By Robin Jones
Ower field, ower glen, ower ben, ower river
Frae th’ wild blue yonder, he doth come hither
Standin’ mighty an’ strang as th’ largest Oak
He protects th’ lain fur th’ lest free folk
Immortal, cunnin’, brae, quick as air
Scootlund will rally behin’, th’ big blue, Saltire.
Welcome back one and all. Break out th’ bagpipes, dust off ya kilt, tussle up yer sporran lasses and laddies, as Papercuts and Inkstains is headin’ oop the highlands! Scottish independence is a hot topic of conversation these days, what with there being a referendum on whether or not the country secedes from the United Kingdom and stands proudly on it’s own two legs as an independent country. Perhaps this is the final call for it, after a long line of wars, persecution and division, Scotland is now in the position to finally decided as a Nation what it wants to do, and that’s the beauty of democracy. Don’t be deceived though with the timing of the comic I’m looking at this time, Saltire Invasion. Published by Diamondsteel Comics, it tells the story of an Immortal warrior of the free lands, he is the protectorate of the Highlands, the defender of the low people and all round ginger bearded bad-ass. Whilst it could be argued that invoking the symbolism of the Saltire, Scotland’s heraldic symbol could be seen as taking a pro stance to independence, Saltire raises it’s head loftily above the political mire of pro and anti independence stances and instead weaves a tale steeped in history, mythology and stirs a national pride, but doesn’t smack of Nationalism. If that makes sense? Instead we get a balanced tale of wizardy, war, mythology midst the backdrop of the Scottish countryside.
From creator John Ferguson comes the first two issues in a series centered around Scotland’s first comic book superhero. Using the countries own myths and legends, Ferguson creates a protector of the realm, using pivotal moments from the countries turbulent and tempestuous history as the backdrop for his story. Issue One deals with a a battle for freedom, where in deepest Caledonia, the Ninth legion of Rome are attempting to further the empires vast reach, and the defending Celts are forced to call upon their champion and his band of warrior cohorts to defend them from the invaders. Issue two deals with Saltire’s origin story, and how the mighty, immortal protector of the Celtic lands was brought into being and his pilgrimage to the clans of his creation. It is a much gentler tale than issue one and the juxtaposition of starting at 100mph then slowly down to weave Big Blue’s genesis works beautifully. Gary Welsh and Tone Julskjaer provide artistic duties for Saltire, and a sterling job they do too. discovered through a competition at Duncan of Jordanstone Art College in Dundee, their art easily stands up to releases from the big three. (Sod it, I’m including Image now as they’re MASSIVE!) The action scenes are seamless, providing slug bu slug shots, but in comparison the more intricate scenes also stick out. The art of the immortal realms, the scenery all seem to take on a character of their own and play their own part in the story. It seems Scotland itself is a character within Saltire’s pages.
What we have with Saltire is the potential for a very accessible super hero. Whilst initially set in Scotland’s past, there is the chance for it to be transposed to a more modern setting, and the complexities and challenges Big Blue himself would face with a more modern Scotland would prove an interesting read themselves. Ferguson has his sights set on the biggest names in Superherodom and is setting a very good foundation for his assault on their crowns. What Saltire has is character, heaps of it. It has room for growth with its lead, the countryside, the fellow Guardians, the mythology and what it is also has is time. If Ferguson et all continue with the same level of quality we have a sure fire hit on our hands. It’s follow up, Saltire Annihilation is due out autumn of this year, so plenty of time to get this added to your pull list! BUY THIS COMIC!
Now, I was lucky enough to get a few words with Mr Ferguson himself, so here’s what he had to say about his big, bad, blue, bearded creation:
Me: What was the major influence behind creating the story of Saltire and where did you draw your inspiration from?
John: I love Tolkien, ancient mythology and The Marvel and DC universes. Superhero narratives are essentially modern mythology and Scotland is an incredible source of legends and folklore that have never been utilised within a modern storytelling medium. I like mythology that feels real and the idea of a central character, with superpowers no less, seemed like a great way to bring Scotland’s past to life within a pseudo history.
Me: Does it have any links to the current political debate of Scottish devolution and a move to a more independent Scotland?
John: Not particularly, other than the timing coinciding with the debate and vote on independence. The book obviously creates opinion in this regard but everything that is Scottish does at the moment. Some people have used the book to make a political comment and we have no problem with that, but we believe the construct and the Saltire character stand up outside of Scotland and politics. Anything that gets people engaged in politics is great as there’s only so many articles on Justin Beiber’s new haircut that can keep people interested for so long.
Me: So what is the story behind the creation of your artistic team? Did you all gel from the start?
John: The artists were the winners of a competition held through Dundee University which teaches Comic Book Studies as an academic subject. Gary Welsh and Tone Julskjaer who won the competition are very professional but easy going and great to work with. They understand the stories are Scottish so they bring a deliberately different style than you would find in a Marvel or DC comic. I try not to drive them too mad with changes!
Me: What can we expect from the series as we progress through the story? Do you have plans to create any more works?
John: Yes, it’s pretty exciting, several works are on the way, at least six books are in the pipeline and a few other short stories. The next story is a huge epic, Saltire Annihilation, which combines a quite sinister piece of Scottish mythology within the setting of the Dark Ages and the Germanic tribal expansion. Saltire also exists into the future where Scotland and the world are very different places. This gives us scope to take the narrative in a totally new direction.
Me: What were your major influences growing up and do you still read comics now?
John: Growing up it was everything from Commando comics, 2000AD, The Eagle, Batman, Hulk, Spider-man and a particular love of the Fantastic Four. I mainly read graphic novels now, i like having the whole volume, the complete story in one place.
