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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House of Hammer Returns?
(Updated 24th February 2016): Titan Comics has announced a partnership with Hammer Films, publishing adaptations of the studio’s classic titles as well as all-new properties. Announced at the comic book retailer conference ComicsPro earlier today, Titan says the line will… Read More ›
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New Comics On Sale This Week in the UK – Look, Just Go And Buy Surface Tension, OK?
Yes, yes, I know there are a huge number of great comics out there, again, this week, many the work of top British comic creators (including Red Thorn, 2000AD and Judge Dredd Megazine – and what a great start to “Realm… Read More ›
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Graphic Medicine web site looks to expand – but needs your help
Hugely talented comic creators Ian Williams and MK Czerwiec are applying for a grant to upgrade and professionalise their terrific web site Graphic Medicine – and they need your help. Ian Williams, a physician and artist from North Wales, started Graphic… Read More ›
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Dark Hall Mansion’s Limited Edition Harry Potter Prints Get Limited Release
Blink and you’ll miss them. Fine art print makers Dark Hall Mansion, have announced the upcoming release of their Harry Potter art by contemporary artist Gerhard. Gerhard’s stunning entry for DHM’s ongoing limited edition Seminal Film Series fine art print… Read More ›
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TwoMorrows Announces “Comic Book Fever: A Celebration of Comics: 1976 – 1986”
US publisher TwoMorrows has announced the upcoming publication of A Celebration of Comics: 1976-1986 by George Khoury, author of The Extraordinary Works Of Alan Moore and True Brit: A Celebration of the Great Comic Book Artists of the UK. Described… Read More ›
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In Memoriam: Tony Kuroizumi-Luke
I’m very sad to report the passing of comic creator, animator and illustrator Tony Kuroizumi-Luke, who has died after a long battle with cancer – but who, despite often being in pain in recent years, battled it with every fibre of… Read More ›
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New digital comics publisher, Pencil United, gets set to launch with war story “Northern Souls”
Newly-founded Swedish studio Pencil United is getting set to launch Northern Souls, its first comic designed to be read exclusively on touchscreens, which they say “embraces the possibilities of the digital medium for graphic storytelling unlike any other”. Opening in World… Read More ›
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New Lethbridge-Stewart novel announced, features cover by Doctor Who artist Adrian Salmon
Cover art reveal!
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Planet Jimbot’s “Wolf Country” Heading to TV?
Award nominated and critically acclaimed Wolf Country returns for a fifth explosive issue soon, written by Jim Alexander, with art by Will Pickering, wrapped in a cover by Luke Cooper. Here’s sneak peek. The latest title from indie publisher Planet… Read More ›
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“A Machine they’re Secretly Building” play on tour, features visuals from artist Adam York Gregory
“I want you to know what’s happening…” From what might be a news desk, an office, a bedroom, a bunker under a mountain or a theatre, two people – reporters, senators, freedom fighters, or just… well… concerned citizens like you… Read More ›
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Markosia set to launch Dark Mists sequel at London Super Comic Con
London Super Comic Convention 2016 will be a very special show for Markosia where the long-awaited launch of two new books will finally happen, along with a revised and improved version of one of the indie publisher’s most popular books in… Read More ›
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Two Doctors Hit New York, on stage together for first time, for Wizard World event
Wizard World, Inc. has announced that for the first time (in the US, at least), David Tennant and Matt Smith, the Tenth and Eleventh Doctors in Doctor Who, will appear at a public event together when they attend Wizard World NYC—The Doctors on Saturday 16th April… Read More ›
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A Cautionary Tale: Artists Warned Not to Sell Unlicensed Prints
Thor: New Beginnings artist Manuel A. Carmona is on a bit of a mission, after noting the growing trend of artists selling unlicensed prints at conventions of properties they down’t own. He’s written a blog post on the subject, pointing… Read More ›
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Ladybird Books inspire new fabric and wallpaper collections from Liberty London
The new Chesham Cabinet Collection, featuring fabrics and wallpapers created using original Ladybird Books illustrations, is now available from Liberty London. Ladybird highlights include the Limewood Wallpapers, Gail’s Garden Vintage Velvet fabrics and cushions, and the Charlotte Wallpaper in Catherine Cream. The Chesham Cabinet Collection is a… Read More ›
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Awesome Comics Podcast Episode 33 previews London Super Comic Con
With the Awesome Comics Podcast‘s first ever exhibitor appearance just around the corner, what better time to talk comics, conventions and get hyped for the upcoming London Super Comic Con 2016! This time out, the gang – Vince Hunt, Dan… Read More ›
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Doctor Who Monsters in the spotlight for new Never Cruel or Cowardly podcast
Last month, comics writer and author Cavan Scott described podcasts as the “… fanzines of the 21st Century”. The team behind a mainly Doctor Who-influenced podcast, Never Cruel or Cowardly, are running with that idea in style. The work of talented creators… Read More ›
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Facebook “unpublishes” VIZ official page on social media site
Facebook has suspended the official Facebook page for the adult humour magazine VIZ, citing that it violates Facebook’s Statement of Rights and Responsibilities, which all users are required to abide by upon creating and maintaining a Facebook page. VIZ responded… Read More ›
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Glasgow “Comic Invention” exhibition features world’s oldest comic alongside art by Frank Quitely
Next month sees the opening of Comic Invention: The Glasgow Looking Glass of 1825, an exhibition at the Hunterian Art Gallery in Glasgow featuring the world’s oldest comic, the Glasgow Looking Glass. This major new exhibition offers both art lovers and comic… Read More ›
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In Review: The Salon of Rejects
Six short stories from Mhairi Braden, Myfanwy Tristram, Ross Mackintosh, Sarah Ushurhe, Michael Lomon and Tom Plant Out: Now The Book: Edited and published by Tom Plant, the idea behind The Salon of Rejects is to collect and celebrate some of the… Read More ›
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Robots on the march — Vectis tinplate toys auction announced, includes Flash Gordon rarity
Next month, on Tuesday 15th March, Vectis Auctions will present an ‘Out of this World’ collection of robots, space vehicles, flying saucers and rockets — almost 1000 pieces of tinplate, metal and plastic pieces from European, Japanese, Asian and American manufacturers, including a… Read More ›