Oh Wicked Wanda!

Talking about cult comics : Oh Wicked Wanda first appeared in Penthouse's September, 1969 issue, as a continued story in prose form, by British writer Frederic Mullally. Each short chapter had a single large illustration by Brian Forbes, but the actual story was pure text. The initial episode introduced her as the 19-year-old daughter of depraved plutocrat Walter von Kreesus. The serial ran its course in about a year, then Wanda disappeared. She didn't return until the September, 1973 issue, where she made her debut in comics form. Mullally continued to script her adventures, which were drawn by veteran comics artist Ron Embleton, already well known in England for the 1950s historic adventure series "Wulf the Briton", the 1960s science fiction epic "The Trigan Empire", and more. Wanda's appalling escapades continued in eight-page, fully-painted monthly installments, poking sometimes-vicious fun at politics, sexual mores, etc. for years.
Wanda was the predecessor of Sweet Chastity, which appeared also in Penthouse. Both these comics were drawn - it seems almost 'painted' - in the same style of Don Lawrence's Storm comic. If you happen to like Thorgal, check out the Storm comics for a mindblowing experience.

Steve Thu, 05/28/2009 - 17:34

Hi,

My name is Steve, I am the son of Brian Forbes, please feel to contact me, I will forward any questions you may have to my father.
regards
Steve

Steve Sat, 05/01/2010 - 20:55

Hello everyone
It is my sad task to inform you that my father Brian, left us for a better place recently.

He leaves behind his wife of 20 years Carole, three children, Stevan, Timothy and Amelia, plus three grandchildren... Charlie, India, Zacheria.

Brian was born in India and lived his formative years as the son of a colonial. His privelged childhood and education was finalised with a degree in architecture from Sheffield University. It was there he met and then later married the mother of his children...... the wonderful Mollie.

Dad was always a man unto hymself...... very private, always an optomist. A perfectioist at a time when it wasn't popular. Post war Europe was skint. Brian was a creator..... consequently he left the designing of ugly boxes to his colleagues. He went into private practice.

I'm not sure when the illustrating and commercial artwork started. Suffice to say, Penthouse, Mayair and other mens publications couldn't get enough of his skill, talent, original artwork and copy.

His move to America 25 years ago was hard to accept..... but move he did. He met and married Carole, whom he loved for the rest of his life. As he got older artwork became increasingly difficult, he turned to his second loves, carpentry and gardening.... Brian has left a legacy of beautiful woodwork and gorgeous gardens.

I'll leave you with these few words of his, "tend your own garden"

Stevan Forbes
steveforbes1@yahoo.com

kristof Sat, 05/01/2010 - 21:40

In reply to by Steve

Hi Steve,

this is sad news indeed to hear. Your father will be missed. Please accept my condolences, and I wish you a lot of strength in dealing with your loss.