Home › Comics › British Comics › ComicScene’s first monthly issue on sale now, Sainsbury’s take copies too

ComicScene’s first monthly issue on sale now, Sainsbury’s take copies too

By John Freeman on February 24, 2019

The first monthly issue of ComicScene Magazine, featuring a classic Roy of the Rovers cover, is on sale now. The title is available from comic shops, all good newsagents by order, WHSmith, McColls and Easons (in Ireland) and 400 selected Sainsbury’s supermarkets – and I’m honoured to be part of it.

Following up on #0, this first issue proper continues the new magazine’s celebration of 80 years of Superman; former Tiger and Roy of the Rovers editor Barrie Tomlinson takes a look at the character’s classic stories; and as well as my regular column on the British comics industry, I also interviewed Striker creator and publisher Pete Nash about his plans for the title after the incredible success of two crowdfunders to get the weekly comic back on news stands.

In my “Nuts and Bolts” column for this issue of ComicScene, I try to explain just why reprints of some classic comics are harder to publish than others

There are also features on the Dutch incarnation of “Billy’s Boots”, artists Ron Smith and Mike Western; news on comic-related film and TV, and eight pages on small press and indie comics and what comic conventions to look out for in 2019.

Plus, ComicScene begins its series marking 80 Years of the Batman and the first of a three part series on the first ten years of Marvel UK is also included.

The issue rounds off with a look at free gifts in comics and 2000AD creator Pat Mills revisits Marshal Law in his regular Last Word column.

The addition of selected Sainsbury’s to the title’s distribution is good news for the title.

“We are very happy ComicScene will be in Sainsbury’s and getting the magazine in front of a new audience,” says editor and publisher Tony Foster. “We hope people will discover how vibrant the choice of comics that are currently available are.

“The magazine is a great introduction to classic, new and small press comics and can help guide everyone to seek out something new each month.”

ComicScene was launched as a subscriber only magazine in May last year but quickly became available in selected comic shops. Strong positive word of mouth led the magazine to be made available in all comic shops in the UK and Europe via Diamond Distribution and then by Inter-Media into stores nationwide and in Ireland.

After a Pilot Issue over the Christmas and New Year period the magazine has relaunched with Volume 2 Issue 1 – and it’s a great starting point for new readers.

• ComicScene Magazine – due out 21st February in WHSmith, McColls, Sainsburys, Easons (Ireland), Comic Shops in the UK & Europe and online at www.comicscene.tictail.com

Most Volume 1 back issues have sold out but are available in digital alongside a picture strip filled ComicScene Annual and can be ordered through the online store

• The magazine also recently launched a ComicScene PodCast: and news and reviews in between issues can be read on this website at www.comicsflix.org and further details about ComicScene, including advertising opportunities, can be seen at www.comicscene.org

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.