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.
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Austen Baker Strikes Back
Oh dear, I seem to have upset Mr Austen Baker after I reported on his letter to Private Eye bemoaning public transport and bus lanes (he gets a right pasting in the current edition from other readers, so it would… Read More ›
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Freak Brothers pilot online
The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers pilot is online at last: this is being made in Bristol by Celluloid Dreams. if you’re not familiar with the Furry Freak Brothers this is probably meaningless to you, but it’s quite fun regardless! 2021… Read More ›
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ComicPal Auction features Beano rarity
The Autumn 2006 auction at Compalcomics (www.compalcomics.com) closes soon. One of four auctions held annually, this one features 273 lots in their Autumn catalogue including what the company describes as two particularly “exceptional” items; a Beano Comic No 1 and a… Read More ›
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Look and Learn web site due to launch soon
Over on Bear Alley, comics expert Steve Holland reports that the Look and Learn web site, with which he is heavily involved, officially launches in a matter of days. This is run by a company which now owns the publishing… Read More ›
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Lancaster Comics Festival plugged
Three cheers for local journalist James Griffiths, who got in touch with me via virtual-lancaster, another site I work on that has nothing to do with comics, asking about upcoming events in the Lancaster area. Thanks to him the Lancaster… Read More ›
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Rich People must come first on transport says lecturer
This got right up my nose this week: a Lancaster University lecturer has declared rich people should come first on matters of transport. Law lecturer Richard Austen-Baker, who works at Lancaster University’s law school, took magazine Private Eye to task… Read More ›
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WebFinds: Walls and Bridges
Walls and Bridges is freelance writer Joel Meadows‘ new blog — he’s previously edited a comics magazine, Tripwire, and writes features on comics for a variety of publications, most recently The Times and The Observer. I’ve known Joel for many… Read More ›
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ParcelWorst (or ParcelFarce)
I’ve just sent an e-letter to Parcelforce regarding their appalling service in delivering a parcel to my work address. The parcel’s finally arrived, three days late, banged about and only now reached me because the driver “found it in the… Read More ›
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US Newspaper polls readers on cartoon choice
Can’t see the the UK Guardian ever doing this: or getting as much feedback — some 5000 readers replied – on a newspaper’s plans to alter its comic strip section. www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/entertainment/comics/15254126.htm Strips to vote on here: www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/entertainment/comics/15244087.htm
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Inspirational Star Trek posters