Chain Reaction (Comics zine)

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Zine
Title: Direct Currents (1981); Chain Reaction (1982-1984)
Publisher: Overvoid Publications
Editor(s): Hassan Yusuf, Frank Plowright, Steve Whitaker
Date(s): 1981 - 1984
Frequency: Quarterly (sort of)
Medium: print
Fandom: DC Comics, Marvel Comics, other comics
Language: English
External Links: The Fanscene Project - scans of all issues available
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Chain Reaction is a UK comics zine originally called Direct Currents. The zine was relaunched as Chain Reaction a year after the first issue, as DC Comics complained about the initial title. The zine was initially focussed on DC Comics, but with the change of name came a broadening of focus to include Marvel Comics and UK independent comics. The contents were a mix of comic reviews, fanart and interviews; ilke other British comics 'zines, the editors were able to interview professionals within the industry as a result of the close-knit community, especially at the regular Comic Marts where both could interact.

Reactions and Reviews

Chain Reaction was a wonderfully put together zine published in 83/84/84 and edited by Frank Plowright, the late Steve Whitaker and Hassan Yusuf. There’s a few Steve W. illustrations above… Just LOOK at his amazing Daredevil, Warpsmiths and Hawkgirl illustrations… I wish he had done all the covers…


CR was a zine that thrived on superheroes, as can be seen from its covers and cover features, but it was edited by a group with a vast knowledge (just consider SW’s alone) of comics of all types… This made it difficult for me, as I attempted to “position” INFINITY against something that good… Especially as I really loved the zine. It was the epitome of everything that was good about about British superhero fandom at the time – intelligent, knowledgeable, witty, self-deprecating and full of humour…

 [1]

Direct Currents - Issue 1

Direct Currents issue #1 was published Winter 1981-1982 and was 20 pages long. Hassan Yusuf was the editor and he was assisted by Steve Whitaker, Chris Savva, Jim Constantinou, Frank Plowright and Tish Trisrer.

From the editorial, Hass' reasons for the 'zine:

Direct Currents #1 cover art by Hassan Yusuf
Okay, why a DC fanzine? Well... why not? Many people will say it's economic suicide, some will say that a short life is guaranteed, some will say that we're anti-Marvel, and some will say what a load of crap. So, big deal what people say, we say that the time is right for a DC fanzine. The company is virtually heralding a new 'Silver Age', started last year by the new Teen Titans. Since then DC has gone from strength to strength with, for example, a vastly improved JLA, a new look Wonder Woman, Arak, All-Star Squadron, Captain Carrot and his Amazing Zoo Crew. And more to come - revivals of Firestorm and Swamp Thing, plus a new horror comic, and a sci-fi 'maxi-series' - all brought to you by some of the best talent in the industry.

 [2]

Contents

  • Cover featuring Wonder Woman, Batman and Superman by Hassan Yusuf.
  • Editorial and Starfire art by Hassan Yusuf.
  • Comicon '81 - A Personal View by Tish Trisrer.
  • "Direct Currents" - an overview of DC Comics titles since the "Implosion" of 1978 by Hassan Yusuf and Chris Savva.
  • Advert "Two Decades of Comics" fanzine, art by Brian Bolland.
  • "True Confessions" - staff answer the question, "Which comic character are you willing to admit you fantasize about?" (with a request for readers responses, "you especially, girls!"[3])
  • "The Hawk and the Dove" - article and art by Steve Whitaker.
  • "IMPORTant ISSUES" - article and art by Chris Savva about advance copies of overseas magazines and their pros and cons.
  • "Let's Gas With Hass" - future LOC column, but for the first issue, a brief survey was sent to select fans for their response to the following questions:
    • How real do you find comic characters?
    • What do you think of direct sales only comics?
    • What do you think of swiping between artists?
    • What DC character would you most like to see a) Dead, b) Revived and why?
    • What's your reaction to the death of the Earth II Batman and the manner of how he died?
    • How much input should an editor have on a comic?
    • What DC comic is most in need of improving?
    • Who do you think contributes more to a comic - writer or artist?
    • What person currently working at Marvel would you like to (see) at DC and on which comic?
  • "What Comic?" article by David T! Prockter about new DC titles and staff.
  • Fanart of Batman and Swamp Thing by NIK
  • Quizz Time-a-Go-Go - comic character quiz.
  • "Laugh-A-Minute" - jokes and cartoons, including the first cover of "GI Wombat" by Joe Koala; plus "Digging Claws" by Tish Trisrer - gossip column about the comics industry and local comics scene.
  • Back Cover - advert for the "Comic Showcase" comic shop with The Joker art by "Marshall"[4].
  • Interior art by Richard Barker, Steven Whitaker and Hassan Yusuf .
  • Download link.

