Thunderbirds merchandise

Between 1966 and 1967, eight original Thunderbirds novels were written by John William Jennison (four under the pseudonym "John Theydon") and Kevin McGarry.[3] Three of the novels focus on the character of Lady Penelope. In 1992, Corgi Books published four children's novelisations, all written by Dave Morris.

In 2008, Minnesota-based FTL Publications, in association with Diamond Comic Distributors, launched a new series of original novels by Joan Marie Verba.[4] Verba had attempted to obtain the licence as early as 2004, while Carlton Television was in the process of merging with ITV Granada.[4] After waiting several months, she contacted Granada, and after three years of discussions FTL Publications was finally granted the licence in 2007.[4] It was the first licence for Thunderbirds titles to be given to an American publisher, and the books constitute the first new, official series of Thunderbirds novels to be written since the 1960s.[5] Countdown to Action, published in June 2008, reveals the founding of International Rescue, exploring the establishment of the organisation and the construction of its machines.[4] The other books highlight the individual Tracy brothers, as well as Brains.[4]

A comic strip featuring the characters of Lady Penelope and Parker, set prior to their joining International Rescue, debuted in the first weekly issues of AP Films Publishing's children's title TV Century 21 in early 1965, several months prior to the first broadcast of "Trapped in the Sky".[13] A full-length "Thunderbirds" strip debuted in the comic's 51st issue, published in January 1966.[14] Originally written by editor and Thunderbirds TV scriptwriter Alan Fennell, this mostly replaced the "Lady Penelope" strip, which moved to a sister comic of the same name.[13][15] The "Thunderbirds" strip, illustrated by Frank Bellamy, was the centrepiece of TV Century 21 (re-branded TV 21 in January 1968) for 186 issues and 30 serials, until October 1969.[13][14] At their peak, combined weekly sales of TV Century 21 and Lady Penelope in the 1960s numbered 1.3 million.[14] In 1966, Thunderbirds featured as a strip in the Daily Mail.[16]

A Thunderbirds Annual was published by Century 21 Publishing from 1966 to 1968, and a Lady Penelope version until 1969.[17] Thunderbirds also appeared in the parent TV Century 21/TV 21 annual until 1969; the same year, a joint Captain Scarlet and Thunderbirds annual was released.[17] Starting in October 1991, the Bellamy-illustrated strips, as well as some that had first appeared in Lady Penelope, were re-printed in Fleetway Publications' fortnightly Thunderbirds: The Comic.[15][18] Again edited by Fennell, this new title had a 30-month publication run and achieved peak sales of 100,000 copies.[18] Re-prints had previously appeared in Polystyle Publications' Countdown (briefly titled TV Action + Countdown) and Thunderbirds Holiday Special series in the 1970s and 1980s.[13] In 1992, Ravette Books re-printed 13 strips in a graphic album series.[13]

In 1985, the first Thunderbirds video game was released for the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum; the title required the player to pilot Thunderbird 1 and Thunderbird 2 and explore an Egyptian-style labyrinth.[19] In 1989, Grandslam Entertainment released a title for the Commodore 64 and Commodore Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, MSX and ZX Spectrum.[20] A NES version was released by Activision the following year.[21] In 1993, a title by Super Famicom, subtitled Kokusou Kyuujotai Shutsudou Seyo!, was released in Japan only (the North American version was never released). SCi Games published a Game Boy Color title in 2000.[22] The following year, it released a collection of Microsoft Windows themes and screensavers titled "F.A.B Action Pack", as well as Thunderbirds: International Rescue for Game Boy Advance.[23][24] In 2004, a second Game Boy Advance title was released by Vivendi Universal Games.[25] A new Thunderbirds video game was released in Europe for the PlayStation 2 in July 2007; the North American release was cancelled.[26][27]

IN 2015, a co-operative Thunderbirds board game, designed by Matt Leacock, was released to coincide with the series' 50th anniversary. The game was published by Modiphius Entertainment and three expansion sets were released in 2016.[28][29]

The 1980s and 1990s saw a number of Thunderbirds VHS releases by PolyGram and its subsidiary, Channel 5 Video Distribution. These proved to be a significant commercial success for Channel 5.[30] Due to rights concerns, not all episodes were released unedited; some were issued in the "Super Space Theater" format, for which pairs of thematically similar episodes had been combined to create double-length compilation films for US broadcast syndication. The compilations were: Thunderbirds to the Rescue (combining "Trapped in the Sky" and "Operation Crash-Dive"), Thunderbirds in Outer Space ("Sun Probe" and "Ricochet") and Countdown to Disaster ("Terror in New York City" and "Atlantic Inferno"). The videos opened with a brief introduction by Parker, informing the viewer of other Gerry Anderson video releases. Volume 12 contained a selection of Lyons Maid advertisements featuring characters from the Anderson productions, and Volume 14 a "Making of Thunderbirds" featurette.

