling back issues of comics). I had ambitions for it to expand, but it lacked the one necessary essential, readers. Accordingly, I wrote a long letter to one of the British black and white comics that was including republished Marvel strips. In it, I of course first praised POW! Magazine to its editor, Alf Wallace, and then went on to talk up the Merry Marvel Fanzine. POW! offered a Thing sweater as a prize for the outstanding letter and I said that, if I won it (oh, the presumption), I would offer it as first prize in the regular competitions held in the fanzine.Well, I did win it, since they printed the letter (in the issue of February 26th 1967); but what was even more key, they printed my full address, since the main purpose was to acquire readers for the MMF and encourage fans to write to me. The readers’ letters in these English comics only usually printed your name and town – e.g. Anthony Roche, Dublin – whereas the Marvel comics always printed the full, lengthy address: Anthony Roche, 2 St. John’s Park, Mounttown, Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin, Ireland. On this occasion, so did POW! – in full italics, line by line in the body of my letter, so it really stood out. (I learned recently that I have Steve Moore to thank for this, who was working for Alf Wallace at the time; Steve and Phil Clarke would produce their comics fanzine Ka-Pow in July of the same year).The result of their publishing my letter was that 30 (!) people wrote to me, becoming subscribers to the ‘zine and valued comics correspondents. One of these was Harry McAvinchey from Armagh in Northern Ireland; at last, another Irish fan! Without this boost, the thing wouldn’t have gone forward.

 [3]

With two co-editors, Peter Simpson and Peter C. Phillips assisting with the writing, and Paul Neary and Ken Simpson providing the art from issue 3 onwards, MMF gew from 3 foolscap pages to triple that. Then in July 1967, the zine was re-named Heroes Unlimited (the name was suggested by Gerald Cleaver and voted on by the readers) and expanded, with issues published semi-regularly over the next year.

With Tony's beginning university in Fall 1968, there was less time and inspiration to continue the zine; for issue #6 he announced an expansion of the subject-matter to beyond comics and declared war on the concept of a schedule.

Three issues of Merry Marvel Fanzine and seven issues of Heroes Unlimited were published between 1966 and 1969. An eighth issue, which was promised in the editorial of Issue #7 for October 1969, was never published, After Tony posted ads in Fantasy Advertiser and Oracle declaring H.U. defunct, on hearing the news his co-editors/co-writers called a meeting to discuss the possibility of carrying on with issue #8. Phillips was unable to make it and the momentum was lost[4]. Dez Skinn also planned an issue #8, running an ad declaring that Oracle #13-14 would include a final issue of HU. He also wrote to Tony at the time, requesting his help. In later years, neither could remember any of this.

In June 2018, I received an e-mail from Dave Hine in which he asked whether I knew anything about an ad he had run in one of his fanzines early in 1970. (For an account by Dave of the fanzines he created at that time, see the article accompanying his strip elsewhere in this issue). The ad from Dez Skinn had read: ‘BIG NEWS---- HEROES UNLIMITED HAS NOT BITTEN THE DUST! Britain’s very first comic fanzine has a final issue still to come. only you won’t order it from Tony Roche but from... Dez! Anthony and Dez have put their heads together and come up with a final issue of HU. It won’t be Heroes Unlimited but... Oracle No. 13 presents Heroes Unlimited. And there’s more: after this final issue, HU and E! are joining up to form a new landmark of a fanzine... Eureka Unlimited!!! Yes, the next issue of E! will also have many contributions from the HU staff under the editorial supervision of E! editor Dez. All offset litho. Order now... cost 3/6 inc. P&P.’


Well, this was news to me: I remembered nothing of such a plan. But I decided to check the HU Letters Archive (a large lidless shoebox) and this is what I found:
DEREK G SKINN, [address redacted].
Dear Anthony, Now hold on there, Anth. If you think you can just polish off HU with an ad in Fantasy Advertiser saying it’s finished and a like announcement in Oracle you’re off your head!
Initially, I didn’t intend to tell you of this but it appears I’ll have to clue you in. Oracle 13 will be a double issue – it will be Oracle 13-14. This may even stretch to a triple issue (it’ll help me catch up on the monthly schedule if it spans three months), dependent upon the quantity of content. There’s something I’m doing in Oracle that will take up about ten pages that I am keeping a secret from you, but I would like your assistance on the remaining 35 or so pages (if it is a triple issue). The theme is (for the whole issue) HU – THE DEATH OF A GIANT or something like that. The content will be all centred around HU. This, though I’ve tried, I cannot do without the HU editor so HELP. Here’s a rough idea of the content (with your permission):
COVER (old HU cover? If you’ve any old stencils, which I could use, with the O title logo imposed thereon).
My Editorial.
HU/MMF Checklist (all articles, strips, you’ve done from MMF 1 onwards).
The best article (in your opinion) that has appeared in MMF or HU.
The best article that you have on hand that was to be for a future HU and a Fanzine Favorites from your own hand. Then we could have your Raves and Roastings column.
Your epitaph to HU.
My epitaph to HU.
THE LAST WORD – by Anthony, with any final thanks and wishes you may like to put as your last printed words for fandom.
THAT, then, is my idea. Here’s the advantages of it. You could send this Oracle presents HU issue instead of sending them their sub money back. It would allow you one final issue (as HU 7 was not intended to be a final issue) without the work, as I’ll get it put together and printed. In fact, excepting the ten mystery pages, editorial, news and epitaph, it will be your issue.
Let’s hear what you think as soon as possible, as I do have a deadline (though somewhat elongated) to work to! Hey, you could even review O in your Fanzine Favs, something I’ve never had the nerve to do, on my own mag in its own covers. Let’s hear it from you – SOON! Best, Dez
P.S. No, I aren’t through witcha yet. As 99% of your ex-staff are friends of mine, too, and have done articles and art for me (Ken Simpson, Paul Neary, Rob Paul, Ges Cleaver and Haydn Paul) what do you think to the idea of a fanzine called Eureka Unlimited? You can say what you like, Anthony, but though 99% of them are u.s. [utter shit], I sure come up with plenty of ideas! In fact, any time you feel like being active in fandom, just give me a whistle and you can always have a place in any Derinn fanzine.
Well, I have to say I have no knowledge of this letter whatsoever. But Dez clearly sent it and I clearly received it. And I would certainly have replied to it, and promptly, since I was urged to in it. I imagine that I sent a courteous but firm reply, declining the invitation. I had just been accepted into the Honours English programme at Trinity College, Dublin (with a late application!); and was drawing a firm line under my fanzine and comics activities.
But had the special issue of Oracle ever appeared? Or the promised Eureka Unlimited follow-up? There was nothing for it but to go straight to the horse’s mouth. So I e-mailed Dez and got the following twenty-four hours later:
Hi Tony! Much quicker than writing letters, this internet stuff, eh? Oddly, as I pride myself on having a seriously good memory (hence my nostalgic website, with over 150,000 words of reminiscing), I have no recollection of such a letter. Would have been interesting, though... I look forward to hearing about HU 8 in the fullness of time. What’s the odd 50 years between friends?
Best, Dez

So now we know—it never happened—until now, that is!!!

