
A new, remastered deluxe version of Colin Mathieson‘s Zulu: Water Cart Rescue will be available to order soon, written and drawn by Colin, graced by lush colours by Matt Soffe, and powerful new cover art from Paul McCaffrey.
The story, initially published by Accent Press some years ago now, is set around a minor incident during the Battle of Rorke’s Drift – but it is an intense one of desperate bravery. The water-cart rescue, mentioned in the book, Washing of the Spears, by Donald R. Morris, inspired Colin to make an entire graphic novel.

The new edition of the graphic novel will be available to order soon, or from Colin at comic events, such as the upcoming Comic Expo Bristol on Saturday 7th October 2023. (Colin will also be at Bury Comic Con, Thought Bubble and Steampunks in Space, the latter event at the National Space Centre, later this year)
Paul McCaffrey will also be at Comic Expo Bristol – so double the reason for getting along, quite apart from its amazing guest lineup, more information below.
Colin provided “comic content” for the recent Zulu–themed Clash of Empires exhibition currently at the recent Spear Museum of Philatelic History at the Royal Philatelic Society London.
• Colin Mathieson’s website is momentofadventure.blogspot.com
Comic Expo Bristol 2023
Saturday 7th October
Double Tree by Hilton, Bristol
Web and Tickets: comicexpobristol.my-online.store
Kids Under 12 go free with an adult. (Please be sure to add the free ticket when you purchase the adult ticket)

Aiming to promote literacy and the visual arts, announced comic creators on the growing guest list include Alan Davis (Captain Britain, Excalibur) and Liam Sharp, Batman, Death’s Head II, Wonder Woman), the latter by then back living in Britain once more and continuing his work creating his own incredible comic characters. Plus, Lee Carter, Kek-W and Rob Williams will be on hand to talk about their work for 2000AD, Lew Stringer and more.
Some of the UK’s finest small press such as E.M.PRESS Publications, and creators will be at the event in October, including David Broughton, Joe Glass, Paul Grist, David Hitchcock, Gavin Mitchell, Andrew Richmond, and Huy Truong will be at the event.
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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: British Comics, Comics, downthetubes News, Events
Thank you John, its been a labour of love but this is the fancy ‘deluxe’ version I’ve been working towards for so long to best show off Matt and Paul’s excellent work. It’s finally here and I’ll let you know when mail order and distribution channels are set up!
Looking forward to it!