Sentinel, the Sci-fi Fantasy Horror Comic, Reviewed
Want to become a Sentineleer? Ok how about a Sci-fi, fantasy, horror comic? Then you want Sentinel from Alan Holloway and Ed Doyle among a few others, then you too can proclaim loudly I am Sentileer!!
The arguable dream team of returned retro British comics Alan Holloway and Ed Doyle have been very busy since 2020 producing their self-published ode to yesteryear Sentinel. Its first six issues have produced, as the title states, sci-fi, fantasy and horror. Issue seven which is currently fully funded on Kickstarter with hours left to go returns to its first issue sci-fi characters. It’s daft and it's super entertaining. This isn’t always the prettiest of comics but its heart and delivery hit in all the right places to provide lovely slices of switch-off time enjoyment. If you're a fan of sixty-four-page digest format retro appeal comics or are familiar with the Starblazer comics then you’ll love this series in all its glory. If you prefer your modern polished comics you might have to look past the raw underground nature of this comic but we should all know by now never judge a book by its cover, as hard as that can be in the comic world, as you will be rewarded.
So, let’s start with the art. Ed Doyle has a distinct style that feels very much embedded in the love of the retro British comic book era. It could be very much at home in early 2000ad progs and echoes a vibe of the time. Ed handles the art across the majority of the current seven issue run. Ed supplies art that is markedly different for each of his issues, which adapts to the story content showcasing different elements each time. To break it down, issue one and seven, sees Ed tackling the sci-fi world with recurring characters. For me, it’s the strongest of Ed's art, its black and white delivery is really enjoyable, the main character in Doyle Braddock being a grizzly space courrier rogue while his sidekick companion Rehellestrupper having the aesthetics of a roided up Weepul. In fact, all the aesthetics showcased in issue one and seven are excellent. It feels sci-fi, it delivers space cowboy adventure romp loveliness and really complements the story. Issue seven is set predominantly not in the space environment, but here Ed creates art of a dangerously close to copyright, thoroughly recognisable island of monsters that I got a real kick out of. The movies referenced here are so perfectly represented that I had to pop off after to watch the original metal owl and adventures of Jason. Ed's work at world-building in these issues is also at its strongest, rich in detail and certainly engrossing.
Issue two then sees Ed apply the same level of adeptness to a world of dragons that's chock full of heavy detail, the dragons, in particular, can be studied for the sheer enormity of features, probably Ed's next strongest work. Issue five is another departure in style, here Ed presents a full-colour labour of love that reminded me of the late 80’s early 90’s Warhammer art, maybe a niche reference but that's where it took me. Its rawness might not be to everybody's taste but there’s a dedication in delivery that I found admirable, a labour of love with handpainted aplomb. Issue three sees the first handing over of art duties to Paul Spence with his first full comic. Paul has a finer detail presented in a style of bonkers psychedelia. Paul accomplishes a wonderful sci-fi universe with those finer lines offering room for zany detail and is probably my favourite of the series; it's a kaleidoscope of imagery that I found very appealing. Issue four sees duties handed to Ian Beadle for a take on a story of “girls comic” Misty stylings, it's very raw black and white art. There's a sketch styled quality that shines best in its set-piece designs and supernatural elements.
Finally, issue six is handled by another Sentinel debutant artist Morgan Gleave who takes on the silliest of the stories in a bold cartoon styled sci-fi universe. It’s quite wholesome in delivery and easily the most fun in style. The subject matter is handled expertly and holds really endearing characters. Morgan has a very bold style that comes across as well modelled and thoroughly polished. Disarmingly simple but with plenty of talent.
Ok, there's your art so how's Alan Holloway's prolific storytelling? I find Sentinel to be a bit of a showcase for the diversity of Alans writing capabilities. Across all seven issues, Alan covers all the promised premises of sci-fi, fantasy and horror. The writing is certainly the biggest seller for this work managing to always entertain in what could have been a limiting format, with the exception of issue five, which for me in places felt like plot painting by numbers. Alan has a strong storytelling style that pulls you in and along for the ride of escapism.
There are more serious stories in places but Alan's sci-fi worlds held the most enjoyment. I couldn’t get enough of Doyle and RHLSTP and their universe. The sci-fi stories are a great mix of adventure with humour but it’s the references that got me. There are so many comic book and pop culture easter eggs stuffed into here it would rival the April bunnies arse (assuming that's where Easter eggs come from otherwise what's the point of the bunny and where is it getting them, anyway?). On offer here are nods to Star Wars, Wizard of Oz, Jason And The Argonauts, Peanuts, Belfast's 2000ad fanzine, Taxi Driver, even Harry Enfield and much more.
Here's a brief rundown of issue plots to further entice.
Issue 1: Special Delivery; space cowboy couriers looking for better customer ratings.
Issue 2: Scales Of Justice; A tale of gladiator dragons with some emotional weight.
Issue 3: A Fare To Remember; a madcap space cabbie adventure.
Issue 4: Misty Moore; Revenge of the supernatural nerd in a “Misty Comic” homage.
Issue 5: Kazana The Slayer; Fantasy story of a hero battling the undead.
Issue 6: Bad Kitty; One-eyed heist master in a loony space tale.
Issue 7: Hell On Harry Howson; the return of everybody's favourite space courrier rogues star in a story fuelled by love for Ray Harryhausen.
That's your lot then. For fans of sci-fi, horror, fantasy, retro art, thoroughly enjoyable storytelling, far-reaching multifaceted references, beef-cake Weepuls and Ray Harryhausen I’d recommend getting on that Kickstarter while there's still time. You’ll want issues one and seven then you’ll probably fall in love with the rest. It’s all also available on Etsy at www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SentinelComics so be sure to check that out.
Review: 4/5
