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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Luma Works set to launch ‘Storytime’ Magazine, rejecting cover mounts as selling point
New publisher Luma Works is to launch its first title, Storytime, on 10th September 2014 – a 52-page title offering a mix of fairy tales, folk tales, fables, myths, legends, poetry and extracts from well-loved children’s books that will… Read More ›
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Deadly Enigmas, Desert Hunters and not-so Deserted Islands in latest Commandos
Here’s details of the latest issues of Commando on sale today, 28th August 2014 in all good newsagents and digitally via iTunes, which include the return of the Convict Commandos, written by Alan Hebden. Commando No 4735 – Deadly… Read More ›
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In Memoriam: “Minnie the Minx” artist Jim Petrie
(Updated 29/8/14 to include tribute from Mike Stirling) We’re sorry to report the passing of artist Jim Petrie, an artist perhaps best known for his work on The Beano‘s “Minnie the Minx”, a strip he took over from… Read More ›
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Win a life-size TARDIS for your school with BBC Doctor Who Adventures magazine
If you’re looking for your own adventures in time and space then don’t miss the latest issue of BBC Doctor Who Adventures magazine, because the title is running a competition to win a life-size TARDIS to one lucky reader for… Read More ›
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Comic Soapbox Scotland showcases best of Scots political comics
A new comics project, Comic Soapbox Scotland, is showcasing politically engaged comics created in Scotland. The team behind it say the project is non-partisan and wants to hear from everyone working in the field of political comic comment. Cartoonists featured so far… Read More ›
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Sequart puts Star Trek comics under scrutiny in new book
The Sequart Organization has just announced the release of New Life and New Civilizations: Exploring Star Trek Comics, edited by Joseph F. Berenato, which includes coverage of the Star Trek comics originated in the UK. The creation of visionary futurist… Read More ›
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British Comic Shop Comic Releases (26th August 2014) – Tenth Doctor #2 On Sale This Week
Here’s a list of comics – both US and UK releases – on sale in specialist UK comic shops from tomorrow, Wednesday 26th August 2014, courtesy of First Age Comics, Lancaster. We’ve picked out the titles published by British publishers in bold below,… Read More ›
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In Review: Doctor Who: Deep Breath proves a Curate’s Egg
(First posted in a shorter form on the downthetubes tumblr, minor spoilers): I’m glad to see that the Twelfth Doctor seems to have been well received in most quarters and was more than impressed by the opening episode of his… Read More ›
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David Hine’s “Strange Embrace” arrives on SEQUENTIAL app
Terrific news this week for digital comic fans, with word from publisher Russell Willis that SEQUENTIAL has added David Hine‘s stunning Strange Embrace title to their catalogue – a work that helped redefine graphic novel horror when it was first released… Read More ›
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Harry Potter illustrator Jonny Duddle summoned to Lancaster Castle
Harry Potter fans of all ages will not want to miss a special free event in the atmospheric setting of Lancaster Castle’s Shire Hall – an appearance by writer and award-winning illustrator Jonny Duddle on Wednesday 3rd September, organised… Read More ›
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OFF LIFE announces September “#Quickdraw” event
OFF LIFE – Britain’s only free street press comics publication – is returning to London’s House of Illustration on 18th September 2014 for another night of fast-paced illustration. Tickets always sell out fast, so grab them while you can! #QuickDraw is a live drawing night… Read More ›
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Bear Alley Books announces reprint of DC Thomson’s “Arena” strip
Steve Holland at Bear Alley Books has just the next title from the independent publisher will be a reprint of the 1979 series “Arena”, published by DC Thomson. Originally serialised in The Crunch, created by Dave Taylor (not to be… Read More ›
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ABC Results: Doctor Who Adventures publisher Immediate Media “continues to outperform”
Immediate Media Co, the publishers of Doctor Who Adventures and many pre-school titles such as Octonuats on sale on the British news stand, have issued the following statement in response to the latest ABC reported sales figures which we… Read More ›
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ABC Results: Egmont sees sales as “strong” and “thriving”
Egmont, the publishers of TOXIC, many pre-school and girls youth sector titles on sale on the British news stand, have issued the following statement in response to the latest ABC reported sales figures which we reported on earlier this… Read More ›
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Moleskine announces London “urban sketching” event
On Saturday 6th September Moleskine (the makers of the iconic notebooks and more) are hosting “the rise of urban sketching” event in London. The brand are collaborating with some highly talented sketchers who will be showcasing their skills during live… Read More ›
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VIZ UnMasked – or, “It’s not all over until the fat lady sings…”
Hot on the heels of the British Library’s “Comics UnMasked” exhibition comes the Lakes International Comic Art Festival‘s very own homage to art and anarchy in the UK – “VIZ Unmasked“. VIZ Unmasked will, amongst other things, reveal the dark… Read More ›
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Book Palace to publish limited edition “Art of Modesty Blaise” catalogue
London-based Book Palace is to publish a limited edition Art of Modesty Blaise catalogue, which will be presented free with any purchase from the art sales and specialist publisher of Modesty Blaise original art. Modesty Blaise, the tough and enigmatic character… Read More ›
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British Comic Shop Comic Releases (20th August 2014) – Judge Dredd clone stalks 2000AD!
Here’s a list of comics – both US and UK releases – on sale in specialist UK comic shops from tomorrow, Wednesday 20th August 2014, courtesy of First Age Comics, Lancaster. We’ve picked out the titles published by British publishers in bold… Read More ›
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British News Stand Comic Sales see surge for pre-school, dips for humour titles
(Updated 20th August 2014) The Audit Bureau of Circulations reported sales figures for January – June 2014 have been released, which include subscription sales, with Redan’s Peppa Pig and Immediate Media’s CBeebies Weekly titles continuing to do well in the pre-school market. Egmont, too,… Read More ›
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In Review: Countdown to TV Action
by Steve Holland Publisher: Bear Alley Books Out: Now The Book: The latest comic index from Bear Alley Books covers the history and content of Countdown and TV Action, the Gerry Anderson-themed comic from Polystyle launched in the early 1970s…. Read More ›