New UK-based comic book publisher Bulletproof Comics has announced the launch of its updated website and the release of its first issue # 0.

“It’s certainly taken longer than we expected,” said Editor-in-Chief and Publisher, Matt Yeo, “but it’s great to finally launch our new-look site and put the finishing touches to our 16-page, black & white, Bulletproof #0 sampler.”

Originally launched as a standalone comics site a few years ago, Bulletproof Comics was set up to showcase and promote the work of up-and-coming British creative talent. The site contains material from new writers, artists and creators as well as work from established industry professionals.

“We had a ‘soft launch’ for our first printed comic book last year in the form of our 80-page, black & white anthology, Bulletproof #1, containing work from the likes of Steve Yeowell, Alan Grant, Mike Perkins, Garen Ewing and more,” said Yeo. “The online response was great, so we pushed forward with a website redesign, whilst simultaneously putting together issue #0 and the forthcoming Bulletproof #2.”

“We’re intending to make Bulletproof #2 as exciting as our launch issue, and it’ll be another 80-page monster of a comic, featuring our usual mix of genre strips from superheroes, sci-fi and fantasy to adventure, crime and slapstick humour.”

One of the strips planned for the issue is an episode of the SF series Ex Astris, created by Mike Nicoll, with a script from downthetubes webmaster John Freeman.

“Beyond that we have a number of mini-series and one-shots in the works, as well as more exciting products due later this year.”

“There’s just such a huge wealth of creative comic book talent in the UK that struggles to reach a wider audience, and that’s where we step in,” Yeo said. “We want to provide online and print-based platforms to make it easier for creators to get their work out to the rest of the world.”

“It’s a really exciting time for us, and there are some amazing comic book creations and creators ready to be unveiled, so expect more news from Bulletproof Comics soon!”

• Bulletproof issue #0 and Bulletproof #1 are on sale now from the Bulletproof Comics Online Store.

• To find out more about Bulletproof Comics, check out: www.bulletproofcomics.co.uk

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.

Categories: British Comics

Tags: Bill Storie, Bulletproof Comics, Ex Astris, John Freeman