In Memoriam: Comic Artist John M. Burns

By John Freeman on January 1, 2024 • ( 5 )

We’re very sorry to report the passing of British comic artist John M. Burns, perhaps best known for his work on 2000AD and Look-In. A fuller article, featuring tributes from comic creators, is here on downthetubes.

John passed away peacefully, in hospital on Friday 29th December. He had been ill for some time, and announced his retirement from comics last year.

Announcing the legendary British comic artist’s passing on the John M Burns Art Facebook Group administrator Colin Brown, joining many offering condolences to John’s wife, Julia, family and friends, declared, “If there is such a thing as an afterlife, I hope they have a well-stocked art supplies shop.”

John was one of the grandmasters of British comics, revered by creators and fans alike for his dynamic action sequences, fluid storytelling, and realistic characterisations. He has been plying his trade in every major British comic and newspaper for decades, working into his eighties with “The Order” for 2000AD.

A long-planned biography-art book about John’s life and work is currently being compiled by author and editor Paul Duncan.

*John M. Burn in his studio. Photo courtesy Colin Brown*

It had previously been announced, via the dedicated John M Burns Art Facebook Group that, after taking medical advice, John had to cut back on his workload, but decided to give up work last October, the announcement prompting much deserved thanks from comic creators and fans alike.

John won a UK Comic Art Award Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993 and the Eagle Awards 30th Anniversary Award for Outstanding Achievements in British comics in 2007

Here at downthetubes, we extend our deepest sympathies to Julia, recalling John’s unique and influential work down the decades, on comics such as TV Century 21, Countdown, TV Action, Look-In, and 2000AD, and many more. He will be much missed.

• International comic community pays tribute to 2000AD and Look-In artist John M. Burns

• Read our profile of John’s long career here, posted when his retirement was announced last year

• Read an extensive guide to John M. Burns work by Paul Duncan here on downthetubes

Web Links

• Check out the John M Burns Art Facebook Page

If you want to show your appreciation of John, consider joining the Facebook group, and add your comments to a thread launched by moderator Colin Brown on Monday 2nd October (depending on your access point, you may need yo use a search within the group such as “John had to cut back on his workload”) and Colin will make sure this much appreciated artist sees them

• 2000D: “No more robots, no more trains” – 2000AD wishes a very happy retirement to the legendary John M. Burns

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.