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In Memoriam: Dan Dare artist and colourist, Joan Porter

By John Freeman on December 6, 2022 • ( 1 )

We’re sorry to report the passing of Joan Porter, aged 96, who was part of Frank Hampson’s studio working on “Dan Dare” for the Eagle, primarily as a colourist.

Part of the studio from its inception in 1949, although she did take a break from working there, Joan Porter (nee Humphries) also did research, photography and secretarial work for the studio until it was disbanded in 1959, when Odhams Press took over the Eagle.

Joan was responsible for colouring Frank Hampson’s early line work, including the very first issues. She became Frank’s “number two” in the mid 1950s, responsible for the art materials, and more importantly, taking the many reference photos the studio used. A tribute to Frank on the Ladybird Fly Away Home site, adapted from a biography written his son, Peter, notes that when the studio relocated to Bayford Lodge, an entire ceiling was removed from one room so Joan Porter, could take photos from the required perspective angles.

Joan assisted Hampson on his final work for Eagle, “The Road of Courage“, his retelling of the life of Christ, published in 56 parts, which first appeared on the back page of the weekly comic, cover dated 19th March 1960. Her work on this prompted him to write to her to say “Wherever I am and whatever I am working on, I shall want you for the colour.”

Paying tribute, Andy Boyce, a longtime “Dan Dare” follower who informed downthetubes of her passing, noted, in comments published by Moonbase Central, “Joan was a very private person, and rarely gave interviews about her time on ‘Dan Dare’, put off by the fact that much of what was written was inaccurate. However, in later years she collaborated on some articles in the Eagle Times fanzine, including one on some of the techniques used by the studio.

“Joan had a puckish, slightly absurd sense of humour, and when I met her at a rare public appearance, and asked for her autograph in a book, she replied ‘only if you give me one of yours’… This led to several years of entertaining correspondence, which I shall very much miss.”

The last surviving member of Frank Hampson’s original “Dan Dare” team, Steve Winders notes in his tribute for Eagle Times, that “her organisation was a key factor in the high quality and success of the strip.

“She will be greatly missed. Her passing marks the end of an era in the Dan Dare story.”

Our sympathies to Joan’s family and friends at this time.

• Eagle Times: A Tribute to Joan Porter by Steve Winders

• Moonbase Central: Joan Porter Tribute

• British Pathe News: Frank Hampson drawing Dan Dare

Joan Porter can be seen in the final frames of a Pathé news item, holding a Treen mask. Steve Holland has more details about the art featured here on Bear Alley

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.