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“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!
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| We are in Love with this Undead Ted! |
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| Click on the image above to see the merchandise! |
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| The Bear With No Name |
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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…….
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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. |
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When Retrodec Met…… Gore Jes 24/7! 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? Someone else suggested my name, well a variation of it, but Gore Jes seemed nice and simple and catchy so I went with it and really love it. My number is 24/7 which is my Birthday, 24th July, it seemed perfect alongside Gore Jes.
What’s your favourite Roller Derby Position? My favourite derby position so far is blocking, mainly on the inside line, I feel I can see all that is going on, keep the pack well informed of the jammer’s position and stick firmly to the line to give the jammer no opportunity to pass. I would like to think that with time, I will be able to build on my confidence as a jammer and enjoy that too.
How did you discover derby? I came about derby through a work colleague, actually, Eve L Hart (Zoe Butler), the founder of Hereford Roller Girls, I told her how much I enjoyed skating, she said I should come and try it and eventually (possibly 2 years later) I did try it, maybe a little reluctantly to begin with, but a couple of sessions later I fell in love with derby.
What’s you favourite derby moment so far (your own, or one you’ve seen)? My favourite derby moments so far have been winning Best Blocker awards, that recognition does a lot for a derby girls confidence and it gives me the boost I need to work the hardest I can at what I do.
What is the best thing about Roller Derby? Derby has been life changing for me, never have I felt so ‘part of something’, it gives me the break I need from university, work and motherhood. Everyone involved in Hereford Roller Girls have become my second family and the last year has been full of so many exciting times that I’m so pleased I got to share with them. The time and money put into my Roller Derby lifestyle really is well spent :)
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When Retrodec Met…… Gore Jes 24/7! 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? Someone else suggested my name, well a variation of it, but Gore Jes seemed nice and simple and catchy so I went with it and really love it. My number is 24/7 which is my Birthday, 24th July, it seemed perfect alongside Gore Jes.
What’s your favourite Roller Derby Position? My favourite derby position so far is blocking, mainly on the inside line, I feel I can see all that is going on, keep the pack well informed of the jammer’s position and stick firmly to the line to give the jammer no opportunity to pass. I would like to think that with time, I will be able to build on my confidence as a jammer and enjoy that too.
How did you discover derby? I came about derby through a work colleague, actually, Eve L Hart (Zoe Butler), the founder of Hereford Roller Girls, I told her how much I enjoyed skating, she said I should come and try it and eventually (possibly 2 years later) I did try it, maybe a little reluctantly to begin with, but a couple of sessions later I fell in love with derby.
What’s you favourite derby moment so far (your own, or one you’ve seen)? My favourite derby moments so far have been winning Best Blocker awards, that recognition does a lot for a derby girls confidence and it gives me the boost I need to work the hardest I can at what I do.
What is the best thing about Roller Derby? Derby has been life changing for me, never have I felt so ‘part of something’, it gives me the break I need from university, work and motherhood. Everyone involved in Hereford Roller Girls have become my second family and the last year has been full of so many exciting times that I’m so pleased I got to share with them. The time and money put into my Roller Derby lifestyle really is well spent :)
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When Retrodec Met…… Toxic Toad 414! 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? Not a very exciting reason just that I have always loved frogs and toads, and wanted something that was relevant to me, the “Toxic” part just sounded right for derby. 414 was chosen because it was the name of one of my favourite clubs in London.
What’s your favourite Roller Derby Position? I love being a pivot/blocker but also would like to try my hand at jamming in the future, I just need to build my skills and confidence.
How did you discover derby? The wonderful Eve, (team Captain) I’d never heard of it until I joined Herefordshire Roller Skating club!
What’s you favourite derby moment so far (your own, or one you’ve seen)? This is a tough one, I’ve seen so many bouts with so many amazing roller girls that inspire me, but I think our first away bout against Evolution is up there, I managed to control my nerves and loved every minute of it, (and we won!)
Who is your Hero (derby or otherwise)? Francey Pants from Denver Roller Dolls is an awesome jammer, and her skating skills are out of this world, closer to home it has to be Kamikaze Kitten, she rocks!
Name 5 people would you invite to a dinner party and why?
1) Pablo Picasso
2) David Attenborough
3) Jason Spaceman
5) My husband
They represent all the things in life that I love!
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When Retrodec Met…… Toxic Toad 414! 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? Not a very exciting reason just that I have always loved frogs and toads, and wanted something that was relevant to me, the “Toxic” part just sounded right for derby. 414 was chosen because it was the name of one of my favourite clubs in London.
What’s your favourite Roller Derby Position? I love being a pivot/blocker but also would like to try my hand at jamming in the future, I just need to build my skills and confidence.
How did you discover derby? The wonderful Eve, (team Captain) I’d never heard of it until I joined Herefordshire Roller Skating club!
