Way back in 2018, cartoonist Tom Sparke caught my beady eye with a collection of his webcomic, Captain Fishbeard, which I suggested readers investigate.

Since then, he’s been doing a lot more great comics, including launching The Misadventures of Spring-Heeled Jack last year – and now, a second issue is in the works – successful crowdfunding permitting.

“With the support of the generous backers of the first issue, last year’s project was a great success,” says Tom. “I think the second book builds on the first and adds a bit more drama to the comedy.”

In case you missed the first issue, The Misadventures of Spring-Heeled Jack follows the adventures of the eponymous hero as well as his friends and co-conspirators, Tina Biscuit (clever and sneaky) and Hyde, the gentle, sophisticated beast.

Set in Victorian (or ‘olden days’) London, Issue 1 introduced us to these characters and their mission to help the poorest and re-distribute wealth in their own unique and hopefully hilarious ways.

An illustrator and cartoonist, Tom Sparke specialises in fun, anarchic cartoons and has tried his hand at books, magazines, puzzles, cards, t-shirts, cushions, TV props, maps and says he’ll try pretty much anything else!

This issue of The Misadventures of Spring-Heeled Jack not only offers further very silly looking adventures. There’s also the chance to also get the ‘Dopey Dog’ pin badge, which pops with bright blue and pink colours. The dog appears in numerous works of art in the background of the comics.

“The first stretch goal has recently been hit,” Tom tells us, “so there is now a holographic sticker free with every issue!”

• Check out The Misadventures of Spring-Heeled Jack here on Kickstarter

• Tom Sparke is online at www.tomsparke.com | Patreon | Twitter | Buy Tom’s Comics

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, Crowd Funding Projects, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News

Tags: Crowd Funding Projects, Crowdfunding Spotlight, downthetubes News, Humour Comics, Kickstarter, The Misadventures of Spring-Heeled Jack, Tom Sparke