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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WordPress downthetubes Readers – a quick apology
A quick apology to followers downthetubes using the WordPress “Reader” service who will be bemused by the sudden publication of a large number of very old posts today, including items on Eagle Times and Alan Grant and Cam Kennedy’s 2007 Kidnapped graphic… Read More ›
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Aardwolf Publishing backs fund-raising projects in aid of Deathlok creator Rich Buckler
We’re sorry to report that US comics artist Rich Buckler – perhaps best known for his work on Fantastic Four, Black Panther, Thor and as the creator of Deathlok is ill. Worse yet, because of the cost of healthcare in the US, he needs help… Read More ›
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In Memoriam: Tony Dyson, R2-D2’s Original Builder
We’re sorry to report the passing of Professor Tony Dyson, the British robot genius who originally built Star Wars R2-D2. A convention regular around the globe, 2015 marked his first appearance in the country he had made his own – Malta – for Malta… Read More ›
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WP Comics Launches “Gunnveig’s Saga”, a Viking epic
Newly- founded British comic book publisher WP Comics has just launched its latest title Gunnveig’s Saga, – a Viking epic that’s the work of newcomer Icelandic writer Arnar H. Önnuson and British illustrator Melissa Nettleship. The comic is the company’s first… Read More ›
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Jamie Me’s “Start Again” adult comic hits back at online taunters
Offering a heady adult-oriented mix of sex, superheroes and sarcasm set in Leeds, Jamie Me‘s explicitly British comic Start Again is well on the way to successful crowdfunding, but still looking for further support before the campaign ends next week…. Read More ›
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Chris Ware, Alison Sampson among guests at Graphic Novel/Novel Architecture Symposium
Kent State University College of Architecture & Environmental Design has organized a Graphic Novels / Novel Architecture symposium to explore constructive and projective relationships between architecture and comics. Guests include London-based architect and illustrator Alison Sampson and many others. … Read More ›
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Put Spring In Your Step With latest Doctor Who Adventures
Say a big hello to Spring with the latest issue of Doctor Who Adventures, on sale now in all good newsagents! In this issue… GHOSTS OF THE SEAS The Doctor teams up with Prince George as he tracks down the… Read More ›
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65 Years Young! Dennis the Menace exhibition celebrates the eternal wild child
The nation’s favourite wildchild, Dennis the Menace, turns 65 this month and an exhibition of screenprints featuring him is being held to celebrate in London. The iconic character from The Beano comic created by David Law made his appearance… Read More ›
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Birmingham’s Time Bomb Comics spreads its wing with ongoing comic project Flintlock
Time Bomb Comics has successfully gained Kickstarter backing for its first-ever ongoing adventure comic, Flintlock – but further funding support will help the independent British publisher promote the title and really make an impact with the great-looking book when it launches…. Read More ›
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Awesome Comics Podcast Episode 35: Alfie Gallagher
After a few weeks of con fever, artist extraordinaire Alfie Gallagher joins Vince Hunt, Dan Butcher and Tony Esmond to talk about his three-issue series Charlatan Tales, his work and influences and the exciting projects he’s got coming next. The… Read More ›
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Superheroes as gods and privatised demon-hunters! 2000AD announces new digital-first releases
Two of 2000AD’s most popular strips from the past 13 years are to be collected in their entirety for the first time. The Ten-Seconders and Caballistics Inc. have been fully collected in new digital-first editions available from 2000AD’s webshop, and… Read More ›
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Cult Empire Comics opens doors to creator-owned submissions
Cult Empire Comics, the British independent publishers of Vietnam Zombie Holocaust and Horror Show, have announced they are looking for submissions for creator owned comics. Founded in 2010 by George Lennox, Cult Empire started as an online comic book store… Read More ›
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In Review: Zarjaz Issue 26
Creators: Various: Publisher: Future Quake Press Out: Now The Comic: Out now from Future Quake Press is the Zarjaz Issue 26, featuring cover art by Paul Marshall, coloured by Owen Watts. Within the pages of Zarjaz 26, Peeps the droids smuggles six tales… Read More ›
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Shrewsbury Cartoon Festival back in April
Now coming up to its thirteenth year, the Shrewsbury Cartoon Festival is back on 16th April 2016 – an annual event at which a small army of professional cartoonists from all over the UK and overseas meets up to draw and paint cartoons… Read More ›
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Get Down With the Dogs! Latest Strontium Dog-inspired “Dogbreath” Out Now
The latest issue of Dogbreath, the superb comic zine inspired by the Starlord/2000AD character Strontium Dog, is out now from FutureQuake Press, wrapped in a over photo by Steve Green, featuring Matthew Simpson as Johnny Alpha and Kevin Horsham as Wulf… Read More ›
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London Book Fair Returns, UK Comic Publishers Aboard
Celebrating its 45 year anniversary in April 2016, The London Book Fair is the global marketplace for rights negotiation and the sale and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels. Staged annually, LBF sees more than 25,000 publishing professionals arrive… Read More ›
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Could You Run An Independent Bookshop? Now’s Your Chance…
Looking for a big challenge? The owners of Southampton-based October Books are looking for an energetic group of people who would like to take over the running of the bookshop. Founded in 1977 and now based on Portswood Road in… Read More ›
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Back To The Life of a Freelancer…
So. Today is my first day as a freelance comic keeping operative once more, with ROK Comics behind me and several projects in the works. I’m excited but nervous. It’s been a fraught few weeks in the run up to… Read More ›
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Music Meets Comics at first Shrewsbury International Comic Art Festival in July
As part of the award-winning Shrewsbury Fields Forever Festival, ICE con organiser and publisher Shane Chebsey will be organising the first ever Shrewsbury International Comic Art Festival in July. “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for the UK comic industry… Read More ›
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New Marvel films-inspired Hero Attax trading card game from Topps released next month
Topps will launch their new Marvel cinematic universe edition of the trading card game Hero Attax at the end of March in the UK. The collection – described as a “must have” for Marvel fans of all ages has over 200… Read More ›