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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In Praise Of: Commando artists Ian Kennedy and Carlos Pino
An Appreciation by former Commando editor Calum Laird There’s nothing like an anniversary – say, Commando’s 5000th issue, for example – to start your mind scrolling back through the years to days gone by. Nothing, except perhaps the combination of an… Read More ›
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Gary Erskine’s Granite City Comic-Con Poster Revealed
Just released is this terrific poster for Granite City Comic-Con (20th – 21st May 2017, Aberdeen) by Gary Erskine, coloured by Yel Zamor. The first Granite City Comic-Con was held in May 2015, and its success ensured the event –… Read More ›
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“Foyles x ELCAF” launched to create new Creative Spaces for Art and Comics across the UK
ELCAF 2017 has announced a brand new partnership with Foyles to support, celebrate and create new spaces for creativity across the UK. Foyles x ELCAF is a new collaboration, which sees the UK’s largest independent bookshop teaming up with the East London… Read More ›
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Art of John Higgins book released to coincide with major exhibition in Liverpool of his work
A new book containing some of the best work of Liverpool-born comic artist John Higgins will be launched at the opening of his forthcoming exhibition at the Victoria Gallery & Museum. Beyond Watchmen & Judge Dredd brings together for the… Read More ›
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Rodolphe Töpffer’s classic guide to the medium, “How to Create Graphic Novels”, re-published by Lakes International Comic Art Festival
The Lakes International Comic Art Festival has announced the publication of a special edition of How to Create Graphic Novels by Rodolphe Töpffer. First published in 1845, it was the first ever book on creating graphic novels, which has been translated, edited, and introduced by… Read More ›
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Joe Sacco returns to London for inaugural “Queen Mary Conversation in Law and the Humanities”
Renowned comics journalist and graphic novelist Joe Sacco is back in the UK later this month, to present the inaugural Queen Mary Conversation in Law and the Humanities on Tuesday 21st March 2017 at Queen Mary, part of the prestigious… Read More ›
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New Thrill: 2000AD Prog 2021, Out Today, “Kingdom” and “The Order” collections out this week
The latest issue of 2000AD – Prog 2021 is on sale today. Here’s a quick taster. Boo Cook’s work on the latest “Judge Dredd” is positively a delight and joy to behold! Judge Dredd: Thick Skin by TC Eglington (Writer) Boo Cook… Read More ›
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When David Hockney drew for Eagle (sort of!)
David Hockney, one of the most popular and influential British artists of the twentieth century has returned to Tate Britain in London for his most comprehensive exhibition so far, running until May 2017 – but it doesn’t include his entry for… Read More ›
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Awesome Comics Podcast Episode 88: Arthurian Legend in the Indies! (with artist Nick Brokenshire)
Episode 88 of the Awesome Comics Podcast hosted by Dan Butcher, Vince Hunt and Tony Esmond is now available! Featuring artist Nick Brokenshire and tons of hilarious comics talk… Nick is a cartoonist and illustrator from Scotland, who now lives in… Read More ›
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2000AD: The Ultimate Collection Part Work from Hachette road tested
Specialist part work publisher Hachette have launched a web site for a 2000AD part work collection – currently being road tested in parts of the UK to see if there is enough demand for a full rollout. Hachette already publish… Read More ›
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2000AD’s 40th Anniversary Special Gets Reprinted with two new covers after sell-out success in comic stores
2000AD’s landmark 40th anniversary special edition is to go to a second printing after selling out in newsagents and comic shops across the UK after its release last week. Celebrating four decades of 2000 AD’s cutting edge and globally influenced… Read More ›
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Aces Weekly artist Mal Earl to host Digital Art event in Cumbria
Top artist and Aces Weekly artist Mal Earl is making a special appearance in his home county of Cumbria later this week, to talk about digital art and his many projects, ad a guest of the Egremont-based Florence Art Group. Over the… Read More ›
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Shelly Bond To Launch Creator-Owned Imprint At IDW Publishing
US publisher IDW Publishing has announced the arrival of Shelly Bond to its editorial ranks and the launch of its creator-owned imprint, Black Crown. One of the most respected and admired editors among her peers, Bond previously served as VP-Executive Editor of… Read More ›
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Freeway Fighter #1 signing at Forbidden Planet London in May, Jim Burns, “Fan Appreciation” variant covers revealed
Join an all-star Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks line-up at the Forbidden Planet London Megastore, launching Titan Comics’ Ian Livingstone’s Freeway Fighter: The Comic on Saturday 20th May 2017 from 1.00 – 2.00pm. At the special signing will be Gamesmaster Ian Livingstone,… Read More ›
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Wonder Woman artist Liam Sharp gets home city exhibition in Derby
Current Wonder Woman artist Liam Sharp is to be honoured in his home city of Derby with a special exhibition documenting his comics career later this year. Currently living and working in California, Derby-born writer and artist Liam Sharp is… Read More ›
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Watch: Kicking it Old School – Talking British Comics at 2000AD’s 40 Years of Thrill-Power Festival
2000AD has posted a video of the panel called “Kicking it Old School” from last month’s 40 Years of Thrill-Power Festival (our feature on the event is here). Chaired by myself, the panel featured John Higgins, Ian Kennedy and Jesus… Read More ›
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Sneak Peek: Sink Your Teeth into Comic Book Slumber Party’s new title, Deep Space Canine
Available to order now from Avery Hill Publishing is the British Comic Award nominated series, Deep Space Canine, produced in partnership with comics powerhouse Comic Book Slumber Party. Life in space can be tough – and when you’re balancing a hydro-herb habit, mysterious… Read More ›
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Awesome Comics Podcast Catch-Up! Listen to interviews with Jay Gunn, Susie Gander and more!
OK, I admit it – I’m well behind on the terrific Awesome Comics Podcast now. Again. So behind, key contributor and fellow DTT contributor Tony Esmond has threatened to get his cane out, and I’m not chancing that. So without further ado,… Read More ›
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Lancaster Comics Day 2017: Full Line Up Announced (it will be more than a Roy of the Rovers moment!)
This year’s Lancaster Comics Day will be bringing some “Roy of the Rovers” moments to Lancaster in June, when special comic guests artist David Sque and writer and editor Barrie Tomlinson recall their time working on Britain’s best-loved and most… Read More ›
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Doctor Who Adventures offers a Mutants Meets Harry Potter Mash-Up
The latest issue of Doctor Who Adventures (Issue 22) is on sale now, with strip writer Andrew Cartmel delivering a story poking affectionate fun at Marvel’s mutants, Harry Potter and, possibly, Bunty’s “The Four Marys” for good measure. A talking… Read More ›