Following the very successful and modest campaign that saw the publishing of Time Bomb’s first issue of Flintlock, the second Kickstarter is up and running and has been, to date, just as successful. So, this isn’t so much a spotlight on the new campaign to encourage you, dear readers, to save it from publishing limbo, but rather a torchlight swung towards this anthology to highlight the book and the promise of further bonuses once the stretch goal has been met. 

It doesn’t hurt that Flintlock No.2 is sporting an exclusive cover by the legendary Ian Kennedy (Commando, Dan Dare).

Writer and publisher, Steve Tanner describes the series as thus:

“Flintlock is a regular comics anthology series with a difference – each issue tells stories featuring a unique range of characters in an Eighteenth Century shared historical timeline. 

The Eighteenth Century (1701 to 1800) encompassed some of the most tumultuous changes in world history involving some of the richest personalities – and this is one of the inspirations for the stories and characters that feature in Flintlock.”

The second issue promises to continue the rip-roaring adventures of Lady Flintlock, a female highway.., well, highwaywoman, I suppose, as well as revealing more from the seafaring Shanti, The Pirate Queen and, our personal favourite, The Clockwork Cavalier. The latter strip exists thanks to the stretch goals achieved on the first issue’s campaign, but this second issue includes all three strips, and over 48 pages in B+W to boot.

This is a big comic for under a tenner and with art provided by Anthony Summey, Ed Machiavelli and Lorenzo Nicoletta – all new finds, but artistic talent to watch – a very well produced book too, from start to finish.

The first issue was a great romp and a great starting point upon which to build an alternative 18th century heroic/anti-heroic universe. An interesting period of British history made all the more interesting with this collection of vagabonds, rogues and aristocratic rotters (are there any other kind?) Tanner and the gang have brought to life.

A modest goal – enough to print a first edition run of just 60 copies – and some great stretch goals too, such as your own signed listed edition print of the Ian Kennedy second issue cover or your own copy of the ghoulishly good Bomb Scares anthology sporting a Richard Elson (2000AD) cover. Some of these pledges are still up for grabs too.

Take a look for yourselves at the Flintlock 2 Kickstarter page here.