This week’s mock-up comic cover from Paul McCaffrey, to tie in with my out-in-May novel Model Actress Whatever, introduces the current incarnation of the UK’s long-standing national heroes, the Splendid Six. Meet Quackanapes, Silly Millie, Dr Robot, Urban Fox, the Green Knight and Blackfist IV … and their arch-nemesis, the Dealer. Team Captain Dr Robot isn’t a doctor and isn’t a robot.
My new novel – Model Actress Whatever – is due from Titan Books in May. I’ve commissioned a series of mock-up comic book covers from ace artist Paul McCaffrey to visualise the world of MAW, and introduce some of the many unusual characters who live there. This is Poltergirl, the mind-over-matter maid …
Here’s the cover of my new novel – due from Titan Books May 2026. Design by Natasha MacKenzie.
Model Actress Whatever …
“When Chrissie Chambers (model actress whatever) discovers her soap opera character is about to be killed off, she finally stops dieting and discovers hitherto untapped supernatural abilities. Meanwhile, Chrissie’s aunt – former national heroine Lady Shade – goes missing. Afraid for Jasmine’s safety and itching to costume-up, Chrissie and her ghost-possessed best friend Loulee break into Devil’s Dyke, the asylum where Jasmine works as a therapist with the most dangerous cutthroats (supervillains) in Britain… only to find the inmates have taken over… Chrissie debuts successfully as a cloak (superheroine), but who will become the arch-nemesis of Lady Shade II?
In Chrissie’s timeline, the Beatles didn’t split up and recorded a hallucinodelic album in 1972 – Never Mind (strictly, Never Mind the Beatles) – which literally changed the world. Set in an alternative 2020s London, this hugely entertaining, darkly humorous superhero tale is packed with Newman’s trademark wit, and comes with wickedly sharp edges.”
‘John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are mutants. Evolutionary agents sent by gods, endowed with mysterious powers to create a new human species.’
Timothy Leary
‘A Guide is honest, reliable and can be trusted.
A Guide is helpful and uses her time and abilities wisely.
A Guide faces challenges and learns from her experiences.
A Guide is a good friend and sister to all Guides.
A Guide is polite and considerate.
A Guide respects all living things and takes care of the world around her.’
The Guide Law
‘Look! Up in the sky …’
Allen Ducovny and Robert Joffe Maxwell
Fantastic news, looking forward to it already \:D/ Something More than Night and The Hound of the D’Urbervilles two of my favourite books.
Posted by swagcheerfully5044dcc317 | November 1, 2024, 3:49 pm