FRED EGG COMICS REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2025

I knew at the start of 2025 that I was going to do more comics work than ever before, and because of that I was going to put out less work to the public in terms of contributing to anthologies.

The work I concentrated on was a book concerned with my love of music through the years. I was going to draw all of it myself, no guest artists this time around. I aimed to have this completed by the end of the year, so had to concentrate. Between 2nd January and 2nd February, I wrote and laid out every idea I could think of related to music, as they came to me. I would sort out the running order of the pages once they were completed. I had 24 pages to do, and I planned to make sure I complete a page every weekend. I would get to go to sleep on Sunday night when I’d completed it. Although I had no guest artists, I wanted to included stories from my immediate family, so that was a further 7 pages. I also knew I’d have more ideas as I went along, and indeed I did. As the months went by a further 11 ideas presented themselves to me.

So I had 43 pages to complete, alongside front and back covers. Doable, but I couldn’t sit around waiting to begin, as I’d used up January now and had to leave room at the end for production. As I went through the year doing the work, I decided to post updates of Work in progress online. Layouts, pencils, and inks were posted on this blog, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and over at the Awesome Comics Podcast substack. While this took up the majority of my time, I took part in some other comics related activities.

In February I had a comic in Ryan Ewing’s Pocket Thoughts Annual #7.

In March, That Comic Smell podcast had an episode on Science Fiction comics. Incidentally, our third comic is still in production and will hopefully be completed next year.

In April, I had a comic in Bob Corby’s Contains No MSG or AI.

In May, I appeared on Marvel Star Wars Explorers podcast, discussing Indiana Jones comics #29 and 30.

In August, I wrote about AI in comics as part of the Broken Frontier article Raging Against the Machine. As I explained, I successfully did the entire For the Record comic in one year. Now I aim to try to fund it on Kickstarter. I haven’t done this since 2021, when I published The Tay Bridge Disaster comic. A lot’s changed since then, so I’ll see how it goes. As an incentive, I have an idea for a compilation zine of Fred Egg Music comics from throughout the years. Thanks for all your interest, feedback, and comments throughout the year. It’s much appreciated. Have a great 2026!

CHRISTMAS PREZZIE BOOKS: 1978 vs 2025

CHRISTMAS COMICS: Superman by Alex Ross / Paul Dini

A beautiful painted spread of Superman delivering the Christmas tree to start off the festive season in Metropolis. This is from Superman: Peace on Earth by Alex Ross and Alex Dini, released in 1998. Have a great Christmas!

FOR THE RECORD: Proof arrival

The proof copy arrived yesterday. Overall, I like the look and feel of it. After a look through, I can see a page that needs adjusting to help clarity. I also found a minor issue which affects every single page, so I'll have to change every pdf and reupload to the printers website. Slowing getting there! I am working on a comic book called "For the Record" about my love of music over the years, and posting weekly updates of progress.

FOR THE RECORD: Proof

Proof to arrive next week!

I am working on a comic book called "For the Record" about my love of music over the years, and posting weekly updates of progress.

FOR THE RECORD, WIP: The stack

Here's the stack of inked pages for the comic.

I'm moving on next to the front and back covers, contents page, Fred Egg Comicsography, and background notes. I am working on a comic book called "For the Record" about my love of music over the years, and posting weekly updates of progress.

FOR THE RECORD, WIP: Pre-History (the final page)

This page shows music from my earliest memories, and some from before I even consciously remember them. It's the final page of the comic book, with work switching to doing the cover and then production work next.

I am working on a comic book called "For the Record" about my love of music over the years, and posting weekly updates of progress.

FOR THE RECORD, WIP: Away in a Manger

Thanks to my Mum for this story, where she discusses music with her grandson.

I am working on a comic book called "For the Record" about my love of music over the years, and posting weekly updates of progress.

FOR THE RECORD, WIP: Becoming a music fan, continued

Second page of my son's journey into music fandom.

I am working on a comic book called "For the Record" about my love of music over the years, and posting weekly updates of progress.

FOR THE RECORD, WIP: Becoming a music fan

Thanks to my son for this story. Moving from not caring much about music to being a fan.

I am working on a comic book called "For the Record" about my love of music over the years, and posting weekly updates of progress.

FOR THE RECORD, WIP: Composition

It's hard work doing composition in high school. Thanks to my son for this story, which features one of his photographs.

I am working on a comic book called "For the Record" about my love of music over the years, and posting weekly updates of progress.

FOR THE RECORD, WIP: No Yes

Thanks to my wife for this story. She was interested in, and enjoyed Yes, until going to see them live. That was the straw that broke the camel's back. "I stood there during thirty hour guitar solos"

I am working on a comic book called "For the Record" about my love of music over the years, and posting weekly updates of progress.

FOR THE RECORD, WIP: Five Star

Recording songs off the radio, buying singles, and going to see the artists decades later. Thanks to my sister for the story of this page.

I am working on a comic book called "For the Record" about my love of music over the years, and posting weekly updates of progress.

FOR THE RECORD, WIP: Bob Dylan

A page on Bob Dylan and the folk scene, as related by my Dad.

I am working on a comic book called "For the Record" about my love of music over the years, and posting weekly updates of progress.

FOR THE RECORD, WIP: Marcella Detroit

I was put on the spot by my young son, who asked what my favourite song of all time was. As he wasn't interested in the response I gave, (which you might expect me to give); "Oh, that's impossible to answer / so many songs / depends on my different moods", he ignored all that, and demanded the answer. I found myself offering Marcella Detroit's I Believe. Who knew?

I am working on a comic book called "For the Record" about my love of music over the years, and posting weekly updates of progress.

FOR THE RECORD, WIP: TV Themes

Using a portable cassette recorder to capture favourite TV themes; Airwolf, The A-Team, Dempsey and Makepeace, Knight Rider, Magnum P.I., and Terrahawks.

I am working on a comic book called "For the Record" about my love of music over the years, and posting weekly updates of progress.

FOR THE RECORD, WIP: Robin of Sherwood, Clannad, Legend

The incredible music of Clannad for the TV show Robin of Sherwood.

The final blank tier will feature a relevant social media post. I am working on a comic book called "For the Record" about my love of music over the years, and posting weekly updates of progress.

FOR THE RECORD, WIP: The Beatles or The Police? Singles or albums?

A couple of chats on music with Dad. Singles or albums? The Beatles or The Police?

I am working on a comic book called "For the Record" about my love of music over the years, and posting weekly updates of progress.

FOR THE RECORD, WIP: Objective Good and Bad

Are The Who, Jimi Hendrix, and The Beatles all objectively good?

I am working on a comic book called "For the Record" about my love of music over the years, and posting weekly updates of progress.