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77 Publishing continues Ian Gibson’s Lifeboat with 2000AD artist Anna Morosova

By John Freeman on 10 August 2026 • ( 0 )

77 Publishing, the independent team behind the comics The77 anthology, Blazer and more, have confirmed 2000AD and Glarien artist Anna Morozova is to continue the late Ian Gibson’s Lifeboat graphic novel series.

*Ian Gibson’s Lifeboat, art by Anna Morozova*

Lifeboat by Ian Gibson, co-creator of The Ballad of Halo Jones with Alan Moore, was a long cherished story the artist developed over several years before his death in 2023. The first volume was published by 77 Publishing after a hugely successful crowdfunding campaign. Years in the making, the first arc was both written and drawn by Ian, described by him as his magnum opus.

*Ian Gibson at work on Lifeboat. Photo via Steve Bull of The77*

Lifeboat by Ian Gibson - Book Two — *Lifeboat art by Ian Gibson*

Still available to buy here, the 64-page graphic novel features an in-depth look at Ian’s artistic process and the techniques he used, alongside commentary from the man himself, a foreword by Judge Dredd co-creator and writer John Wagner, and essays by former 2000AD editor Steve MacManus, artist Steve Parkhouse and comics historian and editor, David Roach.

Lifeboat by Ian Gibson Book One - Sample Art — *A spread from Lifeboat Book One*

“When I was working with Ian on Book One, we discussed artists that would be a fit to continue the Lifeboat story,” 77 Publishing cofounder, editor and writer Steve Bull outlines.

“Ian had written the first two books and the outline to the third that would complete the first arc,” Steve continues. “I presented Anna’s work to Ian, as I felt she carried within her style and personality many themes and passions that would marry well with Ians writing, art and characters.

“Of the artists we discussed, the fantastically talented Anna was the only one Ian endorsed personally to me.”

Anna Morozova is a comics artist and illustrator currently working for 2000AD and the Treasury of British Comics in the UK plus Glarien in the US. Her published work includes “Future Shocks”, “Terror Tales”, “Tales from the Black Museum”, “Judge Anderson”, “Viva Forever”, “Lowborn High” and Rocky of the Rovers for Rebellion, plus the creator owned Star-Nav written by Alan Hebden and published in the Pandora comic anthology.

She has previously worked for Comichaus, DC Thomson Heritage Comics, ODEON Luxe/Engine Mischief PR, Panini, University of Dundee and the Scottish Government.

“I’m excited to be sharing some progress images from the Lifeboat project,” says Anna. “I have always been fascinated by the work of Ian Gibson: from the organic fluidity of his designs and the intuitive understanding of form, to, of course, the masterful and confident execution.

“It is also work with a very confident, distinct and unique voice – one that not only stands out and can never be mistaken for anyone else’s, but also has the power to influence and inspire. It is the kind of work that serves as an original source: not something to be replicated or competed with, but something to be known and respected.

“When Steve first approached me with the opportunity to illustrate the script written by Ian himself, continuing the project Ian had already started, I knew it would be a challenging task. It was an incredibly exciting and, quite honestly, flattering proposition (and it’s a space opera – my favourite genre of all time!), and I knew from the very beginning that trying to mimic Ian’s approach wouldn’t be a particularly good strategy. As the continuing artist, I can only do my best by utilising the skills I’ve developed so far while relying on the vision and blueprint already provided by Ian.

“It will be a challenging journey indeed, but an exciting one as well. It is also a wonderful opportunity for me to return to traditional illustration techniques – it’s been a while. I’ll simply do my very best, so to speak, and hopefully the results will bring some joy to future readers.

77 Publishing will provide more updates soon on their social media channels, including Facebook: more art, details of Ian’s content in Book Two – and, as yet an additional mystery Gibson contribution…

• Buy Lifeboat Book One here direct from 77 Publishing

Head downthetubes for…

• More Ian Gibson Lifeboat related items on downthetubes

• Anna Morozova Official Website

• The Imagination of Ian Gibson Facebook Group

• Ian Gibson Art for sale on ArtDroids

• Graphic novels by Ian Gibson on AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)

About the Author
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John Freeman

John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.

He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.