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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Phoenix Colossal Comics Collection launched
The Phoenix Colossal Comics Collection Volume 1 is now available with Volume 2 sheduled for 28th August and Volume 3 for 26th December. A raucous collection of thrilling, exciting and hilarious comics from The Phoenix, this bumper collection – priced… Read More ›
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Black Hammer editor Daniel Chabon joins Comics Uncovered creating comics line-up in Birmingham this September
Black Hammer editor Daniel Chabon has joined the line up for the comic creator-focused Comics Uncovered conference, taking place in Birmingham in September. Daniel is an Eisner-nominated comic book and graphic novel editor at Portland-based Dark Horse Comics. He has… Read More ›
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DC Comics pays tribute to comic creator Steve Ditko
DC Entertainment is mourning the loss of comic creator Steve Ditko who died at the end of June, but whose passing has only just been announced. In a statement, the company describes him as “a true legend of the comic… Read More ›
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Legendary comic creator Steve Ditko, dead at 90
I’ve woken to the sad news of comic creator Steve Ditko’s passing, one of the global comic industry’s most influential, and yet elusive artists. The award-winning co-creator of The Amazing Spider-Man, Doctor Strange and so many more great characters was… Read More ›
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In Review: Doctor Who – Land of the Blind
Land of the Blind is the latest collection of comic strip adventures from the pages of Doctor Who Magazine and features the first five Doctors and their companions. With a smashing cover from David Roach, the stories included are, in… Read More ›
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“The Art of The Avengers and Other Heroes” exhibition opens in New York
New York’s Museum of Illustration at the Society of Illustrators is currently presenting an exhibition of original artwork showcasing characters from the Marvel Universe, including the Avengers and other heroes. Legendary artists featured include John Buscema, John Cassaday, Don Heck,… Read More ›
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Wildcat, one of Fleetway’s last boy’s adventure comics, to be collected
Rebellion are to publish a collection of strips from Wildcat, Fleetway’s short-lived, last real attempt at a fortnightly boy’s adventure comic, launched in 1988. There’s also a mention on Amazon for another Jinty collection, Fran from the Floods. Published by Fleetway… Read More ›
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Iconic anti-Vietnam War poster by Wes Wilson up for auction
This classic 1969 Anti-Vietnam War poster by Wes Wilson is up for auction right now through Hakes Americana and Collectibles. American artist Wes Wilson is one of the leading designers of psychedelic posters, best known for designing posters for Bill Graham… Read More ›
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HighVisFest brings humour comic greats to Birmingham
This September a new event, the HighVisFest Street Culture Festival, will be bringing a huge, free celebration of Birmingham’s best in live street art, music, comics, dance, hip hop, food and drink. Taking place at the Custard Factory, comics guests announced… Read More ›
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In Pictures: Playing for a Draw Football Comics Exhibition, the National Football Museum
The ‘Playing for a Draw’ exhibition, showcasing the history and creativity of football comics and illustration across the world has just opened at the National Football Museum in Manchester. As we previously reported, it’s been curated by top comic artist Steve McGarry in collaboration with… Read More ›
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Publisher delight at Ken Reid crowdfunding collection success, last chance to back it today!
The crowdfunding campaign for The Power Pack of Ken Reid project – collecting some of the amazing humour strips created by the legendary British artist, Ken Reid, closes tomorrow (Friday). If you haven’t backed it yet then there’s still time… Read More ›
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“Swade” – the Last New Work of Artist Frank Bellamy?
Comic artist Frank Bellamy died suddenly on 5th July 1976, at the height of his powers. He left behind a body of work that included strips such as “Heros the Spartan” and “Dan Dare” for Eagle, “Thunderbirds” for TV Century… Read More ›
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Call for Papers: Transitions 8 – New Directions in Comics Studies 2018
After a year’s hiatus, academics have announced a call for papers for the interdisciplinary Transitions 2018 symposium, taking place at Birkbeck College, London, on Saturday 10th November 2018. Originally convened by PhD students in 2010, Transitions at Birkbeck College is… Read More ›
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Pitch perfect! 2000AD Prog 2088, on sale now
With a stunning cover by Neil Roberts (he’s doing some great covers for Commando, too) the latest issue of 2000AD – Prog 2088 – come packed with some terrific strips. i’m really enjoying new thrill “Skip Tracer“, and theres a… Read More ›
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Don’t Forget! Small Press Day is this Saturday!
Small Press Day, a celebration of self-publishing, DIY culture, and grassroots comics across the UK and Ireland is back for a third outing this Saturday, 7th July 2018 – and there are a whole host of happenings taking place around… Read More ›
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British Comic Creators among 2018 Mike Wieringo Comic Book Industry Awards nominees
The 2018 Mike Wieringo Comic Book Industry Awards Nominees were recently announced, along with the release of the final ballot, and include a number of British creators. Michael Lance “Mike” Wieringo was known to fans and friends as “Ringo”, which… Read More ›
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In Review: The Murder Club – Useless Deaths Volumes One and Two
By Tony Cooper Out: Now Self-published, 72 Page Graphic Novels Warning: These books contain adult themes and language The Books: In Volume One, Lisa, a student preparing for her A-levels, is recruited by fellow student Tom, who wants to see… Read More ›
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New Greeting Cards are needed! Art & Hue’s new “The Avengers” releases help celebrate Diana Rigg’s impending 80th birthday
. It’s no state secret that Art & Hue likes the cult 1960s British TV show The Avengers, as evidenced by the large pop art collection of stylish art prints featuring the show’s characters. Starring Diana Rigg as Mrs… Read More ›
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Metaphrog’s “Little Mermaid” racks up another award
Only a week after winning the Excelsior Award Junior for their fairy tale-inspired graphic novel The Little Mermaid, Metaphrog were surprised – and honoured to receive the SICBA Outstanding Achievement to Comics 2018 award at Glasgow Comic Con this weekend. Metaphrog… Read More ›
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Sneak Peek: More “Playing for a Draw” Football Comics Exhibition Imagery Revealed
More imagery for the ‘Playing for a Draw’ exhibition, showcasing the history and creativity of football comics and illustration across the world has been revealed, ahead of its opening this week at the National Football Museum in Manchester. As we… Read More ›