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Deadline co-creator and legendary 2000AD contributor Brett Ewins has died

By John Freeman on February 17, 2015

Brett Ewins and Jamie Hewlett in the Deadline office in 1988. Photo © Steve Cook and used with his kind permission.

We are very sorry to learn of the death of artist Brett Ewins, a truly unique comic creator instrumental in helping create the legend that is 2000AD, along with many other achievements. He was just 59.

“Throughout his years of working for 2000AD, Brett was responsible for some truly unmissable art – from ‘Judge Dredd’ and ‘Anderson Psi Division’ to ‘Rogue Trooper’ and his incredible work on ‘Bad Company’ with Peter Milligan and Jim McCarthy,” noted the 2000AD editorial team in a statement via Facebook.

“He was also a hugely influential figure in British comics thanks to his founding of Deadline with Steve Dillon in 1988, something that changed the face of the industry forever.”

Along with many others, our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Brett’s family and friends at this sad time.

A longer tribute will follow in due course.

Online Tributes

2000AD

We are very saddened to hear of the death of legendary 2000 AD artist Brett Ewins https://t.co/10butqBfPc #brettewins pic.twitter.com/KenGGdZOiE

— 2000 AD (@2000AD) February 17, 2015

Rufus Dayglo

RIP my dear friend Brett Ewins. He launched Deadline which gave us Tank Girl and Johnny Nemo. He did amazing work f… pic.twitter.com/51GGyWqmOR

— RUFUS DAYGLO (@RUFUS_DAYGLO) February 17, 2015

Love to Brett Ewins who has passed away. Thank you for your kindness to me. Xxx R pic.twitter.com/04veYZkH6l

— RUFUS DAYGLO (@RUFUS_DAYGLO) February 17, 2015

Henry Flint

RIP Brett Ewins. Amazing artist with graphic sensibility. My first contact with a comic professional, Thank you for your kind encouragement.

— Henry Flint (@henryflintzombo) February 17, 2015

Jock

Really sad to hear that one of @2000AD‘s greatest artists, and co-founder of DEADLINE magazine has passed away. R.I.P Brett Ewins.

— jock (@jock4twenty) February 17, 2015

Chris Weston

Along with Brendan McCarthy and Mike McMahon, Brett Ewins’ art really represented the “punk ethos” that separated @2000AD from its rivals.

— Chris Weston (@westonfront) February 17, 2015

Andy Diggle

Deeply, deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Brett Ewins. What a singular talent.

— Andy Diggle (@andydiggle) February 17, 2015

Kieron Gillen

Immediate massive shock over news about Brett Ewins’ death. Enormous influence on me, to the level of explicit homage in my books.

— Kieron Gillen (@kierongillen) February 17, 2015

Simon Gurr

I’ll remember Brett Ewins for the crisp dynamic style he brought to @2000AD in the 80s. Important, exciting influence pic.twitter.com/rmmpt3OHCo

— Simon Gurr (@simongurr) February 17, 2015

Rob Williams

Sad news that @2000AD great Brett Ewins has died. ‘The Haunting Of Sector House 9’ ‘Skreemer’ ‘Bad Company’ Loved them all.

— Rob Williams (@Robwilliams71) February 17, 2015

Imaginary Cities

Sad to hear the artist Brett Ewins has died. Big fan of his work on Deadline, Bad Company & Judge Anderson esp. RIP pic.twitter.com/aMrGk5XJIE

— Imaginary Cities (@Oniropolis) February 17, 2015

LD Stone

I think that the best way to mark the passing of @2000AD great Brett Ewins is to go and be kind to someone who is struggling.

— Idstone (@IdstonePapers) February 17, 2015

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.