Back in 2019, independent publisher Hibernia released Cosmic Comics, an eye-searing, brilliant compendium of comic strips and more featuring the work of Kevin O’Neill. The limited edition sold fast – but now it’s been re-released, with a huge amount of new material included that not only should encourage those of you who missed this terrific collection back then to buy it now… but, perhaps, convince some of you to buy it all over again!

Again working with the Treasury of British Comics, and London’s Gosh! comic shop, the second edition of Cosmic Comics – a collection of legendary comic creator Kevin O’Neill’s formative work on such titles as 2000AD, Lion, Tornado and Starlord – also features an extra 28 pages in a brand new section, ‘Kev’s Own’.

“The second edition of Cosmic Comics came about earlier in the year,” says publisher David McDonald, “Gosh! comics in London told us they were planning a few special events over the year to celebrate the artwork of Kevin O’Neill and the 40th anniversary of ‘Nemesis the Warlock’; and that Kevin was interested in adding a few extra pages from his personal archive.

“That ‘extra few pages’ grew to a 28-page section featuring rare and formative works by Kevin, and also the ‘7 Wonders of the Galaxy’ series of posters that appeared in 2000AD. Kevin also provided commentary for the section titled ‘Ink or Swim’ and designed the cover for the ‘Kev’s Own’ section.”

This new section, as well as material already included, will surely make this new edition very much a “must have” for dedicated fans of Kevin’s work. Cosmic Comics brings together strips as diverse as his humour strips like ‘Captain Klep’ and ‘Dash Decent’, to his early ‘Future Shocks’, plus his amazing painted SF covers for both 2000AD and Starlord, as well as text story illustration work, and more.

Showcasing the development of his artwork from art editor of 2000AD through to being the co-creator of ‘Nemisis the Warlock’, Metalzoic (which is surely crying out for reprint itself) and the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

The brand new ‘Kev’s Own’, ‘pull-out’ section has been created in the grand tradition of Whizzer and Chips, a collection of Kevin’s early covers, samples and unpublished work for magazines like and Interplanetary News and Legend Horror Classics, as well as Titan Books cover designs and, as mentioned, the never-before-reprinted ‘7 Wonders of the Galaxy’ series from 2000AD, and more.

We’re also treated to an all-new commentary by Kevin himself on the art included, and his early career.

Now running to 92 pages, the second edition of Cosmic Comics, available now, is just as much of a must for fans of Kevin O’Neill and good comics as the first edition… but now, you get even more brilliant comics and art for your money!

I’d go so far to suggest that the description, ”second edition”, does this book a disservice, because the additional pages, presented with their usual care and attention, effectively make this a new book entirely, and one well worth your attention…

• Cosmic Comics (Second Edition) | 92 Pages, including new 28-page ‘Kev’s Own’ section | Perfect bound, card cover, colour throughout | Limited quantity available to buy now, here – www.comicsy.co.uk/hibernia (and while you’re there, if you haven’t already, grab a copy of The Indestructible Man!)

This book is sent from Ireland and all postal charges are charged extra and at cost at checkout. Please allow two weeks delivery to The UK and Europe, four weeks for US Asia and Africa and six weeks for Australia and New Zealand. (It’s usually much quicker, but delays do happen)

• A limited quantity of signed copies of Cosmic Comics (Second Edition) will also be available in Gosh! comics in London from next week, online at goshlondon.com – along with signed ‘Nemesis the Warlock’ prints and more

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: 2000AD, British Comics, British Comics - Collections, Comic Art, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News

Tags: 2000AD, Cosmic Comics, downthetubes News, Gosh, Hibernia Comics, Kevin O'Neill, SF Comics, Tornado