After a few printing delays, we’re pleased to report that Spaceship Away Part 18 – the British comics SF magazine inspired by space hero Dan Dare – is now available, and most prepaid subscriber issues have been posted.
Apart from its regular three Dan Dare strips – with Keith Page’s Rocket Pilot prequel story reaching a conclusion this issue – artist Bruce Cornwell writes about his work on the Dan Dare comic for Eagle, artist Don Harley provides artwork of the 1960 Dare team and both Gerald Palmer and Harley have delivered an impressive 1960’s Dan Dare centrespread while illustrator Graham Bleathman provides a Zylbat spaceship cutaway and top Commando and Starblazer artist Ian Kennedy a painting of Dan Dare’s ship, the Anastasia.
The issue also sees the final part, for now, of Ex Astris by John Freeman and Mike Nicoll, but the the strip will return to the Magazine next year – and this time, it will be for an ongoing run.
It looks like it’s going to be an interesting year ahead for the SF comic magazine: in addition to continuing Dan Dare stories and more, Issue 19 will see the arrival of the Daily Mirror’s classic strip Garth, coloured by John Ridgway – a story that has never been reprinted in the UK.
• Spaceship Away Part 18 is being distributed to existing subscribers. For more about the issue, click here
• To order Spaceship Away, click here
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, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News
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