Retrodec Blog

Interview with Jeremy Biggs, Creator of Zombie Bears!

2014-09-12T05:52:00.001-07:00

Interview by: Scott Meridew for http://ap2hyc.com/

I guess I can scratch “Interview creator of a comic about zombified teddy bears” off my bucket list. Not sure why I put that one on it to be honest. Still, the point is I recently had a chance to wrangle some questions out of Jeremy Biggs, creator of the most adorable yet gory comic ever.

AP2HYC: Hi Jeremy. Soooooo… What’s it all about? Zombie Bears that is. Not, y’know, life, the universe and other miscellaneous existential thoughts. We’re talking about a comic here.

Jeremy Biggs: Generally, just be nice to each other, try to help people out and don’t be a douche. That’s my basic philosophy. Oh right – comics!! Well the concept is pretty simple really. Zombies and Bears. It’s kind of a bit like Mad Max meets The Night of the Living Dead meets the Care bears.

AP2HYC: It’s not every day that somebody wakes up and thinks: “Hey… Zombie Bears! That’d make a great comic!”. With that being said, how did the idea originally come about?

Jeremy: Two things influenced Zombie Bears. The first thing is that my little sister really loves Teddy Bears and I wanted to freak her out a bit – because you know, in real life Bears are SCARY. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen Grizzly man – but cuddly they ain’t. The other thing is I’m a huge Walking Dead fan and at the time I was working on a film called The Dead making funny noises (Hey – it’s a living!), and I really wanted to have a go at making a Zombie comic- but that was unlike any other Zombie comic you’ve ever read. Put the two things together and you have ZOMBIE BEARS (RAAR optional).

AP2HYC: There’s a short animated clip on both the Kickstarter page and the Zombie Bears website that was so awesome it made my testicles explode. Literally. I guess what I’m trying to say is, what was it like animating the Zombie Bears?

Jeremy: Hahaha. It was awesome. Maybe not testicle explodingly awesome (you might want to get that checked out) – but it was a great experience.

I sent over the script and a copy of Issue Zero to Laura (Maue the animator), and she pretty much did the rest. I then took the footage and added all the meaty flesh noises and zombie grunts. At one point my cat thought I’d totally lost it.

AP2HYC: What is it about the Zombie genre that you love so much? Come on. Dish, dish, dish.

Jeremy: Blood. Guts. Apocalypse. Shambling, unstoppable forces of the undead that no matter where you go they’re not going to stop – not even to SLEEP – there’s nowhere to hide – they’re just going to keep on shambling after you – unceasingly moving on and on and ON AND ONNNNN until you finally succumb to exhaustion or death.

What’s not to like?

AP2HYC: Aside from the comics, what other Zombie Bear stuff is available (Geddit? Stuff? ‘Cause… bears are stuffed. Never mind.)?

Jeremy: These puns are “beary” bad. In fact I’d say they were un-bearable.

*cough*

Oh there’s loads of stuff that people can get their paws on (OK I’ll stop now). There’s t-shirts, badges, and… no.. hang on… there’s interesting stuff too… In fact the most interesting thing is probably our range of Zombie Teddy Bears. We take regular Teddy Bears – shove them in a pen with one of the infected and let un-nature take it’s course till we have a bonafide undead teddy bear. Then – like any good comic writer we round them up and take them to conventions and scare people.

AP2HYC: Okay, Y’know what? Time for a really serious question. Ready? Here goes. *Deep Breath*. What has been the most challenging thing you have faced while making Zombie Bears?

Jeremy: I think the most challenging thing is not getting bitten. By Bakki that is - I have to take fresh meat down to her art dungeon to keep her happy otherwise she can get a bit “bitey”.

AP2HYC: And last but not least, what do you see for the future of Zombie Bears? I could at this point make a joke about you taking out a crystal ball and literally seeing into the future, but I won’t. Because I’m above that.

Jeremy: Well – we hint at the future of Zombie Bears in the most recent chapter with the introduction of Bearlands’ big bad – Vintersto. After we’ve finished Season One we’re going to take a break and write Season Two – which will probably come out as a graphic novel. Without giving too much away – Season two is an epic game of cat and mouse between our Hero (The Bear-with-no-name) and his nemesis in the zombear infested city of Lost Vegas. Imagine theFrench Connection meets The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, meets Day of the Dead meets the, er, Gummi Bears.

Big thanks to Jeremy for answering my unbelievably idiotic questions and make sure you visit Zombie Bear’s Kickstarter page. If you don’t you’ll get mauled by an undead teddy bear. Which, lets face it, is pretty much the most humiliating way to die.

With huge thanks to http://ap2hyc.com/ for the above interview.

Retrodec is delighted to be working with Take A Pew!

2014-09-11T01:37:00.000-07:00

Take-A-Pew is a unique church pew recycling service based in Herefordshire. If you represent a church looking to dispose of redundant pews, we can help you, and raise some cash too. If you are looking for a unique piece of antique furniture, adapted to fit your home, we have many styles to offer you, each one a little bit of history!

The Take-A-Pew scheme was established as a Partnership between The Diocese of Herefordshire Churches, Herefordshire Council Social Services, and EnviroAbility which manages and facilitates the scheme. The workforce includes adults from disadvantaged groups and people with disabilities who are trained and competent in the skills required to process pews.

The basis of the Partnership is that of mutual benefit for the three parties based on:

Work experience and paid work activities for people with learning difficulties and skilled support for these service users,
The donor Church receiving a fair financial return for their pews, and benefiting from the work carried out on their behalf by the other partners,
The Take-A-Pew scheme itself receiving a fair financial return for their involvement: all EnviroAbility revenues from the scheme are used for this and other projects allowing us to help more disadvantaged groups.

Income and expenditure are accounted for on a church-by-church basis, with the proceeds of sale shared equally between the donor church and Take-A-Pew, after costs have been met.

In this way, everyone is a winner, churches receive a good income, disadvantaged groups and people with a learning disability are given worthwhile, rewarding and enjoyable work and activity in refurbishing the pews and EnviroAbility is able to maintain the scheme and pursue it's charitable objectives.

For more information on Take a Pew or any of the other fantastic Enviroability projects, you can contact us by any of the following methods:

Post	Take-A-Pew Palma Court, 27, Brookend Street, Ross-on-Wye HR9 7EE
Telephone	01989 763388
Email	takeapew@enviroability.org.uk
Location	Click Here For Map

Hereford Roller Girls Secure Place in Finals of Europe's Biggest Tournament

2014-09-10T09:24:00.002-07:00

Hereford Roller Girls' Horror Bulls have secured their place at the finals of the Heartland Series Roller Derby Tournament, with a 363 to 58 point win against South Wales' Reaper Roller Girls.

The Bulls - who won Senior Team of the Year in the Herefordshire Sport Awards - took an immediate lead and, despite the best efforts of the Reapers, the half time score was 162 to 29 to Hereford. The South Wales team came back fighting, but they just couldn't break the Hereford defence or hold back the jammers. The final score of 363 to 58 guarantees the Horror Bulls their place at the finals weekend in November.

