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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WarWorldz: Origins – Episode Four
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007 Magazine to publish On Her Majesty’s Secret Service 76-Page Limited Edition Special
George Lazenby’s sole outing as James Bond is to celebrated in a 76-Page 007 Magazine limited edition special. “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the sixth James Bond film in the enormously successful series produced by Albert R. Broccoli & Harry Saltzman, and… Read More ›
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Marc Jackson’s “Duckless” joins Aces Weekly line-up
Marc Jackson joins the still-swelling ranks of comic creators delivering strips for David Lloyd‘s excellent digital anthoogy Aces Weekly next month. “The comic is about the adventures of a young guy, called Duckless and his friends,” says Marc. “Duckless draws the… Read More ›
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#PicturesMeanBusiness: UK campaign to gain Illustrators credit for their work grows
A number of British artists are actively campaigning for better credit (and, by default, better financial reward) for their work as illustrators, including comic creator Sarah McIntyre and writer-illustrator James Mayhew. Recognition for illustrators is important on so many levels – not… Read More ›
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Second Rare Star Wars Figures Auction Stirs Fan Excitement, first auction raised £40,000
Auction house Vectis have released details of the second auction of mint on card Star Wars figures, owned by the former Club Chairman of the UK Star Wars Fan Club, Craig Stevens, which takes place next week – and there has been a buzz of excitement among collectors since… Read More ›
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Scott McCloud heads to the UK to promote “The Sculptor”
Scott McCloud, the award-winning author of Understanding Comics, will embark on a tour of UK in March to promote his latest graphic novel, The Sculptor, published here by SelfMadeHero which is getting well-deserved critical acclaim (some Guardian writers excluded). After an evening… Read More ›
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Jim Alexander and Will Pickering – All Aboard for Aberdeen!
Top comics writer Jim Alexander and ace artist Will Pickering are attending a GoodCopBadCop/Wolf Country signing at Asylum, Aberdeen tomorrow, Saturday 21st February. Asylum details: 29 Adelphi, Aberdeen AB11 5BL. 01224 574637. info@asylum-booksandgames.com. Will and Jim should arrive at the shop no later… Read More ›
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Martin Hand launches new “Dodgy Drawings” Challenge for Red Nose Day
You might remember that in 2013 the wonderful British comic artist Martin Hand – a veteran of the indie comics scene for as many years as me! did a Dodgy Drawings Challenge in aid of the Comic Relief/Red Nose Day back… Read More ›
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Crucible: The Quest Episode 20
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Lakes Festival announces new patrons, releases 2015 promotional poster
The Lakes International Comic Art Festival has announced two new patrons – top French artist Boulet and Stephen L. Holland, co-creator, co-owner and co-manager of the award-winning independent comic shop Page 45, based in Nottingham. The duo further complement the Festival’s… Read More ›
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Dan Dare art and memorabilia part of permanent new exhibit in Southport, Frank Hampson’s home town
A new museum in Southport features a permanent display of some Dan Dare art by his creator, Frank Hampson along with other Eagle memorabilia, helping to mark the comic’s 65th year since first publication. The Atkinson is Southport’s new home for music,… Read More ›
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WarWorldz Origins: Episode Three
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Alex Ross creates new limited edition “Yellow Submarine”-inspired Beatles prints
US print makers Dark Hall Mansion have just revealed their latest officially licensed Beatles limited edition release: “Yellow Submarine” by pre-eminent comic book artist, Alex Ross, which will go on sale Thursday 26th February 2015. 1960s music icons The Beatles have… Read More ›
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Sneak Preview: Mono #3 by Liam Sharp and Ben Wolstenholme
Today, 18th February 2015 sees the release of the third instalments of Mono by Liam Sharp and Ben Wolstenholme from Titan Comics/Madefire, and we have a sneak preview… MONO #3 STORY BY: Liam Sharp ART BY: Ben Wolstenholme COLORS BY: Fin Cramb… Read More ›
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Sneak Preview: Cap Stone #3 by Christina McCormack & Liam Sharp
Tomorrow, 18th February 2015 sees the release of the third instalments of Cap Stone by Christina McCormack & Liam Sharp from Titan Comics/Madefire, and we have a sneak preview… CAP STONE #3 STORY BY: Christina McCormack, Liam Sharp ART BY:… Read More ›
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BeyondTheStory commissioned to deliver Thunderbirds Are Go story app
ITV Studios Global Entertainment and Pukeko Pictures have teamed up with digital company BeyondTheStory to produce new digital content for an app designed to support the upcoming Thunderbirds Are Go TV series, which debuts in the UK in April…. Read More ›
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Deadline co-creator and legendary 2000AD contributor Brett Ewins has died
We are very sorry to learn of the death of artist Brett Ewins, a truly unique comic creator instrumental in helping create the legend that is 2000AD, along with many other achievements. He was just 59. “Throughout his years of working… Read More ›