Upon its acquisition of the brand in 1999, Carlton International Media commenced work on re-mastering Thunderbirds for the first Region 2 DVD releases.[1] Dolby 5.1 surround sound was added, and the existing picture and mono sound cleaned up with the aid of digital restoration and noise reduction technology.[1] In addition, the original soundtrack was enhanced with the insertion of new sound effects and background foley (mainly explosions, aircraft and other mechanical noise, and vocal echo).[1]

Region 1 DVDs were released by North American distributor A&E Home Video in 2001, with a "Complete Series" box set following in 2002; it was re-released in slimmer packaging in 2008. The same year, Thunderbirds was released, both in instalments and as a box set, on Blu-ray Disc in the UK.[31] The region-free version distributed in Region B presents episodes in a vertically panned and scanned, 16:9 aspect ratio; a Japanese set, released by Geneon Universal in 2013, restores the original 4:3 picture. In 2015, Timeless Media Group and Shout! Factory (through their deal with ITV) released the complete series on DVD and Blu-ray in the US with the episodes in their original full-screen ratio).[32]

The first Thunderbirds-exclusive music record was the mini-album Great Themes from Thunderbirds (MA 116; originally titled Requested Themes from Thunderbirds), published by Century 21 Records in 1967.[33][34] Two soundtrack albums were released by Silva Screen Records, to favourable reviews on the AllMusic website and by Uncut magazine, in 2003 and 2004.[35][36][37][38][39] A 40th-anniversary release – The Best of Thunderbirds, a double album featuring music from the first two CDs in addition to three previously unreleased tracks and exclusive CD-ROM content[40][41] – was released in 2005.[42][43] In 2015, Fanderson released a four-disc set for its members in celebration of the 50th anniversary; it contains music either written for, or used in, all but one episode (as "Cry Wolf" contains no original music, nor any music that was not used in other episodes, it is not included on the set).[44]

Beyond the TV series, composer Barry Gray's contributions to Thunderbirds included four original songs recorded exclusively for audio release: "Lady Penelope", "Parker", "Parker Well Done" and "The Abominable Snowman", all sung in character by Sylvia Anderson and David Graham.[45]

2000s

Thunderbirds (Original Television Soundtrack) Volume 1[36][46]
Soundtrack album by Barry Gray
Released	24 February 2003 (UK)[39] 25 March 2003 (US)[35]
Recorded	8 December 1964 – 10 February 1967[47]
Genre	Television soundtrack
Length	1:01:25
Label	Silva Screen Records
Producer	Tim Mallett and Ralph Titterton

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic website	[35]
Uncut magazine	[36]

No.	Title	Notes	Length
1.	"Main Titles"	Stock track	1:36
2.	"Sun Probe"	From "Sun Probe"	2:05
3.	"Tracy Island and International Rescue"	Stock track	1:10
4.	"Monorail to Disaster"	From "The Perils of Penelope"	2:10
5.	"Thunderbirds Are Go!"	Stock track	4:28
6.	"Dangerous Game – Latin Rhythm Instrumental"	From "The Cham-Cham"	2:08
7.	"Suite from 'Vault of Death'"	From "Vault of Death"	8:47
8.	"The Man from MI.5"	From "The Man from MI.5"	4:28
9.	"Suite from 'Desperate Intruder'"	From "Desperate Intruder"	7:27
10.	"Commercial Break"	With stings and music to Thunderbirds-themed Lyons Maid advertisements	2:46
11.	"Dangerous Game" (Lyrical)	From "The Cham-Cham". Performed by Sylvia Anderson (as Lady Penelope).	1:51
12.	"Let's Play Ad-Lib"	From "The Cham-Cham"	2:20
13.	"Lady Penelope on the Move/Suite from 'Pit of Peril'"	From Thunderbirds Are Go (first part)	1:37
14.	"The Fate of the Sidewinder"	From "Pit of Peril"	2:01
15.	"Pit of Peril"	From "Pit of Peril"	2:49
16.	"Rescue!"	From "Pit of Peril"	2:04
17.	"Jeremiah and Lady Penelope"	From "The Impostors"	2:06
18.	"Deadly Plot – The Hood and the Fireflash"	From "Trapped in the Sky"	4:09
19.	"Fireflash Landing"	From "Trapped in the Sky"	1:15
20.	"FAB 1 Pursuit"	From "Trapped in the Sky"	1:00
21.	"The Tracy Lounge Piano"	From "Trapped in the Sky"	2:00
22.	"End Titles"	Stock track	1:09