Photo Credit Questionmark Photography

L-R: Back: Dee Montague (Line Up Manager), Fran Jones, Nikki Gray, Louise Braithwaite, Victoria Branson, Kelly Prosser, Julie Truelove, Minx Dodd and Tristan Dodd (Bench Manager)

Front: Becce Turner (Captain), Kelly Michael, Jessica Warrington, Kim Wild (Vice-Captain), Zoe Butler

After the game awards were given out, Jessica Warrington won Best Blocker, Kelly Michael won Best Jammer, Most Valuable Player was Kim Wild, and a special Team Spirit award went to team captain Becce Turner.

"It was an incredible game with a result that was testament to the hard work of everyone at HRG throughout the season," said Becce. "We went into the competition with the aim of reaching the finals, and have trained incredibly hard to get where we are. We won't be resting now; we're unbeaten this season and our aim is to keep it that way."

The Heartland Series is Europe's largest inter-league flat track roller derby tournament, with 24 teams in 4 divisions, with Hereford's Horror Bulls in the North West Division. There is one game left to play in the divisional stage, but Hereford's unbeaten season mean they are the first team of the whole series to qualify for the 2014 finals.

This was also Hereford's first UKRDA (United Kingdom Roller Derby Association) sanctioned game, they will now join the UK's own national ranking system. The Horror Bulls are already ranked in Europe, and are currently 85th out of over 350 teams - and that is likely to change when the updated rankings are released on Wednesday (10th September).

The Horror Bulls last game of the North West division is an away game against Derby's Haunted City, on 12 October. This will be hosted by Shrewsbury's Evolution Roller Girls and full details will be released in the coming weeks.

Visit www.herefordrollergirls.co.uk for more information about the team, including details of how to get involved with Hereford Roller Girls.

Herefordshire Rollerskating Club.....A small club making a BIG impact!

2014-01-27T04:45:00.000-08:00

Who are Herefordshire Rollerskating Club?

Quad roller skating is an all inclusive family sport. Herefordshire Roller Skating Club (HRSC) is a not-for-profit, officially constituted club for all. We are the only Midlands based recreational quad roller skating club endorsed by the BRSF (British Roller Skating Federation)!

Our Aims

The objectives of HRSC are to advance the physical education of children, young people and adults in Herefordshire and the surrounding areas. HRSC will provide the opportunity to the residence of Herefordshire to become part of this recreational and team based sport of roller skating.

http://www.skatehereford.co.uk

Where is the fun?

We currently run the majority of sessions from Aylestone secondary school in Hereford on a Tuesday and Wednesday, and the leisure centre on the last Friday and Saturday of the month.

Here is a list of our current sessions:

Tuesday : Junior roller sports for under 18s to play competitive roller sports
Wednesday: 5:30 - 7:15 Juniors, beginners and parents fun/skills skate session. 7:15 - 9:00 Adults and beginners fun/skill session
Friday 9:00 - 10:00 adult cardio session (last Friday of the month)
Saturday 2:15 - 4:00 Open skate for all ages, abilities and skate types (last Saturday in the month)

Where next for the club?

As wonderful as Aylestone school is the time has come to find a permanent home for the club. We have looked for well over a year for a suitable unit to run our community club from, we may have just found the perfect spot in Foley trading estate. This is a small estate based in the north of the city and is a perfect stepping stone for our club!

Here we can hold more skate sessions, offer a wider range of lessons and get more people rolling than before. We are also in the process of inviting other community clubs to use this as a base to run, we are currently looking at the following clubs to join us:

Remote controlled car club
Archery club
Indoor laser Tag

This would offer a wide range of activities to the county and offer the only community run sports club in the city. In order for this to happen we are changing to a CIC (community interest company) and will try to gain funding from the likes of Sport England as we need to do a lot to convert this unit to a sports centre.

We hope to be able to get sponsorship form some of Herefordshire’s big companies as well.

We would like to work closer with the schools in Hereford and offer free sessions for their students, for this to happen we need something called ClubMark run by Sport England. This is from their website:

ClubMark – Quality Club Accreditation

It shows that a club provides the right environment which ensures the welfare of members and encourages everyone to enjoy sport and stay involved throughout their lives.

An accredited club is recognised as a safe, rewarding and fulfilling place for participants of all ages as well as helping parents and carers know that they're choosing the right club for their young people.

We had a meeting this week and we have completed 95% of the criteria needed for the mark. If we can get this finished by March we might be the very first roller skating club in the country to attain this. This would be an amazing achievement for a small Hereford based club!

If you would like to join us, your first session is free!

Contact Information
Sam Bushkes 01432 341 441 / 07780117052
sam@skatehereford.co.uk Find us on Facebook

Retrodec meets the Hereford Roller Girls: Bruises #49

2013-12-10T03:08:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Evan Smith

When Retrodec Met...... Bruises #49. We are hugely proud to be sponsors of our local roller derby team, the wonderful Hereford Roller Girls. Each week we will be meeting a member of the team to find out what makes them tick and why these Cats are so awesome!

How did you choose your name and number?

When I started skating I would be jumping and bouncing all over the place and was covered in little bruises. I said it out loud one day and just thought that Lil Bruises was apt for me. Over time this has been shortened to just Bruises, and it seems to have stuck!

Photo Credit: Evan Smith

1949 is the year that my mum was born, she died several years ago and I thought #49 was a nice way to remember her by.

Photo Credit: Sarah Bennett

What's your favourite Roller Derby Position?

I love being a blocker. I like the variety involved in blocking; you need a lot of skills, you might be chasing a jammer out of the pack, or trying to slow someone down. You switch from offence to defense and back again, and that moment when you're lined up on the start line, in front of the jammer waiting for the whistle is my favourite moment - just because anything can, and does, happen.

Photo Credit: Evan Smith

How did you discover derby? I was chatting with a friend one day, she was telling me about one of her friends who played derby with the Birmingham Blitz Dames. I went home, Googled it and was hooked. There was no Derby in Hereford then so I found the Hereford Roller Skating Club. Eve L Hart was one of the coaches and she introduced me, and everyone else, to this fantastic sport.

What is your favourite derby moment so far? My first bout. I was terrified! But for the first time in my life I was actually doing something! I wanted to play Derby, and I did it!

Photo Credit: Peter Worth

Who is your Hero, derby or otherwise?

I'm actually off skates at the moment (on maternity leave!). I've benched a few games and have so much respect for the people out there who make it happen. Skating is the easy bit. My heroes are the refs, the NSOs, the coaches and the organisers, the people who turn up hours before the game starts and don't get to leave until everything's cleared away.

Retrodec meets the Hereford Roller Girls: Kelly P Cruz #4

2013-12-09T03:14:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Jes Warrington / Gore Jes 24/7

When Retrodec Met...... Kelly P Cruz #4. We are hugely proud to be sponsors of our local roller derby team, the wonderful Hereford Roller Girls. Each week we will be meeting a member of the team to find out what makes them tick and why these Cats are so awesome!

