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 Cluedo heads to stores in October
Launching in mid-October is the latest in the Beano Games collection: Beano Cluedo, featuring art by Nigel Parkinson. Adapting the classic game in typical Beano style, in this version – and there have been many others – somone has pranked… Read More ›
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Thought Bubble back this month in Leeds
A quick reminder that Thought Bubble comic con is back on 23rd – 24th September as part of the week-long Thought Bubble Festival starting 18th September 2017 – with a brand new festival village in Leeds City Centre. The eleventh… Read More ›
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Peel the Power! Bananaman: The Musical launches in December
We’ve previously reported on plans and early “test runs” for Bananaman The Musical, but now producers Sightline Entertainment have just announced the show’s first full run at London’s Southwark Playhouse, opening in mid-December 2017. Created by Steve Bright and writer and… Read More ›
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British Comic Art heads to Poland for stunning new exhibition
An incredible selection of British comic art, including 2000AD pages, art from classic comics such as Eagle and Misty, form the Great British Comic Art Exhibition which opens in Łódź, Poland this weekend. Supported by the British Council in Poland,… Read More ›
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Bryan Talbot Grandville art exhibition and signing at Orbital Comics in November
Award-winning comics author and artist Bryan Talbot will be signing copies of Grandville: Force Majeure at the launch of an exhibition of art at Orbital Comics in London on Wednesday 15th November (5.30 to 7.30pm) Bryan Talbot’s graphic novel series… Read More ›
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Growing old disgracefully: DC comics’ Harley Quinn turns 25
Andrew Ross, Graduate Tutor and Lecturer in Film at Northumbria University, discusses how Harley Quinn is not just a side-kick to The Joker, but is now a multi-platform anti-hero…. The joke’s on Batman this year. Fans of the Caped Crusader… Read More ›
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In Memoriam: Comics Editor and Writer Len Wein
I’m sorry to learn of the passing of legendary American comic editor and writer Len Wein, who has died shortly after hospitalisation for surgery. Among his many credits, Len was the creator of legendary DC Comics characters Swamp Thing (with… Read More ›
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Striker Volume Three – orders now open
The third Volume of Striker, the long-running football strip created by Pete Nash published by best-selling British tabloid newspaper The Sun, is now available to order. Announcing the news on Strikerworld, Pete says his team only plan to print to order,… Read More ›
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Lakes Festival Focus 2017: An Interview with Eisner Award-winning comic artist Jason
There’s not long to go now until this year’s Lakes International Comic Art Festival in October (13th – 15th). The downthetubes “Kendal Calling” interviews continue with a chat with award-winning Norwegian comic creator Jason, making his first-ever visit to the… Read More ›
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Comic Laureate and Walking Dead artist Charlie Adlard to deliver free talk in Lancaster
Comic Lareate Charlie Adlard‘s illustrations for The Walking Dead are recognised and celebrated throughout the world, along with his other work, and the artist will be giving a free talk about his career at the Grand Theatre, Lancaster, next month…. Read More ›
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Lakes Festival Focus 2017: An Interview with MAD magazine artist Tom Richmond
There’s not long to go now until this year’s Lakes International Comic Art Festival in October (13th – 15th). The downthetubes “Kendal Calling” interviews continue with a chat with top MAD magazine cartoonist Tom Richmond… Caricaturist, cartoonist and humorous illustrator,… Read More ›
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Page 45 announces Lakes International Comic Art Festival signing, exclusive book launch plans – plus, win a Moomin!
Nottingham-based comic shop Page 45 is making its annual pilgrimage northwards for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival next month – and has announced a slew of special signings at the weekend-long event. The Page 45 team, led by Festival… Read More ›
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Fanzine Flashback – KA-POW, Britain’s first comics zine?
Over on the superb Classic Comics UK Zines site run by David Hathaway-Price, there’s a wonderful addition to its growing archive – the first issue of KA-POW, possibly Britain’s first comics fanzine. Published in July 1967, KA-POW #1 was edited… Read More ›
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Remembering Disney’s dalliance with terror – Doctor Syn retrospective announced
A special retrospective of a classic Disney-told tale starring Danger Man and The Prisoner star Patrick McGoohan is to get a retrospective in Hollywood in October. The Scarecrow’s story was filmed on location in the Romney Marsh area and at… Read More ›
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William Shatner in Manchester in December
See Star Trek star William Shatner at For the Love of Sci-Fi convention this December 2nd-3rd B.E.C Arena Manchester. William, who played Captain Kirk, will appear for a live Q&A with fans on the Sunday which is included in your… Read More ›
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Lakes Festival Focus 2017: An Interview with comic artist and illustrator Jillian Tamaki
This year’s Lakes International Comic Art Festival is back next month (13th – 15th October 2017). The downthetubes “Kendal Calling” interviews continue with a chat with multiple award-winning illustrator and comics artist Jillian Tamaki. Jillian’s illustration work is imaginative and… Read More ›
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Titan Comics Robotech #1 Goes To Third Printing
Titan Comics has announced that due to incredible fan and retailer demand, the second print of Robotech #1 Cover A by Stanley ‘Artgerm’ Lau has sold out again at distributor level and is now going to an amazing third print…. Read More ›
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In Review: Binary System by Eric Brown
By Eric Brown Publisher: Solaris (Rebellion) Out: Now The Book: After surviving a catastrophic starship blow-out, Delia Kemp finds herself stranded on the inhospitable, ice-bound world of Valinda, populated by the Skelt, a race of hostile aliens who will stop… Read More ›
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Channel Islands-set Commando spy adventure debuts this week
Here’s the details for the latest issues of DC Thomson’s Commando (Issues 5051-5054), on sale from Thursday 7th September 2017 in all good UK newsagents, various digital platforms and on subscription. Parachute into Nazi territory with spies, pilots, gunners, and… Read More ›
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Lakes International Comic Art Festival: The ComiXology Clock Tower Line-Up!
The countdown to this year’s Lakes International Comic Art Festival has begun and alongside some 70 creators as guests, there’s an amazing line-up of comics artist, writers publishers and more in the Comics Clock Tower – or rather, the ComiXology Clock Tower,… Read More ›