Groups of Seven/7

The folks behind Group Of 7 have been fairly active while I've been dormant! They have released the second and third issue of their flagship series...

...And are preparing to release another, presumably complementary, title.

Here’s a first look at our new project - PEREGRINES - Service. Sacrifice. Sisterhood. Protecting the dominion of Canada from threats unknown and unbelievable since 1867.

If you're unfamiliar with Group of 7, the book is described (partially) as follows:

While the battle (Vimy Ridge) rages topside, Canadian physician John McCrae leads a secret mission underneath the Ridge against a mysterious enemy with monstrous intentions. To succeed, he’ll need a group of unique soldiers.

Six more of them, in fact, including Lester Pearson and Conn Smythe. Check out the full list here.

In announcing Peregrines earlier this month on their Facebook page, the person who displayed the cover also pointed out that we can expect three more issues of the main Group of 7 book in 2019. The first three can be purchased in print or digitally by following the instructions on this page.

Meanwhile, after long period of dormancy of their own, it appears that the team behind Group of Seven (no relation between the two books) is carrying on as well as evidenced by a recent character redesign.

Here it is folks! The final new look for the character formally known as Canadianna Red. Thanks to all for the feedback with the process of the redesign. My wonderful wife has realized the vision in full colour, for your viewing edification. Here's Anna as she'll appear with her "Hell Bunnies" in the forthcoming Group of Seven issue 6. Now to get onto drawing the book...

I don't believe a fifth issue is available as of yet if I can rely on Indyplanet which I know damn well I can't from past experience. A cover for it has been displayed on that Group of Seven's own Facebook page though so work is at least under way to some degree. A compilation of the first four issues was made available on Amazon.ca in kindle format some time ago.

A Great War Needs Great Heroes

Not much to add here, the folks behind Group Of 7 do a fine job of describing the project and its theme briefly.

 

The First World War. 

Vimy Ridge. 

Canada’s baptism by fire. 

While the battle rages topside, Canadian physician John McCrae leads a secret mission underneath the Ridge against a mysterious enemy with monstrous intentions. To succeed, he’ll need a group of unique soldiers. 

A group of legendary heroes. 

A Group of 7.

I very much enjoy a story in which fiction and history are tightly bound. In this case, we get a "League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen" of sorts, in which historical figures are used to tell a story.

These are the facts. During the First World War, over 420,000 Canadian soldiers served in Europe, equal to approximately 5% of the country’s population at that time. Among those ranks were the seven heroes you will encounter in this story, all of whom were stationed in Europe at the precise moment in history that this story takes place. All seven would leave a lasting mark on Canadian history. All but one would survive the horrors of the trenches. 

Following the War, there is documentary evidence that some would form friendships, while others crossed paths or corresponded. In 1939, most would answer the call a second time. The historical record confirms this. 

What if these lions of Canadian politics, arts, science, sports, and medicine shared a previously unknown history, a secret past long forgotten? What if, as a group, they played an integral role at a defining moment in Canadian history? What if?

The book was said to have an April release and, well, here we are. I can't wait to have access to it.

For a full list of characters and a greater level of detail about the project and its goals, visit its Facts page.