Tony Roche - Readers' Raves and Roastings - Heroes Unlimited #8 Pages 65-66

Following the closure of HU and his withdrawal from fandom, Tony was unheard-from for decades, until James Bacon (co-editor of Journey Planet) began searching for him following a radio program in 2008 about Irish comics fandom which mentioned a zine with art by Paul Neary. In 2016 Bacon was part of the bid committee for the 2019 Worldcon in Dublin, and a copy of MMF #2 was posted on the committee's blog. Tony saw it and met James at Octocon 2016 and a special MMF and HU issue of Journey Planet was released in 2016 (Issue #31). A suggestion from Pádraig Ó Méalóid and Chris Garcia, (the other JP editors) in 2017 resulted in the December 2018 release of a 132-page retrospective published as Journey Planet #41 Presents: Heroes Unlimited #8, marking the 50th anniversary of the first MMF issue (and possibly breaking the record for "longest delay between issues" for a fanzine with 49 years!).

Merry Marvel Fanzine - Issue #1

Front cover of Merry Marvel Fanzine #1

MMF Issue #1 was released in December 1966, edited and published by Tony Roche. It was 3 foolscap pages folded over, creating nine pages. The first page included a statement from Stan Lee, giving permission for the 'zine:

Dear Anthony,

Of course you have our permission! Good luck on your fanzine - - as long as we are given copyright credit, all is OK -

Best wishes!

Sincerely,

Stan and the Gang

Stan Lee - Merry Marvel Fanzine #1

The contents were mostly three pages of introduction to the zine, printed in blue ink.

Issue #2

MMF Issue #2 was released in March/April 1967, opening with a welcome to the new readers drawn from the letters column of POW! As mentioned below, this issue was longer - 14 pages.

WELCOME TO THE MMF, all you Marvel and Power fans who have helped swell our ranks since last issue. As promised, this issue is larger and more compact than the previous one, and certain changes have been made, I hope you agree for the better. The letter page, which is solely for the use of you readers is rather small this time as only a few of you wrote and gave your opinion of the first issue. Well, I'd like to receive YOUR comments on this ish and don't be afraid to criticise where you think it is necessary.

Tony Roche - "Editorial" - Merry Marvel Fanzine #2

Merry Marvel Fanzine Issue #2 - page one of this issue's Competition page

Contents

  • Editorial - by Tony Roche.
  • Swap n' Sell? And Penpals - advertisements for buying and selling back issues and pen pals.
  • Review:
  • "Who Says We Aren't Educated?" by Peter Simpson[5] - article comparing Marvel Comics to Shakespeare.
  • "Spider-Man" - article about the friendly neighbourhood web-slinger.
  • "The Green Goblin" - profile of Norman Osborne's alter-ego.
  • "Did You Know That?" - Marvel trivia
DID YOU KNOW THAT?....

Last November, Stan Lee and Chip Goodman flew out to Hollywood to confer with Grantray-Lawrence, the TV studio which produces the Marvel Super-Heroes Show (when will we EVER see it?). While Chip was discussing the business side of the business, Stan the Man went behind the scenes, and saw how the studio transferred the strip to TV.

Johnny Romita, the amazing artist of Spider-man, is a volunteer fireman out at Long Island!

Wondrous Werner Roth worked for Marvel over ten years ago, when he did a strip called The Apache Kid! (I've never heard of it before, has anyone else?).

Frank Giacoia, one of the most talented inkers around, is also a terrific penciler! So, if you see his pencilling in future issues of Marvel, don't be too surprised!

Dick Ayers and Gil Kane are S.D.F.C. (Speed Demons, First Class). In other words, they can draw a page almost as fast as you can read it!

Tony Roche - "Did You Know That? " - Merry Marvel Fanzine #2

  • "Fantasy Index" - an index/checklist for the Fantasy Masterpieces tales and Golden Age Strips stories published by Marvel in various comics.
  • Competition! Answers to the quiz in the previous issue and the winner (Harry McAvinchey) ; plus the questions for this issue's competition.
  • "Power Comics" - article on the history of the Power Comics line and how their connection with Marvel Comics came about.

Issue #3

Merry Marvel Fanzine Issue #3 front cover, possibly by Paul Neary

MMF Issue #3 was released for May/June 1967 and was around 12 pages. Tony Roche was the editor and Paul Neary was the front cover artist. It was also the last issue of MMF - Tony announced in the editorial that the zine was going to undergo a change in name and focus:

With every new issue of the fanzine I put out, one thing becomes more and more apparent: that to go on writing solely about Marvel indefinitely is virtually impossible. Rather than close down the fanzine (what a horrible thought!), I conferred with Peter Simpson, and we were able to find a solution. The fanzine as it is is too limited, as the best thing to do was to widen its scope and feature not only all the comic companies, but fandom in general. As we are unable to write stories about other companies' characters (it's forbidden by copyright), we decided the next best thing was to form our own band of super-heroes. These will explode onto the scene in two months time when a brand new 'zine makes its debut. And the name of this peerless publication? COMIC BOOK CULTURE.

Tony Roche - "Editorial?" - Merry Marvel Fanzine #3

Contents[6]

  • Editorial? by Tony Roche.
  • Article on the original Human Torch.
  • Article by Peter Simpson - article comparing Marvel Comics to Dickens.
  • Reviews
  • Article by Peter Phillips
  • Readers' Raves and Roastings! - letters of comment by Harry McAvinchey, Robert Poole, Gerald Cleaver, S. Plumb.
  • "Power Comics Part II"
  • "To Marvel Artists" by Tony Roche - article on the hiring of comics artists to keep comics fresh.

Reactions and Reviews - MMF Issue #3

"Heroes Unlimited" is a great name for a fanzine. I seem to remember I asked you to use it! I hope it betters the standards set by Merry Marvel Fanzine; in fact, I hope it lasts longer too!


