When it comes to staying power, it is hard to come up with a better definition than comic artist Ian Kennedy’s career. Ably supported by his family, Ian has delighted generations of comic fans since he went freelance in the 1950s…. Read More ›
downthetubes News
British comic and creator news, book news, media news. If it’s news, it’s here.
Essential British Comics Reference: Bear Alley Books’ “Ranger The National Boys’ Magazine”
Online discussion about where a piece of art by the talented British comic artist Ron Embleton (TV Century 21, Look and Learn, Ranger, World of Wonder) might have been published prompted Bear Alley Books publisher Steve Holland to remind me… Read More ›
Crowdfunding Spotlight: Draw the Line moves from digital to print
Back in 2016, a group of comic creators from across the globe assembled as ‘Draw the Line: Concrete Political Actions Comics‘, hoping to focus protest at recent political developments into positive action. The project proved hugely popular – and now… Read More ›
Independent Comics Summit comes to Birmingham
Outside of bigger comic publishers such as Marvel and DC in the USor Titan and Rebellion in the UK, what are the realities of actually creating comics as an independent publisher? The question will be explored at ‘The Comics Summit‘,… Read More ›
Thought Bubble tickets on sale now
The spring Thought Bubble update has gone live over on the popular annual event’s website and it’s a big one – because tickets are now on sale. Thought Bubble 2018 runs from 17th – 23rd September, at venues across Leeds… Read More ›
Batgirl artist Babs Tarr announced as 2000AD Summer Special ‘Judge Dredd’ artist
Batgirl artist Babs Tarr is to draw the “Judge Dredd” strip for this year’s 2000AD Summer Special, with Emma Beeby on script. Emma has also written the all-female creators “Judge Anderson” story. US artist Barbara Tarr (also known as Babs… Read More ›
Writer Heath Ackley makes Commando debut
Brand new Commando (Issues 5119 – 5122) from DC Thomson are on sale on Thursday (3rd May) in all good UK newsagents and through various digital platforms and sees the debut of another new talent to the veteran title –… Read More ›
Kate Evans, Frank Quitely, Bryan and Mary Talbot and more join 2018 Lakes International Comic Art Festival line up
The Lakes International Comic Art Festival has just announced more guests for its Festival weekend (12th – 14th October 2018) in Kendal, including Kate Evans and Frank Quitely. Now in its sixth year, the latest guests revealed are Hunt Emerson (Calculus Cat, Bloke’s… Read More ›
Creating Comics: Nine Rules for Amazing Dialogue by Monty Nero
Death Sentence and occasional X-men writer Monty Nero lays out nine foolproof ways to write wonderful dialogue. He offers these tips because of his incredibly giving nature and not because he wants you to check out his totally awesome kickstarter… Read More ›
Neil Gaiman, Brian Michael Bendis, Kelly Sue DeConnick and More Join Forces in Comic Anthology to Benefit Las Vegas Shooting
US publisher Image Comics has announced the forthcoming Where We Live anthology curated by JH Williams III, Wendy Wright-Williams, Scott Allie, Dave Stewart, and Image Comics’ Publisher, Eric Stephenson. Due for release in June 2018, proceeds for the anthology will… Read More ›
A Chat with Cinebook – Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast probes European comics publisher
In the latest episode of the Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast, the team chat to Jerome Saincantin about his role as a translator for Cinebook. Cinebook, whose titles we’ve often featured on downthetubes, are publishers of best selling European books… Read More ›
Crowdfunding Spotlight: Darkboy & Adler #1
Here’s a nifty looking comic with LGBT themes that’s currently seeking backing on Kickstarter. Be advised, Darkboy & Adler #1 is very definitely for mature readers, but from the samples available and art on the crowdfunding page, this is a… Read More ›
In Review: The Prisoner #1
Writer: Peter Milligan Artist: Colin Lorimer Publisher: Titan Comics FC, 32pp, $3.99 Out: Now The Comic: In the 21st Century, the global currency is no longer oil or gold but information. And he who possesses it possesses the world. There… Read More ›
“One Man Bond: Every Bond Film In 60 Minutes” – First Tour Dates announced
One Man Bond: Every Bond Film In 60 Minutes chronicles over half a century of the most successful movie franchise in history and is on tour this year, with stops at the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival and the Lakes International Comic… Read More ›
Coming Soon: Nightwing #44 – “shockingly retro and eight minutes into the future” (according to Warren Ellis)
I subscribe to a fair few creator newsletters, and one that always helps get your synapses firing arrives regularly arrived this morning from Warren Ellis. This week, apart from deconstructing Avengers: Infinity War, he also turned his attention to a… Read More ›
Coming Soon: Avengers: Infinity War – The Official Movie Special
Following up on our review of the film, don’t miss out on Titan Publishing’s Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War Official Collector’s Edition on soon now in UK newsagents – celebrating the making of Avengers: Infinity War. From amazing cast interviews to… Read More ›
Astérix in Britain exhibition opens at London’s Jewish Museum in May
London’s Jewish Museum is hosting an exhibition dedicated to the life and work of René Goscinny, the writer of Asterix, opening 10th May 2018, billed as an immersive and playful exhibition that explores the unique imagination of the co-creator, with Albert Uderzo, of… Read More ›
In Review: Avengers – Infinity War (12A)
Warning: this review contains mild threat of spoilers and fantasy fisticuffs The Avengers: Infinity War is rated 12A in the UK which is entirely reasonable because it contains everything that a twelve year old could want from a movie: goofy… Read More ›
Thunderbirds: Beyond the Horizon opens in London in November
ITV Studios Global Entertainment has detailed the world premiere of a new live interactive theatrical event, Thunderbirds: Beyond the Horizon. Based on the original series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, the event gives audiences access to the world of… Read More ›
Nominees Announced for 2018 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards
Comic-Con International has announced the nominations for the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards 2018, and a number of British creators are honoured, including John Allison, Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie. The Spirit anthology, edited by artist Sean Phillips and published… Read More ›