Comic Football sent off

By John Freeman on October 4, 2011

(Updated 13:24 4/10/11) We’re sorry to report the demise of Comic Football, the subscription-only title – after just three issues.

Subscribers have just received a letter advising of the title’s “temporary suspension” and the return of any subscription money owed – but the letter holds out the promise that the comic may return in future.

Comic Football was launched earlier this year by Hinckley-based publishers Comic Football Ltd. and featured strips by artists such as Karl Dixon, Nick Brennan and Duncan Scott.

The 32-page title was the latest spin on a number of football comics such as Rammie created by the company, which is sold at the Derby County matches (href=”http://downthetubescomics.blogspot.com/2008/11/new-football-comic-
launches.html”>see 2008 news story). The company now publishes several club-specific comics, including titles for Manchester City and many others in the Premier League. As well as being on sale at grounds, these have limited distribution in local newsagents where the clubs are based.

As we reported back in June, Comic Football was planned as a more general purpose football comic, available only by subscription. A subscription to Comic Football cost £9.99 for six months (six issues) or 12 months for £19.50.

The title’s web site (www.comicfootball.co.uk) has yet to announce the title’s demise.

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.