[Ed: ...I didn't have the space to mention it last time, but it was GERALD CLEAVER who suggested the name HEROES UNLIMITED to me. Satisfied, Ges?]

Gerald Cleaver "fault-finder-in-chief" - LOC - Heroes Unlimited #1

Dear Tony,

Stan asked me to send you his thanks and regards from the entire Bullpen for the copies of MMF! We found it very interesting and entertaining, and hope that you will keep up the fine work!

Cordially yours, Gary Friedrich, Assistant Editor

Marvel Comics Groups - LOC - Heroes Unlimited #1

Heroes Unlimited Issue #1

Issue #1 front cover by Edwin Lee

Heroes Unlimited Issue #1 was released July/August 1967 and was 38 pages long. Tony Roche was the editor; Peter Simpson and Peter C. Phillips were contributing editors. The cover was by Edwin Lee and the zine was printed by Gerald Cleaver and Robert Poole.

Contents:

  • "Euphemisms Unlimited: An Editorial" by Anthony Loche.
Because of the short three-issue run of the MMF, some of you seem to have doubts about whether the new 'zine will endure, or whether it too will be shelved after only a few issues. I'd like to reassure you here and now that as long as I (sic) long as I remain editor (like forever!) the magazine will continue as Heroes Unlimited.

...

As for the editorial policy, it is plain and simple. We will articles and features exclusively on American super-heroes. Why not any British? Because none of them, or very few at least, are worthy of discussion, and it is the American ones the readers enjoy. I would like your opinions about the original heroes making their debut in this issue, the Phoenix and Elemento. Should they stay, which do you prefer, etc.

Tony Roche - "Euphemisms Unlimited: An Editorial" - Heroes Unlimited #1

  • Swap 'n Sell and Pen Pals - advertisements for buying and selling back issues and pen pals.
  • "Assembling Antics or An Assessment of Avengers" by Tony Roche - article on what the Avengers have achieved and where the comic is going (Marvel Comics).
  • "Batman is Dead: Long Live Batman" by Peter Simpson - article on the "new" Batman under editor Julius Schwartz (DC Comics).
  • "Charlton, A Leader?" by Peter C. Phillips - article on the Charlton Comics Group.
  • "Mirthful Meanderings in the Comic World of Wit" by Tony Roche - article on the use of humour in comics.
  • "Thoughts on Thor" by Peter Simpson - article about the mythology of Thor, God of Thunder.
  • "Reader's Raves and Roastings" - letters of comment (Merry Marvel Fanzine #3)
  • "The World of... Murphy Anderson, a tribute to the man" by Peter C. Phillips - article about American comic artist Murphy Anderson.
  • For Sale.
  • News and Competition Results.
  • "The Advent of Elemento" by Tony Roche (writer and editor) and Eddie Lee (artist and letterer) - comic strip.
  • "Tower" by Tony Roche - article about Tower Comics' Agents of T.H.U.N.D.E.R.
  • "DC's White Hopes" by Peter Simpson - article about DC editors Murray Boltinoff, George Kashdan and Jack Miller.
  • "Crane on Ramoon" by Tony Roche - original fiction.
  • "Fanzine Review" by Tony Roche.

Reactions and Reviews - Heroes Unlimited Issue #1

Nice to see an English fanzine on comics. Howcum I didn't get to see the MMF? I thought I knew every 'zine going in the U.K. I won't bugg you about the spelling and duplicating as all 'zines have this trouble (chance to plug Gothique) and people are always writing to us about this. Can't say as I'm impressed by your cover. Wouldn't Letraset have been better than the hand-written blurbs? (It will be used on all future issues - Ed.)

Derek "Bram" Stokes - LOC - Heroes Unlimited #2

Issue #2

Issue #2 front cover by Paul Neary, featuring the Justice Society of America.

Heroes Unlimited Issue #2 was released September/October 1967 and was 40 pages. Tony Roche was the editor; Peter Simpson and Peter Phillips were contributing editors. The cover was by Paul Neary and printed by Gerald Cleaver and Robert Poole.

Contents:

  • Euphemisms Unlimited: An Editorial by Anthony Roche.
  • Swap n' Sell - advertisements for buying and selling back issues
  • "The Origin of the Phoenix" by Tony Roche - original super-hero fiction.
  • For Sale - advertisements for selling back issues
  • "Just a Bunch of Crazy Mixed-Up Kids!" by Peter Simpson - article on romantic relationships in Marvel Comics, focussing on the X-Men, Fantastic Four and the Avengers. Includes comment on the infamous quote from Professor X about loving Jean Grey romantically:
I said earlier that Stan (Lee) and Roy (Thomas) handled the romantic aspect well "for the most part". There have been fantastic discrepancies. Who will ever forget that bloomer in X-Men (issue) 3? (Those who did can stay behind after class). When sending the team off to fight the Blob, Professor Xavier told them: "I cannot tell what powers this mutant may possess. He may be a danger to you."

Jean replied: "Don't worry, sir. Remember how well you trained us."

Cut to a pensive Professor X. "Don't worry. As though I could help worry about the one I love. But I can never tell her. I have no right; not while I'm the leader of the X-Men, and confined to this wheelchair." (If some of you are thinking "Is he going to write this entire article in quotations?", don't think the thought hasn't crossed my mind!)

This was the first indication we were given that Professor X had any romantic aspirations as regards Jean; and it was also the last. What happened? Did Jean tell him that he was a dirty old man? Did he brainwash himself? Or did Stan realise how complicated this development would make future stories? After all, Warren (Angel) and Scott (Cyclops) were already infatuated with Marvel Girl, while Bobby (Iceman) and Hank (Beast) did not exactly find her repulsive.

Peter Simpson - "Just A Bunch of Crazy, Mixed-Up Kids!" - Heroes Unlimited #2

  • "An Open Letter to Heroes Unlimited Readers" by Peter Simpson - open letter asking readers for their opinions on comics referencing religion and politics.
  • For Sale.
  • "Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title! (A History of the ACG)" by Tony Roche - article on the American Comics Group.
  • "Them Justice Guys Again!" by Peter C. Phillips - article about the Justice Society of America (DC Comics).
  • "Elemento - A Time for Retribution" story by Tony Roche, art by Paul Neary - comic strip.
  • Reader's Raves and Roastings - letters of comment.
...I received a very kind letter from ROY THOMAS commenting on some of my criticisms in last issue's AVENGERS article... I regret to say that I have misplaced Roy's letter... In the article, I criticised the wrap-up of the Laser tale which I believed Roy to have written. However it appears that the story was plotted and drawn before it was given to him. He voiced his dislike for the two following issues, as they concerned aliens and flying saucers, a theme which he does not enjoy using... Roy concluded by saying that while the [Marvel] Bullpen didn't always agree with the arguments put forward in Heroes Unlimited, they will always consider them carefully, as they do with reader's letters.

