Author Archives
Richard Sheaf is a longtime contributor to downthetubes and has written for numerous magazines about British comics.
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Looking back at Lawless 2019, looking forward to Lawless 2020!
By Richard Sheaf As the guest list for Lawless 2020 has now been released, I thought I should collate my thoughts on my inaugural trip to the 2000AD and Judge Dredd-inspired event last year, which has spread its programming remit… Read More ›
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Zoom Back to the 1990s, with Zig and Zag’s Zogazine!
Take a trip back to the end of the last millennium, and check out this short-lived but funny comic!
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Comic Laureates, Three! In Conversation at the Cartoon Museum
London’s Cartoon Museum recently played host to a unique gathering of current Comics Laureate Hannah Berry and past holders Dave Gibbons and Charlie Adlard. All three were able to look back on how the post has evolved since it was… Read More ›
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In Pictures and In Review: Asterix and the Chieftain’s Daughter – UK launch
Richard Sheaf reports on the UK launch of Asterix and the Chieftain’s Daughter, and gives the new adventure a thumbs up for its take on some of the saga’s younger characters, including newcomer Adrenalin…
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Creating Comics: An Interview with Eagle and Battle writer James Tomlinson
Ahead of his first ever appearance at a comics event (Swapmeet #5 on Saturday 28th September 2019, in Watford) I caught up with one of the guests of honour, James Tomlinson. James – son of Eagle, Tiger and Roy of… Read More ›
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Comics Collectable Spotlight: Author Denis Gifford – The Auction Catalogues
Following on from John Freeman’s interview with comic collector extraordinaire Peter Hansen Richard Sheaf highlights some of the auction catalogues that were produced for the liquidation of comic creator, collector and author Denis Gifford’s collection, back in 2001.
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British Airways “Jet Jason” – rare merchandise featuring Dave Gibbons art uncovered!
At the end of last year I revealed a ‘lost’ British comics character, Jet Jason, created as a British Airways mascot and initially brought to life for Fleetwings, the official magazine of British Airways Junior Jet Club by writer Donne… Read More ›
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Creating Comics: Nick Prolix chats Slang Pictorial and more
Comics creator Nick Prolix was kind enough to take some time out from his busy schedule pimping the Kickstarter of his new issue of Slang Pictorial to talk to me about, well, everything…
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School Daze at Dartington Hall: An Interview with Former Tharg, Steve MacManus
Steve MacManus began his career in 1973 as a sub-editor on the weekly comic Valiant, published by Fleetway Publications. He went on to work on Battle Picture Weekly and Action, before moving to 2000AD, which he edited from 1979 to 1987. Subsequently, he sought to… Read More ›
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In Pictures: Frank Hampson Centenary Exhibition at Bourne Hall
For anyone who’s not managed to make it to Southport’s The Atkinson gallery for their superb Frank Hampson – The Man Who Drew Dan Dare exhibition, then you might try and make it to Bourne Hall in Epsom, Surrey, instead. Their… Read More ›
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Clean Living! How Britain’s “Arrow” comic helped promote healthy teeth in the 1960s
I recently came across copies of a 1960s promotional comic, Gibbs Ivory Castle Arrow, which had a roster of creators that’s as impressive as regular comics of the period such as Eagle – including Captain Pugwash creator John Ryan and John… Read More ›
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When Roy of the Rovers sponsored a football club – and a look at football club programmes
Report by Richard Sheaf, with additional reporting by John Freeman A recent social media post by ex-Fleetway editor Barrie Tomlinson alerted me to a 1990s football programme for St. Alban’s City Football Club, featuring cover art by “Billy’s Boots” artist… Read More ›
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Brian Bolland “MACH 1” 2000AD cover art on offer for £6000, but concerns raised over sale
Please note this story has been updated to reflect information on the artwork from its artist, Brian Bolland. Thinking about blowing your entire comic collecting budget (and then some) for the whole of 2019 today? Well, the opportunity is here… Read More ›
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Whacko!, The Comic That Never Was
I was saddened the other day to read of the death of British humour comics stalwart Terry Bave. As a lad, I read his work in my brother’s copy of Whizzer & Chips, but I probably became most interested in… Read More ›
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“Charley’s War” Battle comic covers by Joe Colquhoun offered on eBay
Two original “Charley’s War” Battle over artworks by Joe Colquhoun are being offered on eBay, this week, by two different sellers. The first – and the most dramatic – is the cover of Battle, cover dated 23rd August 1980, a… Read More ›
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Attention, Newcastle! “Turbo Jones” signing by Ian Kennedy and Barrie Tomlinson announced
Forbidden Planet Newcastle has announced that Barrie Tomlinson, the editor of the short-lived comic Wildcat and writer of “Death Wish“, and British comics legend Ian Kennedy will be making a joint appearance to help launch Rebellion’s Turbo Jones collection in January…. Read More ›
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Kickaround magazine offers Roy of the Rovers “Scouted” subscription incentive
It’s a big week for Roy of the Rovers fans as any decent newsagent will have two magazines that you’ll want to pick up… First up is Match of the Day magazine (Issue 529 – cover dated 30th October –… Read More ›
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Cartoon Cats and Gormenghast too – British Library Comics and Art Events for autumn 2018
The list of talks at the British Library this autumn has been released and there are some great events for comics and fantasy novel fans, featuring some terrific creators from both the UK and Europe. First up is “European Graphic… Read More ›
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First “The Thirteenth Floor” collection from Rebellion also offered as a hardback limited edition
Rebellion Publishing are to publish a limited edition hardback version of their first The Thirteenth Floor collection, out next month. In this new Treasury of British Comics title featuring strips from Scream! by John Wagner, Alan Grant, with art by José Ortiz, Maxwell… Read More ›
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Welcome return for the Commando comic calendar, featuring art by Ian Kennedy
Great news for all Commando comic fans. DC Thomson have brought back the Commando calendar, on sale now – and it features art by Ian Kennedy throughout. Since 1961, Commando has electrified its readers as the longest running British war comic ever!… Read More ›