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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Auction site Catawiki marks anniversary of Tintin creator Hergé’s birth with special auction
Rare Tintin collectables under the hammer this week
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Crowdfunding Spotlight: Buzzard, Crackpot and Damsels from D.I.S.T.R.E.S.S, a real mix of offerings!
Crowdfunding has proven a lifeline for comic creators through the COVID-19 crisis – and there are more projects to come…
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First tie-in “Ray Harryhausen – Titan of Cinema” exhibition livestream event with Vanessa Harryhausen on tomorrow
The first of four livestream events celebrating the life and work of a cinema legend is online tomorrow
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Avast there, me hearties! New graphic novel, “Blowback”, offers a pirate-spiced time travel romp… here’s a review
Pirates! US Marines on a mission! Time travel! What more do you need to know?
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Beano character re-named, internet goes into meltdown
The Bash Street Kids “Fatty” is to use his given name,”Freddy”, but some don’t like the change
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Oxford’s Rothermere American Institute Book Club lands Joe Sacco, talking “Paying the Land”
A chance to hear about graphic journalist Joe Sacco’s most recent work
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Tip Top art by the great Roy Wilson offered on eBay
A smashing example of Roy Wilson work is up for sale
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Former Beano and Buster artist Rob Lee integral part of new “Aliens in my Backpack” animated series
A new upcoming animated series has plenty of British comic connections
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Comic Creator Spotlight: The Star Wars art (and more) of Craig Davison
British artist Craig Davison delights our inner child with his ongoing “Shadows” art
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First Issue of The Shadow Sets $156,000 World Record in Pulp Magazine Auction at Heritage
Records set in latest Heritage pulp magazine auction
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Graphic Novel Spotlight: “What We Don’t Talk About” by Charlot Kristensen
This powerful, uncompromising graphic novel took teenagers, many not versed in comics, completely by surprise
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Alex Paknadel talks “Immortal Hulk”, Octobriana secrets revealed in latest Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast
Don’t miss this fantastic assemblage of comic creator interviews, spanning mainstream to indie
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Free Webinar – Biographics: Life Stories in Panels
Discussing how comics work so well as biography
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European comic album model inspires new Binge Books “Heroes Union” title, created by US comic industry legends Roger Stern, Ron Frenz and Sal Buscema
Start-up US publisher nets some fine talent for first new title
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Star Trek: The Original Series – A Celebration marks 55 years of a TV icon, out in September
Look out for this special anniversary book, on sale in September
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Doctor Who Delights! Neil “Blackbird” Sims on creating monsters in clay, and hints of things to come
Check out these fantastic Doctor Who sculpts artist and 3D maker Neil “Blackbird” Sims
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“Thistlebone” wraps this week in 2000AD, new Megazine includes a look back at Valiant – and more besides!
Thrills aplenty from Rebellion this week, plus a checklist of upcoming collections, too
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London Comic Mart is Back!
Great news for comic collectors… but do stay safe!
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Are you ready for “Battle of the Toons”? Lakes International Comic Art Festival ready to go ahead, announces more guests
More great guests heading to Kendal in October, plus a transatlantic hook-up planned, too!
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Tube Surfing Crowdfunding Spotlight Shorts – Meanwhile anthology collections, Liam Sharp’s new art book and more
Cool perks boost Liam Sharp’s upcoming art book campaign, Meanwhile… anthology collections planned