Tony Roche - "Readers' Raves and Roastings introduction" - Heroes Unlimited #2

Reactions and Reviews - Issue #2

The articles and fiction in this issue were greatly improved; the second part of Crane was far better than the first, but it was overshadowed by The Phoenix, a very clever and extremely original creation.


All the articles were excellent too. You and the two Peters have an astonishing knack of telling the reader something he already knows but still make it seem interesting. I agree that your Fantastic Forum is probably your best feature. Keep it at all costs. One thing, in your editorial, you mention starting to feature articles on British heroes. I hope you won't do this, it would be a waste of space as I'm sure most of your readers are fans of the American mags. If they want to read about British heroes, let 'em buy Ka-Pow.
P.S. Would you mind telling your eager readers how old you are? I'd love to know.

(While we're on the subject, I might as well tell you all our ages. Pete Phillips is in his early twenties, Pete Simpson is eighteen, Paul Beary is seventeen, and I'm the youngster of the group at 16! - Ed)

Ted Hastings Jr - LOC - Heroes Unlimited #3

Thanks for H.U., received with mixed feelings. Firstly, yes, we do want at least one article on English comics and since your title is "Heroes" and not "Super-Heroes", Dan Dare, Blackbow etc. ought to be included. Secondly, the Phoenix. The style is a little stilted. Wouldn't "exhibitionist" have been better than "show-off" on Page 7 (Now that's what I call splitting hairs! - Ed). The idea of revenge for matricide is quite novel, if a little naive. Incidentally, the "Vanisher" is a glib Bamforth, but I wonder where you got the name from?


Peter Simpson's article was brilliant. Paul Neary is a good artist, but am I right? - one Page One of the story he has emulated the recent Adam Strange's style, the second is almost undeniably Gil Kane's style, the third page is headed by an ersatz Joker and continues until the end in Bob Kane's Batman style. I'd be interested to see Paul's own uninfluenced artwork.

Joe Crane - shove off. Go home, Yank. Sorry, Anthony, but he just doesn't fit on you. You're copying an American style of scripting and it just doesn't work, Mick. However, H.U. is good overall, so good luck!

Kevin Shields - LOC - Heroes Unlimited #3

Issue #3

Issue 3 front cover by Mike Harris

Heroes Unlimited Issue #3 was released November 1967 and was 40 pages. Tony Roche was the editor; Peter Simpson and Peter Phillips were contributing editors. The cover was by Mick Harris and the zine was printed by Dennis Clifton. Art (unless otherwise credited) by Paul Neary.

Contents:

  • Euphemisms Unmoored by Tony Roche - Editorial.
  • Swap 'N' Sell - advertisements for buying and selling back issues
  • "The Legend of the Hulk!" by Gerald Cleaver - filk to the tune of "Snoopy vs the Red Baron" (Marvel Comics).
  • Swap 'N' Sell continued.
  • "The Child is Father of the Man" by Tony Roche - article about comics plots looking into artificial life in comics.
  • "The Fantastic Forum" by Peter Simpson, Tony Roche and Peter Phillips - comics news, including details of various independent comics closing down or stopping their super-hero runs.
  • "The Final Showdown!" by Tony Roche - fiction featuring original character The Phoenix. Art by Paul Neary.
  • "Readers' Raves and Roastings" - LOCs
  • "Neurotics Anonymous" by Peter Simpson - article on the love lives of the X-Men (including the Scott-Jean-Warren triangle) and Daredevil (Marvel Comics).
  • "Crane on Ramoon" by Tony Roche - original fiction, art by Ken Simpson.
  • "Them Justice Guys Again" by Peter C. Phillips - part 2 of his article about the Justice Society of America (DC Comics).
  • "Fantastic Forum - Extra!" by Tony Roche - news about Marvel's Fantasy Masterpieces becoming Marvel Super-Heroes and the release of Captain Marvel.
  • "Crane on Ramoon" continued.

Reactions and Reviews - Issue #3

...Neurotics Anon. came as rather a disappointment, mailing because there was nothing about Peter Parker. By all means, get Mr. Simpson working on the Big Three he missed out [7]. However the pieces about Daredevil and the X-Men were handled well. The amount of research Peter puts into his articles must be tremendous. ... The JSA article was perhaps the most interesting, though I thought it was not written in a very orderly fashion and was thus a little confusing. Still, it was good and I hope to see more articles about the Golden Age in future. The back cover was great (natch!) and should have been on the front.

Dave Harwood- LOC - Heroes Unlimited #4

The Fantastic Forum was very informative, and I suppose you know by now some creep called Myron Fass is suing Marvel for using the name Captain Marvel. Fass has a Captain marvel with laser-beam eyes, and he claims Marvel will ruin his business. (It takes all kinds! - Anthony)[8]

... I see that Gerald Cleaver got his name in your fanzine again. It seems this fellow thinks he's funny. Well, his wit is about as funny as a rusty crutch. His Legend of the Hulk was abysmal. Try singing it to the tune of "Snoopy versus the Red Baron" and you'll find it doesn't really fit.

Okay readers, take sides! Even if you disliked Gerald's "Hulk" saga, what about his serious Tarzan article in this issue?[note by Rony Roche]

Simon Heath - LOC - Heroes Unlimited #4

Issue #4

Issue #4 front cover by Paul Neary

Heroes Unlimited Issue #4 was released March 1968 and was 48 pages. Tony Roche was the editor; Peter Simpson and Peter Phillips were contributing editors. The cover was by Paul Neary and the zine was printed by Dennis Clifton. Interior art by Paul Neary and Ken Simpson. This was also the first issue also distributed in the U.S. (by Robert Schoendfeld).

Contents:

The comics industry is in a state of turmoil at present and you can find out all about in this issue's Fantastic Forum. Much of this column will be omitted in copies sent to the States as the news is already "old hat" over there.

