Independent comic publisher Hibernia Comics has hinted at some smashing new classic British comic-inspired projects in the works for 2025.
“We got two titles out this year, Lost Treasures, which had been an ambition to do for a while, and it proved a great success,” publisher David McDonald noted recently, thanking readers for their support. “I did wonder if the format might put people off buying it, but the quality of the book and [designer] Richard Pearce‘s amazing designs shone through, it sold out in a few weeks.
“We also released the sixth in our Fleetway Files series Slave of the Screamer, a moody weird Sci Fi tale with astonishing art from Jesús Blasco with a script by Tom Tully. It’s another one I had long wanted to collect, and it has gone down a storm.
Coming Soon…
“Next up is the Editors Cut, the seventh in the Comic Archive Series, featuring interviews and articles, rare and never before seen art from people like Kelvin Gosnell, Kevin O’Neill, Brian Walker, Garry Leach, Rian Hughes and much, much more.
“I’m hoping that it will be out in the spring, and wait ’till you see the cover…
“Then it’s the Fleetway Files back again. Next is the complete ‘The Running Man’ from Action, backed up with ‘Hold Hill 109’ [a short-six episode story for Battle, previously re-published by Titan Books], all written by Steve McManus, with art by Horatio Lalia and Jim Watson.
“I’m hoping to have that out in time for the Enniskillen Comic Fest.”
As Moose Harris has previously noted on The Sevenpenny Nightmare microsite, “The Running Man” first published in Action cover dated 14th February 1976 – through 12th June 1976, written by Steve MacManus, drawn by Horacio Lalia, with the exception of a single episode on the 15th May, which was handled by Mike White, told the story of a British athlete set up by the mafia to take the rap for crimes which he did not commit.
There’s another provisional project currently on Hibernia Comics schedule for late 2025, too.
“If time allows, I’d love to get the second Lost Treasures out at the end of the year. This one will be full colour and feature art by Don Lawrence, Ron Embleton and Jesús Blasco.”
David also contributed to Totally Toy Books’ fantastic Battle Action Force books, available now (reviewed here by Luke Williams), and he’s currently working on something else for them too.
“Thanks again for all the support,” says David, but fans of classic British comics should be thanking him and Richard for their superb work this year. Long may it continue!
• Hibernia Comics available titles are available to buy from comicsy.co.uk/hibernia – do note they won’t be posted until after Christmas at this stage, they would just get held in the Christmas rush
• Follow Hibernia Comics on Facebook for latest release news
• Read Moose Harris’ guide to “The Running Man”
• Order your limited edition Action Force collections direct from Total Toy Books | Each volume also available separately
- About the Author
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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, British Comics - Collections, British Comics - Current British Publishers, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News
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