The all-new anthology Splank!, launching at Enniskillen ComicFest this weekend, marks the debut of “The Kings Reach Commandos” by Paul Trimble, script edited by former Battle Picture Weekly editor David Hunt, and drawn by Joseph McCafferty.
We reported on the upcoming launch of a new issue of Splank!, an independent comics anthology from Sector 13 Comics, earlier this week – just one of the upcoming highlights of the popular ComicFest, whose lineup includes Michael Carroll, Alan Davis, John Higgjns, PJ Holden, Mike McMahon, Anna Morozova, and many more.

“The Kings Reach Commandos in The SStuff That Dreams Are Made Of!” is a joyous tip of the hat to Battle. Paul Trimble has described it as a love letter to his favourite comic, containing as many nods and references to the comic as he could pack in – and there are plenty of them!
“Even better, it was story edited by David Hunt, Battle Editor 1975-1979, who made a couple of great suggestions to improve it,” Paul says. “The incredible art is by Joseph McCafferty. I’m very proud of this story and, with the proceeds going to a very good cause, NHS Charities Together, I would ask any of you to please consider ordering a copy.”


This beautifully realised strip is just one of several reasons to grab a copy, not least because it benefits charity – NHS Charities Together – too. I do hope the adventure will continue beyond this first The Maltese Falcon-inspired episode!
As we previously reported, inspired by the legendary Odhams “Power Comics” titles, Wham!, Smash! and Pow!, Belfast-based Sector 13 Comics will launch Whapp!, Splank! and Yow! at Enniskillen Comic Fest this coming weekend, 8th – 9th June, 2024.
• You can preorder all three new Sector 13 Comics here: boxofrainmag.co.uk/store
• Splank! Fundraising Page on JustGiving
• Enniskillen Comic Fest 2024 Saturday 8th – Sunday 9th June 2024 | Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland – Follow the Facebook Group for updates
• Sector 13 Comics launch Trio of Titles to Benefit “NHS Charities Together”
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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.
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