US artist Bill Watterson seems to be making forays back into the world of comic art, some 20 years after he ended his world-famous and much-loved newspaper strip Calvin & Hobbes about a boy and his talking tiger. Watterson has… Read More ›
downthetubes News
British comic and creator news, book news, media news. If it’s news, it’s here.
Two days of comic goodness in Glasgow this weekend
The Big Glasgow Comic Page – described as “a hub of comic awesomeness run by comic fans for comic fans” – is holding its “Ultimate Comic Mart” at the Buff Club tomorrow, 1st March, and Sunday. The Big Glasgow Comic Page aims to bring… Read More ›
Second Self Publisher Conference to spotlight children’s books, cover design
Britain’s Second Self-Publishing Conference takes place on 30th March 2014 at the University of Leicester, aimed at any author wishing to self-publish. The event will bring together key figures in the self-publishing sphere for the benefit of self-publishing authors. “Last year’s Conference was… Read More ›
Rochdale’s “Black Box” comic shop on a mission
A new comic shop joined the ranks of Britain’s comics retailers last December – The Black Box in Rochdale, Lancashire (or Greater Manchester, if you want to get pedantic). Specialising in supplying graphic novels, manga and children’s books to the… Read More ›
Neil Gaiman at London’s Barbican in July
Neil Gaiman will be at London’s Barbican Centre on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th July for two performances of his story The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains. Neil will read his story The Truth Is A Cave In The Black… Read More ›
Comic Book Babylon event in Brighton
Author Tim Pilcher will be hosting an event to romote his book Comic Book Babylon in May, as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival. Comic Book Babylon is the candid and amusing odyssey of one comic fan’s quest to get… Read More ›
Taking “Stok” of Vincent van Gogh – SelfMadeHero’s new “Art Masters” title
With London’s National Gallery now giving visitors a chance to compare two versions of Van Gogh’s iconic “Sunflowers“, there’s another unique interpretation in graphic novel form by Dutch illustrator Barbara Stok who explores the final years of the artist’s life… Read More ›
Red5 offers Superhero, Doctor Who “Onesies”
Goodness me, how on Earth did we miss these? Not content with Batman-related mugs (“The Dark Mug Rises“), gadget shop Red5 are offering two superhero-inspired “Onesies”. Two Onesies celebrating US publisher DC Comics pantheon of heroes are now on sale… Read More ›
TItanCon Belfast announced for September
(via Andrew Luke): TitanCon Belfast returns in September, with tickets going on sale now from £15. The organisers can’t say too much about who’s coming, but comic creator and self publisher advocate Andrew Luke tells us he can confirm several popular… Read More ›
DieGo to publish top, award winning Italian comic character in the UK
DieGo Comic Publishing, the independent London-based publishing house founded by Giuseppe and Marcella Pennestri, has added another Italian comic book to the public: Desdemona, by authors Giuseppe Di Bernardo and Andrea J. Polidori. The series is scheduled for presentation next… Read More ›
Garo and the Birth of Alternative Manga – London talk announced
(Via Paul Gravett): From its founding in Tokyo in 1964 to its temporary demise in 1998, the monthly Garo was a beacon for experimentalism in Japanese comics. Next Wednesday (26th February 26th) US comics expert Ryan Holmberg is giving a free illustrated… Read More ›
London’s Orbital Comics hosts Liz Prince exhibition
(Updated 27th February): London’s Orbital Comics is currently hosting an exhibition of work by US artist Liz Prince, which runs until 9th March 2014. The exhibition coincides with the release of her latest book from Topshelf, Alone Forever: The Singles… Read More ›
London’s Gosh! makes March British Comics Month
London’s Gosh! comic store has announced a huge range of British Comics-related events taking place through March, all focused on creators, and British comics publishers – be they small or large – such as SelfMadeHero, Blank Slate.The store will also be… Read More ›
Lakes Festival confirms first round of guests, including Gail Simone and Jeff Smith
Hot on the heels of announcing the final creative line-up for its 24 Hour Comics Marathon, the Lakes International Comic Art Festival has just announced a number of top comic creators who will be attending their event in Kendal in… Read More ›
Frank Hampson’s “Head of Christ” model up for sale
The sculpted Head of Christ created by the Dan Dare studios for Frank Hampson to draw Jesus for his Eagle, strip “The Road of Courage”, is being auctioned on eBay by current owner Dave Westaway. When Eagle artist and co-creator Frank… Read More ›
2000AD’s Alan Grant headlines National Autism Awareness Day event
2000AD‘s Alan Grant and Scott and Liz Davidson will be at Stockbridge Library, Edinburgh on Wednesday 2nd April 2014 to talk about Scott vs Zombies – a comic based on the real life experiences of a young man, Scott, who has… Read More ›
Doctor Who Magazine reaches record sales, and comic celebrates 50 years of continuous production
Panini UK are celebrating after achieving the highest ever ABC figures for Doctor Who Magazine, which features news and features about the BBC’s top SF show, along with all-new comic strip every issue. No doubt boosted by the series 50th anniversary… Read More ›
Thought Bubble announces first overseas guests
The Leeds-based Thought Bubble has announced this year’s convention, part of their annual week of comic-related events will take place on 15th-16th November, and have announced some of their overseas guests already, conscious, perhaps, of the number of other comic… Read More ›
Lakes Festival choose not one, but two 24 Hour Comic Marathon artists
After a huge amount of deliberation, grinding of teeth, frustrated wails, and budget-nudging the Lakes International Comic Art Festival has announced that not one but two artists will be joining its first 24 Hour Comics Marathon – Joe Decie and… Read More ›
Hasbro preps release of original Death’s Head figure for 2014
It’s been in the works for a while but, finally, Hasbro confirmed at New York Toy Fair that its original Death’s Head figure is on the way. Originally announced (along with Deathlok, also set for release this year) as part… Read More ›