How did you choose your name and number?

I was messing around with various names but was never quite happy and I knew that I wanted to use some of my real name. A friend of mine came up with the Cruz part, his reason, regardless of my speed on the track I always looked as though I was just 'cruising' around. Teamed with Kelly P it just rolls off your tongue.

Photo Credit: Evan Smith

As for my number I 'think' I randomly picked 4. It's a number that likes it's own company as do I, it's also straight to the point which I have been known to be.

What's your favourite Roller Derby Position? When I am on track I am usually the blocker that holds the inside line. Being on the inside line I am usually used to swing off to get those pesky Jammers off track.

I have also been HRG's Line Up Manager. This position comes strangely natural probably because I am overly organised and this helps with line ups. Me being organised means that the Team know what is going on and they are calm and focused for their game ahead.

Photo Credit: Questionmark Photography

How did you discover derby? I attended a local Skating Club with a friend and it was there that Roller Derby was first mentioned. I went to watch a couple of sessions and thought I would give it a go. 16 months on and I'm still giving it a go.

What is your favourite derby moment so far? One of my favourite moments took place on my very first closed bout. I had been with HRG barely 3 months. I was on the inside line and saw the Jammer on the outside line, I shouted across to my team mate who then pushed another blocker in the Jammers way. From what I heard my team bench went wild. It was a perfect example of team work, even better that it was captured in a photo.

My other favourite moments have to be when I'm the Line Up Manager. Although I'm not one of the girls on track scoring the points or doing amazing hits I would like to think that my skills of having a 'Zen' bench is what keeps the girls calm and focused which then helps them play the best they can.

Photo Credit: Questionmark Photography

Which 5 people would you invite to a dinner party and why?

Freddie Mercury - I think he was such a lovely guy with amazing talent. Unfortunately I was a little too young to appreciate his music first time around but I love rocking out to it in the car now. The fact that he is no longer with us, it might be a little tricky inviting him to dinner.
Pink - Somebody who has had an interesting and creative career. I think that she would be a great laugh to have at a dinner party.

Drew Barrymore - Whether it would be just for the cameras, but she looks like so much fun to be around. Everybody needs to have a crazy girly giggle from time to time. Mixed with her crazy childhood she's not your usual girl next door.

Piers Morgan - Just from a nosy point of view. I watch his programme on TV and he has interviewed so many interesting people. Who isn't a little bit nosy ?

 Gordon Ramsay - Plain and simple, it's a dinner party. I like food and I want him to cook it for me !

Elvis and Vegas....how the King’s legacy is preserved in the casino capital of the world

2013-12-05T03:25:00.000-08:00

There will always be a demographic for retro appreciation in any decade you go to. In the ‘70s we had Happy Days, in the ‘90s we had That ‘70s Show, and in the present, we have had various ‘80s throwbacks ranging from neon-colored fashion to The A-Team movie. Every decade has its own set of fads, events, and icons that define it; and for the ‘50s, no one is probably more emblematic of the decade’s spirit than the King himself, Elvis Presley.

The youth of the ‘50s were born into a world where a great war has just been won by the good guys, and the moral fiber of the populace was at an all-time high. It seemed that everything was good with the world, and so the restless teens of the decade were at a loss as to where to direct their angst. That rebellious streak was given an outlet by Elvis through the music phenomenon that is rock ‘n’ roll. Elvis has emphasized anti-pop vocal style, smoldering stare, and trademarked hip gyrations were the foundations of the rock attitude; an attitude that has always stood for going against the grain.

It’s this attitude that has catapulted him to superstardom and preserved his memory throughout the years, most notably in Las Vegas. Although the city was witness to a huge chunk of the singer’s dark days, including lukewarmly received casino shows and failed stints at breaking into Hollywood, the succeeding years have since seen a reevaluation of people’s opinions.

From the many impersonators to Elvis-themed arcade casinos, one would think that the singer was a native of the city. Everywhere you looked, there’s always an Elvis something-or-other around every corner. And if Bet Fair Arcade’s games are any indication, the King’s digital representation has even made it into arcade-themed casino games. Online games like Elvis the King and Elvis: A Little More Action are but two of the myriad titles with Presley’s name and likeness stamped on them.

He started out in jeans and a leather jacket, but when most people think of him, he’s often pictured in tight-fitting overalls with fringes and glitters worthy of the city of glitz and glamour that has since adopted him. From mini-concert performances of people dressed like Elvis to the many arcade games bearing his name, the King will always have a throne in Las Vegas.

Bearlands Brings Christmas Zombear Cheer with a 20% Exclusive Discount!

2013-12-05T03:22:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS ZOMBEARS!

Bakki and I just wanted to thank you all for supporting us at conventions, online and on Facebook throughout 2013. We've had another amazing year culminating with a very successful campaign on Kickstarter for Metal Made Flesh which has just been incredible.

Big things are afoot for 2014 - and they wouldn't be possible without your help.

To show our appreciation we've set up a special discount code on our good friends Retrodec online store just for Subversive subscribers - that's 20% off all comics, necklaces and Zombie Teddy Bears from now until Christmas.

To get your discount on COMICS, SHRUNKEN ZOMBEAR HEAD NECKLACES and TEDDY BEARS, just enter zombiebear (all lower case) at the checkout.

http://www.retrodec.com/category/bearlands

We've also added some brand new bears for you! We hope you like them. See more of our next batch on our new dedicated Zombie Teddy page here:

http://www.facebook.com/ZombieBearsTeds

We hope you have a fantastic Christmas and a wonderful new year from all of us at Subversive.

Jeremy
Subversive Comics
SubversiveComics.com

When Retrodec met HRG Team Zebra's head referee, Big G #205

2013-11-28T02:30:00.000-08:00

Big G #205, Head Referee

Meet Gareth, aka Big G, aka G man, and anything in between!

Hereford Roller Girls Referee, Big G

Hereford Roller Girls couldn't survive without him and their dedicated team of referees and NSOs (Non Skating Officials). HRG's Head Ref Big G is an important part of the team. G trains and oversees the refs, holds a regular rule school for the skaters, keeps everyone playing within the rules, and referees at HRG's bouts, as well as guest reffing at other bouts.

Hereford Roller Girls Referee, Big G

Being a Roller Derby referee is a very tough job. A referee needs to know the rules (all 59 pages), decipher them, and know how to apply them every situation imaginable. Referees are expected to keep up to date with all of the rule changes, and there are plenty! A ref also needs good interpersonal skills to interact with other officials, and the confidence to make penalty calls. It's also hard work physically, refs need to skate for the entire bout.

Team Zebra, Hereford Roller Girls

Despite the work it takes, G loves his role at Hereford Roller Girls, and HRG couldn't do it without him!

Be a part of Metal Made Flesh - An Illustrated Cyberpunk Novella

2013-11-12T15:01:00.000-08:00

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2071877215/metal-made-flesh-an-illustrated-cyberpunk-novella

Welcome to Tuaoni. Last refuge of the human race. Here, under neon skies, 3 mercenaries must fight for survival.

