Improper Books is to publish a new edition of its truly stunning title Porcelain: A Gothic Fairy Tale, which longtime downthetbes readers will recall I gushed about on its debut back in 2010. A much-anticpated sequel, Porcelain: Bone China, will debut at… Read More ›
Improper Books
Into the Briar: A Quick Chat with Comic Artist Chris Wildgoose (and a sneak preview!)
Independent publisher Improper Books have just confirmed that Briar, a new graphic novel by Benjamin Read and Chris Wildgoose, will be released this autumn (with copies on sale at the Lakes International Comic Art Festival), and I got a chance to… Read More ›
Incoming: Episode 4 of The Awesome Comics Podcast, featuring artist Christian Wildgoose
Episode four of the new UK small press Awesome Comics Podcast will be coming at you this Monday. The hosts Vince Hunt (The Red Mask from Mars), Dan Butcher (Vanguard) and downthetubes contributor Tony Esmond will be chatting to artist… Read More ›
Lakes International Comic Art Festival “Clock Tower” Line-Up revealed
Following up on our reports on the international and British guests attending this year’s Lakes International Comic Art Festival in October – which includes Steve Bell, Darwyn Cooke, Dave McKean, Kieron Gillen, Kathryn and Stuart Immonen and many more – the organisation… Read More ›
Cup of O – Small Press Reviews
Happy 2015 to all Down the Tubes readers! I’ve got a bumper crop of reviews for you – all of them are comics bought at the tail end of 2013 (this is how big my reading pile is!) at the… Read More ›
Sneak Preview: Bone China from Improper Books
Written by Benjamin Read Art by Chris Wildgoose Colour by Andre May Letters by Jim Campbell Published by Improper Books Bone China – out next year – is a book that I have personally been looking forward to since I heard… Read More ›
In Review: Butterfly Gate
How do you review an ‘unreviewable’ book? Be quick about it? Buy Butterfly Gate – you won’t regret it because it is remarkably good. Of course that is not the way we do reviews on downthetubes. We normally try to… Read More ›
Convention Report – Nottingham Comic Con 2014
Saturday the 4th October was the second Nottingham Comic Con. Previously known as ‘Nerdfest’, along with a name change there was also a change of venue, moving to a larger and much more convenient venue at the Nottingham Conference Centre. Still in… Read More ›
Looking back on 2013: A Good Year for British Comics?
Here at downthetubes.net we think it’s been a great year that’s included the 100th issue of The Phoenix and has been named one of the top comics of 2013 by TIME Magazine, and we’ve been able to enjoy a growing… Read More ›
Lost for Words: new titles from Improper Books set to stun
Limited UK independent editions of Improper Books stunning wordless graphic story Butterfly Gate by Benjamin Read and Chris Wildgoose, and children-friendly, highly enjoyable Knight & Dragon by Matt Gibbs and Bevis Musson, will be available from Wednesday 20th November from… Read More ›
Delcourt to publish French language editions of ‘Porcelain’ trilogy
French publisher Delcourt and Improper Books have announced that the French language edition of Porcelain: A Gothic Fairy Tale, by Benjamin Read and Chris Wildgoose, is set for a September 2014 release. As the leading independent comic publisher in France,… Read More ›
Improper Books announces “Knight & Dragon”
Improper Books, publishers of the acclaimed graphic novel Porcelain, have just announced a new title: Knight & Dragon, written by Matt Gibbs, with art from Bevis Musson and colours by Nathan Ashworth. Knight & Dragon playfully subverts the story of… Read More ›
10 Questions: Comics Writer Benjamin Read
Benjamin Read writes comics and makes films. He wrote the True Grit and Super 8 comic adaptations, and also wrote and produced the films Warhouse and 500 Miles North. He is also one of the founder members of the Improper… Read More ›
In Review: Porcelain: A Gothic Fairy Tale
WARNING: While I have tried to be circumspect in this review, mild spoilers do feature! Written by Benjamin Read, illustrated by Chris Wildgoose, coloured by André May, and lettered by Jim Campbell Publisher: Improper Books Out: Limited, indie release on… Read More ›
Improper Books’ Porcelain set for limited release
Improper Books’ Porcelain: A Gothic Fairy Tale is having a limited, indie release on 27th February, and will be available from Page 45, Travelling Man, Gosh! and Orbital Comics stores in the UK. A gorgeous-looking 96-page graphic novel, written by… Read More ›
Photo Review: Thought Bubble 2012 Part 2
Last weekend the two day Thought Bubble comic convention took place in Leeds as part of the week long film festival. It is a true celebration of the diversity of the modern British comics scene, from veteran professionals, via all… Read More ›
Improper Books announces Night Post, readies for Thought Bubble
Art from Night Post – art by Laura Trinder There will be plenty to see and do at Thought Bubble this coming weekend, not least of which will probably be attending the first British Comic Awards ceremony to find out… Read More ›
Creator-owned Improper Books launches, two titles announced
Just launched in time for the impending British comic convention season is Improper Books, a small collective of comic creators formed by writer Benjamin Read and artists Laura Trinder and Chris Wildgoose. On offer at the Bristol Comic Expo will… Read More ›