Time period for Action force + sequels

[steve]

I'm currently (finally) taking advantage of the summer by spending time in the garden working on the plot for my Action Force Photo Story, but there is one big issue I'm undecided over, when in time to set the stories...

I'm torn between options 1 and 2, there is an appeal with setting the stories all in the 1980's while there was still a cold war going on, but the option of moving ongoing sequels to the present day opens up a lot of opportunities for new characters and creating an interesting backstory. I've already dismissed option 3, but I'd thought I'd include it for completeness. It would be interesting to see other peoples views, or hear any suggestions.

The story itself is big and fun, and will open up a lot of opportunities for anyone who wants to write some follow ups. I'm hoping to release the first part of a five part mini-series that sets the scene for this new story on July 16th, with new parts following each week.

[seaneley]

The only reason I chose the '80s is because if you choose the present day, all of the characters are going to be in their late 40s and 50s. Now if this doesn't matter to anyone (like in the "Superhero worlds of D.C. and Marvel), then by all means, place it in the present day.

[steve]

That's a very valid point, and it was one of the things which was steering me towards the 1980s, the similar concern was technology, in that how do you explain that Action Force and the Shadows are still using the exact same vehicles as they were 20 years ago.

[seaneley]

One of the ways around this is that (supposedly), most of the technology used by Action Force and Cobra (or Red Shadows) was "cutting edge" in the 80s, and now that this is the new millenium, everyone else in the world (in a "first world country") has "caught up with these advanced designs", hence these fighting forces would still retain their same ships and vehicles for the present day.

[ariaisland]

I agree. I am currently working on a new story (no deadline as yet) and decided to set this during the original battle stories. I have tried as much as possible not to mention time but also felt that to bring it forward to present day would present to many problems. The other thing was that I did not want to use Cobra and stuck with the Baron which forced the issue somewhat.

Good luck and if you need someone to proof read (view!!) please give me a thought and i'll do like wise. (as I now realise how hard it is to tie up all the loose ends!.)

Ariaisland.

[blitzwingz]

I actually think the concept of Action Force would work great in the '60 (oldschool Bond era)

[barto]

Did Steve ever finish this?

[Kambei]

I see the Action Force series as being somewhat timeless, like most comics stories.

[jamarmiller]

I see the Action Force series as being somewhat timeless, like most comics stories.

I totally agree with this, this should have been an option

red dawn is set in the present

[Kambei]

I see the Action Force series as being somewhat timeless, like most comics stories.

I totally agree with this, this should have been an option

red dawn is set in the present

I think that Action Force probably works better today, with the state teh world is in

The good thing about AF is that it can be set in any era. Stories like Charley's War work best in the WW1 period, Johnny Red in WW2. With AF, I believe that it is down to peoples individual preference. Also consider that AF is an anti-terrorist task force, so the only limit is imagination as to who they are going up against and are teamed up with.