Commando comics writer Russell Sheath has announced a bit of a departure from drawing – he’s trekking to Everest Base Camp, to raise funds for two charities – Help For Heroes and The IW Story Festival.
Everest Base Camp is the point from which all major ascents of the world’s highest peak begin. Trekking at altitudes from 4000 to 18,000 feet the trip, taking place between 23rd March and 13th April 2024, will be fully funded by Russ himself, with the aim to raise funds for Help For Heroes, a charity which supports military veterans and their families, and The IW Story Festival, a charity which seeks to inspire creativity in young people via storytelling, its next Festival taking place this coming half term.
Russ Sheath is a writer and journalist who has written for some of the most recognisable outlets in publishing, from Image Comics, home of The Walking Dead – to The Times Education Supplement. Currently focusing on writing for fiction, Russ writes for DC Thomson’s Commando title, as well as HR4K’s Groundhammer series. Russ is also working on his first prose novel series, the Isle of Wight set mystery series for young readers, Gallybagger Mysteries.
You can follow and share Russell’s expedition on Instagram, and support his fundraising efforts by making a donation via Just Giving here – the money going straight to the charity – or buying some fantastic looking, ethically produced merchandise.
“I’ve teamed up with Teemill to deliver a range of clothing and items featuring stunning art by comic book artists Ian Churchill and Geoff Senior, the profits from the sale of items on this site will be split evenly between the two charities.
“If you are able to share the details of my trek with your audience via your social media, email, newsletters etc it would be a huge help towards reaching the goal for fundraising,” he asks of his fans.
And here’s a great opportunity for comic creators! If you have a new product, book, item etc which Russell can take with me to EBC and share in his trek updates, photos and posts to support your publicity purposes….please drop him a line.
“For the comic book industry folk amongst you, I’ll be hauling a selection of comics with me to leave at EBC for mountaineers attempting summit Everest, if you would like to add your comic book to the ‘highest comic book library in the world’… don’t hesitate to let me know.
“My intent is to produce content for talks and presentations in schools about the experience (and potentially in a guide book too) so I would be glad to include you as a supporter in that content.”
Veterans and their families face their toughest battles yet. Painful injuries. Mental trauma. Disability. Isolation. The work of Help for Heroes life-changing services support them. From physical and mental health care, to help with welfare and medical needs, your fundraising ensures they get this specialist support for life.
The IW Story Festival, returning 15th – 17th February 2024 at Quay Arts, Newport on the Isle of Wight, lets children and their families create; whether through stories and poems, junk modelling or other crafts; to have fun together and discover new talents.
Russell is one of its guests this year, running a panel “Inspiration for Storytelling in Comics” for children 10 years or older on Saturday 17th February. He’ll be talking about the inspiration for his diverse range of published work and how inspiration can be found in the most unlikely places. Tickets are available here– do note that children under 12 must be accompanied, but only children attending need a ticket; the accompanying adult does not need a ticket.
• Follow and share Russell’s expedition on Instagram
• Support Russell’s fundraising efforts by making a donation via Just Giving here
• Check out Russell’s Tee-Mill site, which sells ethically produced clothing items and merchandise featuring the MvM 2024 official art on a range of items, from t-shirts and hoodies to prints. All the profits from the sale of these items will go to the fundraising effort
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: British Comics, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Other Worlds
Coming Soon: Bookshop Day returns on Saturday 12th October 
Dan Dare tinplate toy rarity comes to auction 
Catch up with four Fighting Fantasy artists 
Upcoming Sworders auction of Modern and Contemporary Art sees Dennis the Menace offered alongside Picasso!