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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2000AD Sci-Fi Special covers by Tula Lotay and Emily Zeinner revealed!
Rebellion have revealed Tula Lotay‘s cover to their 2000AD Sci-Fi Special, on sale from 20th June in all good newsagents and comic shops. For the first time in 2000AD’s 41-year history, an entire issue of the comic title will have… Read More ›
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Rocket Raccoon storms Blackpool’s Madame Tussauds, Groot stunned!
Suit up, grab your Awesome Mix Vol. 1 – and jet your way to Madame Tussauds Blackpool as it welcomes two new Guardians of the Galaxy figures. The brand new Marvel Super Heroes area, which opened earlier this year, is an… Read More ›
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Dan Dare “The Venus Campaign” classic story collection revealed, and first ever collections of some stories on their way
Titan Comics will launch Dan Dare: The Venus Campaign its first “bumper” collection of classic Dan Dare stories in November, following a format similar to its James Bond compendiums, using new scans of the stories featured. Plus, there’s news of new… Read More ›
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Neil Gaiman, Bryan Talbot and Joff Winterheart awarded Fellowship of the Royal Society of Literature
Comic creators Neil Gaiman (Sandman), Bryan Talbot (Grandville, 2000AD) and Joff Winterheart (Days of the Bagnold Summer)have been awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Society of Literature. The Royal Society of Literature announced the appointment of its new Fellows earlier… Read More ›
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Roy of the Rovers in Match of the Day magazine, today!
The new issue of Match of the Day magazine (cover dated 5th – 11th June 2017) is out today and features the first part of the new Roy of the Rovers comic strip we trailed last month. The Match of the… Read More ›
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London’s Orbital Comics hosts new DesPop exhibition in July
July sees the return of comic and pop artist Des Taylor to Orbital Comics in London with a new exhibition. Influenced by vintage fashion, pin-up art, romance and Bronze Age comic books, Des has put together a collection of limited… Read More ›
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“Charley’s War” Battle cover on offer on eBay
More “Charley’s War” art from the weekly war comic Battle – this time a striking cover by Joe Colquhoun for an issue published back in 1981 – is on offer on eBay. On offer is the original cover art to Battle… Read More ›
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Zoom Rockman mind probed for latest Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast!
Beano cartoonist and Lakes International Comic Art Festival patron Zoom Rockman is the guest of the organisation’s podcast this week. Zoom is a young creator who started producing comics from a young age, He appeared in the Beano at age… Read More ›
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Sneak Peek: Doctor Who’s Seventh Doctor returns to comics this week!
The Seventh Doctor and Ace – played by Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred on screen in Doctor Who in the 1980s – return to comics week, with the launch of the three-part mini series, Operation Volcano. Written by series script… Read More ›
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Alan Moore at London’s Royal Albert Hall tonight!
Join award-winning comedians and bibliophiles Robin Ince and Josie Long tonight in London, as they bring a special live version of the popular Book Shambles podcast to the Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room as part of Festival of Science: Space…. Read More ›
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Comics Summit heads to Cheltenham in July
The Comics Summit, a brand-new event set up by creators, for creators has announced it will now take place across the weekend of 14 – 15th July in Cheltenham. The creating comics event, organised by Cheltenham-based Jon Lock of Big… Read More ›
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New Gerry Anderson UFO Collection released ahead of second SHADO Con
Ahead of the second SHADO Con dedicated to Gerry Anderson’s alien invaders series, ITV have quietly released a new complete UFO DVD sporting new cover artwork. The series – Anderson’s first ongoing live action TV show – was previously available… Read More ›
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Crowdfunding Spotlight: How Irmantas Povilaika hopes to bring some classic Ken Reid comics back into print
When we recently reported on a plan to bring some of artist Ken Reid’s humour comics back into print with a crowdfunding appeal – “Frankie Stein” and the “The Nervs” to name but two – British comic fans greeted the… Read More ›
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Creating Comics: Atomeka publisher Dave Elliott’s plan to save the US comics industry
Over the last few years, Atomeka Press publisher Dave Elliott has stood by and frustratingly watched as the US comic book industry continues to devour itself like the mythical Ouroboros, the snake that ate its own tail. Last week, he… Read More ›
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In Review: Bloke’s Progress by Kevin Jackson and Hunt Emerson
By Kevin Jackson (writer) and Hunt Emerson (Artist) Published by Knockabout Comics ISBN 9780861662715 £12.99 Published May 24th 2018 The Book: Darren Bloke is an ordinary, hard-working stiff until a lottery win changes – and ruins – his life. He… Read More ›
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Blitzkrieging Panzers! New Commando comics on sale on Thursday!
Brand new Commando (Issues 5127 – 5130) are on sale in all good newsagents from DC Thomson across the UK on Thursday. Evade Blitzkrieging Panzers in Belgium, lead a squad of Polish criminals straight against bloodthirsty Gestapo soldiers, dodge desert… Read More ›