Chain Reaction - Issue 1

Issue #1 cover art by Steve Whitaker and Neocleous.
Photos from Comicana '82 taken by Angelos Angeli, featuring various fans, including CR staff Steve Whitaker, Hassan Yusuf, Jim Constantinou and Frank Plowright.

Chain Reaction issue #1 was published Winter 1982-1983 and was 27 pages long. A four person editorial team was also introduced: Hassan Yusuf, Steve Whitaker, Jim Constantinou and Frank Plowright.

The editorial explains both the name change and the year-long delay between issues:

When DC Comics banned further issues of DIRECT (or even ALTERNATING) CURRENTS for copyright reasons, our collected faiths were more than a little bruised. Completely re-hasing our fanzine was the last thing on our minds... Working together again on the revisions started new ideas flowing. An all-purpose fanzine was proposed and immediately dubbed "AXIS" by Frank [Plowright]. We planned our release for this September's Comicana - Frank even represented AXIS in the comic trivia quiz there. After the Convention, extended deadline conferences showed a distrust of the obvious connotations of AXIS as a title. The final change to CHAIN REACTION was made.

 [5]

Contents

  • Front Cover - Doctor Fate and Madame Xanadu (?) by Steve Whitaker and Neocleous.
  • "Quadrophenia" editorial signed by Hassan Yusuf, Steve Whitaker, Jim Constantinou and Frank Plowright.
  • News compiled by Frank Plowright.
  • "Cons Across the Ocean" - Comicana '82 con report by Hassan Yusuf.
  • "Fans at Comicana" - photos by Angelos Angeli.
  • "Decline of an Annual Tradition" by Frank Plowright - article on Marvel Comics' Annuals with art by Steve Whitaker.
  • "George, The Toad and The Rock" by Paul Jay - comic strip (reprinted with permission from Fantasy Unlimited)
  • Quizz Time-a-Go-Go, with art by Richard Barker.
  • "Green Arrow Meets Lou Grant (or Relevance Revisited)" by Peter J. Poole - article on Green Arrow during the 60's, 70's and 80's.
  • Illustration - Superman and a map of Krypton by Paul Bignell
  • "Batman TV" by John Lindley - article about the Batman television series.
  • "Brother Power the Article" by Frank Plowright - article about the Brother Power the Geek comic character.
  • "...The Thronging Hordes of Four-Colourdom..." - future LOC column, but for the first issue, several fans were asked a number of questions (includes reproduction of comics "whoopsies" and art by Richard Barker):
    • The sales of Marvel Comics have increased in the past two years. Do you feel this is due to improved content, or speculation by collectors?
    • Create a new super-hero team using up to six existing characters from Marvel Comics or up to six characters from existing DC comics?
    • Which super-hero is in more need of a new costume?
    • What is the most ridiculous Marvel/DC team-up you can think of?
    • Do you feel the Comics Code Authority is still valid in 1982?
    • Are you getting bored of the comics characters that have been running for years? If so, do you feel anything can be done with them?
    • DC has 45 years of old comics material including the rights to titles published by Quality and Fawcett. Would you buy a Giant Size Reprint Comic, and if so, what you would like to see reprinted?
    • After a long time as Marvel mainstays, Roy Thomas and Gene Colon moved to DC in 1981. How do you think their work for the two companies compares?
    • If the current artist had to leave, who would you select as replacements on the following titles - a) Captain Victory, b) Daredevil, c) Flash, d) The Hulk, e) The New Teen Titans, f) Superman?
    • Many comics characters have recently been killed. Do you feel a new dimension has been added to comics by having real deaths?
    • If an alien landed in your back garden, which comic would you give it?
    • Which character do you think should star in a mini-series?
  • "All Our Yesterdays: September 1972" by Frank Plowright - article on Marvel and DC news, September 1972.
  • "What's in a Name" by Keith Williams - article on super-hero naming conventions; including "Comic Whoopsies" - comics panels with 'errors'.
  • "G.I. Wombat" by Joe Koala and "Secret Origins" by Paul Jay - comic strips
  • Back Cover - "GI Wombat" by Steve Whitaker.
  • Download link.

Issue 2

Issue # 2 front cover by Hassan Yusaf.

Chain Reaction issue #2 was published Spring 1983 and was 28 pages long. Editorial team: Hassan Yusuf, Steve Whitaker and Frank Plowright.