Anthony Roche - "Euphemisms Unlimited: An Editorial" - Heroes Unlimited #4

  • Swap 'N' Sell - advertisements for buying and selling back issues.
  • "The Origin of Elemento" by Tony Roche - original super-hero fiction. Art by Ken Simpson.
  • "Would the Real Hawkman Please..." by Paul Neary - illustration
  • "Contrast in Character" by Peter C. Simpson - article on the various incarnations of Hawkman (DC Comics).
  • "Readers' Raves and Roastings - LOCs
  • "The Last of the Great Lovers! by Peter Simpson (with help from Peter Phillips), art by Paul Neary - article on the love lives of Iron Man, Thor, Daredevil and Spider-Man (Marvel Comics).
  • "Twylight!" Advertisement for Twy Issue #2 by Mick Harris.
  • "Elemento in The Titan and the Trap!" written by Tony Roche, pencils by Ken Simpson, inks by Paul Neary - comic strip
  • "Dan Dare, Pilot of the Future" by Tony Roche - article on the British science fiction comic hero, Dan Dare (Hulton Press).
  • "The Fantastic Forum" compiled by Tony Roche, Peter Phillips and Peter Simpson - comic news, including news of fans who "made it" in professional comics on both sides of the Atlantic and a poll for which films to be shown at the first British Comic Art Convention. Art (Batman and the Spectre) by Ken Simpson.
  • "Obliteration: A Vigil Palmer Story" by Peter C. Phillips - original science fiction/noir story.
  • "Captain Marvel" - art by Ken Simpson.
  • "The Official Comics Poll of the British Isles - RESULTS!" - results[9] and analysis of readers' responses by Tony Roche, Peter Simpson and Peter Phillips. Art by Ken Simpson.
  • "The Origin of Elemento" continued.
  • Poll Comments continued.
  • Zine advertisements for Star-Studded Comics #12; Ka-Pow #2; Fantasy Advertiser; and On the Drawing Board #17.
  • "News!! News!! News!!" by Peter Phillips - more comics news.

Reactions and Reviews - Issue #4

...Generally I dislike "fan-fiction" (particularly text items) and I can't make an exception in the case of "The Origin of Elemento". I wasn't too happy with the strip, either... thought it shallow, with little attempt at logical development of continuity -- i.e. it was a series of jerky pictures, relying on dialogue and captains for continuous "flow" -- as are most fan-strips. Here again though, Neary's inking added a great deal to what could have become just another mediocre, pseudo-Marvel non-entity. I appreciate, however that there's a market for these items, and there was certainly enough of "my kind" of article to keep this reader happy. The feature on Dan Dare, for instance...

Dave McCullough - LOC - Heroes Unlimited #5

...In my opinion, the best parts of the fanzine are the news items - you say that you print all the news you get - well, please don't cut any of it out, hear? Another good point is the informal atmosphere of the 'zine; all too often, we have to put up with cold lists and stark facts - it only goes to prove that you are human.

John Digby - LOC - Heroes Unlimited #5


Issue #5

Issue #5 back cover by Paul Neary
Issue #6 front cover by Ken Simpson.

Heroes Unlimited Issue #5 was released Summer 1968 and was 42 pages. Tony Roche was the editor; Peter Simpson and Peter Phillips were contributing editors. The front cover was by Ken Simpson, the back cover by Paul Neary[10] and the zine was printed by Bugle Publishing. Interior art was largely by Ken Simpson, as Paul Neary had been working on his own comic strip which was also included in the 'zine. The U.S. version of the zine omitted the "Fantastic Forum" section, per Tony's editorial comments in Issue #4.

Issue #5 interior, art by Ken Simpson of characters from the MLJ Comics Group

Contents:

  • Credits and acknowledgements, with art by Ken Simpson (Black Bolt and Deadman).
  • "Euphemisms Unlimited: An Editorial" by Tony Roche.
  • Swap 'N' Sell - advertisements for buying and selling back issues.
  • "Superman Family" - illustration by Ken Simpson
  • "Contrast in Character: Superman" by Peter C. Phillips - article on the history - and future - of Superman comics. (DC Comics)
  • "Fanzine Feast" by Tony Roche - reviews of Comic Cuts #2; Bill Spicer's Graphic Story Magazine #8; The Derrinn Comicollector #2; Witzend #4; Ka-Pow; Fantasies. Includes art by Ken Simpson (The Fighting Yank, The Black Terror [Nedor Comics, 1945], and Anthro [DC Comics]).
  • "The Atomic Knights" illustration by Ken Simpson.
  • "Atomic Chivalry" by Tony Roche - article about the Atomic Knights, characters which appeared in Strange Adventures (DC Comics) 1960-1964.
  • Notes and Apologies
  • "Wrath of the Gods!" by Gerald Cleaver - article on the "Wrath of the Gods" stories featured in Boys' World comics (Longacre Press) 1963-1964.
  • "MLJ" illustration by Ken Simpson featuring various MLJ characters. Top, from the left: The Hangman; The Web; and Mr. Justice. Bottom, from left: Black Jack; Steel Sterling; and The Firefly.
  • "The MLJ Comics Group" by Hayden Paul - article about the MLJ Comics Group, which was the predecessor for what is now Archie Comics and which produced the super-hero line the "Mighty Crusaders", among others.
  • "The Fantastic Forum" by Tony Roche and Peter C. Phillips - comics news, including release of Hawk and Dove by DC Comics, the news that Tower Comics had gone out of business and an overview of upcoming DC titles; plus news about the British Comic Art Convention program from Peter Simpson, who was tasked with getting material for the film night. Includes art by Ken Simpson (The Creeper and Silver Surfer)
  • "A Discussion of the Relative Merits and Demerits of Kimota and Shazam!" by Peter Simpson - article on the magic words used by Miracleman and DC's Captain Marvel.
  • Welcome Note to American readers who picked up the 'zine at SCARP Comic Convention in NYC.
    Issue #5 interior, art by Ken Simpson and blurb by Tony Roche, including what may or not be a typo re Namor's catchphrase...
  • "Power Comics" by Tony Roche - short introduction for American readers to the British comics group, Power Comics. Includes art by K Simpson of Triton and Namor the Sub-Mariner (Marvel Comics), with the amusing typo(?), IMPERIOUS SEX!
  • "Readers' Raves and Roastings - LOCs. Includes the following note from the editor:
I could have filled this column with plenty of letters that praise H.U. to the skies, but I deliberately selected the ones featured, particularly the last two, to show that we can take criticism, but also to spark off some interesting letters which I hope will be written in reply.


All letters of comment, both on the contents of H.U. and the comics scene in general, are welcome. If the AMERICAN readers so desire, they can write direct to me, or send their comments to Robert Schoenfeld [address snipped] and Bob will forward all letters to me.

