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Fans and creators alike mass to support 2000AD artist Peter Doherty after critical illness

By John Freeman on December 20, 2016

2000AD artist Peter Doherty

A JustGiving Page to raise money to support comic artist and colourist Peter Doherty (perhaps best known for his work on 2000AD‘s “Judge Dredd”) is closing in on its target to support him after he suffered a torn aorta a couple of weeks ago.

Currently in hospital, the good news is that after some complications, and having spent over a week in an induced coma, he’s now awake and, though still extremely unwell, is starting to improve.

Over his career, Peter’s work has mainly been focused on “Judge Dredd”, including a number of stories acclaimed by readers, including the origin story “Judge Death: Boyhood of a Superfiend”; and the swansong story of long-running support cast member Chief Judge McGruder, “Death of a Legend.” He’s also worked on other comics, such as Grendel.

Judge Death for Judge Dredd Megazine Issue 12 by Peter Doherty

Peter, who is one of several UK and US creators on the 2017 Official Selection books from the Angouleme Festival International de la Bande Dessinée, thanks to his on Mark Millar and Frank Quitely’s Jupiter’s Legacy, will face at least two to three weeks in hospital, then an extended period of convalescence.

“During this time, I think the last thing he should have on his mind is the financial pressure of being unable to work,” says his longtime friend Carl Waite who, together with Stuart Gibbins and Tracy Wilkinson, has set up a JustGiving page and an associated web site to raise money on his behalf, a project supported by his daughter, Hope.

So far, donations are fast approaching £10,500. Hope says that it will be Peter’s decision – when he’s well enough – as to how it’s used, whether as originally intended (to offer some support to him) or perhaps he might choose to donate any money raised to the hospital unit that cared for him.

Peter Doherty's art on the Judge Dredd story "The Pusher", written by Alan Grant, for 2000AD Prog 1736

Peter’s art on the Judge Dredd story “The Pusher”, written by Alan Grant, for 2000AD Prog 1736

A web site – the-dredded-aorta.com – has also been set up on Pete’s behalf, which as well as explaining the situation, appeals for donations of artwork from the comic community that can be auctioned to raise yet more money for him. Several artists have already kindly offered pieces of work that can be auctioned to help boost the fund.

“An amazing amount has already been raised via a Just Giving page,” says Carl, “but his recovery is going to take a considerable time. As anyone who is or has been self-employed will know, this sort of thing is a real worry.

“Right now, please think about scratting around the back of the sofa to see if you can muster enough change to donate a couple of quid,” Carl asks. “In addition though, please share this message as far and wide as you can!”

Donations so far have come from many of his fan and creators including myself, Nick Brokenshire, Matt Brooker, Shane Chebsey, Eddy Choi, Rufus Dayglo, Ian Edginton, Gary Erskine, Al Ewing, Duncan Fegredo,Antony Johnston, Jeff Lemire, Lucy Millar, Gary Spencer Millidge, Michael Molcher, Kevin Nowlan, Dean Ormston, Annie Parkhouse, Sean Phillips, Jamie Rich, Richard Starkings, John Wagner, Kev Walker and Rob Williams.

Why not join us?

• Make your donation here on this JustGiving Page

• Fund raising web site – the-dredded-aorta.com

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “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.