A little behind the schedule due to the various Christmas functions, etc., here is the last part of the Faceache Christmases series.
IMHO, Ken Reid’s
artwork suffered a decline in quality in the 80s, hitting its low in 1983 – 1985. His characters gradually became static and ‘tired’,
panel layouts monotonous and boring. Mr. Reid must have been dissatisfied with
his work as well because he stopped signing his Faceache sets in the beginning
of 1982. Weekly installments became increasingly irregular with Frank McDiarmid
stepping in more and more frequently as the substitute artist.
As the 80s progressed, Mr. Reid developed a new style that I find quite appealing in its own way, especially if not viewed in the context of his work of the 6os and 70s. I therefore completely understand the fans who like the later version of Faceache too. The last Christmas episode from 1986 serves as a nice example to illustrate the point.
Below is the chronological sequence of Faceache Christmas episodes from 1979 till 1986:
Ken Reid stopped writing Faceache in 1982...wonder if the change happened when Jackpot joined Buster..
ReplyDeleteBut as you say though the earlier ones are the best there's still things to enjoy with the later ones..now and again..that last Christmas one is a good one to me...
Really been brilliant these posts on Buster Christmas covers and Faceache at Christmas what a great idea for a blog post...really enjoyed them..
Indeed, Ken Reid's signature disappeared when Jackpot joined Buster. He only signed one set after that and it was in the issue of Buster and Jackpot witht he cover date of 4th September 1982.
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