Tony Roche - Readers' Raves and Roastings end note - Heroes Unlimited #5

  • "Overseas Comic Collectors: Take Note" - advertisement for a comics mail service run by Leo D. Masciunch from Alberta, Canada. Also Ken Simpson art of the Creeper and another unknown character.
  • "A Short Report on the Aussie Comic Scene" by Noel Kerr - article on the bare-bones state of Australian comics fandom.
  • "The British Comic Convention" by Phil Clarke - advertisement for the upcoming British Comic Art Convention, including details on the fancy dress parade prizes, auction materials and displays, plus an outline of the program. Art of Nature Boy (Charlton Comics) by Ken Simpson.
  • "Contrast in Character: Superman" continued.
  • "Wrath of the Gods!" continued.
  • Advertisements for Ka-Pow #3 and two US zines distributed by Tony Roche - Gosh Wow! and Sense of Wonder.
  • "Captain Remus Discover the Phosphor" by Paul Neary - original superhero comic strip.

Reactions and Reviews - Issue #5

"Contrast in Character; Superman" was a good article, but there were a few "thought" flaws in it. What I mean by "thought" flaws is that usually a fan envisions advancement and improvement in a comic to suit his tastes (or the general tastes of fandom). We'd all like to see Infantino on Batman, Williamson turning out Flash Gordon comics monthly etc. but because the comic business is just that - a business, they must go about it with profit as the number one incentive.

Certainly, we will admit the Man of Steel is a very unique character, in that a very unique character (sic), in that almost all other super-heroes are patterned in one way or another after him (okay, perhaps the idea of a "superman" is not unique, but Superman was unique in the comics field)-- but for a character to retain its popularity month after month for almost 30 years something has to be done to keep the stories and art up to date and in the mood of the times. In order to make stories continually difference, the writers and editors had to come up with super-gimmicks as high powered vision, breath, etc. They just couldn't continue to have Superman a strongman, because whis was sort of old-fashioned already. True, they've stretched the point a might (sic) with a super-monkey and so forth, but slowly these are vanishing in favour of more detailed characterisation.

Throw out LOIS LANE and JIMMY OLSEN? Come now, Jimmy Olsen averages in 1967 a soles of 475,540 per issue -- this is more than any Marvel comic. Lois Lane averages 499,540 per issue-- even better. Sure it's nice to dream, but this whole article caught me as a rather shaky one --no solid foundation.

Gary Brown (co-editor of Comic Comments - LOC - Heroes Unlimited #7

Issue #6

Issue #6 front cover by Paul Neary

Heroes Unlimited Issue #6 was released November 1968 and was 58 pages. Tony Roche was the editor; Peter Simpson and Peter Phillips were contributing editors. The front cover was by Paul Neary, with interior art also by Paul Neary, Ken Simpson, Al Williamson, Jeff Jones, Dave Harwood and Dick Burn. It was also the first issue with a table of contents!

Contents:

  • Table of Contents and Credits - art by Al Williamson.
  • "Editorial" by Tony Roche. Includes the news that HU would be brought out "when time (particularly), energy and inspiration permitting (sic)" as the editor had just started university. Also, a price increase and a note about future content:
When I first started putting out a fanzine two years ago, my main interest at the time were comics and my publication reflected this. However, tastes, at least with most of us, change - and such is the case with you and I. But HEROES UNLIMITED no. 5 was in structure, aim and content, not really different from MERRY MARVEL FANZINE no. 1. The quality did indeed improve, but basically we were still pushing the material that almost every other fanzine does. This has got to stop! I want this 'zine to be less confined in what can be put in, to be more reflective of my interests ni general, and above all, to give you more pleasure than (I hope) it already does. From talking to contributors and friends involved with the magazine, I have met with a similar reaction and approval. This issue already begins to reflect a change in policy. This will be increased with each succeeding issue. What will be featured? Well, super-heroes and comics will still play a large part, but they will be joined by fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien, Burroughs, science fiction, sword and sorcery, horror, progressive pop music (John Peel lives!) and almost anything else worth of the interest of this, what I regard as the most alive generation of the century (I wasn't around in the others, though. Hmmm...).

Anthony Roche - "Editorial" - Heroes Unlimited #6

  • Issue #6 interior, title page of "Vitai Lampada: The Torch of Life", art by Paul Neary.
    "Vitae Lampada: The Flame of Life" by Peter C. Phillips - article about the "dead men" of the comic-strip medium; Eisner's The Spirit, DC's Spectre, MLJ's Mr. Justice and American Comics Group's Nemesis and MagicMan. Title art by Paul Neary, remaining art by Dave Harwood (Spectre, Nemesis and the Spirit).
  • "Reviews of the SCARP Comic Convention and the First British Comicon '68" by Tony Roche - convention reports for the New York SCARP Comic Convention and the British Comic Art Convention.
  • Fanzine Review by Tony Roche - Gothique, Ka-Pow (final issue), Eureka, Fandom's Agent and Fantasy Advertiser.
  • "Interview with Dick Giordano" by Tony Roche - interview with American comics artist and editor, Dick Giordano, conducted during Tony's visit to New York. Art by Ken Simpson (Spookman, Thunderbolt, Hawk and Dove, Deadman, The Question, Blue Beetle, Judomaster, Creeper).
  • Advertisement - request for material for proposed zine Who Cares? with art by Dave Shack.
  • "Death Makes Its Play" by Paul Neary - Captain Remus comic strip story 2.
  • Magnificent Moodies by Tony Roche - article on band The Moody Blues, including a review of their latest album In Search of the Lost Chord.
  • Swap 'N' Sell - advertisements for buying and selling back issues
  • Advertisement for Gosh Wow! and Sense of Wonder.
  • "Vitae Lampada" continued, with art by Jeff Jones.
  • "The Fantastic Forum" compiled by Tony Roche and Peter C. Phillips - comics news and views; in two sections, one for news and the other for discussion of comic and/or fantasy topics. This issue had Gerald Cleaver and Tony talking about changes in fandom likes and Dave Harwood reflected on sex and violence in comics. Art by Paul Neary.
  • "Bad Mass Art Geared to a Very Low Mental Age" by Peter Simpson - article on the influence of British and American comics on children, in response to an opinion by Richard Hoggart, English Professor at Birmingham University.
  • Art by Al Williamson - various pen and ink sketches.
  • "Are They All Wrong?" by Gerald Cleaver - article about Seduction of the Innocent by Dr. Fredric Wertham
  • "Seduction of the Innocent" by Tony Roche - a discussion of topics raised by the book and the two previous articles by Simpson and Cleaver.

