The Jock began as a photocopied small press comic back in 1993 and ran for five years and twenty-seven issues (plus a couple of specials). Pretty respectable numbers for small pressers, and I'm still immensely proud of the work we did back then - me, Nigel, Tim, Adrian, Stephen, and all the other artists who contributed to the book.

The Jock had a loyal following, vocal readers who were passionate about the characters and the world in which they lived. We regularly ran 5+ pages of letters in an issue, and we counted among our readership names such as Warren Ellis (Planetary, X-Men), Dr. Will Brooker (Batman Unmasked: Analysing A Cultural Icon) and Tony Lee (Doctor Who comic).

Even today, people still ask, 'Hey, when's The Jock coming back?' Personally, I think the idea's rather past its sell-by date. When I created the book back in the early 90s, it was in reaction to major changes sweeping through the radio industry. That battle was lost a long time ago in the real world - YOURENT, the evil corporate enemy the Jock and his fellow freedom fighters were rebelling against, long since won.

Getting on for ten years ago now, Nigel and I had the idea of restarting the book and pitching it to publishers. We'd had some interest from MTV, of all people, about turning The Jock into a short series of cartoons. It was one of those brief flirtations with success that have dogged both our careers. Encouraged by the attention, I worked up a four issue "Ultimate Jock" mini series to update the character and hopefully introduce him to larger audience. Only the first issue was ever completed, though we do still occasionally talk about finishing the strip and putting it out as an original graphic novel. But I think we both know the time has passed. History has left The Jock behind... hell, he still plays his music on CDs... and this was a comic supposedly set in the future!

Anyway, for all those who've demanded it (all... one... of you) here's the first issue of Ultimate Jock to read in full. Enjoy the nostalgia.