First Class Comic Review 7

A CLASS ACT

Two frequently asked questions among my aging circle of comics fan acquaintances; “Where are all the fanzines these days?”, and “Where’s the next generation of comics fans coming from?”

Well, if the awkwardly-named First Class Comic Review (familiarly, FCCR) is any indication, the future of both fanzines and at least part of the ‘next gen’ is in good hands.

I’ll declare bias; the editors, two sisters aged, what, maybe 16 & 9? (from my advanced years all young’uns look much the same…) are regulars at my comic shop in Putney, accompanied by their Dad – and while Tim Egleton has to be given credit for raising the kids right, with a proper appreciation of comics, they’ve obviously found their own way to such diverse series and creators as Matt Baker, Batman Beyond, Archie, Millie the Model, Harley Quinn and funky old romance comics, to name a few of the topics we’ve babbled enthusiastically about over the counter.

And that enthusiasm very much communicates itself over the printed page; though I’m sure the girls have help from their Dad in actually getting the mag put together, the contributions are entirely their own, or the work of their friends and contemporaries, so while the level of journalism and criticism is not yet developed, their zeal comes across both to the reader and to their interview subjects. They’ve gained access to some unexpected interviewees – this issue, Terry Beatty, with reveals for a Ms. Tree revival, David Hine, Jeff Parker, Adi Granov – and although the interviews are neither deep nor long, they’re lively and entertaining. The reviews are clear, the features approachable, and the tone positive, upbeat, and comprehensive; they even have departments for ‘kid’s comics’ and (shudder) manga.

This isn’t a ’zine aimed at old folks like me – though if approached with an open mind, we can certainly get some fun out of it – but for people who are between Lily and Ellie’s ages, people who aren’t cynical or burnt-out by comics, and still eager to communicate what they like, and why, to the like-minded. It’s been hugely enjoyable watching FCCR grow, and I hope it continues for a very long time. In a world where it’s all too easy to become jaded by the latest in a long line of “nothing will ever be the same again!” mega-events, it’s a refreshing change to read a fanzine that likes comics unashamedly – and reminds me, every so often, of why I used to like comics a lot more.

First Class Comic Review # 7, and back issues, are available from the girls’ website (www.firstclasscomicreview.com), or from selected comic shops.