Reactions and Reviews Issue #6

Copy of a 15-year-old Alan Moore's LOC regarding Issue #6 of Heroes Unlimited, which was not printed until issue #8 (2018)
I like the new format HU and don’t think you need have any worries about ‘losing old readers by the wayside’ simply because you are extending your field. The change, I think, is a long awaited and much needed one. However, (I betcha knew that was coming) I think your proposed inclusion of pop, science fiction/fantasy and films should be thought about, before you enter into it. I’ve got a few suggestions on how you should develop these particular fields.


First, pop music! I’m all in favour of you reviewing the latest LPs, singles, etc, but it should be done in an informative way. There’s no sense in running around like a certain well known BBC1 personality (6.25 on Monday, if you hadn’t guessed) shouting ‘Groovy, fantastic, great, fab’ at the drop of a platter. You should list the tracks on the particular L.P./single, giving a bit of info on each—if you stuck to that pattern, you couldn’t go far wrong—except in the arguments about who’s going to shell out the two quid for the next LP for review!


Secondly, fantasy/fiction books. Since Ray Bradbury, JRR Tolkien, Brian Aldiss and Eric Frank Russell, among others, seem to be the nation’s darlings at the moment, you have my vote here as well. It would be nice to see a review of the new, and even old, science fiction/fantasy books. It would be even nicer to see [Paul] Neary’s and [Ken] Simpson’s interpretations of Conan, Elric, Frodo, John Carter, etc.


Thirdly, as regards films, all I could say is that I should stick to science fiction/fantasy and horror. And to illustrate the reviews, either use (don’t ask me how!) clear stills, ordinary illos or nothing at all—please, no more of the messy stills we had in HU 6.


As regards your other new feature, the controversy spot (incidentally, the Wertham argument was groovy, fantastic, great, etc.), I like it. And for further features you could enter into the DC/Marvel feud, or discuss the merits of the Golden Age comics, as opposed to today’s mags.


One more thing (can I hear sighs of relief?). Why not have an article or two on the newspaper strips, British and American? I think it would probably be even better than the other idea I was going to propose: ‘Captain Remus Discovers the Alan Moore!’! No? Oh,well.


Looking forward to issue 7.

Alan Moore - LOC - Heroes Unlimited #8/Journey Planet #41

...Other subjects suggested as part of the new outlook were horror, sword and sorcery, Burroughs, Tolkien and S.F. The latter I could not agree more with. Virtually none of Britain's 'zines possess regular features on S.F. This fact never ceases to amaze me, as the word "fanzine" is primarily connected with sci-fi in literary circles. As far as "horror" is concerned, I have no real feelings on the matter as long as it remains within the bounds of good taste. On this point I cannot agree with Dave Harwood; there are limits to what should be included in a 'zine, if for no other reason than a storyline rapidly deteriorates if if has to fall back on sex and violence. I dislike sword and sorcery personally, but I am aware not everyone feels as I do, so have a stab (pun).


May I pose a question? Why all this fuss about Burroughs and Tolkien? The one wrote an extremely insipid series of books concerning a mentally r******* half-ape fond of running around in his birthday suit, and the other a trilogy of glorified fairy-stories, and yet whenever their names come up in fantasy circles, there is a hushed silence whilst everyone present mentally sacrifices a goat to these two great "masters" They were just two aspects, two exponents of the wonderful world of fantasy, and deserve to be treated as such, authors not deities.

Jeffrey Morgan - LOC - Heroes Unlimited #7

...I don't think that Dez (what do you mean, "Dez who?"? - Anthony) particularly cared for your review of Eureka no. 1, not because he didn't agree with your generally (he did), but several of your comments annoyed him- i.e. "He decided to infringe on my territory", "...swiping my contributors." Without emphasising the point, you were quite scathing in your comments, especially because this was a first issue - after all, the Merry Marvel Fanzine wasn't brilliant, was it?


[Ed response: I agree with quite a few of your points, Haydn. Before we close the column, I must point out that my tongue was firmly embedded in my cheek when I wrote about Dez swiping "my" contributors, and secondly, I prefer to judge a fanzine on its own merits, not in comparison with my or other people's efforts.]

Haydn Paul, editor of Oracle - LOC - Heroes Unlimited #7

Issue #7

Ad-sheet, art by Paul Neary of his original character Andra from "Captain Remus", his comic published in HU.
Issue #7 front cover by Paul Neary

Heroes Unlimited Issue #7 was released Summer 1969 and was 50 pages. Tony Roche was the editor; Peter Simpson and Peter Phillips were contributing editors. The front cover was by Paul Neary, with interior art also by Paul Neary, Ken Simpson, Al Williamson and Dave Britton.

Between issue #6 (November 1968) and issue #7 (summer 1969), Tony released an ad-sheet, with art by Paul Neary, reminding his readers that Heroes Unlimited was still active.

While Tony promised in his editorial there would be an Issue #8, this was not to be.

Contents:

  • Editorial by Tony Roche
It certainly is a great pleasure to be back behind a typewriter working on H.U. after what seems like years hunched over university texts. To let you all know had only gone into hibernation, and had not vanished completely, I circulated an ad-sheet several months ago. By the way, did you know that Paul did that marvellous drawing of Andra which accompanied the ad, and which is easily Paul's best rendition of a female yet, in the study of my home at 4a.m. on a January morning? (That's us, always first with the news that really counts!). The long delay between issues has, I think, justified my abolition of a fixed schedule. With university looming up, I knew the frequency of publication would become even more irregular. However, now that I have some spare time on my hands, I've already started planning no. 8, which should be out in a "mere" three or four months' time - i.e. the end of October. (Sponsor's message - get those orders in NOW, friends.)


The reaction to the "new policy" proposed in no. 6 was very enthusiastic, as indeed was that to the issue itself, though there were one or two dissenting voices, particularly on the subject of progressive music, and exactly what should be featured. (For details, see the letters page.) Anyway, we've included a few short reviews of LPs which we feel you should hear. If you've any ideas on the subject, or would prefer a more in-depth approach, please write and let us know. There is also an article on Edgar Allan Poe, which I hope will be of interest to those who read the adaptations of his stories in "Creepy" or "Eerie". However, Poe was more than just any old writer who provided fodder for Roger Corman and the Warren magazines - he was one of the innovators of the short story itself.
As you know, H.U. is about the only fanzine which has not succumbed to the temptations of going completely off-set. However, I have spoken to contributors and assorted friends about the matter, and they all agreed that because we are one of the few fanzines that try and give you a lot to read, as well as to look at, it would be pointless to go over to a process which would only allow about 32 (smaller) pages than the fifty or so we have at present. The chief asset of offset is the clarity it gives to drawings and photos, this this is w2hat it will be lavished on in H.U. Thus, if you tear your eyes away from this passionate prose and left through the mag, you'll find that, at no extra cost to you and unheralded, there are fourteen pages of offset, devoted to the latest, and greatest, work from the multi-talented Paul Neary, who never ceases to amaze. The All Williamson illoes, photoes and other stuff lined up for this ish have been kept over so that we can do them full justice in offset.

