Author Archives
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.
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The Cartoon Museum and British Cartoonists’ Association announces winner of Young Cartoonist of the Year 2021
The Cartoon Museum and British Cartoonists’ Association has announced the winners of the 26th Young Cartoonist of the Year competition
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Latest Eagle Times delves into a rare spot of plagiarism, Dan Dare secrets, and sporting heroes
The latest Eagle Times probes a commission that proved not to be the august comic’s finest hour…
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Lakes International Comic Art Festival Exhibitors announced, Early Bird Tickets flying fast!
The Lakes International Comic Art Festival has confirmed its full list of “Lakeview” exhibitors at this year’s Festival in October
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Heritage Auctions breaks records again with “most successful comics auction ever held”
Sales to astonish: the latest Heritage Auctions comics and comic art sale breaks all previous records
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New Judge Anderson figure, and Kleggs, too, but launch of range delayed
More Hiya Toys “Judge Dredd” figures announced, but initial release delayed by pandemic issues, too
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In Review: Sez Dez Book One, by Dez Skinn
Comics writer, editor and publisher Dez Skinn has launched his planned five-volume autobiography project in style
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Kev F Sutherland’s tempts us all with“Comic Tales from the Bible”
An Old Testament-inspired treat from one of Britain’s funniest cartoonists, originally commissioned by the Bible Society
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“Andy Capp”, “Davy Jones” and “Modesty Blaise” art offered in latest Catawiki International Comic Art Auction
Some smashing newspaper strip on offer this week on Catawiki, as well as “Robot Archie” and “Trigan Empire” pages
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Comic creator Woodrow Phoenix features in BBC’s new landmark art series
Don’t miss this smashing new arts programme from the BBC
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Penguin Classics Marvel Collection launches in June
The Penguin Classics Marvel Collection arrives in bookshops this Summer,, offering stories featuring Amazing Spider-Man, Black Panther and Captain America
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Crowdfunding Spotlight: Hedrek – Night of The Mummers
They had us at “Columbo meets The Wicker Man”, but a new project with art by David Hitchcock is always worth a look!
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Ebook returns protest gathers momentum as leading authors join campaign
A petition demanding that Amazon changes its policy on ebook returns is gaining popularity, buoyed by protest from authors such as Ian Rankin and Jeanette Winterson
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In Memoriam: Author and artist David McKee, creator of Mr Benn and Elmer the Patchwork Elephant
A tribute to children’s author and painter David McKee, who has died aged 87
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Fighting Fantasy Fest returns in September, Steve Jackson, Sir Ian Livingstone announced as 40th annivesary Guests of Honour
Fighting Fantasy Fest will be returning to the University of West London on Saturday 3rd September 2022, in FF’s 40th anniversary year
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“Calling Captain Condor…..” fans, that is – a new collection featuring art by 2000AD’s Brian Lewis
Hibernia’s third collection in The Fleetway Files series, a superb collection of strips featuring Captain Condor, is on its way
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A Blamazing new partnership: VisitScotland, Scotrail and Beano launch joint marketing campaign
VisitScotland and ScotRail have teamed up with Beano Studios for the first time to create a new marketing campaign to promote family holidays and day trips across the country
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Rare copies of Superman’s first appearances outside the United States offered on eBay
Two early British Superman reprint rarities offered on eBay, but they aren’t cheap!
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Kugali Media lend support to Comic Art Europe literacy project at Manchester’s Abraham Moss Community Primary School
The ongoing Comic Art Europe research project into Comics Literacy is proceeding apace
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BBC Studios options Eve Stranger comic book series
The acclaimed comic series created by David Barnett and Philip Bond is being developed by BBC Studios’ Drama Productions
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In Review: Moon Knight (Various)
Three recent Moon Knight collections from Panini UK reviewed in one place, the third, Midnight Mission, out next week