London Small Press Starts Weekly Gathering

By John Freeman on February 6, 2009

London’s small press creators have started a weekly event to do what they do best: “Draw sketches and get drunk.”

While London Underground Comics is busy preparing its mysterious 176 project, the stall members who have done much to reignite small press comics activity in the Capital have organised a weekly get together at the Crown pub in New Oxford Street (quite close to Forbidden Planet London, Gosh and other comics stores), with the first event on Monday 9 February, starting at 6.00pm. For the latest info, check out their Facebook page

• Talking of Oli Smith, LUC’s master of ceremonies has uploaded Fag Break with Daniel Radcliffe, a four page mini comic on his website: theolismith.com

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.