Welcome to Tuaoni - The World of Metal Made Flesh

Welcome to Tuaoni

What is Metal Made Flesh?

After a chance meeting at a convention in 2011, Simeon Aston and Jeremy Biggs have been working together to create the illustrated cyberpunk novella “Metal Made Flesh”: a collection of 3 short stories set in a futuristic world created and illustrated by Aston, and written by Biggs. It details the exploits of 3 mercenaries as they try to survive in the hostile environment on Tuaoni.

Simeon has been working on the project for over 5 years and has amassed an enormous body of work concerning the world - it's a real labour of love for him - and we hope to bring the same passion, dedication and enthusiasm to these three stories.

The, merciless Izobel Vice (Metal)

Izobel Vice (Metal)

The beast Kalibos (Made)

Kalibos (Made)

The cruel, narcissistic Phaeon Nex (Flesh)

Phaeon Nex (Flesh)

Inspired by concept designers and illustrators, Moebius, Syd Mead, H.R. Giger and Masamune Shirow to name but a few, the artwork is an integral part of the story that frees the prose to concentrate on telling a fast paced plot-driven narrative with a heavy dash of satirical social commentary.

If you like Philip K Dick, Bladerunner, Ghost in the Shell, William Gibson or Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror series then you'll find much to like in Metal Made Flesh.

The three stories are entirely self contained origin stories and so can be read separately, but also contain several cross over elements. After Metal Made Flesh is completed we hope to open up the world for future stories where the characters are forced to work together.

Earlier this year we released a trial run of Flesh to rave reviews:

"Gritty, adult sci-fi with few punches pulled... cyberpunk with great hardware" - DJ Food (Strictly Kev) - Ninja Tunes, Solid Steel Radio.

"One amazing sci-fi epic graphic novella... 5/5" - Adrian Mursec Superrobotmayhem.com

"Gripping... If Bladerunner and Judge Dredd are even remotely your thing then Flesh is most definitely up your street and you will not be disappointed." - Richard Cosgrove -Shadowlocked.com

What we intend to do with your support

Earlier this year we released Flesh as a 28 page novella to great reviews online and much interest at comic conventions – but we've not had the resources to be able to release all three stories. We hope to secure enough to produce 3 high quality individual editions. We will also produce two sets of Kickstarter exclusive T-shirts, posters, original artwork as well as producing customised images, including featuring YOU in the series.

A portrait of one of our supporters as a denizen of Tuaoni.

If we exceed our initial goals then we have plans to be able to provide some exciting stretch goals, props and a wide range of additional digital content from ourselves and a team of other highly talented people. In the future, we wish to gather fans and other creative people to contribute to the expansive world we are building.

And we need you to take part to help us achieve this goal.

METAL Tee

Phaeon (Flesh) All Over Tee

Physical Copy of Flesh

Simeon Aston with assorted artwork at London Film and Comic Con (Including home made prop gun)

Simeon Aston and Jeremy Biggs - Images by Oli Lyons

Phaeon Transport Poster

Risks and challengesLearn about accountability on Kickstarter

We will keep you fully informed of progress along the way through blogging here, on youtube as developments arise. With one story already under our belt, we are already a good way through writing and editing the two remaining stories - we just need your help to finish off the project and bring it to a wider audience. Simeon already has a large body of work that he's amassed over 5 years - so we're fairly confident on the production side that we can meet our deadlines.

We have a good relationship with suppliers and guarantees from them for costs to avoid last minute hikes in prices.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2071877215/metal-made-flesh-an-illustrated-cyberpunk-novella

Retrodec meets the Hereford Roller Girls: Van Kell'sing #46

2013-10-18T02:37:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Evan Smith

When Retrodec Met...... Van Kell'sing #46. We are hugely proud to be sponsors of our local roller derby team, the wonderful Hereford Roller Girls. Each week we will be meeting a member of the team to find out what makes them tick and why these Cats are so awesome!

Photo Credit: Evan Smith

How did you chose your name and number? I'm a huge vampire fan so the name Van Kell'sing was a prefect play on the name for the vampire character Van Helsing and also meant I could keep my real name incorporated.

Photo Credit: China Blade

My number choice was easy it's Valentino Rossi's number one of the greatest sports personality of my time.

How did you discover derby? I used to live on roller skates as a child/teen going to roller discos every weekend, so when I saw an ad I was straight on the website booking in. I brought my whole kit after the first session, I was hooked!

What is your favourite roller derby moment so far?

My fave moment so far in the derby world is a tough one there's been so many!! You never really remember or forget your name being called out in your first skate out tho!!

Fresh Meat; The Beautiful Bruising Journey to Derbydom

2013-10-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

My skater name is Treble Maker and I skate with the Horror Bulls, otherwise known as the Hereford Roller Girls. I began roller skating back in the summer of 2012, not that long ago at all, having not “skated” since the Ye Olde Roller Disco days of my youth. I had never even heard of Roller Derby when the coach asked if I fancied trying it. Safe to say, after watching a few YouTube videos I was intrigued…..but TERRIFIED. It took me about a month to work up the guts to attend the first ever Fresh Meat training session. But my oh my am I glad I did. Roller Derby is all kinds of awesome; its fun, its amazing exercise, its a crazy sport, you get to make loads of cool friends and you can actually call yourself an ATHLETE!
However, skating and derby has not come naturally to me and my body has really fought against the changes Derby wants to make to it. If you are prone to injury, even if you don’t know it, Derby will bring it out of you in full force. So that’s why I’ve started this blog; to share everything I learned as Fresh Meat about training, injuries and taking care of yourself whilst embarking on this beautiful bruising journey to Derbydom.
By Treble Maker 909 xx http://rollerderbytraining.co.uk

Retrodec meets the Hereford Roller Girls: Spot O'Bovver #13

2013-10-05T03:54:00.000-07:00

When Retrodec Met...... Spot O'Bovver #13. We are hugely proud to be sponsors of our local roller derby team, the wonderful Hereford Roller Girls. Each week we will be meeting a member of the team to find out what makes them tick and why these Cats are so awesome!

How did you chose your name and number? I already had the nickname Bovs from school so I chose my derby name around that. Spot O'Bovver worked out great because when i was new to skating I had plenty of accidents! I chose the number 13 to see if I could change my bad luck; so far it seems to be working...

What's your favourite Roller Derby Position? At the moment I am happy working on Blocking, the thought of jamming is still a bit terrifying but like most people I think I'd be happy to be able to have a go at both!

How did you discover derby? I was casually flicking through an old Guardian Weekend Magazine and Roisin Roulette from the Birmingham Blitz Dames was featured as the "weekender" in her derby gear. The thought of derby instantly appealed to me and within the hour I'd been on the internet and booked a session with the Herefordshire Roller Skating Club; I knew it was special when I decided to go even though I didn't have a friend to go with - I detest doing things by myself.

