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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Amazing Fantasy #15, and rare “pulped” Beano, offered by Compalcomics
The May/June Compalcomics catalogue has just launched, offering a host of British comics goodies – both comics and art – for auction, alongside many US comic offerings, too including a copy of Spider-Man‘s first appearance in Amazing Fantasy #15, signed… Read More ›
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Dark Horse announcers a darn astral cat as latest hero
Dark Horse announcers a darn astral cat as latest hero…
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Gallery: Spider-Man – Far From Home
Due to hit cinemas in the UK at advance screenings from 1st July, Spider-Man: Far From Home is set in Europe, pitting the superhero against a new threat.
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Egyptian Queen by Frank Frazetta Sets $5.4 Million World Record at Heritage Auctions
The 1969 fantasy painting Egyptian Queen, one of the most legendary artworks by famed artist Frank Frazetta, sold for a world record $5.4 million (£4.2m) yesterday, Thursday, 16th May, at a public auction of vintage comic books and comic art… Read More ›
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Commando Comics: Jordi Longarón Covers Gallery
Following up on the downthetubes tribute to artist Jordi Longarón, who died last week, Colin Noble has very kindly assembled a selection of his covers for Commando Comics. The Commando Covers of Jordi Longarón 1968 329 – Wolf Pack 339… Read More ›
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Permanent Angel Badia Camps exhibition opens in Puis-reig, Spain
If you’re a comics fan travelling to Barcelona this summer, then you could do worse than to take a road trip to nearby Puis-reig and visit the Biblioteca Guillem de Berguedà, now host to a permanent exhibition of the work… Read More ›
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In Memoriam: Comic Artist Jordi Longarón, co-creator of “Friday Foster”
Jordi Longarón was co-creator of the ground-breaking newspaper strip, “Friday Foster”
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Doctor Who goes Virtual Reality, for immersive adventure “The Runaway”
Doctor Who fans can now step inside a virtual reality version of the TARDIS in an immersive VR adventure called Doctor Who: The Runaway. Running for around 12 minutes, the new original, interactive story from the BBC and Passion Animation… Read More ›
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Sneak Peek: Leo Baxendale’s Sweeny Toddler, out in July!
There are few more influential creators in British comics than Leo Baxendale, and few more memorable characters than Sweeny Toddler, the demon baby, who surely positivity stole the show in the recent Cor!! & Buster Humour Special thanks to Tom… Read More ›
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First female writer to join Commando’s ranks in over 30 years debuts with “Shadow in the Storm!”
Brand new issues of Commando (Issues 5227 – 5230) are out this Thursday, offering shark-infested seas, French Resistance showdowns and Battle of Britain pilots. The latest stories also include a new story of World War Two Air Transport Auxiliary’s female… Read More ›
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Charley’s War Battle “In the Trenches” Cover offered on eBay
There’s a great opportunity to get hold of an original “Charley’s War” Battle cover by Joe Colquhoun on eBay right now – and, unlike a number of Joe’s covers, this one will definitely sell. Rather than open bids at the… Read More ›
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In Memoriam: Comic writer, author, playwright Tommy Donbavand, creator of “Scream Street”, is gone
We’re very sorry to report that Tommy Donbavand, comic strip writer and award-winning author of the Scream Street series, Fangs Vampire Spy, Doctor Who: Shroud of Sorrow, Home and My Teacher Ate My Brain, has lost his long battle with cancer…. Read More ›
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Lakes Festival Podcast legs it to Oldham! (Oldham Comic Con 3, that is)
Most of the latest episode of the Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast focuses on the team’s recent trip to Oldham Comic Con 3, held on Saturday 11th May. Nikki Bates tabled on the day, while Ian went off interviewing… Read More ›
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Simian superhero stalks this week’s 2000 AD… Plus, a Rebellion Summer Titles preview!
Along with the lowdown on this week’s thrill-packed 2000 AD, hold on to your boot straps as downthetubes brings you a taster of things to come from Rebellion in coming months – both books and comics – including some Roy… Read More ›
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Heritage Auctions heads to MCM, seeks UK comics collections
Top US auction house Heritage Auctions, which has been actively expanding its offering of European comic art and related items over the last year, will be at the MCM Comic Con in London later this month (24th – 26th May 2019)
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Rare one-shot 1960s Dan Dare zine featuring contributions from Ron Embleton and Frank Hampson, heads to Classic UK Comic Zines digital archive
A new item destined for the Classic UK Comics Zines archive thanks to downthetubes contributor Richard Sheaf is a rare edition of the one-shot fanzine published in October 1969, Ultima Thule, thanks to its original editor, artist and Dan Dare fan… Read More ›
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Free Doctor Who comics face Panel to Panel probe
Episode #110 of Doctor Who: Panel to Panel is available now, offering the Podcast’s usual mix of analysis and reviews of Doctor Who comics past and present. Knowledgeable host Jeremy Bement chats about free comics in this new episode (which,… Read More ›
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Starlord’s Classic space epic “Mind Wars” gets Judge Dredd Megazine reprint
There’s a new issue of Judge Dredd Magazine, Issue 408, on sale this week, sporting a cover by Cliff Robinson and Dylan Teague, a release that includes the first volume of the classic Starlord story, “Mind Wars” by Alan Hebden, with… Read More ›
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Sneak Peek: Matt Garvey’s “Untitled Generic Space Comedy”
Available now direct from ace comics creator Matt Garvey to pre-order is his new title Untitled Space Comedy #1, written and lettered by Matt, featuring terrific art from John McFarlane, colour by Allison Hu, wrapped in a cover by Rob… Read More ›
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First Hackney Comic + Zine Fair announced for September
The first ever Hackney Comic + Zine Fair will be taking over London Fields Arches this September, offering a celebration of all things comics, featuring over 40 artists, writers and publishers with a huge range of styles and genres available… Read More ›