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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Raymond Briggs’ “Time For Lights Out” due in November
Time For Lights Out by Raymond Briggs is a 256-page hardcover out on 14th November from Jonathan Cape. In his customary pose as the grumpiest of grumpy old men, the award-winning graphic novelist contemplates old age and death… and doesn’t… Read More ›
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Dads can be Heroes, just for one day!
London’s National Theatre loves David Bowie – singer, musician, actor, writer, fashion icon – and their Bowie inspired products have proved incredibly popular, and the organisation reckons they’d make for perfect Father’s Day presents. The bestselling Ziggy tea towel (one… Read More ›
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Crowdfunding Spotlight: Get your teeth in Songbird, a vampire novel by A.S. Chambers
This July sees a fan favourite from Lancaster-based fantasy author A.S. Chambers’ ever expanding urban fantasy universe receive her first outing in her own novel. “Since her first appearances in The Casebook of Sam Spallucci, readers have loved the vampire… Read More ›
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Taschen releases second in its “The Complete Little Nemo” series
Following up on The Complete Little Nemo 1905-1909 released in January, Taschen have now released The Complete Little Nemo 1910-1927 by Winsor McCay. Little Nemo may be a diminutive hero of comic narrative, but he stands tall as one of… Read More ›
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Sneak Peek: Rob Davis’s “Book of Forks” out in October, concludes “Motherless Oven” trilogy
This October, just in time for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, SelfMadeHero will publish The Book of Forks – the final book in Rob Davis‘s stunning abstract adventure trilogy that began with the brilliant The Motherless Oven back in… Read More ›
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Harrier Comics revival abandoned?
There was a uproar from several creators when downthetubes reported Canadian-based publisher CPEG had announced reprints of some of independent British publisher Harrier Comics 1980s titles back in 2017 – and it seems the project is now in limbo.
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Panel Borders: Apollo and other other Space Adventures
In an episode of the radio show Panel Borders looking depictions of astronauts and close encounters on the comic book page, Alex Fitch talks to writers Matt Fitch and Chris Baker about their graphic novel adaptation of the first American… Read More ›
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Scribble Down transfer packs update “Action Transfers” for younger children
Earlier this year we highlighted the history-inspired rub down transfers range from Westair Reproductions Ltd, which includes packs featuring dinosaurs, Vikings and castle siege scenes. We’ve now been made aware of an award-winning transfers range aimed at younger children. Scribble… Read More ›
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Network DVD includes “Man in a Suitcase” Comic as part of new Blu-Ray release
Award-winning specialist Blu-Ray and DVD distribution company Network have included another fantastic comic strip addition to one of their latest limited deluxe edition Blu-Ray box sets – Man in a Suitcase: Volume 6. A cracking ITC adventure series first broadcast… Read More ›
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Crowdfunding Spotlight: The Wonders of Science by Eddie Campbell and Phil Elliott
Behind the pseudonym, Charlie Trumper, Eddie Campbell and Phil Elliott created over 100 comic strips between 1984 and 1985 for the UK weekly music paper, Sounds. The Wonders of Science was their first, with Eddie and Phil creating their own strips every… Read More ›
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Simon Spurrier talks writing comics and for TV in new Lakes Festival Podcast
Writer Simon Spurrier is the focus of the latest Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast, and author who’s written for a wide range of comics from 2000AD to Vertigo’s Sandman – to one of hosts Ian Loxam and Nikki Bates favourites,… Read More ›
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Creating Comics: How To Survive A Crowdfunding Campaign by Jasper Bark
Many comic creators now use crowdfunding as a means to raise funds to bring a dream project to life, but there are highs and lows to this, as award-winning horror author, comics writer and stand up comedian Jasper Bark relates… Read More ›
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James Bond memorabilia offered at Aston’s Auctioneers from Cars of the Stars Museum
Dudley-based Aston’s Auctioneers are selling off the remaining contents of the world-famous The Cars Of The Stars Museum / The Bond Museum, that was based in Keswick
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Creator Spotlight: Sgt. Rock by Brian Bolland re-visited, by Robotech colourist Marco Lesko
Colourist Marco Lesko, who I worked with on the recently-published Doctor Who: The Seventh Doctor mini-series from Titan Comics, posted his colouring take on an iconic Sgt Rock page by Brian Bolland, first published by DC Comics in 1992. I’m a… Read More ›
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British Custom Comics: Captain Caution, Rail Safety Hero!
Back in 1985, National Rail came up with a superhero-inspired promotion, no doubt in the hope that Captain Caution would do for rail safety what the Green Cross Man had been doing to encourage kids to be careful crossing roads…. Read More ›
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Phil-Comics trails rare “Wham-O Giant” US tabloid comic in next month’s eBay auction
A copy of the rare giant-sized US comic Wham-O Giant Comics #1, produced by a toy company in the 1960s will go under the hammer at Phil-Comics on eBay next month – and with a line-up that includes artist Wally… Read More ›
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New Doctor Who Magazine Exclusive Edition offers Dalek goodies*
A WHSmith exclusive version of Doctor Who Magazine Issue 539, on sale now, includes a vinyl EP featuring material from the classic 1960s Doctor Who story The Evil of the Daleks. The strictly limited Deluxe Edition for WHSmith customers offers… Read More ›
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Filling in the Gaps: who remembers the 1960s custom comic, “Signal”?
Signal was published between 1961 and 1963, running, it appears, for just four issues
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Showcase: Nella the Princess Knight on sale now
Egmont Publishing‘s latest issue of Showcase magazine, on sale now, is a special based on the popular Nick Jr. television series, Nella the Princess Knight. Nella is an eight-year old picture-perfect princess, but that’s only part of her story. She’s… Read More ›
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London’s Orbital Comics to host Geoff Senior solo exhibition in July
London’s Orbital Comics is to host a solo exhibition by Transformers and To The Death artist Geoff Senior in July. Geoff has been a professional artist and illustrator for over 35 years. Although best known for his work on Marvel… Read More ›