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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New Comics added to SEQUENTIAL app, including “Meanwhile”, “Love and Rockets”
Some great graphic novels have recently been added to the SEQUENTIAL digital comic app, including the brilliant Love and Rockets by Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez and the recently-revamped Meanwhile… anthology published by Soaring Penguin. The new additions reads like a bucket list of… Read More ›
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Enniskillen Comic Fest becomes official 2000AD 40th anniversary celebration!
The 2000AD team may still recovering from the madness that was their 40th anniversary bash (a mere month ago, reviewed here) but time waits for no man. So while they might still be a little shell shocked from that brilliant event, the… Read More ›
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New Vworp! Vworp! a delight, features first ever Alan Moore interview about his Doctor Who comics
The amazing Vworp Vworp! Volume 3 zine – dedicated as ever to all things Doctor Who comics and related titles – may have been a long time coming, but it was well worth the wait, leading with Alan Moore‘s first-ever interview about… Read More ›
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Lightning Strike Comics announces new Phantom comic, Scarlet Sapphire
Dublin-based independent comics publisher Lightning Strike Comics has announced the creative team behind their new Phantom comic, Scarlet Sapphire, and has released a smashing piece of preview art by Stephen Mooney, who is also writing the book. The new title follows… Read More ›
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Exclusive: “Summer Magic” Collection Cover by John Ridgway Revealed
We’re honoured to debut the brand new cover for Summer Magic: The Complete Journal of Luke Kirby collection, to be published by Rebellion in May 2017. This is a brand new cover by initial series artist John Ridgway, with colours provided… Read More ›
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A Martian Menace invades Spaceship Away – the official, Dan Dare-inspired comics magazine
The latest issue of Spaceship Away – the glossy strip and feature magazine inspired by Dan Dare and the original Eagle comic – has just been released, wrapped in a striking cover from Graham Bleathman, and will be available to… Read More ›
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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 ›