First published on the Engine Comics web site way back in 2002, this is the second part of a wide-ranging interview with Alan Moore specifically about writing comics with Daniel Whiston is a fascinating read, and is re-published here on… Read More ›
Creating Comics
Articles on creating comics, how tos, reference information and more
British comic fanzines celebrated in style in FANSCENE – a new fanzine, of course!
I’m delighted to report the release of FANSCENE, a very special celebration of over fifty years of comics fandom in Ireland and the UK. It’s a privilege to have been asked to be part of this free mammoth publication put… Read More ›
Johnny Nero’s strange new adventures in India: or, how Women’s Liberation helped a comics cheat
In the third of a series of articles, publisher, comics creator and historian of Tamil comics Nathan Viswa reveals some more disturbing and bizarre instances of British comics conflagration and copyright theft on the Indian sub-continent… In the previous case… Read More ›
Acclaimed Spainish comic artist Luis García Mozos retrospective exhibition announced
Spanish cartoonist, editor, illustrator and painter Luis García Mozos – perhaps best known in the UK for his work for Warren Publishing on titles like Creepy – has just confirmed the wonderful news that he is going to have a… Read More ›
It’s time for another Awesome Comics Podcast Catch-Up! Comichaus secrets revealed! Books to look out for in 2018! And more!
The Awesome Comics Podcast continues to broadcast some great stuff about British comics and more. Once again, I’ve been a bit neglectful in keeping you posted with its, well, awesome coverage of some terrific creators, including great interviews and entertaining… Read More ›
Dog Friendly! Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast chats with the Gluepot Books team
The latest episode of the Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast is online now and leads with an interview with sisters Scarlett and Sophie Rickard who have created their own publishing company, Gluepot Books, publishers of the hugely enjoyable canine-inspired comic tale (no… Read More ›
Creating Comics (and some dogged determination): Jasper Bark reveals the secrets of making “Parassassin”, his latest graphic novel
One of the most intriguing graphic novels I’ve read in the past few months is Parassassin by Jasper Bark with art by Alfa Robbi, first published in the brilliant digital anthology Aces Weekly but available now as a full-blown graphic… Read More ›
The Copyright Cheat Affair: the hair-raising time The Man from U.N.C.L.E met Britain’s Barracuda comic hero
In the second of a series of articles, publisher, comics creator and historian of Tamil comics Nathan Viswa reveals some more disturbing and bizarre instances of British comics conflagration and copyright theft on the Indian sub-continent… When British publisher Fleetway… Read More ›
“Do, Think, Share” – the free 64 Million Artists campaign seeking to support creators in all walks of life
Libraries across the UK are taking part in 64 Million Artists, a national campaign and inviting everyone to get involved, be creative and have fun. Now in its fourth year, the initiative aims to support visitors to libraries to feel… Read More ›
Jim Baikie: A Stripography (and some Musical Notes)
Here’s a guide to comics artist Jim Baikie’s comics career, including his lesser known British girls’ comic work, revealing his huge contribution to many titles. Jim died in December 2017; you can read our obituary here and an Appreciation by Alan Moore… Read More ›
Panel Borders: Music and Comics
In a pair of interviews recorded in front of a live audience, Panel Borders investigates the work of a trio of creators who have an interest in combining music and comic book art. At Thought Bubble Festival, Alex Fitch talks… Read More ›
In Review – Read Em and Weep Book Two – Goodnight, John-Boy
Written by Pat Mills and Kevin O’Neill Available through Amazon on Kindle and Paperback See also: Read Em and Weep Book One – Serial Killer The Story: The Geek Detective is back! Now comic book editor and armchair serial killer,… Read More ›
Cheeky comic “Dummy” unearthed on eBay: but what changed in the planning before print?
As time has gone by, I have become more and more interested in how British comics were pitched, created and got to that crucial first issue where I, as a kid, would go “Ooh!” and fork out my hard earned… Read More ›
Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast Episode 18 – It’s The Etherington Brothers!
The latest Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast features a great interview with The Etherington Brothers, Robin and Lorenzo, who create some amazing children’s comics as well as bringing the creation process to life for children in their stage show… Read More ›
Comics Galore, and more, in Catford this weekend!
This weekend (Sunday 10th December) sees the Catford Comic & Zine Fair at Blythe Hill Tavern, organised by Henry and Stanley Miller. Together the pair run the “Miller Town” web site and publish their own comics (check out the site, because… Read More ›
S.M.A.S.H. a comic, graphic, and novel talkfest in London announced
The London Graphic Novel Network have just announced S.M.A.S.H. a comic, graphic, and novel talkfest, taking place on 20th January 2018 at the Artizan Street Library & Community Centre. Getting philosophical about the art of comics the event, which has a… Read More ›
Who remembers “Jet Jason” by Dave Gibbons? A look back at British Airways Fleetwings magazine
One of the things downthetubes contributor Richard Sheaf likes collecting are comics and magazines that may have been rather forgotten about. A few months ago, he spotted a copy of Fleetwings on eBay, an unusual looking item that piqued his… Read More ›
Clockwork Watch project in the spotlight for latest Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast
It’s time for another episode of the Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast, and in this episode the team interview the guys behind the Clockwork Watch multimedia project, who are a regular part of the annual event (returning 12th – 14th… Read More ›
The 2000AD Thrill-Cast: Starlord – 40 Years On…
Ahead of the 40th anniversary of 2000AD‘s short-lived stablemate, the 2000AD podcast takes a look at impact and on-going legacy of Starlord – the original home of “Strontium Dog” and “Ro-Busters”. I was delighted to be asked to contribute as… Read More ›
Rare 1975 Frank Hampson interview for BBC Nationwide released
The BBC Archive has released a 1975 Nationwide feature and interview with Dan Dare creator Frank Hampson, recorded shortly after the artist and writer was voted Prestigioso Maestro at an international convention of strip cartoon and animated film artists held… Read More ›