ALASTAIR CROMPTON

I write something every day

I wrote the text, with Frank's
favourite fan Alan Vince provding
much information. The outstanding
illustrations were found mostly
by artist Andrew Skilleter, who
was also the publisher.

The Man Who Drew Tomorrow was published in 1985, shortly after Hampson’s death. I suggested a biography to him a couple of years earlier but he dismissed the idea. When John Saunders of IPC gave permission to use the Dan Dare illustrations without charge I hoped Hampson might change his mind. No chance. I asked him to write the book himself, using me as secretary. No chance there either. The result, I’m afraid, is a hagiography, interesting because of the detailed descriptions of what went on in Hamspon’s studio.

The book is also light because it doesn’t tell why Hampson left Eagle - that information you’ll find on this website. It was my second book, and I’m sorry to say, the least best-seller of four I’ve authored. Publisher Andrew Skilleter backed it with his shirt but was badly served by his publicity machine.

I’ve been asked, and am willing, to update the book, with everything we’ve discovered about Hampson and Eagle since 1985 (a great deal, as it happens). Alas, no publisher is interested. I continue to write about Hampson in Eagle Times, Spaceship Away, and (when they’re interested) the national press.

Married, with two sons, a journalist with Young Performer magazine and student at the Open University, I’ve never lost my fascination with Hampson’s art, which (I believe) has never been surpassed. His peers declared him to be the best writer and artist of strip cartoons since the end of WW2, and that held good until the day he died.

ALASTAIR CROMPTON