Who is your Hero (derby or otherwise)?

My derby hero is hard to chose; every time anyone ever does anything awesome I change my mind! It's hard to pick a non derby hero too, there's just to many people I look up to.

Which 5 people would you invite to a dinner party and why? Most of the people I'd really like to invite are book characters... Otherwise I don't really know; the thought of having dinner with strangers (famous or not) makes me uncomfortable so I'd probably just pick 5 of my lovely team mates or friends at random! :D

Becce Turner takes over as captain of Hereford Roller Girls before game with Kent Knightmares

2013-10-03T06:55:00.001-07:00

With thanks to the Hereford Times for the following article.

HEREFORD Roller Girls will be under new leadership for the coming season. Becce Turner takes over from Dee Montague at the county’s only roller derby club with current vice-captain Victoria Dodd handing over to Kim Wild.

"It was an honour and an amazing experience," said Montague who, as captain, sat on the board of directors, took part in coaching and team selection and kept the team motivated throughout the season.

"I am very proud to have been part of the Horror Bulls' rise. Bex is going to do a fantastic job, and I'm really excited for next season." Turner will use her time as captain to become a positive role model for the team.

"My five-year-old daughter, Cerys, is my inspiration for what a good role model should be aiming for and I look to her to keep me on the right track,” she said. “She looks at the roller girls, and admires them for who they are because they are real women. She cried when I told her I was captain."

There is a chance for male skaters to join a new men-only team. Training will take place on Monday evenings 6pm to 7.30pm, starting on October 14, at Weobley High School, and are open to all men over 18. Skaters will need their own quad roller skates, and safety equipment, knee and elbow pads, wrist guards and helmets, and a mouth guard.

Spaces are limited, email hereford.rollergirls@gmail.com for more information or to book a space. Anyone interested in joining HRG's women's team, or becoming a referee, can e-mail for details of the next recruitment intake.

Hereford Roller Girls’ competing team the 'Horror Bulls' are in action against Kent's Knightmares on Sunday at Hereford Leisure Centre.

Visit herefordrollergirls.co.uk for tickets. The doors open at 12.30pm and a warm up game will take place before the main bout, featuring mixed teams from around the country.

We are SO excited to be selling at Scardiff Horror Expo 2013!

2013-09-12T02:40:00.003-07:00

SCARdiff is a brand new horror expo co-produced by Fantasy Events, horror author Wayne Simmons and Shock Horror Magazine. This is a one day event taking place at the Mercure Holland Hotel Cardiff on Sunday 27th October 2013

This will be a multi channel fan event featuring writers, publishers, comic book artists, actors, special effects artists and directors. The format will be interactive with workshops, Q&A panels and film screenings throughout the day. Confirmed guests so far include Dominic Brunt and Joanne Mitchell (BEFORE DAWN), bestselling horror author David Moody (AUTUMN, HATER), comic-book artist and colourist John HIggins (RAZORJACK, WATCHMEN) and director Simeon Halligan (SPLINTERED).

There will be a number of EXpo EXclusive launches.

The SCARdiff Shorts Showcase is curated by writer, critic and journalist, Colin McCracken. Founder and editor of the leading genre website, zombiehamster.com, and regular contributor to the print publications RUE MORGUE, DIABOLIQUE, SHOCK HORROR and more, Colin will also be hosting several Q&As at the event.

For our fabulous Halloween gift ideas and jewellery, visit Retrodec!

TICKET UPDATE!

Owing to demand we are making SCARDIFF 2013 an ALL TICKET EVENT (as we do with the regular Comic Expo)…So the only way to guarantee entry is to pre-book your tickets, and to make that a devilisly great deal we are extending the special price of JUST £6.66 until September…..that also means you get 1st dibs on the freebies!

We will make only a small amount available on the door – at £8.00, but please note there will be, as with Comic Expo, around a 30min delay as we process all the pre-booked holders first….& you could miss the Opening Ceremony, which is looking like a must see event!

To purchase just click on the ticket link…. and save a scary amount on money

30 unique and must see photos from our past.

2013-08-09T17:38:00.000-07:00

Photographs have long been used to record special and unique moments – birthdays, weddings and the occasional selfie are all commonplace. But these next 30 photographs go beyond the norm – they encapsulate the mood, tone and values of yesteryear, a compelling account of the evolution of our values if you will.

From landmarks in history, strange feats of physical endurance through to peculiar devices & oddball characters we hope this series of images will astound, confound and enthrall you.

1. Unpacking the Head of the Statue of Liberty delivered June 17, 1885

2. The hippo belonged to a circus and apparently enjoyed pulling the cart as a trick 1924

3. Charlie Chaplin in 1916 at the age of 27

4. Annie Edison Taylor (1838-1921), the first person to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel in 1901.

5. Sharing bananas with a goat during the Battle of Saipan, ca. 1944

6. Advertisement for Atabrine, an anti-malaria drug. Papua, New Guinea during WWII

7. Artificial legs, United Kingdom, ca. 1890

8. 1920′s lifeguard

9. Bookstore ruined by an air raid, London 1940

10. Testing new bulletproof vests, 1923

11. Suntan vending machine, 1949

12. A space chimp poses for the camera after a successful mission to space in 1961

13. Unknown soldier in Vietnam, 1965

14. Little girl comforting her doll in the ruins of her bomb damaged home, London, 1940

15. Illegal alcohol being poured out during Prohibition, Detroit 1929

16. Austrian boy receives new shoes during WWII

17. Construction of the Berlin wall, 1961

18. Animals being used as a part of medical therapy in 1956

19. Hitler’s officers and cadets celebrating Christmas, 1941

20. Children eating their Christmas dinner during the Great Depression: turnips and cabbage

21. The real Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin, ca. 1927

22. Abraham Lincoln’s hearse, 1865

23. A most beautiful suicide – 23 year old Evelyn McHale leapt to her death from an observation deck (83rd floor) of the Empire State Building, May 1, 1947. She landed on a United Nations limousine…

24. A mom and her son watch the mushroom cloud after an atomic test 75 miles away, Las Vegas, 1953

25. A penniless mother hides her face in shame after putting her children up for sale, Chicago, 1948

26. Annette Kellerman promoted women’s right to wear a fitted one-piece bathing suit, 1907… She was arrested for indecency.

27. Martin Luther King Jr. with his son by his side removing a burnt cross from his front yard, 1960

28. Walter Yeo, one of the first people to undergo advanced plastic surgery & a skin transplant.

29. Princeton students after a freshman vs. sophomores snowball fight in 1893

30. Melted and damaged mannequins after a fire at Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum in London, 1930

Via CavemanCircus

Coco Fierce: I See Dead People

2013-07-09T02:50:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Ishootpeople

If you step into my home there is no doubt that I have a bit of a fascination with skulls. From paintings to rugs, candlesticks to ornaments, my home is a shrine to this macabre gem. I even have a pink glittery skull on top of my Christmas tree and have at least five tattooed on me. But it seems that I am not the only person who has this passion as skull fever has hit the high street and the mainstream in a ginormous way.

