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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Don’t Miss Out on a Dan Dare packed new issue of ComicScene Magazine
A quick reminder that ComicScene Magazine 13 launches 14th April – and is only available by mail order or as a digital edition, and not through newsagents
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Comics part of the fixture and fittings of BBC’s Back In Time For The Corner Shop
BBC2’s Back In Time for the Corner Shop includes some tantalising glimpses of classic comics…
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Win a set of the new Zee Productions 2000AD Jigsaws!
downthetubes has sets of the initial releases of new 2000AD jigsaws to give away!
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In Memoriam: Comic Creator Juan Giménez
Trail-blazing Argentinian comic creator Juan Giménez has died, a victim of Coronavirus.
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Puffin re-jigs 80th anniversary celebration plans, takes “Festival of Big Dreams” virtual
Children’s book publisher Puffin has re-vamped its 80th anniversary celebration plans
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Out Now: Soviet Space Graphics
Out now from Phaidon is Soviet Space Graphics by Alexandra Sankova, published in collaboration with the Moscow Design Museum
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The Mighty One Steve MacManus Mind Probed!
Ian Loxam and Nikki Bates chat with ex-2000AD editor Steve MacManus
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Back to the 1970s! Doctor Who Magazine goes retro…
If you want a distraction from the grimness of the Coronavirus Pandemic Lockdown and you’re a fan of Doctor Who, then latest Doctor Who Magazine (Issue 550) is on sale now.
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Alex Raymond’s first Flash Gordon sells for record $480,000
The original art for Alex Raymond’s first Flash Gordon newspaper strip was sold for $480,000 this week
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Get ready to celebrate Beano’s Dennis’ 70th birthday in 2021!
Expect to see more Beano products on sale this year
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The77 anthology launch on course for mid-May debut
The planned launch of the new quarterly comic anthology The77 is still on course
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Crowdfunding Spotlight: Merrick: The Sensational Elephantman – Puppets
Merrick: The Sensational Elephantman is back in Puppets
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Panel Borders: Myriad Authors
In this month’s Panel Borders, two female artists discuss their graphic novels in progress about exclusion and inclusion
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NASA brings the Universe to your door with NASA at Home
NASA has a new Internet and social media special, NASA at Home, will show and engage you in the agency’s discoveries…
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An Unexpected Blast from the Past in this week’s 2000AD!
There’s action aplenty in this week’s 2000AD, which includes a surprise return for a Judge Dredd character we all thought was dead!
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America’s Autism Parenting Magazine provides wealth of COVID-19 resources, advice for Autism families
America’s Autism Parenting Magazine is providing a free resource oflockdown coping strategies as well as ways for Autism Families to deal with heightened anxieties as a result of the Coronavirus Pandemic
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World War One tales and weird romps in the desert – it’s all happening in Commando!
Brand new Commando – Issues 5319 – 5322 are on sale this Thursday, offering plenty of action and adventure, including two World War One forays, one very unusual, a stint in a Spitfire, and a weird romp in the North African desert!
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Why Your Favourite British Comic Strip of 1974 Hasn’t Been Reprinted – Yet!
Some British comic fans regularly regale the lack of reprints of classic comic strips. Here’s some indication of what’s actually involved…
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40,000 DC Comics, many rare, offered in private sale of The Ian Levine Collection by Sotheby’s
Sotheby’s hosted a rare collection of DC Comics from collection of British music producer, Ian Levine, offered through private sale yesterday
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Look Alive! New Commando Comics On Sale Now
Commando Issues 5315-5318 were released last week but, somehow, the release slipped our radar! The DC Thomson war title continues to troop on with two tanks, a Catalina – and some Motor Torpedo Boats…