Contents

  • Front Cover - Spider-Man, Cloak and Dagger by Hassan Yusuf.
  • Editorial by Plowright, Whiteaker and Yusuf; including Daredevil art by Steve Whitaker(?)
  • News, including an Alpha Flight preview and reprints of art by Gil Kane and Keith Pollard.
  • 1982 Edited Highlights by Steve Whitaker, Frank Plowright and Hassan Yusuf - article about the best of comics, 1982.
  • "The Return of the Tough Kid Squad" by Steve Whitaker - article on the New Mutants and the history of "kid teams" in comics.
  • "George, The Toad and The Rock" by Paul Jay - comic strip.
  • "Do It Right" by Martin Skidmore - article on what to do with The Defenders, plus art by either Steve Whitaker or Hassan Yusuf.
  • "Back Scratchin'" by Frank Plowright - fanzine review, Burnt Stick #1, plus "Comics Whoopsies".
  • "Dead But Not Forgotten" by Richard Barker - article about and art of The Spectre.
  • "Gerry Conway: Heir Presumptive of the Comic Kingdom" by John Lindley - article on comics writer Gerry Conway with art by "GH".
  • "Crackers" - comics fandom gossip, plus a comic strip by Lew Stringer.
  • "All Our Yesterdays: November 1966" by Steve Whitaker - article on Marvel and DC news, November 1966.
  • "...The Thronging Hordes of Four-Colourdom..." - LOC column, with Frank Plowright as letters editor and letters from Lew Stringer, Andrew Littlefield, K. Williams, Ali Karim, Martin Skidmore, Steve Langford, Phillip Steele and Guy Lawley. Includes Comics Whoopsies and art by Steve Whitaker, Dean Willetts and ??
  • "Mieux Sans Frontieres?" by Ian Clark - article on character ruts, the Comics Code Authority and the problems faced by scriptwriters.
  • Comic strips - "Fandumb" by Lew Stringer and "Secret Origins" by Paul Bignell; Quizz answers
  • Back cover by Martin Hand.

Issue 3

Issue #3 front cover by Andy Rack

Chain Reaction issue #3 was published in 1983 and was 40 pages long. Editorial team: Hassan Yusuf, Steve Whitaker and Frank Plowright.

Contents

  • Front Cover - Unknown superhero art by Andy Rack.
  • Editorial and art by Steve Whitaker.
  • "Alternating Currents" by Howard Stangroom - article on new independent comics releases, with art by ?? and Steve Whitaker
  • "GI Wombat" by Steve Whitaker.
  • "Back Scratching" by Frank Plowright - fanzine reviews for The Owl's Effort #22; Ratman #1 and #2 and Anti Matter Fragments.
  • "The Jaguar" by Pete Scott - article on The Jaguar comic (Archie Comics, 1961-1963), art by David Bezzaa
  • "Crackers" - comics fandom gossip, including "Lockshock!" series of photos and illos about an encounter at Martin Lock's table at the most recent Comics Mart at Westminster Hall, an incident where a fan was accused of being gay by a police officer based on the number of film and theatre ticket stubs in his wallet, and photos of a fancy dress party held to support a local election.
  • "Do It Right! Freedom Fighters" by Frank Plowright - article on what to do with the Freedom Fighters and Justice League of America comics. Includes art by ??.
  • "DC Circulation" by Chris Savva - circulation numbers and analysis for DC Comics, including art by Richard Barker, Dean Willetts, Paul Jay and Steve Whitaker.
  • "George, The Toad and The Rock" by Paul Jay - comic strip
  • "All Our Yesterdays: May 1978" by Frank Plowright - article on Marvel and DC news, May 1978.
  • "...The Thronging Hordes of Four-Colourdom..." - LOC column, with Frank Plowright as letters editor and letters from Chris Law, Dave Dursley, Mart Grey, David Gryc, Andy Lyons, Bryan Smith, Kathleen Glancy, Martin Skidmore, Dick Monar, K.W. Hodgkiss and Guy Lawley. Includes Comics Whoopsies and art by Steve Whitaker, G.P. Cousins, Richard Barker and "Leigh".
  • "My Favourite Comics" by Paul Carbonaro - article on X-Men #60.
  • Comic strips - "Super-Folks" by Howard Stangroom and Paul Chokran, "Fandumb" by Lew Stringer and "Secret Origins" by Dave Cresswell.
  • Illustration by Paul Bignell.
  • "The Errant" by Mike O'Donoghue, James Hanson and Dave Cresswell - fancomic.
  • Download link.

Issue 4

Issue #4 front cover by Steve Whitaker.

Chain Reaction issue #4 was published Spring 1984 and was 32 pages long. Editorial team: Hassan Yusuf, Steve Whitaker and Frank Plowright.

