We’re sad to hear that yet another of our childhood influences, Gerry Anderson, has passed away. He was best known as the creator of many marionette-based sci-fi shows from our youth including Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and, my personal favourite, Stingray. Repeat showings of these shows during the 70s and 80s had a huge influence on us, and they still stand up to being re-watched to this day.

Although his reputation was built on the incredible model work of his marionette shows, it should be remembered that he was a driving force for science fiction on TV in live action form as well. In particular we both watched Space: 1999, and I fondly remember playing with a die-cast Eagle transporter as a child.

If it wasn’t for Gerry Anderson’s creations, this comic strip probably wouldn’t be here today. Thank you, Gerry, for the incredible influence your work had during our formative years.