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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Beano storms the V&A, but did they create a “farting statue”?
The Beano has stormed London’s Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum, and is holding out there until August, poking fun at anyone who dares moan about the idea, until August. Unless you’ve been sleeping under a rock, you’ll already know 2018… Read More ›
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Markosia gets set to launch “The Cosplay Journal”
We’re delighted to report the imminent launch of The Cosplay Journal,from independent publisher Markoisa – a great looking guide to the hobby, edited by Holly Rose Swinyard, who has written some great articles for us here at downthetubes. Launching next… Read More ›
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Roy of the Rovers new Melchester Club Crest revealed – and relegation woes revealed!
Following up on news on the new Roy of the Rovers creative team, publishers Rebellion have unveiled the brand new Melchester Rovers club crest – and a hint of dark times for the famous fictional football club. Featuring a modern,… Read More ›
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Nanits, another digital platform for independent creators launched
Last month Nanits Universe, a crowdfunded-backed project, launched its new digital comics via a new mobile app, Nanits Reader 2.0, with a way for indie comic book artists to create and distribute their digital comics, the Nanits Composer, soon to… Read More ›
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Tube Surfing: new Thunderbirds are Go toy line in the works, Joy of the Rovers and Deadpool (2)!
A quick snapshot of some comics-related news from across the web… • ITV launched season three of Thunderbirds Are Go on CITV and ITV earlier this year, and the launch weekend saw really strong ratings. Steve Green, EVP Kids Content… Read More ›
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Titan Books new Marvel fiction line launched with Dan Abnett-penned Avengers tale
Titan Books recently launched its new publishing programme in collaboration with Marvel of original fiction books. Titan Comics, a sister imprint of Titan Entertainment Group, has had a long, proud history of producing magazine products to support some of Marvel’s… Read More ›
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Watchmen rarity on offer from comic creator Tim Pilcher in bid to attend San Diego Comic Con
Author, comics writer and editor Tim Pilcher has not one but two books nominated for an Eisner Awards this year – How Comics Work, co-written with comic artist and writer Dave Gibbons, which we really liked, and Deconstructing The Incal,… Read More ›
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FutureQuake 2018 Now on Sale
FutureQuake is back to brighten the boring, Inspire the indolent and render the jaded jubilant! Within the latest incredible issue witness a titanic 20 possible futures including the return of the one and only Neroy Sphinx. Wrapped within a… Read More ›
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Frank Frazetta painting sale for $1.79 million sets all-time auction record for any piece of comic art
Run by Heritage Auctions, Chicago’s largest public auction dedicated to vintage comic books and original comic art fetched $12,201,974 – setting the world record for the most valuable sale of its kind. The top lot claimed its own record when… Read More ›
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Sonic the Comic, 25 Years On – celebratory gathering in Manchester in June
Sonic the Comic is celebrating being 25 years young this year with a one-day convention / gathering in Manchester on the 3rd June 2018, organised by the team behind much-loved title’s unofficial continuation online. STC (as it’s usually known) was… Read More ›
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Not a Number, a Patrick McGoohan retrospective, on next month
For any of you interested in the cult tv series The Prisoner or enjoying Titan Comics new series, there’s a Patrick McGoohan retrospective even taking place at Elstree next month. Organised by The Unmutual, a The Prisoner fan web site,… Read More ›
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First issues of Batman and Commando on offer in latest Compal auction
There’s a treasure trove of comics and comic art on offer in the latest ComPal auction, including a coverless Batman #1, a first issue of DC Thomson’s long-running Commando comic, “Charley’s War” art by Joe Colquhoun and Dan Dare art… Read More ›
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Just Another Day: A Comic About Brexit offers practical tips to minimise its effects on families
Continuing a mission to use comics as one way to both highlight and share information, writer Ernesto Priego has just announced the debut of Just Another Day: A Comic About Brexit, in both English and Spanish language versions. Created with the help… Read More ›
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Call for Papers: Graphic Brighton 2018, mashing music with comics!
Music and comics have had a connection right from the start, with the title of the seminal newspaper strip Hogan’s Alley taken from a popular song by Edward Harrigan. As the 20th Century progressed, these two media flirted with each… Read More ›
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Early Inspirations: The Bayeux Tapestry
There’s a very good reason why this 1940s King Penguin book about the Bayeux Tapestry is in such a very worn state. It was probably one of my very first encounters with the graphic form, and I often read and… Read More ›
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When Kickstarters Combine: “Hollow Monsters” and “Edge Off” creators offer backers great bonus Rewards deal
Creator Monty Nero has teamed up with the team behind The Edge Off, a disturbing psychotropic noir comic, to offer an incredible final two day reward for both projects seeking crowdfunding. Simply back both The Edge Off and Hollow Monsters: Who… Read More ›
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Two Beano screenprint exhibitions announced as part of 80th anniversary celebrations
Britain’s favourite comic, The Beano, celebrates its eightieth birthday this summer and Comic Art, run by screen printer John Patrick Reynolds, will be marking the event with two major exhibitions of Beano screenprints. The Beano‘s first edition was published on… Read More ›
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Horace Panter’s Beano Pop Art exhibition heads to York
After its debut at the Beano Studios in London last month, Beano-inspired pop art created by The Specials’ bassist Horace Panter is heading to York, and will be on display at the According To McGee gallery in Tower Street from 19th May… Read More ›
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Get ready for GOOF!, an all-new, all ages digital comic!
On Saturday 23rd June, not only will artist Marc Jackson be hosting the third annual MACC-POW! Macclesfield in Cheshire’s day of comics, as part of the ten day Barnaby festival in the town – he’ll also be launching a brand-new… Read More ›
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A Grand Day Out: Portsmouth Comic Con 2018
Like thousands of others, I had a great day out at Portsmouth Comic Con yesterday, which continues today, crammed with terrific comic creator guests, cosplayers, film and TV actors, a retro gaming area, Doctor Who monsters, a superb steampunk basement… Read More ›