Author Archives
Richard Sheaf is a longtime contributor to downthetubes and has written for numerous magazines about British comics.
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Comics Collectable Spotlight: Author Denis Gifford – The Auction Catalogues
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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
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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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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 ›