For any of you interested in the cult tv series The Prisoner or enjoying Titan Comics new series, there’s a Patrick McGoohan retrospective even taking place at Elstree next month. Organised by The Unmutual, a The Prisoner fan web site,… Read More ›
downthetubes News
British comic and creator news, book news, media news. If it’s news, it’s here.
First issues of Batman and Commando on offer in latest Compal auction
There’s a treasure trove of comics and comic art on offer in the latest ComPal auction, including a coverless Batman #1, a first issue of DC Thomson’s long-running Commando comic, “Charley’s War” art by Joe Colquhoun and Dan Dare art… Read More ›
In Review: Astérix in Britain: The Life and Work of René Goscinny Exhibition at London’s Jewish Museum
Richard Sheaf reports on the opening of a great new exhibition opening at London’s Jewish Museum… The top floor of the Jewish Museum in Londinium has been given over for the next five months to the story of comic creator… Read More ›
Just Another Day: A Comic About Brexit offers practical tips to minimise its effects on families
Continuing a mission to use comics as one way to both highlight and share information, writer Ernesto Priego has just announced the debut of Just Another Day: A Comic About Brexit, in both English and Spanish language versions. Created with the help… Read More ›
Call for Papers: Graphic Brighton 2018, mashing music with comics!
Music and comics have had a connection right from the start, with the title of the seminal newspaper strip Hogan’s Alley taken from a popular song by Edward Harrigan. As the 20th Century progressed, these two media flirted with each… Read More ›
Early Inspirations: The Bayeux Tapestry
There’s a very good reason why this 1940s King Penguin book about the Bayeux Tapestry is in such a very worn state. It was probably one of my very first encounters with the graphic form, and I often read and… Read More ›
When Kickstarters Combine: “Hollow Monsters” and “Edge Off” creators offer backers great bonus Rewards deal
Creator Monty Nero has teamed up with the team behind The Edge Off, a disturbing psychotropic noir comic, to offer an incredible final two day reward for both projects seeking crowdfunding. Simply back both The Edge Off and Hollow Monsters: Who… Read More ›
Two Beano screenprint exhibitions announced as part of 80th anniversary celebrations
Britain’s favourite comic, The Beano, celebrates its eightieth birthday this summer and Comic Art, run by screen printer John Patrick Reynolds, will be marking the event with two major exhibitions of Beano screenprints. The Beano‘s first edition was published on… Read More ›
Horace Panter’s Beano Pop Art exhibition heads to York
After its debut at the Beano Studios in London last month, Beano-inspired pop art created by The Specials’ bassist Horace Panter is heading to York, and will be on display at the According To McGee gallery in Tower Street from 19th May… Read More ›
Get ready for GOOF!, an all-new, all ages digital comic!
On Saturday 23rd June, not only will artist Marc Jackson be hosting the third annual MACC-POW! Macclesfield in Cheshire’s day of comics, as part of the ten day Barnaby festival in the town – he’ll also be launching a brand-new… Read More ›
A Grand Day Out: Portsmouth Comic Con 2018
Like thousands of others, I had a great day out at Portsmouth Comic Con yesterday, which continues today, crammed with terrific comic creator guests, cosplayers, film and TV actors, a retro gaming area, Doctor Who monsters, a superb steampunk basement… Read More ›
Classic British Comic Covers: 2000AD Prog 62, featuring the comic’s first heroine
“Death Planet” was a short-lived series written by Alan Hebden with art by Lopez which began in 2000AD 62 and ran through to Prog 70, back in 1978. Commander Lorna Varn, the captain of a colony ship from Earth which… Read More ›
When Kennedy’s Collide: the Commando work of Cam and Ian Kennedy
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 ›
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 ›