Hinckley-based publishers Comc Football Ltd. have just launched a subscription-only title – also called Comic Football – featuring strips by artists such as Karl Dixon, Nick Brennan and Duncan Scott.

The 32-page title is the latest venture for Pete Wildrianne and Clive Ward, who have been creating football comics such as Rammie, sold at the Derby County matches (see 2008 news story) which have had limited distribution to newsagents.

Comic Football is a more general purpose football comic and is only available at present by subscription.

“We are looking at other outlet opportunities though not the conventional news trade route at the moment” Comic Football director Pete Wildrianne, who is responsible for the sales, marketing and promotion of the company, told Lew Stringer for Blimey! It’s Another Blog About Comics. “We launched at the Grass Roots show at the NEC last weekend, and distributed about 4000 comics to kids and parents.”

Pete Wildrianne

Wildrianne says that although the title is subscription only at present, they’re hoping to wholesale the comic to local junior football clubs, who can sell it to their players and the profit goes to funding grass roots football.

“This is receiving a lot of interest, and we are exhibiting at two further major shows this month which target junior managers, coaches etc.,” says Pete. “We have also linked up with a company who provide fundraising nights for clubs, and another company who hold events across the country promoting street football.”

A subscription to  Comic Football costs  £9.99 for six months (six issues) or 12 months for £19.50.

• Download a sample issue from www.comicfootball.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: Uncategorised

Tags: Clive Ward, Comic Football, Duncan Scott, Karl Dixon, Nick Brennan, Nick Miller