South West London and Surrey Zines, in association with London’s Housmans Bookshop, have announced a free event Christmas Zine Social on Saturday 7th December, where zine sellers can sell their wares in the run up to Christmas.

Zine readers and writers – and the curious  are welcome – especially welcome first time zine makers.

Come and sell your zine, discover new zines, talk zines, eat cake.  This free event at Housmans Bookshop on the Caledonian Road will be a great place to meet zine readers and writers, eat and drink (bring something and share), as well as buy a few pressies.

South West London and Surrey Zines was formed by a few friends who want to expand into a collective to put on events in what they see as a so far ‘zine-neglected part of the UK.

They’re running things like ‘zine fairs where you can buy a range of ‘zines from distros and individuals, exhibitions where you can view and swap ‘zines, picnics and other get togethers where like-minded folk can meet and discuss, swap, plan, create ‘zines or make/ share other crafts in a friendly atmosphere.

The ‘zines they promote with will be from all over the world, not just South West London, or Surrey, and surrounding areas, but the hope is to create a ‘zine community in these specific areas of the UK in or near to where the team are living.

If you like the sound of all this, they’d love to hear from you, be it to become part of the collective who organise and put on events, or to chat about ‘zines and come along to meet up at one of their events.

• Please email  to book your selling space. Please describe your zine(s) and link to it. Full details here

• If you’d like more information about the work of South West London and Surrey Zines, keep looking at the events page for more info. Or you can always e-mail them here

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: Comic Creator Spotlight, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, Events, Featured News

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