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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Creating Comics: Rachael Ball and Karrie Fransman to head up virtual Arvon course in March
Have you always wanted to try your hand at writing a comic or graphic novel? This Arvon course may be for you
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LEGO DUPLO Marvel App for PreSchoolers Launched
Join Spidey, Captain America, and other Marvel heroes for exciting adventures and pretend-play fun
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Scholastic announces new picture book, “I Am Ruby Bridges” by American Civil Rights icon
Scholastic has announced the upcoming releases of new picture book by an American Civil Rights icon
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Happy 30th Birthday, Death’s Head II!
There’s no sign of Marvel Comics celebrating the debut of Death’s Head II thirty years ago, so his co-creator Liam Sharp has done it himself!
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In Review: Two Comics in One! Hawk the Slayer’s return debuted with latest Judge Dredd Megazine
“Hawk the Slayer” returns in style in this month’s Judge Dredd Megazine
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Bonhams’ first ever World of Anime sale begins next week
Bonhams’ first World of Anime online sale is set to go live next week
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“Dredd @ 45” Exhibition unveiled for London’s Cartoon Museum, opens next week
Dredd @ 45 is an ‘In Focus’ exhibition at London’s Cartoon Museum, exploring the evolution of Judge Dredd since 1977
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Rare “Misty” art by Shirley Bellwood discovered
We’re delighted to present the only known surviving comic cover art by “Misty” artist extraordinaire, Shirley Bellwood
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The 1950s boom in British SF publishing explored in new videocast from author Philip Harbottle
More fascinating insights into early SF publishing in the UK from author Phillip Harbottle in his latest videocast
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Crowdfunding Spotlight: Rayguns and Rocketships by Rian Hughes
A smashing compendium of vintage SF art and book covers is in the works from Rian Hughes and Korero Press
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Award-winning band Metronomy include comic by Lee O’Connor in their new “Small World” album release
A great use of comics to help promote a new album!
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2000AD’s John Wagner offers rare comic collectibles in Great British Comic Collection Auction for charity
Comic creator John Wagner is selling off some 2000AD and Judge Dredd goodies in aid of not one, but three, good causes
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Rare Starblazer cover art offered on eBay
A cover from the much-missed comic Starblazer is being offered on eBay, painted by the late Jon Davis MBE
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Saturday AM hosts massive online Manga-inspired virtual convention this weekend
Saturday AM, a digital English-language magazine that publishes manga by artists around the world, plays host to the virtual Saturday Con this weekend
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Liam Sharp’s “love letter” to his first breakout comic success, Death’s Head II, takes shape
Comics maestro Liam Sharp is back drawing his first breakout character, co-created with Dan Abnett and Paul Neary back in the 1990s – just for fun!
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ComicScene revamps Comic Creator Directory, calls for entries, launches new digital Specials
ComicScene’s Comic Creator Directory gets a revamp that should help writers, artists and others
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Procartoonists.org, the Professional Cartoonists Organisation, expands PCO TV on YouTube
There’s a new way to find out about creating cartoons and tips and tricks of the trade from British cartoonists, thanks to Procartoonists.org
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The dawn of the Science Fiction Book Club explored in latest 1950s British Science Fiction videocast
Another video smashing exploration of the worlds of 1950s British Science Fiction by author and editor Philip Harbottle is available to watch, free
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Dan Abnett and Mark Harrison’s “The Out” reaches climax in latest 2000AD, and a special anniversary for Tharg!
The latest 2000AD sees “The Out” reach a great conclusion… and we mark a special anniversary for Tharg!
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Doctor Who Magazine editor Marcus Hearn ponders future of title’s comic strip, hints at further “classic collections”
The future of comic strip in Doctor Who Magazine teased, and what’s needed to bring us more “classic collections” of pre-Marvel and Panini Who stories