Thunderbirds (Original Television Soundtrack) Volume 2[38][48]
Soundtrack album by Barry Gray
Released	10 August 2004 (US)[37]
Recorded	8 December 1964 – 6 November 1965[37][49]
Genre	Television soundtrack
Length	1:00:05
Label	Silva Screen Records
Producer	Tim Mallett and Ralph Titterton

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic website	[37]
Starburst magazine	[38]
Uncut magazine	[38]

No.	Title	Notes	Length
1.	"Main Titles"	Stock track	1:25
2.	"Danger At Ocean Deep"	Suite from "Danger At Ocean Deep"	2:17
3.	"Spoke City Jazz"	From "30 Minutes After Noon"	1:39
4.	"Easy Listening Radio Music"	From "30 Minutes After Noon"	1:17
5.	"Drama on the South East Asia Pass"	From "End of the Road"	5:22
6.	"Taking a Desperate Chance"	From "End of the Road"	3:25
7.	"Thunderbirds To The Rescue"	From "End of the Road"	2:40
8.	"Penelope in France"	From "The Perils of Penelope", "The Duchess Assignment" and "Alias Mr. Hackenbacker"	4:02
9.	"Elegance, Charm and Deadly Danger"	From "The Perils of Penelope" and "Alias Mr. Hackenbacker"	2:52
10.	"Dangerous Game" (Lyrical)	From "The Cham-Cham". Performed by Jack Clegg.	1:39
11.	"Century 21 March"	Stock track	2:01
12.	"Space Observatory 3 Space FX"	From "The Impostors"	2:02
13.	"San Martino"	From "Path of Destruction"	2:47
14.	"The Noon Day Sun"	From "Move – And You're Dead"	1:15
15.	"New York City Lights"	From "The Duchess Assignment"	0:56
16.	"The Duchess"	From "The Duchess Assignment"	0:35
17.	"World Exclusive Foiled!"	From "Terror in New York City"	1:38
18.	"Moving the Empire State Building"	From "Terror in New York City"	3:31
19.	"The Rescue of Ned Cook"	From "Terror in New York City"	2:33
20.	"Dangerous Game" (Piano)	From "The Cham-Cham". Performed by Barry Gray.	2:08
21.	"Lady Penelope and the Mouse"	From "The Mighty Atom"	1:11
22.	"Journey of the Martian Space Probe"	From "Day of Disaster"	1:32
23.	"Coralville Surprise/The Bank Job"	From "Give or Take a Million"	3:41
24.	"Christmas on Tracy Island"	From "Give or Take a Million"	4:01
25.	"Sleepy Time"	From "Security Hazard"	0:46
26.	"End Titles"	Stock track	1:07
27.	"Flying High" (Bonus track)	Unused, lyrical closing titles theme, sung by Gary Miller	1:25

The Best of Thunderbirds (Original Television Soundtrack)[41][42]
Soundtrack album by Barry Gray
Released	2005 (UK)[43] 7 February 2006 (US)[40]
Genre	Television soundtrack
Length	1:33:32
Label	Silva Screen Records

Disc 1

No.	Title	Notes	Length
1.	"Main Titles"	From "Trapped in the Sky"	1:31
2.	"Deadly Plot – The Hood and the Fireflash"	From "Trapped in the Sky"	3:45
3.	"Thunderbirds Are Go!"	From "Trapped in the Sky"	4:26
4.	"Fireflash Landing"	From "Trapped in the Sky"	1:14
5.	"FAB 1 Pursuit"	From "Trapped in the Sky"	0:59
6.	"The Tracy Lounge Piano"	From "Trapped in the Sky"	1:58
7.	"World Exclusive Foiled!"	From "Terror in New York City"	1:38
8.	"Moving the Empire State Building"	From "Terror in New York City"	3:32
9.	"The Rescue of Ned Cook"	From "Terror in New York City"	2:33
10.	"Spoke City Jazz"	From "30 Minutes After Noon"	1:39
11.	"Easy Listening Radio Music"	From "30 Minutes After Noon"	1:17
12.	"Suite from 'Desperate Intruder'"	From "Desperate Intruder"	7:29
13.	"Jeremiah's Theme" (Alternative)	From "The Impostors"	2:02
14.	"Martian Space Probe"	From "Day of Disaster"	1:32
15.	"Stand By For Lift Off"	From "Sun Probe"	1:59
16.	"Penelope in France"	From "The Perils of Penelope"	4:04
17.	"San Martino" (Stereo)	From "Path of Destruction"	2:48
18.	"Drama on the South East Asia Pass"	From "End of the Road"	5:22
19.	"Taking A Desperate Chance"	From "End of the Road"	3:25
20.	"Thunderbirds to the Rescue"	From "End of the Road"	2:39
21.	"Jazz Atlantica"	From "Atlantic Inferno"	1:01
22.	"Suite from 'Vault of Death'" (Edited)	From "Vault of Death"	5:28
23.	"The Red Arrow"	From "Edge of Impact"	3:18
24.	"The Voyage of Ocean Pioneer 1"	From "Danger At Ocean Deep"	2:17
25.	"Espionage on the French Riviera" (Edited)	From "The Man from MI.5"	2:49
26.	"The Fate of the Sidewinder"	From "Pit of Peril"	2:00
27.	"Pit of Peril"	From "Pit of Peril"	2:49
28.	"Rescue!"	From "Pit of Peril"	1:58
29.	"End Titles" (Revised)	From "Pit of Peril"	1:25

