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Get ready for GOOF!, an all-new, all ages digital comic!

By John Freeman on May 7, 2018

On Saturday 23rd June, not only will artist Marc Jackson be hosting the third annual MACC-POW! Macclesfield in Cheshire’s day of comics, as part of the ten day Barnaby festival in the town – he’ll also be launching a brand-new online comic for all-ages, called GOOF!

A monthly, 30 page digital comic, GOOF!, which includes strips exclusive to the new title by creators such as Tor Freeman, Fred Hembeck and Lew Stringer, harks back to the good old days of comics for children that had a sense of craziness, anarchy and all-out fun whilst embracing the modern age.

Derek the Troll © Lew Stringer 2018

It’s inspired by classic print comics like Beano, The Dandy, Oink! and the one-off 1983 Marvel special Channel 33 1/3 by Tim Quinn and Dicky Howett, whilst embracing the great work that both Jamie Smart’s MooseKid Comics and David Lloyd’s Aces Weekly have done for putting quality comics online.

“GOOF! aims to connect those two groups,” says Marc, “and offer something fresh and unique for all-ages comics, that stands tall with its mighty predecessors!”

Spells in the Forest © Tor Freeman 2018

Marc has lined up some of the greatest cartoonists from around the world to be involved in the new title, including Lew Stringer (reviving “Derek the Troll”), Observer comics prize winner 2017 Tor Freeman (bringing a new strip, “Spells in the Forest” to GOOF!), Luke McGarry (creator of “Sad Chewie”) and Spanish artist Lorenzo Montatore (“BOX”).

Emmeline Pidgen brings wonderful witchery with “Nona the Ninth”, Dan Moynihan creates “Mark and Spark”, Fulton Beal introduces the madcap adventures of “Flot and Zot”. Up and coming new comics talent Jessica on Paper gives us “Life Jacket”, Jim Boswell delivers “Stick Pig” and US cartoonist Andrea Bell shows us all “How to be Cool’.

Stick Pig © Jim Boswell 2018

Genie Espinosa introduces “Olivia and Puff”, Joe Matthews goes cosmic with “Space Dawg” and even the legendary Fred Hembeck, famed for his work for both Marvel and DC, is creating a new comic!

In addition, alongside that line-up, GOOF! features new characters and comics from US artist Jess Smart Smile, Canadian artist Andreas Schuster, Finnish artist Mari Ahokoivu and British artists Rick Eades and Dick Vincent.

I Kill Giants artist Ken Niimura also delivers a one-off and exclusive drawing especially for the launch issue.

These comics are exclusive to GOOF! – so if you want to check them out, this is the only place to do it.

“Each cartoonist brings a different style, a different take on what making an all-ages comic means to them, whilst having fun with the medium itself,” says Marc.

“GOOF! aims to show you the kind of comics you might expect and something brand new, showing children and adults alike that this is an amazing time for the medium, presenting them in throughly modern way.

“Crazy adventure comics, funny animals comics, comics that show you how to be cool to your friends, even comics about cooking and culinary skills… we got ‘em!

Olivia and Puff @ Genie Espinosa 2018

“This project brings a new role for me as an editor and general man in charge, as I have being bringing the comic together since early January,” Marc expands. “I’ve been scouring Instagram feeds for hot new talent and dipping into my address book to reach out to the pros who I know can deliver.

“I’ll be heavily promoting GOOF! from here on in, as will all the creators to make it the success I truly believe it should be, and we’ll be promoting and introducing what is inside at larger events such as the Lakes International Comic Art Festival in October, who have offered me great support so far.”

Keen to not get left out of the comics action too, GOOF! will also see the debut of a new strip by Marc called “Donald Dogsbody does the dishes”.

“I can’t wait to see him as part of this amazing line-up,” he enthuses.

Visitors to MACC-POW! can sign-up and start reading Issue Zero of GOOF! on the day.

“Half of our creators will be in attendance in person,” Marc reveals, “including Lorenzo Montatore and Genie Espinosa from Spain, giving the event a truly international flavour.

“I hope that children will then engage with those creators and talk to them about the new characters they enjoyed and maybe event get a signed drawing of their favourites, making it a truly interactive first for a comic launch of this kind.

“Wherever you are in the world, GOOF! will be waiting for you at www.goofcomic.co.uk so don’t miss out on, comics for everyone!”

• Sign-up now to be the first to read GOOF! on Saturday 23rd June 2018 at www.goofcomic.co.uk. GOOF! costs just £1 per issue (£12 for the year, maths fans). On the first Saturday of every month, you’ll receive a link to read it in your inbox, just like that!

• If you want to learn more about Derek the Troll visit Lew’s blog here

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.