What’s you favourite derby moment so far (your own, or one you’ve seen)? This is a tough one, I’ve seen so many bouts with so many amazing roller girls that inspire me, but I think our first away bout against Evolution is up there, I managed to control my nerves and loved every minute of it, (and we won!)
Who is your Hero (derby or otherwise)? Francey Pants from Denver Roller Dolls is an awesome jammer, and her skating skills are out of this world, closer to home it has to be Kamikaze Kitten, she rocks!
Name 5 people would you invite to a dinner party and why?
1) Pablo Picasso
2) David Attenborough
3) Jason Spaceman
5) My husband
They represent all the things in life that I love!
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Coco Fierce does it again! This model Lady is like an exotic chameleon, reinventing herself time after time, and always to outstanding effect!
You can see some of her previous incarnations for Retrodec by clicking on the “Coco Fierce” tag below this post.
We were thrilled (as ever) when she agreed to model our humble little Howlite Skull bracelets. We were ecstatic to see the finished photographs (courtesy of Dave Walker Photography) and they looked brilliant with the adorable candy coloured acrylic nail extensions with contrasting tips by 100% Glamour.
To celebrate we are offering these funky bracelets for sale at half price! They are available in natural bone finish, black, rainbow and also a flat skull version. Proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to look jolly splendid; you can find them here on the Retrodec website.
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Coco Fierce does it again! This model Lady is like an exotic chameleon, reinventing herself time after time, and always to outstanding effect!
You can see some of her previous incarnations for Retrodec by clicking on the “Coco Fierce” tag below this post.
We were thrilled (as ever) when she agreed to model our humble little Howlite Skull bracelets. We were ecstatic to see the finished photographs (courtesy of Dave Walker Photography) and they looked brilliant with the adorable candy coloured acrylic nail extensions with contrasting tips by 100% Glamour.
To celebrate we are offering these funky bracelets for sale at half price! They are available in natural bone finish, black, rainbow and also a flat skull version. Proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to look jolly splendid; you can find them here on the Retrodec website.
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:
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.
When Retrodec Met…… Gore Jes 24/7! 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 PhotographyHow did you chose your name and number? Someone else suggested my name, well a variation of it, but Gore Jes seemed nice and simple and catchy so I went with it and really love it. My number is 24/7 which is my Birthday, 24th July, it seemed perfect alongside Gore Jes.What’s your favourite Roller Derby Position? My favourite derby position so far is blocking, mainly on the inside line, I feel I can see all that is going on, keep the pack well informed of the jammer’s position and stick firmly to the line to give the jammer no opportunity to pass. I would like to think that with time, I will be able to build on my confidence as a jammer and enjoy that too.
How did you discover derby? I came about derby through a work colleague, actually, Eve L Hart (Zoe Butler), the founder of Hereford Roller Girls, I told her how much I enjoyed skating, she said I should come and try it and eventually (possibly 2 years later) I did try it, maybe a little reluctantly to begin with, but a couple of sessions later I fell in love with derby.What’s you favourite derby moment so far (your own, or one you’ve seen)? My favourite derby moments so far have been winning Best Blocker awards, that recognition does a lot for a derby girls confidence and it gives me the boost I need to work the hardest I can at what I do.
What is the best thing about Roller Derby? Derby has been life changing for me, never have I felt so ‘part of something’, it gives me the break I need from university, work and motherhood. Everyone involved in Hereford Roller Girls have become my second family and the last year has been full of so many exciting times that I’m so pleased I got to share with them. The time and money put into my Roller Derby lifestyle really is well spent :)
When Retrodec Met…… Toxic Toad 414! 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? Not a very exciting reason just that I have always loved frogs and toads, and wanted something that was relevant to me, the “Toxic” part just sounded right for derby. 414 was chosen because it was the name of one of my favourite clubs in London.What’s your favourite Roller Derby Position? I love being a pivot/blocker but also would like to try my hand at jamming in the future, I just need to build my skills and confidence.
Coco Fierce does it again! This model Lady is like an exotic chameleon, reinventing herself time after time, and always to outstanding effect!You can see some of her previous incarnations for Retrodec by clicking on the “Coco Fierce” tag below this post.We were thrilled (as ever) when she agreed to model our humble little Howlite Skull bracelets. We were ecstatic to see the finished photographs (courtesy of Dave Walker Photography) and they looked brilliant with the adorable candy coloured acrylic nail extensions with contrasting tips by 100% Glamour.To celebrate we are offering these funky bracelets for sale at half price! They are available in natural bone finish, black, rainbow and also a flat skull version. Proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to look jolly splendid; you can find them here on the Retrodec website.
Photos by Dave Walker Photography, make up by Lyndsey Jayne Sherratt, latex by Lady Allura’s Latex, necklace by Hootie Mcboutique, bracelets by Retrodec, Retro and Vintage Lifestyle & Interiors, hats byTashy-Doll’s Hats and nails by 100% glamour
