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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Free to Download – A Coronavirus Lockdown-busting Cornucopia of Comics from Bryan Talbot and more
As a little pick-me-up during the Coronavirus Pandemic, Bryan Talbot, working with web master James Robertson, has put together a downloadable version of all of the free comics published on his official site site over the years
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Holy Bat Timing! Panini UK launches Batman: Tales of the Dark Knight
It may, unfortunately be badly timed, but Panini UK launched Batman: Tales of the Dark Knight last week – the first in what will hopefully be a new line of DC titles
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Liverpool Heartbeat Comic Magazine launches – features never-before-seen Stan Lee item
Children of Merseyside have had their work published in the brand new Liverpool Heartbeat Comic Magazine
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Lakes International Comic Art Festival declares it’s still Full Steam Ahead for October
Responding to the uncertain times we are in as a result of the Coronavirus Pandemic, the Lakes International Comic Art Festival has confirmed it is still working on its plans to bring comic fans of all ages a weekend of comic fun to Kendal this October
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US publisher Vault Comics announces Local Comic Shop Gift Card Initiative
Vault Comics, an independent publisher of science fiction, fantasy, and supernatural horror comics, has announced their Local Comic Shop Gift Card Initiative
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Dark Horse Comics continues commitment to supporting comic retailers
Dark Horse Comics has announced a continued commitment to comics retailers in response to the Coronavirus Pandemic, for now announcing they will not release new comics digitally that are not already in print
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Increased demand for science fiction audio adventures deal drives partnership with Penguin and Rebellion
Penguin Random House UK recently launched a new partnership between its audio division and 2000AD publisher Rebellion, in response to increasing demand for science fiction audio
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Titan Comics “Robotech: Remix Volume – Déjà Vu” is available now
Robotech: Remix Volume – Déjà Vu is out now, collecting issues 1 to 4 of Titan Comics’ smash hit series
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In Memoriam: Albert Uderzo, co-creator of Asterix and Obelix
Many tributes from across the globe have paid to artist Albert Uderzo this week, illustrator and co-creator of famous comic series Asterix, who died on Tuesday, aged 92.
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Overwhelming Majority of Artists and Content Confirmed for new August Date of Portsmouth Comic Con
The team behind Portsmouth Comic Con have been overwhelmed with support following last week’s decision to move the date due to the ongoing global Coronavirus Pandemic
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Latest Phil-Comics eBay auction offers some real treats
There’s another fantastic selection of comics, annuals, books, free gifts and magazines await you in the Phil-Comics eBay auctions this week
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Coronavirus Pandemic – Creator Resources and Free Comics!
Last Updated 7th April 2020: A list of resources for creators, comic buyers and fun for kids and parents affected by the CoronaVirus Pandemic Lockdown in the UK – and hopefully beyond
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Neymar Jr. Comics Offers Free Digital Comics, Live Streaming of Artist Demonstrations
Fan The Flame Concepts LLC, an independent comic and graphic novel producer, has announced that Neymar Jr. Comics is making its entire library of more than 200 individual episodes across all titles available free to fans
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Arts Council offers financial support for artists, creative practitioners and freelancers
As part of a wider package of support for the creative industries in the UK, the Arts Council has announced they are making £20 million available to individuals working in the cultural sector, including artists, creative practitioners and freelancers
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2000AD continues publication, Treasury Specials still on course, but Best of 2000AD launch delayed
Rebellion has issued a statement about how the Coronavirus Pandemic will affect publication of its comics and graphic novels
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Vectis Auctions trails mammoth Dan Dare toy and comic sale
An upcoming auction will feature a large selection of original Dan Dare and Eagle collectables from the 1950s
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Diamond is ceasing the distribution of new weekly comics and other product
US published comics will temporarily cease to be distributed in the UK through Diamond
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Creative Things To Do While Self Isolating: Enter a Gilbert White Writing Competition
Petersfield Bookshop in Hampshire has launched a writing competition to mark the 300th anniversary of the birth of British naturalist Gilbert White
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Waterstones temporarily closes high street stores
All branches of Waterstones will be temporarily closing their doors by the close of trade Monday 23 March 2020
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Eagle’s “Riders of the Range” collected… in Holland
Specialist Dutch publisher Uitgeverij Boumaar is publishing “Folio Plus” editions of the Eagle strip “Riders of the Range”