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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Andy Diggle Joins Shrewsbury International Comic Art Festival Line-Up
Top comics writer and former 2000AD editor Andy Diggle is the latest big name creator to confirm for the Shrewsbury International Comic Art Festival. Andy’s most recent projects include Thief of Thieves with Robert Kirkman at Skybound, Uncanny and Control… Read More ›
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Tonight’s Gotham on Channel 5: “Mr Freeze”
In “Mr Freeze”, this week’s episode of Gotham airing on Channel 5 in the UK, cryogenics ace Victor Fries goes on a body-snatching spree. The episode also introduces B.D. Wong as Hugo Strange. Here’s some teaser pics… Gotham stars Ben McKenzie as James Gordon, David Mazouz as future… Read More ›
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Cheshire’s Weaver Words literature festival offers cartoon workshops from Colin Shelbourn
This year’s Weaver Words literature festival in Frodsham, Cheshire will include cartoon workshops for both adults and teenagers, and children, too, run by Lake District-based comic creator and illustrator Colin Shelbourn. Sharpen your wit as well as your pencils for… Read More ›
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Comics writer and author Mike Carey on tour in April
Author and comics writer Mike (M.R.) Carey is on tour soon to promote his new novel, Fellside, with events in Liverpool at Waterstones Liverpool (Wednesday 6th April) and the Write Blend bookshop on South Road, Waterloo (Thursday 7th April), Waterstones Deansgate… Read More ›
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In Memoriam: Ken Barr
We’re sorry to report the death of artist Kenneth (Ken) Barr, aged 83. He is perhaps best known to downthetubes readers for his Commando covers, but was an innovative artist whose covers for publishers such as Marvel and a wide variety of… Read More ›
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Gotham on Channel 5: “Worse Than A Crime”
In “Worse Than A Crime”, this week’s episode of Gotham airing on Channel 5 in the UK, now available on catch up, Jim Gordon turns to dangerous allies for assistance when Bruce Wayne is abducted. Here’s some teaser pics… Gotham stars Ben McKenzie as James Gordon, David… Read More ›
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In Review: Spaceship Away Issue 38 featuring Dan Dare
Issue 38 – Spring 2016 Edited by Des Shaw Writers: Charles Chilton, Tim Booth, Ron Turner Artists: Tim Booth, Ron Turner, Martin Baines, Graham Bleathman, Terence Patrick Photo Visuals: Martin Bower Feature Writers: Andrew Darlington, Philip Harbottle, Sean Wallace, Alan Vince… Read More ›
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DC Launches New Talent Development Workshops for Aspiring Writers and Artists
In an effort to find new and aspiring comic book talent, US publisher DC Entertainment has launched Talent Development Workshops for both writers and artists, led by bestselling and acclaimed comic talent including Jim Lee, Geoff Johns, Scott Snyder, Klaus Janson… Read More ›
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Hand Up For Jon Haward – Can You Help?
(Updated 26th March): Artist Jon Haward (above, left, with Alan Grant) – whose credits include 2000AD, Eagle, adapting Shakespeare, co-creator of “Tales of the Buddha” and much more – needs our help. A hugely talented and much-admired comics creator who’s… Read More ›
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Chaps With Wings In New Commando comics, On Sale Now
Here’s the intel on the latest issues of Commando (Issues 4899-4900) from DC Thomson, on sale now in all good newsagents and assorted digital platforms (detailed below). These titles were released on 24th March 2016. Don’t forget downthetubes has an exclusive discount… Read More ›
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#MakeArtNotWar T-Shirts added to auction in aid of refugees
These fab #MakeArtNotWar t-shirts designed by Emily Owen are now available – and sales proceeds go to help refugees. As we previously reported, Emily is on a mission to help those directly facing the consequences of the terrible war in… Read More ›
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Lakes Festival Lands Bryan Lee O’Malley Exclusive
The Lakes International Comic Art Festival has announced the addition of Bryan Lee O’Malley, creator of Scott Pilgrim and the bestselling graphic novel, Seconds, to its 2016 line-up. Making an exclusive UK appearance at the event, Bryan will join previously-announced guests Joe… Read More ›
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Awesome Comics Podcast Episode 38: Jennie Gyllblad
Darn it! I’m late giving this week’s Awesome Comics Podcast a plug. This week, it’s the turn of super busy, super talented Swedish comic book artist and designer Jennie Gyllblad to take centre stage as guest – the mind behind… Read More ›
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Vice Press Release New 2000AD Sláine Prints by Glenn Fabry
Vice Press, under license from Rebellion, has just launched its latest release in their officially licensed line of limited edition 2000AD art prints – Sláine by legendary artist Glenn Fabry. Sláine is the next release in Vice Press artist series, following… Read More ›
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Cubicle 7 Announces New Doctor Who Game, “Timeclash”
British game makers Cubicle 7 – already publishers of the Doctor Who Card Game and Doctor Who: Adventures in Time and Space – has showcased a new Doctor Who licensed game designed by Jeff Tidball (Horus Heresy, Pieces of Eight, Mercante) at the GAMA Trade… Read More ›
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Rare Andy Capp Memorabilia Goes Under The Hammer Today
A collection of Andy Capp memorabilia, including rare original drawings by Reg Smythe, is going under the hammer at Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, today, with live bidding available from The Saleroom.com. Included in the auction items are two… Read More ›
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US “The Nib” project Returns, seeks new comics work
The Nib – a US comics web project edited by Matt Bors offering a mix of political cartoons, comics journalism, humour and non-fiction – is returning. It’s a project that already gained a huge 70,000 plus following utilising the Medium platform, a community… Read More ›
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Dave McKean Talks Black Dog, Paul Nash “The Perfect Subject”
Artist Dave McKean has revealed more details of his upcoming project Black Dog – The Dreams of Paul Nash, his new work co-commissioned by 14-18 NOW, the Lakes International Comic Art Festival and On a Marché sur la Bulle in a new video… Read More ›
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“Alphonse, That Is Not OK to Do!” Launch Party at Gosh London in April
Gosh London will be hosting a launch party and signing for the picture book Alphonse, That is Not OK To Do! with Daisy Hirst on Wednesday 20th April 2016, starting at 7.00pm. Daisy Hirst is a children’s book author, illustrator and poet,… Read More ›
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UK Literacy Association Book Award 2016 Shortlist Revealed
The UK Literacy Association has just announced the shortlist for its 2016 awards, which includes work by creators such as Rebecca Cobb, Viviane Schwarz, Alex T. Smith, Eoin Colfer and many more, the titles published by David Fickling Books, Puffin,… Read More ›