Photo Credit: Ishootpeople

Time was that if you were in a bar wearing a t-shirt with a skull on, you almost certainly had bad teeth, long hair and were perennially single. Now all the cool kids wear skulls. They adorn everything. Even toilet seats and shower curtains are not exempt. So what has caused this avalanche of skully popularity?

One word…celebs.

A few years ago, skull and crossbones hit Hollywood in a big way. A-listers like Rihanna, Katy Perry and Paris Hilton were rarely seen in public without their crystal encrusted skull loafers or Alexander McQueen silk scarf. Of course, the trend has spilled over into the UK. Now it seems like a day doesn't go by where some tacky soap actress or reality TV ‘star’ isn't falling out of a London nightclub wearing something emblazoned with a skull. To be honest it kind of sucks.

Photo Credit: Ishootpeople

For me, skulls were always a symbol of my otherness; a really visible sign that I was alternative. Now it seems like I am just another person following a trend: a really depressing thought for somebody who hates to blend in.

So imagine my joy and surprise when I realised that skulls are not quite as mainstream as I anticipated. During an episode of The Apprentice, one of the teams came up with a meal idea that was emblazoned with a skull, on a recent marketing task. I actually loved it, but marketing executives and members of the public slated it, saying that it was too geared towards Halloween.

So there you have it. Skulls are still cool and really show off my alternative style. Even if the sight of Gwyneth Paltrow, walking her ridiculously named children, wearing a skull scarf round her neck does make me see red.

Written by Coco Fierce for Retrodec

Gnombies, the Zombie Gnomes come to Retrodec!

2013-07-06T01:15:00.003-07:00

Summer is finally here and the UK is amid a long awaited and well deserved HEATWAVE! If, like us, you plan on spending as much time as possible outdoors then we have the perfect idea to vamp up your garden:

GNOMBIES!

Retrodec loves these infected ornaments which will have your friendly garden gnomes running for cover. Made from hand crafted terracotta and weather-resistant paint, the Zombie Gnome will brave the elements to protect your back garden from intruders.

http://www.retrodec.com/product/zombie_gnome

Don't get too close!

- Handcrafted terracotta
- Weather resistant paint

- Measures: 28.5 x 10 x 11.5cm

Retrodec meets the Hereford Roller Girls: Treble Maker 909

2013-07-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Evan Smith

When Retrodec Met...... Treble Maker #909. We are hugely proud to be sponsors of our local roller derby team, the wonderful Hereford Roller Girls. Each week we will be meeting a member of the team to find out what makes them tick and why these Cats are so awesome!

How did you chose your name and number? I really love music, from Calvin Harris to Jimi Hendrix, so I wanted something that reflected that. I wanted something that was funny and mean and went through about a million names before I decided on Treble Maker. I'd chosen the name before I saw the film Pitch Perfect so was MORTIFIED when the male acapella group were called the Treble Makers! But now I'm stuck with it so have to make it mine.

Photo Credit: Evan Smith

My number - 909 - represents my love for House music. Proper music nerds will know that the 909 is a drum machine and it's used in many of my favourite tracks. It creates the percussion that makes it impossible not to dance, which is good because dancing until the sun comes up is my second favourite thing to do (after derby). 909 is also a little tribute to my lovely boyfriend as he is a superstar music producer in the making. Awwwwww. <3

(Cue people wanting to puke!)

Photo Credit: Simon Jones

What's your favourite Roller Derby Position? I'm still a bit of a n00b so I'm still learning and improving and increasing my fitness, but I'd have to say I'm mostly a blocker. At our last home bout, I felt as though I was doing some AWESOME positional blocking and being able to feel a jammer stuck to my butt constantly was such a buzz!! You could even say I could easily have a second career in lap dancing ;)

Photo Credit: Evan Smith

I've been Jammer in practices recently, and breaking through the pack, getting lead jammer and scoring points is addictive! It'd definitely something I want to improve on and hopefully jam for our team one day.

How did you discover derby? As were many of the other girls on the team, I was approached by our coach Eve. L Hart at the Hereford Roller Skating Club. I had no idea what roller derby was so had to Google it! The sport looked amazing, I loved the alternative-ness of it and how tough it seemed, the fact that you didn't have to be "sporty" to join and you got to wear hot pants and fish nets all whilst bashing the crap out of each other! The women looked bad ass and the sport looked mean so it took me a few weeks to work up the courage to try it out, but I am EXTREMELY glad I did.

Photo Credit: Simon Jones

Who is your Hero (derby or otherwise)?

I have to say my entire team are my heroes. Each of them had the guts to give derby a go and they all push themselves to get better. Everyone puts in 10000% even when times are tough. I love how none of them are afraid to be themselves, everyone is lovely and unique and funny and weird and tattooed and shaven-headed and crazy and AWESOME!

Which 5 people would you invite to a dinner party and why? (This question is so difficult! I could think of 50 people)

Photo Credit: Evan Smith

My step-nan June - She died a fair few years ago and was always my biggest cheerleader. She was another amazing crazy person and she would be so proud to see me kicking ass! I think she would have been the loudest person screaming in the crowd, alongside my mum.
Jimi Hendrix - He was my absolute idol as a teenager growing up and I used to listen to his music on repeat. I'd ask him to play The Wind Cries Mary for me and then try and snog him! :)

Micky Flanagan - Purely for the LOLZ and he could talk about the ambience! (Could easily be replaced by Sarah Millican, Jon Richardson or Sean Lock however.)

Neil deGrasse Tyson - He's a science geek and astrophysicist nerd and he could probably explain quantum theory to me in a way that didn't cause my brain to explode.


Annie Nightingale - The Original Female DJ STILL rocking the decks and the airwaves even though she sounds like she wears dentures - inspiring.. I bet she'd have some wicked after-party tales! 





(I have a reserve list of guests that include Prince, Jonny Depp, Dawn O'Porter, Angelina Jolie, Calvin Harris plus many many more...)

Bye Bye Job. My neck is tattooed...........

2013-06-25T02:50:00.000-07:00

"I don't exactly blend in but that's fine by me"

I may be classified as alternative, but unlike Coco, I'm not a mum. Nonetheless, her article about being an alternative mum got me thinking. People have a fair amount to stare at with me. With the tattoos, bright red hair-do and piercings regularly on show, I don't exactly blend in, but that's fine by me.

As I work in Camden, this attention is often not directed at me, being somewhat tame in comparison to what can be seen there, but that doesn't stop the journey to and fro being stare free. With a penchant for 3/4 length trousers and a good proportion of tattoos adorning my legs, in this society, I'm doing it to myself. In reality, I don't mind.

