Sam119

"SAM119" is a comic book series created by Grimsby-based author and artist duo Steve Beckett and Simon James.

Overview

The comic, which was launched at Bristol Comic convention in 2004, is a cyberpunk style science fiction story, combining elements of action adventure, and quest type storylines.

It is notable for its strong themes of Christian redemption, and sub plot involving the conversion of the main protagonist (SAM119) to Christianity. Artist Beckett and writer James are both active Christians, and their publishing business, undercurrent comics [cite web|url=http://www.undercurrentcomics.com|title=undercurrent comics] publicizes a number of other Christian comic book offerings, as well as the SAM119 series.

SAM119 is published as a series of four full colour comic books. On its launch, it was seen as unusual because of its high production values, and full colour finish. In the years following, more independently published British comic books began to appear in full colour.

The name SAM119 is a code for Psalm 119 which is revealed as a prophetic message given to the hero as a child.

Reception

Reviewer Glenn Carter of Comics Bulletin described SAM119 issue 1 as: "a blend of Cyberpunk, William Gibson, and George Orwell", and there are clear indications of the influence of writers such as Gibson on the work. Artistically it has been compared in style terms to Battle of the Planets. [cite web|url=http://www.comicsbulletin.com/real/108877967428251.htm|title=The Real Mainstream: Sam119|publisher=Comics Bulletin|date=2 July 2005]

Notes

External links

* [http://www.sam119.co.uk Official site]