Return of the Cat

By John Freeman on 6 May 2008

British comics artist ‘Israeli reports via his blog that local stray Lucky the Half Face Cat has resurfaced post winter near his London home.

“He’s survived another winter,” says ‘Israeli, whose recent strips include various strips for 2000AD and contributions to the Who Killed Robin blog involving seven British comic creators telling an ongoing web story.

“Alhough he’s looking tattier than ever, and seems to be having a little difficulty with his back legs, he meowed at me and came over to be stroked when I spotted him on the way back from the shops yesterday.”

Bless him. (The cat. not ‘Israeli). He’s apparently vanished and resurfaced for three years on the trot, looking considerably worse for wear each time but still thriving despite his feline-styled homage to Batman’s Two Face looks.

What is it with stray Toms that they manage to all but disappear in the winter months then make a surprise re-appearance? Do they hibernate?

• Anyone who prefers birds to cats should check out New Zealand artist David Fletcher’s “Crumb” blog, dedicated to his blackbird character who features on the comics to mobile service ROK Comics.

Photo © ‘Israeli and I hope he doesn’t mind me borrowing it.

About the Author
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John Freeman

John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.

He’s the writer of comics such as 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.