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.
-
Comic Creator and Illustrator Spotlight: Louis S. Glanzman
A profile of the late Louis S. Glanzman, whose career began as a comic artist and writer, who became an award-winning, internationally-acclaimed illustrator
-
It’s ‘Ten-Ten’ for Terrahawks in 2021, as Gerry Anderson favourite inspires remastered and new shows, new products
Ten – Ten! Terrahawks Day is on its way
-
Superheroes: Inspiring Stories of Secret Strength features tales of inspiration from over fifty British icons
An inspiring collection of stories of diverse icons turned superheroes is in bookshops now
-
History of Comics crowdfunder offers chance to donate copies to your local public library or school
While backing the History of Comics project, you could also support your local school or library
-
WebFind: BEANO’s Dennis loses his hair – a special comic in support of the work of Great Ormond Street Hospital
A smashing comic created to help young children cope with illness
-
Comic creator Mal Earl outlines his plans for “The Jigsaw”, a new comics anthology
Aces Weekly contributor Mal Earl is looking at creating a new comics anthology…
-
Commando comics go globetrotting for latest war stories!
All out action, from all around the world! Plus – the return of a Commando veteran!
-
2000AD “Ant Wars” opening episode art offered on eBay
Cracking early 2000AD art offered on eBay. What’s not to like about giant killer ants?
-
Crowdfunding Spotlight: The Art of Ian Richardson Volume One
Check out this fun-looking art book from a 2000AD star
-
WebFind: The European Connection Book Covers Web Site
A great web site found after comic artist David Roach sent me down a web rabbit hole…
-
Comic Creator Spotlight: Cartoonist Sarah Andersen
Sarah Andersen’s comics are great fun – and now there’s a calendar, too!
-
Lakes International Comic Art Festival readies for weekend of comics fun in Kendal next month
Some of the highlights of this year’s Lakes International Comic Art Festival, coming back to Kendal next month
-
WandaVision, The Mandalorian and Star Trek: Discovery win Creative Emmys
Three genre TV shows were among the top Emmy award winners this weekend
-
Crowdfunding Spotlight: E.M.PRESS Publications “First Men on Mars”
Superb-looking, intriguing steampunk action adventure coming your way
-
A TV Mystery – 2000AD artist Mark Harrison’s horror comic That Never Was!
Were you involved in creating a BBC horror comic documentary back in the 1980s, or remember seeing one?
-
Coming Soon: Bath Comic Con, featuring comics guests Simon Furman, Nigel Parkinson and more
Much-missed, comic conventions are ramping up again in the UK…
-
Veteran Doctor Who, Secret Army actor Clifford Rose, a founding member of the RSC, seeks support in hour of need
The family of one of British television’s favourite film, theatre and TV actors seeks support
-
Eye-catching cover art and more on offer in this week’s Catawiki International Comic Art Auction
Cover art, Modesty Blaise and Robot Archie art head to auction
-
Hibernia re-releases “Cosmic Comics” celebrating the work of Kevin O’Neill, adding extra ‘Kev’s Own’ section
A fantastic second edition of Cosmic Comics spotlighting the work of Kevin O’Neill is on sale now, don’t miss it this time around!
-
2000AD ramps up the pace for upcoming “jump on board” issue as stories near conclusion
Thrills, spills and creeping horror… they’re all coming your way this Wednesday!