B7 Media’s graphic novel, Hancock – The Lad Himself, the story of the life of comedy star Tony Hancock by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page, gets a wider bookshop release next month. To mark the development, artist Keith Page will be at London’s Gosh Comics for a signing on Saturday 16th September 2023.

Hancock: The Lad Himself is the biopic of the titular comedian Tony Hancock that provides an earnest and attentive exploration into the British legend. Over 270 beautifully drawn pages, the graphic novel tells the story of the legendary comedian in words, pictures, and not without a few interruptions from The Lad Himself, who proves to be a little infuriated at how his story is told… as those who know and love his work would fully expect! 

Tony Hancock somehow seems a natural subject for a comic – and, of course, he’s been in them before. At the height of his television fame, he appeared in Britain’s top-selling weekly, Film Fun. Since his death, he’s been the subject of biographies, radio dramas, and even a couple of television films. With the advent of satellite TV and DVD, he seems to be everywhere.

This funny, powerful and poignant graphic novel charts the life of the often troubled comedian with searing honesty but great affection – with Hancock contributing acerbic commentary in the telling. It’s a unique approach to recounting Hancock’s life story – as you would expect when dealing with such an extraordinary talent, whose enduring appeal is testament to his comedy genius.

Londoner Keith Page first became a fan of Tony Hancock whist watching the original Hancock Half Hour broadcasts as a child. His first published work was in 1976 and he was represented by the Temple Art Agency for many years, working in a wide variety of genres for major comic and book publishers. 

He has undertaken long runs of work on Thunderbirds and, latterly, Commando comics – and has working on the ongoing Charlotte Corday fantasy/humour series.

Keith Page will be signing copies at Gosh Comics on Saturday 16th September 2023, from 1.00 – 2.00pm. You can pre-order a signed copy for mail-order or collection from the Gosh website here.

• Keep up to date with any updates over on the Gosh Comics Facebook event page

• B7 Comics “Hancock: The Lad Himself” – read the first chapter here!

•  Pre-order Hancock – The Lad Himself direct from B7 Media

Hancock – The Lad Himself was lettered by Robin Jones, designed by Robert Hammond, and edited by John Freeman.

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: British Comics, British Comics - Graphic Novels, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events

Tags: B7 Comics, B7 Media, Events London, Gosh Comics, Hancock - The Lad Himself, Keith Page, Stephen Walsh, Tony Hancock