Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, GERRY ANDERSON’S GEMINI FORCE ONE is to be published by Gollancz in 2014 and Orion Children’s Books in 2015. The publication will mark and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the first broadcast of THUNDERBIRDS.
For those unaware, GEMINI FORCE ONE is a series of Sci-Fi books devised and developed by the Thunderbirds creator, Gerry Anderson, before his death in 2012. Sadly, despite Mr Anderson working hard on the series, even through illness (his son says: ‘There was no stopping him [writing], ever, ever, ever’), it never got finished. Jamie, Mr Anderson’s son, explained that following the loss of his father and discovering that he’d left enough notes and outlines behind to intrust the completion of the series to another author – G R Harris – to finish, he felt Kickstarter was a more appropriate place to get backing than a traditional publisher, as when ‘other [industry] people got involved [it] steered it away from being the original concept.’ So, although Gollancz and Orion are publishing the books, the actual creative process and writing of books all happened thanks to, and with the backing of, Kickstarter (it’s a bit confusing – but it makes sense when you read into it!).
The story is described as a thematic prequel to Thunderbirds and follows “a secret organisation involved in rescues and averting disasters and terrorist events” – so it’s classic Anderson themes moved into the twenty-first century. Harris has been chosen, according to Anderson’s son Jamie, because she “really understood what Gerry Anderson concepts were all about, how to keep it as close to possible to the original idea” – so this really could be an exciting new franchise for the great man’s fans.
For further details on the Kickstarter project (that has finished, but tells you a lot about the series) check the video below:
And with this new publishing deal, Jamie adds:
“Dad was a prolific creative, and was constantly coming up with new ideas. Gemini Force One was one of his final projects, and something that he felt passionately would inspire a whole new generation. Now I’m delighted that we’re able to team up with Orion, who share our passion for GF1, to bring this fantastic book series to a global audience. Stand by for action!”
Jennie Ivins