Diamond Dan

By John Freeman on April 6, 2008

He may remain sartorially challenged but at least the Grand Orange Lodge’s superhero character now has a name.

Back in November 2007 downthetubes reported on the nameless character who was being introduced via a competition to name him. Seven year old Steven Mitchell of Lisburn came up with the winning name of Diamond Dan The Orangeman – Dan Winter being one of the founding fathers of the organisation. Other possibilities had included the rather obvious Sashman and the amusing Boyne Wonder.

The character will now be featured on merchandise including badges, notebooks and fridge magnets.

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.