Sector 13 Comics, a Belfast-based collective of comic creators, has announced its official transition from an informal association of friends to officially become a non-profit community group. This marks a significant step forward in the organisation’s mission to support and promote the comics scene across the province and beyond.
Founded by a passionate group of local enthusiasts, Sector 13 Comics has spent recent years building a creative network of writers and artists. Now, as a non-profit community group, it aims to expand its reach and impact—providing greater opportunities for emerging and established creators alike.
“Our goal has always been to create opportunities for comic creators here at home,” said a spokesperson for Sector 13 Comics. “By becoming a non-profit, we can better support the community, access new resources, and create platforms that amplify local voices.”
Sector 13 Comics has stated that its aims will be to promote comics as an art form across Northern Ireland and beyond; support local creators through collaboration, mentorship, and by providing opportunities for publication; continue to produce original anthologies showcasing a diverse range of talent; and facilitate the publication, promotion, and sale of independent comics by both group members and other small press creators.
As part of its expanded mission, the group plans to increase its publishing output, including new anthology collections and standalone titles. Sector 13 Comics will work to create more avenues for creators to share and sell their work, both locally and beyond.
The organisation invites artists, writers, and comic enthusiasts from across Northern Ireland to get involved—whether by joining the group, contributing to upcoming projects, attending events, or lending their support to independent publications.
“This is just the beginning,” a spokesperson added. “We’re building something – a space where creativity thrives and where Northern Ireland’s comic talent gets the recognition it deserves”.
Sector 13 Comics, its publications and webpage will be funded by voluntary donations, the sale of comics and a membership fee of £50 per annum for those wishing to become more closely involved with the creation of new comics in Northern Ireland.
“The next few weeks will see publication of the first fruits of the new organisation. Our long-overdue anthology, Faces of War, a continuation of our ‘AD 1900’ title in a solo book from Paddy Brown and a brand-new comic from the inimitable Davy Francis – The Gift.”
• Sector 13 Comics is online at: boxofrainmag.co.uk/store | Follow Sector 13 Comics on Facebook
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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.
Categories: British Comics, Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News
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