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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Lakes International Comic Art Festival trails Programme Highlights, including VIZ World Record Challenge
A world of comic art will return to Kendal for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival (11 – 13th October 2019). Now in its seventh year, backed by the Arts Council and many other supporting organisations, the family-friendly festival will… Read More ›
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Lakes Festival Focus 2019: An Interview with Artist Lucy Sullivan
Every year, in the countdown to the Lakes International Comic Art Festival in October, we bring you a series of interviews with guests at the event. This “Festival Focus” for 2019 is with artist, author and animator Lucy Sullivan, whose… Read More ›
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Classic 2000AD “Dredd” cover art by Mick McMahon on offer in latest Compal Comics auction
Compal Comics have just launched their August/September auction catalogue – and as usual there are some great items on offer, including a terrific “Judge Dredd” 2000AD cover by Mick McMahon, more original art by Frank Bellamy, a Dandy No.1 –… Read More ›
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Beano Studios partners with Happy Monkey Drinks on nationwide promotion
Beano Studios has struck up a new partnership with Happy Monkey Drinks, with a series of on pack tie-ins to its popular TV series Dennis and Gnasher: Unleashed! A quarter of a million Happy Monkey Strawberry & Banana and Orange… Read More ›
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New Fleetway Picture Library collections announced, past publishing secrets revealed
Artist Carlos Pino has unearthed a fascinating letter from longtime Fleetway editor Ted Bensberg, dating the end of originated strips for the original runs of titles such as War and Battle Picture Library – just as further details emerge about Book Palace… Read More ›
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The 2000 AD Thrill-Cast: Simon Furman on The Vigilant
There’s a great episode of the 2000 AD Thrill-Cast available to listen to now – a wide-ranging chat with writer Simon Furman, talking about his work on The Vigilant and reviving a terrific roster of classic British comic characters. Simon… Read More ›
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Iconic Vampirella cover and comic strip art offered in private sale
One of the most iconic covers in the history of Vampirella, painted by Sanjulián, is being offered in a private sale – and that’s not all…
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Day of Dredd – Signing Details across the UK and US revealed
Rebellion has announced the full thrill-powered line-up of events for The Day of Dredd, celebrating the legacy and cultural impact of Britain’s biggest comic book export, Judge Dredd. Taking place on Saturday 7th September 2019, this mixture of creator signings,… Read More ›
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Terrahawks to return as “Kate Kestrel and the Terrahawks”
Anderson Entertainment has announced a partnership with Tiny Giants to redevelop Terrahawks for a 21st century audience, more than 30 years after its original run ended. Originally co-created by Gerry Anderson, best known for also co-creating Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and… Read More ›
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Will Simpson, Lyndon Webb deliver new covers for 2000AD-inspired Sector 13 reprints
Issue Four of the Belfast-based non-profit 2000AD fanzine Sector 13 is getting a reprint – with a stunning Venus Bluegenes cover by top artist Will Simpson. The reprint follows the near sell out of Issue Four at the Lawless convention… Read More ›
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Coming Soon: The 77
A new independent comics anthology is in the works from a team of disparate comic creators united by their admiration for one comic – 2000AD. 20 creators are busy with collaborations for The 77, edited by Ben K Sy, and… Read More ›
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Jonathan Cape/Observer/Comica Graphic short story prize 2019 launched
The Jonathan Cape/Observer/Comica Graphic short story prize, which celebrates its 12th birthday this year, is now open for entries
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Isn’t it about time the 1980’s Dan Dare stories were collected?
The 1980s Dan Dare stories came up in discussion over the weekend, which prompted me to suggest that if fans wanted to see them reprinted, then they needed to write to Titan Comics, who currently hold the license to republish… Read More ›
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HighVisFest back next month
Digbeth’s free street arts/graffiti free festival HighVisFest is back and ready to paint the town red, blue and every colour in-between on 7th September – and includes a number of comic creators as guests at a “Pop Up Comic Con”… Read More ›
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In Review: The Vigilant – Legacy
The Vigilant – Legacy Writer: Simon Furman Artists: Will Sliney (Opening Pages) and Simon Coleby Colour: Len O’Grady Lettering: Simon Bowland “Doctor Sin – Tribunal” Writer: Simon Furman Art: Jake Lynch Colour: john Charles Letters: Oz Includes character background features… Read More ›
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A Life Beyond Comics: artist David Pugh releases first novel
Former comic artist David Pugh – whose many credits include “Dan Dare” for Eagle,”Slaine” for 2000AD and “Loner” for Wildcat, and, in the US, Neil Gaiman’s Phage: Shadowdeath, written by Bryan Talbot – has published his first novel, Dharma Sutra
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Comics covered at upcoming Colour and British Visual Culture Symposium
If you’re in Norwich on Friday 6th September, comic artist David Roach – author of Rebellion’s upcoming Masters of British Comic Art – is a guest at the Colour and British Visual Culture Symposium. David will be giving a talk… Read More ›
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Gala Premieres announced for “Sil and the Devil Seeds of Arodor”
Reeltime Pictures have announced two gala premieres for their new SF series Sil and the Devil Seeds of Arodor starring Doctor Who villain Sil, the deliciously wicked character created by Philip Martin and played by Nabil Shaban. Sil and the… Read More ›
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Bunty and Misty artist John Armstrong “Life Studies” on eBay
More of Misty comics artist John Armstrong‘s life studies artworks created in the 1940s, are up for sale now on eBay. I’m selling the work on behalf of John’s family, and here is a selection what’s on offer in this second John… Read More ›
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Talking Manga: An Interview with British Museum curator Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere
Holly Rose Swinyard, editor of The Cosplay Journal, recently sat down with Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere, curator of the British Museum’s Manga Exhibition, which runs until 26th August 2019, and has kindly shared part of their interview with downthetubes as a… Read More ›