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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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 ›
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Ralph Steadman Retrospective goes on tour in the United States
Originally curated by Anita O’Brien and Chris Miles at London’s Cartoon Museum, an exhibition of the work of Ralph Steadman is on tour in the US, currently on display at the American University in Washington DC until August. Hugely influential,… Read More ›
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Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast interviews Macc-Pow comic creators about their work
The Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast team visited Macc-Pow in Macclesfield last month, now in its third year. Podcast co-host Nikki Bates stood behind the table selling comics for the first time, while Ian Loxam had a great chat with… Read More ›
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Crowdfunding Spotlight: Little Heroes Comics Charity Anthology #2
Little Heroes Comics is a UK based charity that sends comic making kits to children who find themselves in hospitals and healthcare institutes across the country. Right now, they’re raising funds for their second anthology over on Kickstarter. Following up on… Read More ›
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Untold Tales of Adventures in Time and Space revealed in “The Many Lives Of Doctor Who”, out in September
Titan Comics and BBC Studios have announced Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor #0 – The Many Lives Of Doctor Who – a special primer edition, which celebrates the Doctor’s many lives, and leads directly into Titan’s brand-new Thirteenth Doctor comic… Read More ›
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Sneak Peek and Review: Zarjaz 31
Featuring stunning a cover over by 2000AD artist Steven Austin, Futurequake Press releases Zarjaz Issue 31 next week – the latest issue of the not for profit anthology inspired by the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic! Torquemada – Grand Master of Termight… Read More ›
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In Review: Macc-Pow 2018
Ian Loxam, co-host of the Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast, reports on the latest annual comic event in Macclesfield, organised by comic creator Marc Jackson… Macc-Pow is a small comic convention held in Macclesfield. Currently on its third year,… Read More ›
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Limited Edition Will Eisner’s “A Contract with God” Curator’s Collection released
Will Eisner is one of the comic industry’s all-time greats. He has been held in high regard by fans and pros alike for many years to the point where the most prestigious awards in the comic industry were named after… Read More ›