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Sphinx Comics #2: Tales From The Sphinx
John Thompson gives us one of the most lavishly illustrated comix from the underground era with Tales From the Sphinx.
The book begins with "These Forces of hGwa," a 22-page historical opus that mostly takes place in ancient Egypt and involves a Tibetan shaman, an Egyptian king, and super-intelligent aliens from the galaxy Andromeda.
Also included are "Eight Drawings", which actually number ten, finely detailed full-page illustrations by Thompson.
The book begins with "These Forces of hGwa," a 22-page historical opus that mostly takes place in ancient Egypt and involves a Tibetan shaman, an Egyptian king, and super-intelligent aliens from the galaxy Andromeda.
Also included are "Eight Drawings", which actually number ten, finely detailed full-page illustrations by Thompson.
36 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1972
About the author
John Thompson
990 books33 followersBorn in the Midlands during the 1930’s, then brought up from modest beginnings in the South of England, the author was shocked to discover at the age of 43, during a divorce and custody battle for his children, that he was adopted at birth. He decided to search for his natural parents, which led to an entirely new and wealthy family with an inspiring 700 year old history. The next thirty years were an incredible journey covering every emotion from excitement, joy, sadness and despair, including an extraordinary number of unusual coincidences and a series of lucky breaks.
Before his retirement he pursued a stimulating career as a chartered civil engineer, managing multi-million pound projects in the UK. A keen sportsman all his life, he is also passionate about travelling, history, music, and meeting people.
Before his retirement he pursued a stimulating career as a chartered civil engineer, managing multi-million pound projects in the UK. A keen sportsman all his life, he is also passionate about travelling, history, music, and meeting people.
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February 2, 2025
Sphinx Comics #2
Also known as "Tales From the Sphinx", John Thompson's most ambitious work in comics features a gorgeous locus of mythology and science fiction, rendered by his intricately composed panels. In 1972, Sphinx Comics started with issue #2. Where is issue #1? Supposedly it never hit print despite Thompson having drawn it. In the mid '80s, there was an attempt to print the first issue, but it seemingly fell through. So all we're left with are issues #2 and #3 of the series.
This issue contains the story "These Forces of hGwa", a 22 page story that takes place in Ancient Egypt but involves a race of aliens from the Andromeda system. A young shaman, Toth, and his wife, Rda, make love, but are interrupted by an approaching starship. An envoy from the spaceship urges Toth to come to Egypt and help defeat and ancient power known as hGwa. Toth and Rda arrive to help the emperor against hGwa, and the story turns into a bizarre retelling of the exodus of Jews from Egypt.
The story is completely absurd, but enticing primarily due to Thompson's lavish compositions. Each page holds an almost decadent mural quality to it, with the opening sex scene between Toth and Rda setting the stage easily. These designs could easily be something right out of ancient texts, and Thompson's intricate linework cultivates that mysterious sensibility with ease. This issue caps off with "Eight Drawings" (but there are actually ten) that feature art gallery worthy artwork from Thompson. Absolutely well worth hunting down the two available issues of "Tales from the Sphinx".
Also known as "Tales From the Sphinx", John Thompson's most ambitious work in comics features a gorgeous locus of mythology and science fiction, rendered by his intricately composed panels. In 1972, Sphinx Comics started with issue #2. Where is issue #1? Supposedly it never hit print despite Thompson having drawn it. In the mid '80s, there was an attempt to print the first issue, but it seemingly fell through. So all we're left with are issues #2 and #3 of the series.
This issue contains the story "These Forces of hGwa", a 22 page story that takes place in Ancient Egypt but involves a race of aliens from the Andromeda system. A young shaman, Toth, and his wife, Rda, make love, but are interrupted by an approaching starship. An envoy from the spaceship urges Toth to come to Egypt and help defeat and ancient power known as hGwa. Toth and Rda arrive to help the emperor against hGwa, and the story turns into a bizarre retelling of the exodus of Jews from Egypt.
The story is completely absurd, but enticing primarily due to Thompson's lavish compositions. Each page holds an almost decadent mural quality to it, with the opening sex scene between Toth and Rda setting the stage easily. These designs could easily be something right out of ancient texts, and Thompson's intricate linework cultivates that mysterious sensibility with ease. This issue caps off with "Eight Drawings" (but there are actually ten) that feature art gallery worthy artwork from Thompson. Absolutely well worth hunting down the two available issues of "Tales from the Sphinx".
Displaying 1 of 1 review