Me: If you had to sell Saltire to our readers with one sentence, what would you say?
John: If you like superheroes, Lord of the Rings, Braveheart and the story of a country who’s freedom has been threatened and defended over centuries, then the story of Saltire, the immortal guardian of a nation, will absorb, enthrall, and inspire fans of epic story telling.
Me: Can we expect any team ups, perhaps with Sir Terry Pratchett’s Nac Mac Feegle fighting and cussing alongside Saltire, or is he strictly a one man deal?
John: Saltire might be immortal but he is a team player. The guardians of the twelve clans are always there to assist in the Saltire universe. Saltire also bumps into quite a few famous historical figures on his travels through the centuries. The Nac Mac Feegle might be a bit on the wee side for a team up but i can imagine them giving Saltire some healthy abuse if he ever tried to help them.
So, Saltire has the potential to be something quite epic! Lets keep our eyes out this autumn for the ANNIHILATION!
Now, just for fun, I thought I’d ask all and sundry, who their favourite comic book artist was. Controversial I know, tough descicions were made, difficult choices had and here are all your answers in splendid Technicolor…what?…hang on…seems Technicolor is somewhat out of our budget, so it’ll have to be just good old black and white. Sorry about that…please aim any complaints at your local MP/Congressman/Evil Despot…
Rodrigo Guevara – Clayton Crain has some really fantastic work
Adam Snape – Rafael Grampa is incredible. he adds so many awesome costume details.
Inter-Comics – Kevin Maguire for me, his run on the Justice League was Legendary
kirke novak – Grzegorz Rosiński. It’s been a privilege to watch his evolution from the first issues of Thorgal.
Kieran – Too difficult – currently Rossmo, Capullo and Francavilla , all time? Bolland, Ditko, Kirby, Miller plus more!
Karim Shehimi – Very hard to choose from but these are my top #3 Adam Kubert, Mike Mignola, & Rafael Albuquerque.
Daniel Cole – George Pérez, Jean “Moebius” Giraud and Darwyn Cooke. I can’t decide a winner between them.
Andy -42LevelOne.com – Humberto Ramos his work on Spectacular Spider-Man is incredible no one draws spider like him 
Ruben Mendoza – Mike Deodato Jr
Mikael – I think David Aja, 90s Joe Madureira or Fiona Staples. I like it kinda cartoony. Probably Aja.
Russ – I’d have to say Jim Aparo. I got into comics during his Batman run and his style defined comic art for me.
Jason Webb – for photorealism no one comes close to Alex Ross man, but I think Michael Allred then maybe Jim Lee close second!
[REDACTED] – Tie between Bill Sienkiewicz and Jim Mahfood
The Sean Fav – I love Brian Bolland. Day the Law Died, Killing Joke so pretty.
Alexander Adrock – My favorite active artist is Darwyn Cooke and of all time is Jack Kirby
Justin S. – Cam Kennedy
albirhiza – Tough tie between Mike Allred (madman) and Eric Powell (goon)
DrPaJi – You can answer this for me. (It’s Sean Gordon Murphy!)
Chandler Mellon – Ryan Stegman
Steve Taylor-Bryant – Mike Dowling’s art in Death Sentence is truly stunning.
Dan Butcher – My favourite artist (at the moment) is Ryan Ottley, penciller on Invincible. The man’s art/style is incredible.
steamrunner – Carlos Ezquerra. Without any kind of hesitation.
papa spineburn – Kelley Jones without a doubt!
Collin Fults – My favorite artist is the late great Michael Turner. The details in each of his drawings was incredible!
Ricardo Azevedo – My favourite artist is jock I just love the way he draws and how good his work looks in black and white
Duggi Douglas – Mike Mignola.
Steve Tasteslikedoom Fable – Humberto Ramos and Stuart Immonen
Anna Readman – Sean Gordon Murphy
Jose Diaz – Nicholas Pitarra
Bottle City of Kanga – Alan Davis!
chris hogan – Sean Gordon Murphy
Matt Saviker – Geof Darrow atm
Steven Mckee – Stjepan Sejic
Adam Hollander – Alex Maleev
Abe Bewls – Boo Cook
James Simpson – No all-time favourite, but the most recent artist to blow me away was Javier Rodriguez
Nerdo McNerdy – Andrea Sorrentino continues to blow me away with his images
So there we go! Don’t forget to join in the #SundayMorningQuestion over at the Inter-Comics Facebook page, which can be found here…
Now. Where do I go from here? Well I’m planning on having a Team Up month this February, with loads of different contributors wading in on different subjects! But what about what I should read next? Well, let’s get you guys choosing shall we? So, since, like Handle, Indie comics are so hot right now, lets get you guys choosing which Indie title I should read!
The choices are as follows:
Loading ...So get voting, pick your favourite and help me choose what I should read next!! However you choose, choose wisely, otherwise your life force will be sucked out and you shall become the equivalent of a dried fig… or it wont win and I don’t get to read the book you choose…
I’ll announce the winner in next weeks column, which is shaping up to be an open love letter to Garth Ennis…
Until next time…
For more comic views and reviews follow Robin on Twitter at @Hulksmash1985
Posted on January 15th, 2014
Category: NEWS & VIEWS, PAPERCUTS AND INKSTAINS VOL. 2, REVIEWS
Tags: Annihilation, Comic Reviews, Diamondsteel Comics, Gary Welsh, John Ferguson, Robin Jones, Saltire, Tone Julskjaer