Contents

Issue 5

Issue #5 front cover by Mike Collins & Mark Farmer

Chain Reaction issue #5 was published Spring 1984 and was 32 pages long. Editorial team: Hassan Yusuf, Steve Whitaker and Frank Plowright.

Contents

Issue 6

Issue #6 front cover by Richard Barker

Chain Reaction issue #6 was published Winter 1984-1985 and was 32 pages long. Editorial team: Hassan Yusuf, Steve Whitaker and Frank Plowright.

  • Front Cover by Richard Barker of various Marvel heroes and villains.
  • Editorial and art by Frank Plowright. Art by Steve Whitaker.
  • "Q: When is a Secret not a Secret? A: When it Appears in Secret Wars" by Richard Barker - article on Marvel's Secret Wars event. Art by Richard Barker.
  • "Back Scratching" by Frank Plowright - fanzine reviews: Cerebro #20; Infinity #5; Pandora's Box #1.
  • "Hoot! Hoot!" by Steve Fry - article on The Owl (Dell Comics).
  • "Super-Folks" by Howard Stangroom and Paul Chokran - comic strip.
  • "George, The Toad and The Rock" by Paul Jay - comic strip
  • "Do It Right! Hawkman" by Steve Whitaker - article on what to do with Hawkman. Art by Steve Whitaker.
  • "Secret Non Origins" - by Paul Bignell; "Secret Origins" by Howard Stangroom and Paul Chokran - comic strips
  • "All Our Yesterdays - Philip Steele Remembers September 1976" - article on comics of September 1976
  • "An EC Retrospective" by Frank Motler - article on EC Comics. Includes reprints of art for "Food For Thought" by Al Williamson and other EC titles.
  • "Whatever Happened to GI Wombat?" - by Steve Whitaker.
  • "1984 In Focus" by Frank Plowright, Hassan Yusuf and Steve Whitaker - article on highlights in comics of 1984.
  • "...The Thronging Hordes of Four-Colourdom..." - LOC column, with Hassan Yusuf as letters editor and letters from Ross Cowin, Peter J. Poole, Martin Feekins, Martin Skidmore, Ian Hackett, Donald Thompson. Includes Comics Whoopsies.
  • "My Favourite Comic" by Frank Plowright - Giant Size Avengers #3 (Marvel)
  • "Fandumb" by Lew Stringer; "Marvel's Untold Stories" by Nigel Kitching - comic strips.
  • Back Cover - Scarlet Witch by Andy Rack.
  • Download link.

Issue 7

Issue #7 front cover by Paul Bignell.

Chain Reaction issue #7 was published Spring 1986 and was 35 pages long. Editorial team: Hassan Yusuf, Steve Whitaker and Frank Plowright.

The long delay between issues was explained by Hass in the editorial:

Apologies for the 'slight' delay, but all three eds have been preoccupied with other projects for the last year or so. Steve [Whitaker] has been busy setting up his own small design studio as well as doing some work for Marvel UK (anyone see his marvelous colouring job on the weekly Transformers title?), while Frank [Plowright] and myself were busy with (along with Chris Savva and Andrew Littlefield) organising the comics even of last year - the UK Comic Art Convention '85!

 [7]

  • Front Cover by Paul Bignell of Batman and Robin vs assorted Bat-Villains.
  • "Batman vs Green Arrow" by Paul Bignell - comic strip.
  • Editorial and art by Hassan Yusuf. Art by Steve Whitaker. Includes a Stop Press note that Jack Kirby was confirmed to attend United Kingdom Comic Art Convention 1986.
  • "Scenes from UKCAC 1985" - Photo Feature, including photos of Brian Bolland, Marv Wolfman, Alan Moore, Jenette Khan, Dave Gibbons, Steve Bissette, Roy Thomas, Dann Thomas, Mark Farmer, Kevin O'Neill, Steve Dillon, Jim Baikie, Alan Davis, Dave Gibbons, John Ridgway, David Lloyd, Dave Sim, Bill Sienkiewicz, John Totleben and John Higgins.

References

  1. ^ "I’ve been away with a little project called SEQUENTIAL…" by Russell Willis, From Under The Stairs at Tumblr, Aug 11, 2013 (via Wayback Dec 17/18)
  2. ^ Editorial by Hassan Yusaf, Direct Current #1, 1981-1982
  3. ^ "True Confessions" - Direct Currents Issue #1, page 8.
  4. ^ Artist may be Paul Marshall or John Marshall, both UK comic artists at the time.
  5. ^ "Quadrophenia" Chain Reaction Issue #1 (1982-1983)
  6. ^ The Knockabout Trial Special by Frank Plowright - theslingsandarrows.com (via Wayback Jan 27/23)
  7. ^ "Editorial" - Chain Reaction #7 - 1986
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