Delving into British comics history…

By John Freeman on February 16, 2007

Cartoonist Lew Stringer has just added a cracking tribute to Express Weekly to his increasingly wonderful British comics blog (I just wonder where he’s finding time to do some cartooning!) This near-forgotten title included contributions from Ron Embleton and Mike Noble and also featured Danger Man stories – something Ian Wheeler and I will be offering further information on in an upcoming issue of Comics International.

Talking of comics history, Mike Gent has just written a fab article on the humour comic Cor!! for downthetubes – check it out via this link.

Meanwhile, my secret comics project is taking shape nicely here in Lancaster. Lots of meetings which have involved trekking to both ends of the country to meet various publishers. More when I can tell you…

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.