Autospy & Ape return this Summer, in SPLANK!

By John Freeman on May 21, 2022

Thanks to comics writer and publisher Peter Duncan, “Autospy & Ape”, who enjoyed a brief run in the ill-fated STRIP Magazine back in 2010, will return this summer, to the new SPLANK! comic.

*Autospy & Ape created by John Freeman, art by Jon Rushby*

The strip first ran in Print Media Productions short-lived STRIP Magazine, created by me, John Freeman, initially drawn by Jon Rushby, then by Nick Miller. Both artists have kindly agreed those strips can feature in SPLANK!, a new edition of the Power Comics-inspired anthology comic created by Peter Duncan.

Nick has also drawn some smashing promotional art to promote the crazy secret agent’s impending return. Feel free to suggest gizmos you want to see added to Autospy’s gadget, and he will add them!

Earlier this year, the reprint plan initially in doubt, I put out a call for pitches for artists to draw new takes on the strip, and had some terrific responses. I’m toying with the idea of an Autospy & Ape one shot, but with some major projects coming up and in progress, in comics, games and a return to a magazine I previously edited, it will be a while before I get to it.

• Check out SPLANK at www.boxofrainmag.co.uk/splank/ | Facebook

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “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.