Strawjack: The Terror of Romney Marsh Part One

Strawjack – The Terror of Romney Marsh is a steampunk-tinged graphic novel by Keith Page, steeped in piracy, smuggling and general skullduggery – and with his permission, I’ll be republishing it here on Substack, leading into an initial subscriber only publication of the second Strawjack adventure, “Figgerty’s Gallop”.

Available now in print and digitally, Strawjack: The Terror of Romney Marsh is written and illustrated by Keith Page, lettered by Robin Jones and edited by John Freeman, with invaluable support from David Hailwood and a smashing series logo created by Jim Campbell

Set in an almost-historical Britain at the turn of the nineteenth century, the story concerns the dark doings of a gang of ex-pirates, now operating as smugglers on Romney Marsh, a place of deep waters and deeper secrets, where the supernatural is wont to knock on the door at any moment. Altogether a grand spot for a gang of smugglers to make their hideout!

During one smuggling trip, the opening of a cursed treasure chest leads to the release of a terrifying evil spirit, who quickly begins to wreak havoc. Suddenly finding himself in the unaccustomed role of hero, can Strawjack, aided by mysterious and unexpected allies, defeat this unholy terror…before it claims more than his soul?

Enjoy!

To Be Continued…

Strawjack: The Terror of Romney Marsh is the creation of Keith Page. Inspired by the great British comics artists of the past such as Frank Hampson, Don Lawrence and Joe Colquhoun, he’s worked full-time in comics and illustration for almost 30 years. Subjects have ranged from television-related material such as Thunderbirds, science fiction, and war stories of all periods for Commando.

Keith is also the creator of several The Adventures of Charlotte Corday projects, some available online as well as those previously released in print. His published works also include The Casebook of Bryant and May: The Soho Devil, written by Christopher Fowler, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, written with Stephen Walsh, the story of comedian Tony Hancock, published by B7 Comics.

• Strawjack – The Terror of Romney Marsh is available now from Crucible Comic Press, from AmazonUK, in print and as a digital edition | Paperback: ‎44 pages | ISBN-13 9798531575012| Also available from Amazon.com

• Find out more about The Adventures of Charlotte Corday | Read the stories for free on Tapas

• You can find out about other Crucible Comic Press titles here on downthetubes

Declaration: Crucible Comic Press is owned by John Freeman, editor and publisher of downthetubes

Strawjack is © 2025 Keith Page