Author Archives

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.

  • Comic Art Now Goes On Sale

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    On sale now in a good book shop near you — or, very possibly, on stalls at this weekend’s Comic Expo in Bristol — is the much anticipated Comic Art Now from industry veteran Dez Skinn, a 200-page “comic art… Read More ›

  • Dan Dare Exhibition Reviews

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    Several newspapers and web sites have reported on the new Dan Dare and the Birth of Hi Tech Britain exhibition at the Science Museum in London. • The Guardian has posted a gallery of images from the strip and images… Read More ›

  • New Moon Queen Adventure on ROK Comics

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    Everyone loves superhero the Moon Queen – but she’s blissfully unaware of it! Her best friend is the Bee – the only one who doesn’t seem to want something from her. MQ’s real name is Agnes Bale, she can fly… Read More ›

  • ROK buys Jalipo Media

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    ROK Entertainment Group Inc., the global mobile entertainment group and owners of ROK Comics (which is run by downthetubes’ John Freeman), has announced that it has acquired 100 per cent of the issued and to be issued share capital of… Read More ›

  • Remembering Heroes

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    There was a time not that long ago when British boy’s comics celebrated the heroism of British and Commonwealth servicemen. As London celebrates the current British forces with the City Salute, Jeremy Briggs takes a look back at how British… Read More ›

  • In Review: The Wolfmen

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    Review by David Hailwood Another fine offering from Accent UK, publishers of Robots, The Wolfmen successfully merges the crime and horror genre. This time, we get a stand alone comic written by Dave West and drawn by Andy Bloor set… Read More ›

  • Return of the Cat

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    British comics artist ‘Israeli reports via his blog that local stray Lucky the Half Face Cat has resurfaced post winter near his London home. “He’s survived another winter,” says ‘Israeli, whose recent strips include various strips for 2000AD and contributions… Read More ›

  • Eisner Awards Voting Opens

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    The online voting facility for this year’s Eisner Awards are now open and you can vote online for your favourites from the nominees, which are listed in full on the Will Eisner Awards web site. British creators nominated include Nick… Read More ›

  • Studio Space Signings

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    Marking the launch of Image Comics’ exciting Studio Space book, the publishers have lined up four signings/ events throughout the UK starting in May. Written by the creators of Tripwire magazine – Joel Meadows and Gary Marshall – Studio Space… Read More ›

  • Road Death Comics…

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    Rumble strips were invented to alert us to hazards. In fog or snow, or even worse, on the verge of sleep, when you…just…. can’t… keep… your… eyes..op-drrrrrrrrrr drrrrrrrrrrrr drrrrrrrrrrrrr! The noise, the jolt, the vibration of those grooves wakes and… Read More ›