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.
-
BEANO gains again, changes ahead for Panini’s superhero titles – British Comic News Stand Sales Figures, Winners and Losers (July – December 2020)
The latest reported ABC Magazine Sales Figures for July to December 2020 were released recently, and despite the Coronavirus Pandemic and the closure of many WHSmith, we are delighted to see that some titles not only saw sales rise, in no small… Read More ›
-
Comic Creator and Illustrator Spotlight: Austin Briggs
Comic artist and author David Roach, author of Masters of British Comic Art and more, regularly entertains and enthrals social media followers by highlighting the work of great comic artists and illustrators. But a deceptively simple image of a woman… Read More ›
-
Bananaman heads back to TV screens, Fox Entertainment seeks UK writer for new adaptation
-
Revealed: Dave McKean’s art for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival 2021
-
New set of Doctor Who post cards featuring art by Alice X. Zhang available in May
-
Latest episodes of “1950s British Science Fiction” explore the art of Ron Turner and some publishing mysteries
-
Dan Dare Radio Luxembourg recording rarity offered on eBay
-
Revealed: The Spider’s Syndicate of Crime Hardback Cover by Chris Weston
-
SelfMadeHero’s Graphic Anthology Programme promotes diversity in comics publishing
-
Studio Aardman creates ‘What’s Up With Everyone?’ mental health campaign targeting young people
-
Latest Phil-Comics comes stacked with vintage British comics complete free gifts
-
SHIFT Issue Three heads to the stands, Dan McDaid’s “DEGA” and “Crucible” to join strip line-up later this year
-
In Memoriam: Comic artist and illustrator Bill Titcombe
-
British Science Fiction Association Awards Shortlist Revealed
The British Science Fiction Association has just announced the shortlist of nominees for their BSFA Awards for work published in 2020, which includes an award for Best Artwork and a nomination for Hugo nominated Fan Artist Iain Clarke. The BSFA Awards are… Read More ›
-
In Memoriam: Illustrator Victor Ambrus, the refugee who brought British history and legend to life
-
Beano Rebels! Latest “Beano Brain” report says British children are “unafraid to challenge adults” for a better society















