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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Titan’s limited UK edition Doctor Who photo covers, Twelfth Doctor #1 variants
Just to add to the list of Doctor Who first issue covers from Titan Comics, the company is to release these limited edition UK exclusive editions with photo cover variants. Only 1000 copies of each edition will be available… Read More ›
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Grant Morrison’s Batman stories under the microscope in new book
The Sequart Organization has announced the release of The Anatomy of Zur-en-Arrh: Understanding Grant Morrison’s Batman, by Cody Walker. Grant Morrison has made a career of redefining heroes, but his work with Batman has been the most comprehensive. From… Read More ›
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Moose Kid Comics launches today, features Young Tank Girl and much more!
An intrepid team of comic creators have just launched the amazing-looking Moose Kid Comics – a free, brand new digital comic that aims to be a showcase for talent and stories they feel will help make both British and international children’s… Read More ›
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What’s Through the Shop Window? Lakes Festival plans creator “Trail” of local art
In 2013, the Lakes International Comic Art Festival ‘Windows on Art Trail’ made an incredible impact, involving both business and locals in the inaugural event with fun displays of comics and comic-related ephemera. As with all such activities, the aim was… Read More ›
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downthetubes: Our Top All-Time Posts, June 2014
One of the great things about moving downthetubes to a “Content Managed System” last year is that we have a much better idea of what posts are the most popular… not that it’s changed what we post on the site!… Read More ›
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New writer recruited for Commando
The latest issues of DC Thomson’s Commando, on sale today, 19th June, feature a new author — Kris Roberts — to the title, and, in a strange twist, one of the reprint editions features the first outing of an… Read More ›
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2000AD fans raffle artwork in aid of Comic Book Legal Defense Fund
2000AD fans have organised a raffle of art from the comic to celebrate reaching over 1000 members for a new Facebook group celebrating the work of the comic’s many creators. Although the raffle organised by the 2000AD comic artwork… Read More ›
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“Cabal” finally returns to Judge Dredd Megazine… sort of!
Judge Dredd Megazine comes crammed with its usual mix of Dredd universe-inspired thrills, including “Concrete Sky” – a ‘floppy’ reprint of “Judge Karyn” strips by John Freeman and artist Adrian Salmon
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2000AD “Terror Tale” sees first professional comics debut for portfolio competition winner
2000AD has always been known for finding fresh new talent and this week’s issue is no different, as it will feature Tom Foster – the winner of the Portfolio Competition at the 2013 Thought Bubble comic art festival. Already… Read More ›
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Titan Comics unveil trailer for “Alien Legion: Uncivil War”
Following up on the preview published back in March, Titan Comics have just released this trailer for their forthcoming comic book revival of Alien Legion, which launches next week in specialist comic shops across the UK and US. The new book… Read More ›
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Red Cross launches “Over Under Sideways Down” comic by Karrie Fransman
Last week saw the launch of Over Under Sideways Down – a comic book by Karrie Fransman for the Red Cross that charts the highs and lows of a young refugee’s journey to the UK. The comic, created for Refugee… Read More ›
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Panel Borders: Comedies and Tragedies
Continuing a month of shows looking at the work of female comic book creators on the Panel Borders comic radio show, Alex Fitch talks to a pair of cartoonists whose work occurs at the opposite ends of the emotional… Read More ›
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Dobby to Dark Knight: Concept Artists in Action at Lakes International Comic Art Festival
The Dark Knight Returns, Scott Pilgrim vs The World, Star Wars, the Harry Potter movies, Kingsman: The Secret Service… these wouldn’t achieve their box office successes without the genius of concept artists. So the Lakes International Comic Art Festival is pleased to be featuring four… Read More ›
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Edinburgh International Book Festival announces comic guests, including George RR Martin
The programme for this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival was announced last week, featuring some 900 participants over two weeks, making it, probably, “the biggest book bash on Planet Earth” according to Forbidden Planet International’s Joe Gordon. There isn’t as… Read More ›
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Gold-plated Ricky Rouse comic goes on sale from SelfMadeHero
Ricky Rouse Has A Gun, written by London-based Jorg Tittel and drawn by John Aggs, is a madcap title getting some right royal treatment from publisher SelfMadeHero in the form of a limited, gold-plated hardback UK edition only be… Read More ›
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Titan Books to release “The Art of Robert E. McGinnis” in October
Robert E. McGinnis is a celebrated artist and illustrator, best known for his book cover and movie poster work. He began his career illustrating covers for the likes of Donald Westlaker, going on to produce art for TIME and Good… Read More ›
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“Lion and the Unicorn” from Ash Pure wows its fans
The Lion, a forgotten war hero, the indestructible man with a death wish. The Unicorn, a gifted psychic knight, she is the girl who wants to save the world… That’s the “one line pitch” for The Lion and the… Read More ›
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Dennis the Menace visits Stirling to promote Armed Forces Day events
Dennis the Menace has visited Stirling’s new outdoor events arena ahead of this year’s Armed Forces Day National Event. The free, family-friendly event takes place on Saturday 28th June and will also feature an appearance by Dennis the Menace. Armed… Read More ›
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Jim Alexander and Mark Bloodworth’s “Ripper Legacy” re-published
Ripper Legacy, a 90-page graphic novel written by writer and publisher Jim Alexander, first published by Caliber Comics, is now available as a digital download on Drive Thru Comics. The murders begin and they’re reminiscent of the notorious Jack the Ripper… Read More ›
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Jamie Smart’s “Moose Kid Comics” debuts next week
Comic creator Jamie Smart has announced his long-gestating humour project, Moose Kid Comics, will debut next week – and he’s running teasers for the taster of the digital title on Twitter over the next week. The comic itself will be… Read More ›