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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Comic creators rally to help Japanese disaster victims
(with thanks to The Emperor over on the downthetubes Forum): Regular readers will recall our announcement about a Charity Comic organised by the Comic Book Alliance to raise funds for the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami (see news… Read More ›
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New Issue of Who Fanzine Panic Moon On Sale
There’s a mini-revival of Doctor Who fanzines at the moment (something dtb welcomes) with many Who fans still enjoying the experience of reading something on paper rather than just looking at all the assorted Doctor Who websites that are around… Read More ›
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Forbidden Planet announces Doctor Who Fun Days and competition
Forbidden Planet has announced a series of Doctor Who Fun Days in the run up to the return of Doctor Who to BBC1 – and a competition to win tie-in merchandise. There will be an in-store competiton to win a… Read More ›
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Neill Cameron’s ‘Awesome Japan’ project begins to raise funds for tsunami victims
Top comics artist Neill Cameron has begun a comics project on his blog to help raise money for Japanese earthquake and tsunami victims. Describing the ‘Awesome Japan‘ as “my small bit to help”, Neill will be drawing and posting a… Read More ›
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No More Places for CB Cebulski
David Lloyd has just been in touch to tell us that there are no more places available for Marvel Comics talent scout CB Cebulski’s appearance at London’s Cartoon Museum (see news story), organised by Cartoon Classroom (www.cartoonclassroom.co.uk). “I wish we… Read More ›
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Icarus flies into Paragon 7, out now
The latest issue of British indie title Paragon is out now – so here’s a chance to find out why it has been nominated for an Eagle award as best British black and white comic book by buying the latest… Read More ›
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Zarjaz – now with added Clint Langley!
The latest issue of the top 2000AD inspired indie comic Zarjaz (Issue 11) is now available from the FQP Shop. Wrapped within a cover by ace 2000AD artist Clint Langley, you will find: Joe Pineapples – Tin Man by Lee… Read More ›
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In Review: London Calling
Artist Keith Page, best known for Commando but who has also illustrated Thunderbirds and Dan Dare over the years, has an unusual character in the form of dimension hopping French agent Charlotte Corday whom Page considers to be something of… Read More ›
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Tube Surfing: Weekend Comic events, another Royal Wedding Comic and Phoenix Comic
• The final cover art for another Royal Wedding comic has been revealed. The Geek Files, which also has some interior art, reports Bluewater Productions biography comic, Fame: The Royals, will be released next month in time for the wedding… Read More ›
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Steampunk explored in major US exhibition
Jules Verne was one of the earliest science fiction writers, but what if he were alive today? US SciFi Art Now readers who enjoyed our steampunk chapter, which featured work by artists such as Patrick J. Jones, Bill McConkey and… Read More ›
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Pass the cheese Gromit, while I listen to our podcast!
This week’s Panel Borders, now available as a podcast, continues this month’s theme of shows about newspaper comics, with Alex Fitch talking to a couple of creators working on newspaper strips featuring popular British science-fiction characters. Richy K Chandler is… Read More ›
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In Review: Hurricane and Champion: the Companion Papers to Valiant
The Book: Top British comics archivist Steve Holland has re-launched his Bear Alley Books imprint with Hurricane and Champion: The Companion Papers to Valiant an all-new index to two classic British comics detailing the histories of both papers and reveals… Read More ›
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Multiverse springs back onto the shelves
The second 52-page issue of comics news and features magazine Multiverse is now at the printer with copies due to go on sale at the end of the month in all UK comic shops. Alongside the £2.50/$3.99 title’s regular news… Read More ›
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Bryan Talbot’s Family Business
Grandville creator Bryan Talbot is currently drawing a graphic novel written by his wife, Mary Talbot, to be published by Jonathan Cape in the UK and Dark Horse in the US, hopefully later this year. Dotter of her Father’s Eyes… Read More ›
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Marvel Comics scout to hold UK portfolio reviews in April
(updated 21/3/11, with thanks to Mark Stafford and David Lloyd) On Friday 8th April (the day before the London Kapow comic convention) London’s Cartoon Museum will be hosting portfolio review sessions with Marvel Comics talent scout CB Cebulski, so anybody… Read More ›
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Royal Weddings celebrated at London’s Cartoon Museum
We don’t always get the goods we bargain for in this sham old world! Arnold Taylor @ Bamforth Cards Ltd. ‘Marriage,’ as Elizabeth Taylor commented, ‘is a great institution’ – and she had more experience than most! As Prince William… Read More ›
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Sydney Jordan lined up for Bristol Comic Expo appearance
Along with a host of special events and Expo exclusives, including a huge 2000AD panel featuring the likes of Patrick Goddard, Gordon Rennie and Sean Phillips, a preview of the new Alan Moore: Storyteller book by Gary Spencer Milidge, a… Read More ›
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Panel Borders chats with Audrey Niffenegger
Continuing podcast and radio show Panel Borders month of shows looking at newspaper comics, Alex Fitch talks to Chicago-based Audrey Niffenegger, fin artist and author of The Time Traveler’s Wife, about her graphic novella The Night Bookmobile which was serialised… Read More ›