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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Revealed – The Dan Dare Radio Luxembourg Comic Strips by Philip Harbottle
Regular readers of downthetubes will know we recently presented a rare “Lost Episode” from Radio Luxembourg‘s 1950s serial The Adventures of Dan Dare, with the permission of the Dan Dare Corporation. Its presentation, along with the previous discovery of other episodes, prompted… Read More ›
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In Memoriam: Look-In and TV21 artist Mike Noble
We’re sorry to report the passing of veteran artist Mike Noble, perhaps best known for his work on the British weekly comics TV Century 21 – drawing strips such as “Fireball XL5“, “Captain Scarlet” and “Star Trek” and Look-In – working… Read More ›
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In Pictures: The Frank Hampson – The Man Who Drew Dan Dare Exhibition
An exhibition of art by Dan Dare creator Frank Hampson at The Atkinson, in Southport, Lancashire – where both the character and Eagle comic were “born” in the 1950s – is on now until March, and it’s well worth a visit. The exhibition covers all aspects of… Read More ›
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Inksgiving – Tapas Comics annual campaign to support creators – returns tomorrow
Inksgiving, a 48-hour event dedicated to giving love and support to your favourite comic creators on the Tapas digital comics platform, will take place from tomorrow, Tuesday 20th November, 12.00am PST and end on Wednesday 21st November 21, 11.59pm PST…. Read More ›
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Crowdfunding Spotlight: Brigantia #2 by Chris Mole and Melissa Trender
The second issue of Brigantia, a historical fantasy/adventure comic is a comics project from writer Chris Mole and artist Melissa Trinder, lettered by Aditya Bidikar, that you may want to check out on Kickstarter
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Artists sought for EU-funded Climate Change comic
Paisley-based environmental organisation The Surefoot Effect has announced a search for artists to work on a 20-page comic, with a deadline for submissions at the end of this month.
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Stan Lee Tribute Day announced for Liverpool next weekend
Liverpool’s retro gaming and video shop VideOdyssey has announced a Stan Lee Tribute Day next Saturday (24th November 2018) in aid of the Stan Lee Foundation. Paying homage to the Marvel legend who died earlier this week, expect an event… Read More ›
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Roy of the Rovers, National Literacy Trust Team Up for 10,000 book giveaway
Rebellion, the publisher of the 2018 Roy of the Rovers reboot, has teamed up with the National Literacy Trust this week to give away 10,000 books from the brand new series to reluctant readers across the United Kingdom. The return… Read More ›
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Monty Nero and Martin Simmonds “Death Sentence” is back, and here’s what to expect!
Death Sentence Liberty #2 (and #1) is now live on Kickstarter until 13th December, written by Monty Nero (Titan, Marvel, Delcourt) with art by Martin Simmonds (Titan, Marvel, Black Crown, Vault Comics). It’s the third story in the series about an… Read More ›
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Stan Lee’s British Connections – the “Uncle Stan Collection” remembered
In March 2000, London-based Comic Book Auctions took delivery of over one thousand US comics from one John Lieber, who lived near Bristol. The origin of these comics would prove a bit of a revelation… “He had explained to us that… Read More ›
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Forget Black Friday – enjoy a comics-inspired night at the museum in Glasgow instead!
Glasgow’s Hunterian Museum is to host a free Comics Scotland event on Saturday 1st December 2018, with special guests including artist Frank Quitely. Night at the Museum: Comics Scotland is an exploration of Scotland’s illustrious history in the development of… Read More ›
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Untold Tales: Lancaster’s Musicians’ Co-Op the inspiration for a comic adventure
Following up on the good news – locally, at least – that Lancaster City Council has pledged to work with the city’s Musicians’ Co-op to help secure their long-term future, revoking its eviction notice from a building much-loved organisation had occupied… Read More ›
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More Lakes Festival creator interviews focus for new Podcast
The latest Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast is again bursting with interviews from the annual Lakes International Comic Art Festival in Kendal held last month, conducted by co-hosts Ian Loxam and Nikki Bates. Episode 40 includes interviews with Canadian artist… Read More ›
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“Power Pack of Ken Reid” Frankie Stein prints offered as Christmas incentive to buyers
If you haven’t already bought the brilliant Power Pack of Ken Reid collections release earlier this year, then there’s a new incentive to tempt you – some cracking Frankie Stein prints! Published by Irmantas Povilaika, the man behind the Kazoop! blog, the two… Read More ›
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Leo Baxendale’s Sweeny Toddler, Death Wish collections on way from Rebellion
We’ve previously reported on some of the Treasury of British Comics titles on their way to bookshops in 2019 from Rebellion, but now the 2000AD publisher has released more information – and covers – for three of them. Despite the… Read More ›
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New 2000AD, “El Mestizo” collection and more out this week from Rebellion
The latest issue of 2000AD – Prog 2107 – is on sale today in all good newsagents, wrapped in a creepy cover by Clint Langley – and there are two great graphic collections out from Rebellion this week, too, one featuring… Read More ›
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Journey’s End – 2000AD’s occult horror series Caballistics Inc. draws to a close
More than a decade after it last appeared, one of 2000AD’s most popular modern series – Caballistics Inc. is to conclude this Christmas in a special final episode. Long hoped for by fans, occult horror action series Caballistics Inc. will… Read More ›
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“Weekes’ War” Commando tales continue this week – plus, Starblazer returns?
Brand new Commando comics (Issues 5175 – 5178 are out this week from DC Thomson, on sale in all good newsagents (and online) on Thursday. But hang on, the chap in the gas mask on the cover of Issue 3178… Read More ›
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Get in on the ground floor for all-new Airboy from Chuck Dixon and Dalibor Talajic
Chuck Dixon, acclaimed comic book writer known for his work on such titles as The ‘Nam, Nightwing, Punisher and Batman, will return in 2019 to write new issues of Airboy. Created by Charles Biro, Dick Wood and artist Al Camy, Airboy… Read More ›
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Spanish fans of Carlos Ezquerra campaign to honour him in his home town
Spanish fans of 2000AD and Battle artist Carlos Ezquerra, who died recently, are trying to move the council of his home town of Zaragoza toward realising plans to honour him by naming a street or space after him. The campaign… Read More ›