Some people are interested, intrigued, or just appreciate art work they wouldn't dare wear on their skin. Some people flat out stare. It used to make me uncomfortable, now it's turned into my own personal game of catching them "in the act", and in turn making them feel a little on the awkward side. Only a small minority are downright rude, questioning, assuming I must be a bum with no future. Luckily for me, my other half is an imposing 6'5, and not a lanky version of that either, so it's not often the case if he's around, though I despise the fact that without him I am at times considered fair game. It shouldn't be the case, but I'm used to it. Though a lot of my tattoos were spur of the moment, the ones considered "job repellers", such as my hands and my neck were thought through. I have a job, a good one at that, and my tattoos have not affected getting it, nor have they stopped me being promoted.

Shockingly, being tattooed hasn't affected my ability to do my job. The most surprising attack on my choices, in this case it was the tattoos on my pinkies (which are, btw, quite small and subtle) came from someone with a full sleeve. You'd think we'd all stick together... With the level of tattoos I have, there are certain jobs I wouldn't be able to have, but I'm old enough to know that those aren't jobs I want, I made a conscious decision, and the only one that needs to be ok with that, is me.

By Nicky Sefke for Retrodec

Retrodec meets the Hereford Roller Girls: Team Coach Becce Turner #81

2013-06-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Jes Warrington / Gore Jes 24/7

When Retrodec Met...... team coach Becce Turner #81 (formerly No Bexcuses). We are hugely proud to be sponsors of our local roller derby team, the wonderful Hereford Roller Girls. Each week we will be meeting a member of the team to find out what makes them tick and why these Cats are so awesome!

Photo Credit: Questionmark Photography

How did you chose your name and number? I chose my number, because #81 was the year I was born. My birthday is the 17th April.... so yes I could have had #17 or #04, but many great things happened in 1981. It was the year researchers found the wreck of the Titanic in the North Atlantic... Muhammad Ali finally retired with a career record of 55 wins and 5 defeats, and the first London marathon was run in England. Americans made it possible for the first American test-tube baby, MTV was launched... 1981 was when the internet was first mentioned when IBM released the original 5150 IBM PC.

Photo Credit: Graydon Radford

"I wear #81 with awesomeness!"

Therefore 1981 was an awesome year, a year that started trends, set foundations, and put an end to some unforgivable acts.  I wear #81 with awesomeness!

What's your favourite Roller Derby Position? My favourite position in derby would be both blocking and jamming. I love blocking and keeping control of the pack, and planning the next tactic, but I also love the adrenaline rush of breaking through a wall and exploding out the pack racing around collecting points for the team. The jammers are always the teams highlight because they collect the points, but without her blockers making holes and hitting blockers down then she couldn't get through without them.

Photo Credit: Questionmark Photography

How did you discover derby? I discovered derby through the skate club, and I only found the skate club because I was the site manager for the cleaning company where the sessions were being held. Although I have always skated as a kid, making ramps and jumping them on my skates hanging off the back of my brothers BMX.

Photo Credit: Simon Jones

What's you favourite derby moment so far (your own, or one you've seen)? My favourite derby moment so far has got to be when we played Evolution Roller Girls for the second time..... I was the only blocker left on track, and they had a power jam, so Evo were doing the whole outside wall thing..... I had knocked their jammer off the track, and took her back down the track ready to do it all again.

Who is your Hero (derby or otherwise)?

Photo Credit: Anna Tuck

My hero? hmmmm..... I guess from the beginning derby wise, that has always been our very own Eve.L Hart ....... she started us out, and during drills I would always be trying to play it just like Eve.L (#21) or better still against her, cos at least then you know you were gonna get good lol..... but seriously a hero? or someone you would like to be? if I could block like our #247 Gore Jes, have nice long legs like #59 Wild for jamming, Hughes #1933 knowledge of the game, #842 Minxy's Facebook derby friends list, #46 Van Kell'sings permanent smile, Bo Spangles #453 bubbly personality, Treblemaker's #909 determination, Toxic Toad's #414 kind heart, Bruises #49 beauty, D'Manding's (#511) wit, Nurse Venom's (#91) amazing dancing skillz, Kelly P Cruz (#4) observation skills and Quaddie's (#16), just sheer captainess, then I would be even more awesome then I am now lol.

Which 5 people would you invite to a dinner party and why?

Definitely Adam Sandler, he has gotta be the most funniest person that I personally DON'T know.
Simon Cowell... I know he's old but mmmm

Steven Spielberg coz whenever he's around there's always aliens.

Ellen Page... could you imagine the laughs you would have with her and Adam Sandler!

Wentworth Miller from Prison Break, coz if all this lot were boring and ruining my party, he would find me a way to get out of it.

Photo Credit: Graydon Radford

* BUT if none of them could make it coz they were too busy then I would settle for any of the Horror Bulls!

5 Divine Retro Travel Adverts for the South Pacific

2013-06-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

With thanks to www.jaunted.com

When we mention the South Pacific, what comes to mind? Palm trees swaying in the trade winds Yep. Crystal blue waters prime for snorkelling paddle-boarding and, overall, chill-axing You've got it! Locals who are so freaking friendly, you might make plans to stay a little longer? For sure. The region is synonymous with island paradise and far-flung travel, but this is hardly a new development.

Here, a compilation of the finest retro travel ads we've yet to come across for the South Pacific. Be forewarned that these might prompt you to book a trip to Tahiti or Fiji!

South Pacific: Pan Am wanted to send passengers on the ultimate tropical vacation with island hopping around the region.

[Photo: Zazzle]

Tahiti: The French Polynesian island group has long been the ultimate destination for tropical islands, and how can you beat that glam swimsuit?

[Photo: Zazzle]

Fiji: We're fans of Fiji after a trip to the islands celebrating their newest planes; here's an ad from well before our visit.

[Photo: Retro Planet]

Samoa: Estimated at 3,000 years in age, the grouping of 10 islands are home to fire dancing and warrior tattoos.

[Photo: All Posters]

Easter Island: Rapa Nui, to use the native name for the island, is actually a territory of Chile, but rest assured that it's actually in the middle of the South Pacific and well on our list of faves.

[Photo: All Posters]

Retrodec meets the Hereford Roller Girls: Team Captain Quaddie Foul-Her #16

2013-06-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Jes Warrington / Gore Jes 24/7

When Retrodec Met...... team captain Quaddie Foul-Her #16 ! We are hugely proud to be sponsors of our local roller derby team, the wonderful Hereford Roller Girls. Each week we will be meeting a member of the team to find out what makes them tick and why these Cats are so awesome!

Photo Credit: Questionmark Photography

How did you chose your name and number? Before roller derby I was a huge Liverpool FC fan, so my name is a tribute to God...aka Robbie Fowler. I pretty much hate modern football, but will always be an LFC fan. My number is the date of both my late brother's and my birthday, so is therefore my favourite number in the world.

What's your favourite Roller Derby Position? My favourite position is blocker. I like positional blocking, but have been working on the bashy bits as well of late! I love blocking. I used to want to jam too - which I may still work on in the future - but for now, I am really happy developing my blocking skills and becoming stronger and harder.

