We were sorry to learn of the death of ardent British comic fan Kenny Gibson, a much appreciated supporter of independent comics here in the UK, and who regularly supported the work of Downthetubes, and many other British comic projects, in many ways. He will be very much missed. Our sympathies to his family, including his wife, Sharon, and daughter Natalie, at this time.
Many friends and comic creators, including 2000AD artist Dan Cornwell and publisher Ed Doyle have paid tribute, who died after a long battle with cancer he fought with much admired determination, right until the end, just after Christmas.
Kenny was a huge fan of comics from an early age, starting with Mighty World of Marvel in the early 1970s and continuing with Battle (he was a proud member of the Airfix Modellers Club thanks to its coverage of the kits), VULCAN, 2000AD and independent British comics such as Blazer and The77, David Broughton’s Shaman Kane, and the work of publishers such as Time Bomb Comics. He also enjoyed humour comics, including the newly-launched LOLZ from The77 Publishing, and European strips such as Tintin, too.“I still get a buzz out of comics since I got into them all those years ago,” he wrote in 2021. “Don’t know if thats good going or not. Might have money if I didn’t!”
Sadly, Kenny fell victim to prostrate cancer, which led to bone cancer in 2023, but demanded friends shouldn’t feel sorry for him. “Just send any positive vibes,” he asked. Although he beat it first time around, earlier last year, the cancer returned.
“This news has hit me hard,” commented Enniskillen Comic Festival organiser Paul Trimble, explaining Kenny was one of the event’s biggest supporters. “I only knew Kenny through Facebook and Messenger, but he was always there with support or a word of encouragement about our little show. Every year he’d be the first to ask me for a t-shirt and wore it with pride. Kenny hoped to get over from England for ComicFest one year but, sadly, that’s now not to be. Rest easy brother, and thank you.”
“Kenny, a supporter of independent comics and creators, was a lovely bloke,” said writer, editor and publisher Baden James Mellonie, ”My sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
“So sad to hear of the passing of Kenny Gibson,” said artist and writer David Broughton. “I only knew Kenny through Facebook and his support of my work and enjoyment of Shaman Kane. My condolences to his family and friends and my eternal thanks to you, Kenny.”
If you were a friend of Kenny Gibson, please consider supporting this Facebook fundraiser in aid of Hartlepool-based Alice House Hospice, aka Hartlepool Hospice Ltd, set up by his cousin in his memory, which continues through January 2025. Alice House Hospice exists to ensure people affected by life-limiting illness or the death of a loved one have the care, comfort and support they need. As the only adult Hospice in the Hartlepool and East Durham areas of the UK, its unique range of services makes a vital difference to the lives of thousands of families each year.
You’re remembered, Kenny. Thank you for everything.
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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.
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