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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“Blunderbirds” and Frank Bellamy’s “The Shepherd King” highlighted in new Eagle Times
The latest edition of Eagle Times the magazine of the Eagle Society – Volume 30 No. 1 – is now available. This Issue features articles about Alan Stranks (who created PC49 and scripted several Dan Dare stories), Space Fiction Films in… Read More ›
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Gerry Anderson “UFO” convention in June
There hasn’t even a UFO Convention inspired by the Gerry Anderson TV series in the UK nearly 30 years… Until now. While many of the show’s principals are, sadly, no longer with us (including its creator Gerry Anderson), there is… Read More ›
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SF adventure “Geysers of Titan”, drawn by Doctor Who Adventures’ Russ Leach, continues in Aces Weekly
The latest volume of David Lloyd‘s Aces Weekly is available now and Volume 27 continues to be one of the most rip-roaring yet. For me, for example, it’s inevitable I’d be drawn to “Geysers of Titan“, an SF strip set on… Read More ›
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“This One Summer”, acclaimed graphic novel written by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by Jillian Tamaki, tops US “Banned Books” list
This One Summer, the award-winning, widely-acclaimed graphic novel written by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by Jillian Tamaki – both guests at this year’s Lakes International Comic Art Festival in October – has topped the 2016 list of most frequently challenged… Read More ›
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Lakes Festival Focus 2017: An Interview with artist Michael Cho
I’m delighted to present our second “Kendal Calling” interview of 2017, this time with artist Michael Cho, in the run up to the Lakes International Comic Art Festival in October, highlighting the event’s many international and British guests. (Tickets are… Read More ›
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Michael Cho’s Lakes International Comic Art Festival Artwork Revealed
The Lakes International Comic Art Festival has revealed top artist Michael Cho‘s artwork for this year’s Festival in October. Michael is of course best known for his Silver and Bronze age superhero comics aesthetics and his recent reprint collection covers which have… Read More ›
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Jamie Hewlett’s Gorillaz Cover for Q
In case you’ve missed it in your local newsagents, here’s Q magazine’s June 2017 cover, which features an exclusive Gorillaz design by the band’s co-creator, Jamie Hewlett, now reconciled with Blur frontman Damon Albarn. The collector’s issue, on sale now, comes… Read More ›
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ELCAF 2017 Programme Announced
London and New York-based publisher Nobrow has announced its plans for ELCAF 2017, the 6th East London Comics & Arts Festival, dedicated to showcasing the most exciting talent in comics, sequential art, illustration and storytelling. In June 2017, ELCAF is… Read More ›
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Creating Comics: An Interview with Commando Editor Kirsten Murray
With war comic Commando recently passing its landmark 5000th issue and many changes behind the scenes in its editorial department, downthetubes caught up with the veteran title’s recently-installed editor, Kirsten Murray, just part of her role as DC Thomson’s Heritage… Read More ›
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Classic UK Comic Zines Site adds rare 1970s conventions booklets to growing archive
British comics archivist, and former Fine Art and Graphic Design teacher David Hathaway-Price has been busy adding some gems of British comic fan history to his incredible Classic UK Comic Zines site, which is now located here. Two additions feature… Read More ›
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Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok trailer becomes Disney’s most watched in 24 hours
The trailer for the superhero threequel Thor: Ragnarok has raked in over 136 million views since its debut on Monday. And no, despite what he say on Twitter, we don’t think Marvel writer and former 2000AD editor Andy Diggle can… Read More ›
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New Asterix album title revealed as the Gauls head for Italy!
Asterix and the Race through Italy – yes, the title of the 37th album recounting the adventures of our friends from Gaul created by two comic book geniuses – Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny – has finally been revealed, due for… Read More ›
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Dan Abnett and Jack Campbell among writers for “Cosmic Powers” SF anthology edited by John Joseph Adams
Those of you who are looking forward to Titan Comics Lost Fleet: Corsair mini series (out in June 2017), written by Lost Fleet creator Jack Campbell, or are fans of 2000AD writer Dan Abnett‘s work might want to check out… Read More ›
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New graphic novel from Markosia, “Hunter, Hunted”, set to debut at Edinburgh Comic Con
On sale next week from Markosia is Hunter, Hunted by GM Jordan and Mick Trimble, and it’s already getting attention and praise in the run up to its launch at Edinburgh Comic Con this coming weekend. In this new graphic novel,… Read More ›
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Moomins on the Move in new official app, launched this month at Kew Gardens
Moomin Characters has teamed up with Finnish game studio RealityXpander to launch the app in various locations throughout the year. The beloved Finnish fantasy characters the Moomins – stars of both books and comics, who will have a big presence at… Read More ›
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London’s House of Illustration lands “Anime Architecture: Backgrounds of Japan” Exhibition
London’s House of Illustration is to host Anime Architecture: Backgrounds of Japan, the first UK exhibition of illustrations for classic SF anime films, including the recently re-released Ghost in the Shell anime later this year. Shown in Berlin last year, this is the… Read More ›
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The Phoenix launches “Star in a Comic” competition for kids
Do you know an awesome kid who has what it takes to create the star of a new comic story? Perhaps it could even be them? If so, then you should let them know Britain’s The Phoenix comic is running a new… Read More ›
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Creating Comics: Cartoon Cliches Exposed
Beano comic creator Nigel Auchterlounie has pointed me in the direction of an edition of New Yorker cartoon editor Bob Mankoff‘s “Cartoon Lounge” podcast entitled “Trop de Tropes“, webcast last year, in which he looks at the history of the… Read More ›
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V for Vendetta art exhibition in New York this month
If you’re travelling to New York this month, you may want to check out the fabulous-looking V for Vendetta art exhibition featuring the amazing work of David Lloyd. The exhibition runs until 29th April 2017 at the Museum of Illustration… Read More ›
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Bryan and Mary Talbot nominated for National Cartoonists Society Reuben Award
Bryan Talbot and Mary Talbot are among the 2016 NCS Divisional Award nominees for the 71st Annual US National Cartoonists Society Reuben Awards. Bryan and Mary are nominated for their project The Red Virgin and the Vision of Utopia, alongside… Read More ›