How did you discover derby? I came across the local roller skating club (Herefordshire Roller Skating Club) on Facebook and went along to a session, despite not having skated in about 20 years. I fell over a lot and at the end very shyly asked Zoe if she would be starting a roller derby team as I wanted to do it. Zoe, who I would later come to know as Eve L. Hart, seemed delighted and introduced me to the world of pain, alter egos, and awesomeness.

Photo Credit: Questionmark Photography

What's you favourite derby moment so far (your own, or one you've seen)? My own so far would have to be being awarded the role of Captain for the Horror Bulls. It's by far my proudest achievement in life! In terms of playing, it was in our last bout. I gave it everything and didn't get sent to the penalty box once!

Photo Credit: Questionmark Photography

Who is your Hero (derby or otherwise)? I have many heroes. Derby wise, every single person involved with Hereford Roller Girls is a hero to me, especially Eve for introducing me to it and changing my life! I have a lot of love for Kid Block, too. Outside of derby, Josie Pearson is my sporting hero. Robbie Fowler will always be a legend, too!

Which 5 people would you invite to a dinner party and why?

Photo Credit: Jes Warrington / Gore Jes 24/7

Anne Williams, who taught me more about life, dignity and determination than any text book could have. She died earlier this year after 24 years of fighting for justice for her son, Kevin, who died at Hillsborough.
Lisa Lynch, who has been on my dinner party list since I read her book, The C Word. She lost her battle with cancer in March, having written about it for a number of years brilliantly and with fantastic dark humour.
I'd invite my big brother, because we could talk about Star Wars and Super Mario, listen to great music and have an eating competition.
I'd invite my boyfriend, Osh. He's one of my favourite people on earth. He could play songs on the guitar and the piano, and sing to us all.
Finally I'd invite my Mum, as she's my biggest hero of all.

What have you learnt from playing derby?

Photo Credit: Jes Warrington / Gore Jes 24/7

"I have learnt not to give up, no matter how challenging life becomes. I have become stronger, wiser and happier. I love that strong women, of all shapes and sizes, can excel at the sport. I love that I can be myself and not expected to change. I love that in roller derby, feminism isn't a dirty word. I love everything about it!"

Quaddie Foul-Her/Dee Montague

Great and Gruesome. BEARLANDS, The Zombie Bears Comic is out now!

2013-06-05T04:24:00.000-07:00

"In a Post Apocalyptic world, populated by hordes of The undead, one bad ass bear is out for revenge........"

Bearlands (The Zombie Bears comic) is a dystopian comic set in the aftermath of the Zombear Apocalypse. It follows the tribulations of our hero - "the-bear-with-no-name" as he attempts to find his lost family and the bear responsible for the apocalypse, as well as a host of other outlaws, mad prophets, cyborgs and Mad-Max style anarchists. It has been described by one critic as:


"The Care Bears meets the Walking Dead"




Written and published by the splendidly creative Jeremy Biggs through his Imprint, Subversive Comics, Bearlands also features the incredible artwork of one time catwalk model turned mangaka based in Thailand called Bakki who brings a colourful, lurid clash of East and West to the panels.  This exciting collaboration is showcasing a cuddly twist on the Zombie Horror Genre leaving us at Retrodec drooling in anticipation of Issue 3!




Bearlands has been showcasing recently and the reception so far has been excellent.  In fact Biggs is chatting with "some top level boffins" within the comics world to bring it to a larger audience in the near future!




We are in Love with this Undead Ted!




Click on the image above to see the merchandise!



For more information you can visit the website here: www.subversivecomics.com or find them on Facebook







The Bear With No Name

Coco Fierce tells Retrodec why teens and tattoos don't mix.

2013-06-02T02:42:00.000-07:00

Photographer: Phil Mairs, Rings by Hootie McBoutique,
Hair Clip by Pixel Princess, MUA: NVY Designs

Teens and tattoos do not mix in my opinion. Or they certainly shouldn't do. But increasingly I am coming across under 16s with quite a large amount of ink. Now I am not a hypocrite…I too, in a fit of teenage rebellion, went along to my local tattoo artist with a fake ID, lashings of eye liner and Wonderbra on and conned my way into getting a small butterfly on my shoulder. But the moral of the story is this; I had this horrible tramp-stamp covered up with a larger back piece in my late 20s. I just wasn't mature enough and did not know enough about my own style to make an informed decision! Now tattoo regulations are even more stringent and if in doubt of a client’s age, reputable studios want to see a passport or driver’s licence, so increasingly young people who have watched an episode of LA Ink and fancy themselves a bit of a Kat Von Dee type, will go to illegal scratchers to get their quick fix. But we all know this leads to poor quality work and possible risks of diseases and infections.

All of my tattoos (and there are many!) have spent ages being planned in the drawing board of my mind. They start off as a general idea and then metamorphoses into reality when I have done research on the style and best artist to do the piece justice. This can take months or even years, so that when I finally get the piece, it is made all the more special by the time and the effort which has been put into it. Yesterday I was lucky to start work on one of these projects that I have been planning for over ten years.

I agree that getting names or band related tattoos can be a little risky; after all I did once have an obsession with Hanson! However, after being a massive fan of The Smiths for most of my life I thought the time had finally come to produce a lasting tribute to them.

After scouring the internet to have a look what other fans had done, it became apparent that pretty much every aspect of the band – from lyrics through to portraits - had been immortalised through ink. Never one to follow the crowd, I knew that my tattoo would need to be something quite special to stand out. So I enlisted the skills of illustrator extraordinaire Amy Napper, from The Decadent Decline, to design something completely original.

After giving her the names of some of my favourite songs, Amy sketched out the most beautiful artwork filled with a stunning Morrissey cameo and littered with macabre details and lavish bead-work and peacock feathers. I was blown away and intend to frame the original piece and treasure it after my work is complete. Although all of Amy’s designs are done with pen and ink, the colours on it were so lush that I had to really choose my tattoo artist carefully to capture the splendour of the original piece.

Luckily Scott Scholes of Just Ink in Bolton is carving out quite a reputation for bright colourful, iconic pieces so I was happy to entrust my labour of love to him. So yesterday, while the sun was shining I was sitting for six hours finally having my crazy idea laid down.

But this is only the start as all of the fabulous detail and vibrant Quantum Ink colours will be done in later sittings. It has been so incredible to see the amazing design by Amy come to life and has created the true spirit of collaboration between creative people that I really encourage and adore.

Choosing a tattoo should be a hard decision. After all is not a pair of shoes that can be resold on Ebay or discarded when tastes change. It is for life. Perhaps something that teens who are graffitied with impulsive ink need to realise.......

This is NOT one of Coco Fierce's tattoos!

Do you agree with Coco Fierce that Teens and Tattoos don't mix? Let us know your opinions or experiences in the comments below. Or are you a teen with a spectacular tattoo? We would love to see it x

With Thanks to:
Photographer: AHT Photography

Tattoos by Just Ink Tattoo Studio, Bolton,

Vest Top by Insanity Clothing

Headscarves by Glampire
Accessories, original design by Decadent Decline,

Ink by Quantum Ink.