Disc 2

No.	Title	Notes	Length
1.	"Parker"	Originally included in Lady Penelope Themes (Century 21 Records, EP, MA 111, 1966). Performed by Sylvia Anderson (as Lady Penelope).	3:16
2.	"Lady Penelope"	Originally included in Lady Penelope Themes. Performed by David Graham (as Parker).	2:58
3.	"Dangerous Game" (Lyrical, stereo)	From "The Cham-Cham". Performed by Sylvia Anderson (as Lady Penelope).	3:53
4.	"Let's Play Ad-Lib" (Stereo)		2:56
5.	"The Abominable Snowman"	From audio episode "F.A.B." (Century 21 Records, EP, MA 107, 1966). Performed by Sylvia Anderson and David Graham (as Lady Penelope and Parker).	1:32

When Thunderbirds was first broadcast, AP Films Merchandising awarded licences to companies including Matchbox and Dinky to manufacture plastic and die-cast toy vehicles.[50] It issued approximately 120 such licences, even buying a company (J. Rosenthal) to keep up with demand.[50][51][52] Among the first items released by Dinky were a blue (rather than green) Thunderbird 2 and a six-inch-long (15 cm) FAB 1, of which more than two million were produced.[53][54][55] By 1966, commentators had dubbed the end-of-year shopping season "Thunderbirds Christmas" in the light of the series' popularity.[56]

TV advert for Matchbox's Tracy Island, highly sought after in the early 1990s

Japanese model kits of the vehicles continued to be marketed into the 1980s.[57] In the early 1990s, Matchbox launched a new range of toys to coincide with the series' revival on the BBC.[58] Sales in the run-up to Christmas 1991 suffered when demand overwhelmed supply. However, by Christmas 1992, the series had provided manufacturers and retailers with the most successful UK merchandising campaign since Star Wars.[15][58][59] Matchbox's Tracy Island playset quickly became the UK's most sought-after toy, resulting in stock shortages, fights in shops,[60] and a black market for the item;[58] the story was reported in the national press.[57][61] The 1991 Matchbox range included:

Vivid Imaginations' Tracy Island

In 1993, the BBC children's programme Blue Peter broadcast a making-of showing viewers how to build their own Tracy Island out of "old newspaper, pipe cleaners, yoghurt pots, cereal packets and bits of sponge".[57][63] Demand for a free instruction sheet detailing the process was so high that the BBC stopped sending the sheets out and released presenter Anthea Turner's demonstration, titled "Blue Peter Makes a Thunderbirds Tracy Island", on home video.[63]

When the BBC repeated Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons in the early 2000s, the Thunderbirds toy licence was re-issued to Vivid Imaginations, who produced a new range for the series' second BBC revival in 2000.[64] The 2000 Vivid Imaginations range included:

The release of the 2004 live-action film prompted renewed interest in Thunderbirds toys.[65] The film tie-ins were produced by Bandai. For the series' 40th anniversary in 2005, some items from the Vivid range were re-released in different packaging. The following decade, Vivid produced a new line of toys for the remake series Thunderbirds Are Go.[64][66][67] As of 2019, Thunderbirds Are Go toys are distributed by Bandai in the UK, Modern Brands in Australia and Planet Fun in New Zealand.[68][69][70]

• Burman, Rob (2015). "Thunderbirds (1965/66)". Gerry Anderson Collectables. Amberley Publishing. ISBN 978-1-44564-872-9.
• McGoldrick, Anthony A. (2013). "The 1960s". TV Toys. Shire Library. Oxford, UK: Shire Books. pp. 12–32. ISBN 978-0-74781-217-3.
• Richardson, Michael (July 1993). Doggett, Peter (ed.). "Thunderbirds and Century 21". Record Collector. No. 167. London, UK: Diamond Publishing. pp. 30–35. ISSN 0261-250X. OCLC 9903993.

• Thunderbirds merchandise guide
• Thunderbirds comics history