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.
-
Kidnapped – Collector’s Limited Edition
With thanks to Ron Grosset at Waverley Books we can show you the preview illustration of the two volume Collector’s Limited Edition of Alan Grant and Cam Kennedy‘s Kidnapped graphic novel. In addition to a hardback version of the graphic… Read More ›
-
Babies Go Boom
UK independent publisher Orang Utan Comics has announced a new title they’re describing as “Calvin and Hobbes meets Spy vs Spy”. Baby Boomers is a heartwarming tale of two adorable infants and their ongoing desire to cause each other as… Read More ›
-
Hanging around as The Doctor!
-
Exclusive: Stand By For Action!
Comics International is to continue its unique coverage of classic TV SF in British comics with six linked features devoted to the shows of Gerry Anderson. Written by Shaqui Le Vesconte, a leading expert on Anderson in comics (he’s webmaster… Read More ›
-
Jeykll and Hyde Graphic Novel
This year’s graphic novel created for the One Book – One Edinburgh reading campaign by the “Scottish Dream Team” of Alan Grant and Cam Kennedy will be the Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. As with last year’s… Read More ›
-
Local Heroes Exhibition
There were more details at Hi-Ex of the comics exhibition that the National Library of Scotland is putting on later in the year in Edinburgh. Previously reported here as Comics Grow Up! it has now been retitled as Local Heroes… Read More ›
-
When alien cats attack…
Putting a few items up on ebay over the weekend and the SHADO Mobile I decided to include attracted the attention of a dangerous foe during photography…. I know a Siamese cat gave SHADO a few problems in the show… Read More ›
-
Death Watch from Broken Voice
Leading UK comics indie Broken Voice Comics recently released an online edition of Chapter 8 of its flagship title – the online graphic novel Shades. (Some early episodes of Shades are also trailed on ROK Comics). Written by David A… Read More ›
-
Andersonic #5 On Sale via ebay
A quick plug for Andersonic Issue 5, now available via ebay as well as by post, a fanzine dedicated to all things Gerry Anderson that is garnering much praise from fans of Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet et al. This issue comprises… Read More ›
-
Shooting the Witness
Shooting the Witness is an exhibition at London’s Political Cartoon Gallery (6 March – 12 April 2008) of the work of the Palestinian cartoonist Naji Al-Ali, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his assassination in London. Naji Al-Ali was one… Read More ›
-
Hi-Ex in the Highlands: First Report
Over on the Forbidden International blog, Joe Gordon has posted one of the first reports on Hi-Ex, the first major comics convention staged in Inverness held this weekend. Guests included Gary Erskine, John Higgins, Colin MacNeil and many others, and… Read More ›
-
Patrick Stewart praises new Macbeth graphic novel
-
Win Copies of Jeff Hawke: Overlord!
Titan Books releases its first new Jeff Hawke collection, Overlord, later this month, and here at downthetubes. we have five copies to give away! Jeff Hawke: Overlord (to be released 22 February 2008, £16.99) is the first volume in a… Read More ›
-
Who producer to head up new drama unit
A new BBC drama unit is to set up shop in Manchester, run by Doctor Who producer Phil Collinson. Broadcast reports Collinson’s new role will be developing links with on and off-screen talent in the region, and developing new shows… Read More ›
-
Comic artist Bill Mevin Interviewed on “The Time Meddler” DVD
“The Perishers” and TV Comic “Doctor Who” artist Bill Mevin is one of several comics creators interviewed on a special release of the Doctor Who story The Time Meddler, released 4th February 2008 in the UK. This is the first… Read More ›
-
Boring Death’s Head cover? Shurely Shome Mishtake…
Former Marvel UK editor in chief Richard Starkings just sent me this unused cover for the original Dragon’s Claws #5, drawn by Geofff Senior, following discussion about Death’s Head on It Came from Darkmoor. Richard says the cover was rejected… Read More ›
-
Cell Phone Video Underworld Exposed In "Contraband"
Contraband (www.contrabandcomic.com) a new graphic novel by Canadian writer Thomas Behe and illustrator Phil Elliott, is a near-future tale revealing an all-too-possibly-real world of underground video, violence and crime on cell phone networks. Contraband follows a young man’s journey into… Read More ›
-
It Came From Darkmoor…
(with thanks to Matthew Badham and Paul Cornell): British comics fan Mark Roberts has kicked off a promising new blog It Came from Darkmoor, dedicated to the mysteries of mighty Marvel UK (sadly absorbed by Panini in the early 1990s,… Read More ›
-
Primeval Renewed
Broadcast reports ITV’s SF time-spanning drama Primeval has been renewed, with the current (second) season continuing to score good ratings in its Saturday slot. Production on the third season will begin in March, for broadcast in January 2009. The first… Read More ›
-
Hicklenton hits out at MS in new film
2000AD artist John Hicklenton has reacted angrily to becoming ill with MS, inviting cameras into his home for a new documentary, Here’s Johnny, to record the destruction of his life by the disease, and to campaign for better treatment for… Read More ›

