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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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…
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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