
Death’s Head versus Death’s Head: because the battle never ends… Art: Chris Holmes
So. Today is my first day as a freelance comic keeping operative once more, with ROK Comics behind me and several projects in the works.
I’m excited but nervous. It’s been a fraught few weeks in the run up to this step back into the unknown, but I think, overall, it was for the best. The projects I’m working on now – which include developing this site into new areas, promoting the Lakes International Comic Art Festival and working with B7 Media on the new Dan Dare audio adventures – offer many challenges, but I’m more aware of the potential pitfalls to the freelance life than, perhaps, I was in the past. We’ll see.
I’d like to thank all the readers of downthetubes, old and new, for their continued support, and friends and business partners for their backing.
It’s going to be a challenge. But that’s what keeps us alive, yes?
See you in the funny papers.
John Freeman
1st March 2016
• Find out more about my past projects here

Death’s Head versus Death’s Head: because the battle never ends… Art: Chris Holmes
Featured Art Information
• Based in Central Hawke’s Bay, the Death’s Head versus Death’s Head art above is the work of illustrator and designer Chris Holmes, which he freely acknowledges is a homage in itself to the Batman meme image inspired by a panel from World’s Finest #153.
• Check out Chris’ web site here and find him on Faceboook here. Here’s his blank meme art for you to create your own – just open the image in a new window to see it full size
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
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.
Categories: British Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Featured News, Site Announcements