I was really broken up at missing the Con, but that's life. How about writing and giving me YOUR thoughts on the events of Whit weekend, and next issue, rather than the usual one-sided view, we'll cover the Con by giving the thoughts of a cross-section of those who attended (what do you mean I'm getting the readers to do my job for me???)? By the way, I hear that Dez Skinn, who never ceases to amaze, put forward some very interesting views about his fandom organisation, mini-conventions and such, and I hope you will all support his worthwhile ideas.

Anthony Roche - Editorial - Heroes Unlimited #7

Reactions and Reviews Issue #7

Issue #8

Issue #8 front cover by Paul Neary (2013)
Journey Planet #41 front cover, includes Heroes Unlimited #8 cover by Paul Neary

Heroes Unlimited Issue #8 was released as a special issue of Journey Planet (#41) in 2018 and was 132 pages. The editors were James Bacon, Chris Garcia, Pádraig Ó Méalóid, Anthony Roche and his son, Merlin Roche.

Contents - Journey Planet #41

  • Front cover.
  • Editorial by James Bacon, with photograph of Bacon, Alan Moore and Pádraig Ó Méalóid.
  • Letters of Comment from Harry McAvinchey, Dr. Sharae Deckard, Dave Hine.
  • "On the Passing of Stan Lee" by Anthony Roche - tribute to Stan Lee.
  • "Stan Lee, 1922-2018" by Michael Carroll - tribute to Stan Lee.
  • Advertisement announcing Stan Lee's dedicating the N.U. Comics Library on Feb 7, year unknown, publisher unknown.
  • "On the Persistence of Memory, or How HU #5 Influenced LoEG: Tempest" by Alan Moore and Tony Roche and compiled by Pádraig Ó Méalóid.
Inside cover art by Ken Simpson, of original character "The Phoenix", approximately 1967
Issue #8, back cover by Paul Neary "Attack of the Snow Leopard" (1969)

Contents - Heroes Unlimited #8

Reactions and Reviews #8

Since your last e-mail I harboured the slightly daft notion that you would enter that old fusty attic, clearing the cobwebs as you went, to finally haul the grimy old stencil-printer from beneath the rubble of torn papers and detritus and super-heroically will it to life once again. Part of me wanted it to be printed in the bilious blue ink of old and side-stapled in that old, odd pre-decimal imperial size paper. Let’s say, on reflection, that when I tore open the envelope and exposed it to the light, dismissing the fantasy of it having possibly been astray and castaway, languishing in the dusty corners of some sorting office of An Post or the Royal Mail this past half-century, that this new issue has appeared finally as a suitable ‘tombstone’ for a much-loved teenage fanzine, which to my mind along with its predecessor Merry Marvel Fanzine, really started comics fandom in Ireland and the UK. It was always the most substantial and dare I say, ‘literary’ comics zine of its time.


If seen as an albeit very late full-stop, HU #8 still managed to admirably carry on the tradition and completed the story in some fruitful style .Replete with a Paul Neary cover and back cover too, for completion of the fifty year circle, plus a sprinkling of spot illoes from Ken Simpson and some very famous faces. I remember being unable to afford that ‘Snow Leopard’ poster which now serves as the back cover these fifty years later, but I still have the sales-flier that was sent out with (I think!) the last zine. I believe it cost some six old pre-decimal shillings. The sadness and acceptance that Ken Simpson, Peter Simpson, and Peter C Phillips are no longer with us makes me wonder what also became of Ges Cleaver and Robert Poole and their unstoppable teenage imaginations.

Harry McAvinchey - LOC - Journey Planet #41

Forty-nine years in the waiting and the making, Journey Planet recently published Heroes Unlimited #8, an incredible zine of fantastic proportions and wonderful content that bookends the publication that helped kickstart British comics fandom in the 1960s.

In December 1966, a 15-year-old Irish teenager called Tony Roche did a remarkable thing. He published the first issue of a comics fanzine called The Merry Marvel Fanzine, the first comics ‘zine on this side of the Atlantic. Fanzines already existed in the US, but it would be over six months before the first British comics fanzine, Ka-Pow, produced by Phil Clarke and the late Steve Moore, would appear, in July 1967.

In producing The Merry Marvel Fanzine, and, subsequently, seven issues of Heroes Unlimited, Tony, all unbeknownst to himself, helped set in motion a tradition of ‘zines and communication between comics fans that continues, unbroken, to this day.

 [11]

External Links

References

  1. ^ "Comics and Fandom: Where is Tony Roche?" - by Harry McAvinchey at paddycool.com - January 2011 (via Wayback Jul 10/11)
  2. ^ "The Comics" by Harry McAvinchey at Harry McAvinchey's Compendium of Arcane And Extraordinary Issues, date unknown (via Wayback Aug 26/14)
  3. ^ "An Oral History of Tony Roche" by Pádraig Ó Méalóid, Journey Planet #31, Dec 2016 (via Wayback Feb 26/24)
  4. ^ Letter from Peter C. Phillips to Anthony Roche, July 25, 1970, published in Journey Planet #41, page 66
  5. ^ "An Oral History of Tony Roche" by Pádraig Ó Méalóid, Journey Planet #31, Dec 2016 (via Wayback Feb 26/24)
  6. ^ Contents extrapolated from "Readers Raves and Roastings" letter by Graham Simmons - Heroes Unlimited #1
  7. ^ Iron Man, Thor and Spider-Man
  8. ^ Per this article on Wikipedia
  9. ^ As no such poll appears in the earlier issues of Heroes Unlimited, it is presumed the poll questions appeared in Merry Marvel Fanzine, possibly Issue #3.
  10. ^ Re the scanned version available from the Fanscene Project, the cover at page one is in fact Paul Neary's back cover from his comic strip, "Captain Remus Discovers the Phosphor". Ken Simpson's front cover (possibly of the Silver Surfer?) appears at page 42 of the scanned version.
  11. ^ "Journey Planet helps revive ground-breaking 1960s comic zine Heroes Unlimited for one last outing" by John Freeman - downthetubes.net, Dec 29/18
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