[Andrew999]

This was a pleasant surprise. I’d never heard of this TV series – I’m pretty sure it was never broadcast in the UK, though I may be wrong about that? Odd that it was produced by ABC who also made Hawaiian Eye at the same time. (Now, THAT was a great TV series). A few episodes of Adventures in Paradise are available on a well-known video sharing platform for those interested – I’ve watched one of them so far and it was worth it – high production values, decent cast.

(Whilst we are talking about TV, I’m probably late to the party but I’ve just binge-watched the Star Trek Continues series. Once you get past the shock in the first episode of seeing different actors in familiar roles and settings, the series is absolutely brain-warping (at warp five, Mister Scott). It’s a true work of genius – an extraordinary case of historical futurist re-enactment. Breath-taking!)

Meanwhile, this Dell comic book is breath-taking in its own way – a great addition to the AiP canon. Expert pencils and ink present an eye-grabbing opening frame (complete with blonde in a red dress) and launches straight into the MacGuffin of a magic dagger and the King Shark. Already, I want to know more!

By page 11, five years ahead of schedule (if this is 1962), the drugs kick in and from there it gets crazier and crazier. – Page 20 is a gem – portholes of punitive pain - and pages 22-24, a deadly dance of death that lead to a titanic tussle between a British professor (naturally) and King Moby Shark of the Wild Seas. What will happen next and will Captain Troy finally get the girl? Phew! Pull in the lifeline fellas, I need to come up for air!

Link to the book: 1301 - Adventures in Paradise