• We’re now just days away from the opening of London’s Alternative Press Festival will have officially begun. Jimi Gherkin reports that he’s seen the first copy of Publish You, the APF Book which includes a huge range of comic creator contributions, “and it looks really awesome!” he says. The Book’s official launch is on Wednesday: more info here on Facebook.
During the events the book will be on offer at a special Festival only price of £6! So, if you’re London-bound, get along and get your copy, before they’re all gone! More info: www.alternativepress.org.uk

• You can already get comics on iPhone, but what about a bigger ‘comic reader’ from Apple in time for Christmas? Various web sites, including IT Pro, are reporting rumours that the cash rich Mac makers may soon be launching a ‘tablet’ computer, prompted by a report in the Financial Times suggested the tablet computer would tie in with plans to sell albums, as part of a new deal with record labels. The device itself would have a 10-inch screen, the anonymous source said. More on the downthetubes Mobile Comics blog…

• Over on his blog Warren Ellis has announced he’s working on a new film script based on Arthurian mythos.

• Hot on the heels of its recent deal to merchandise Dan Dare, Cynopsis Kids reports Chorion has inked new licensing deals for the Beatrix Potter brand, appointing Haven Licensing as a new agent for the brand in Australia and New Zealand and Bull’s Licensing for Scandinavia. Both Haven Licensing and Bull’s Licensing will work with Chorion locally to develop and execute a brand strategy to grow the Beatrix Potter program.

• US channel Syfy has announced its new original series Caprica to premiere on 22nd January 2010 at 9pm with a two-hour episode. Subsequent episodes will air on Fridays at 10pm. Caprica – a Battlestar Galactica prequel – is about two rival families headed by Daniel Graystone (played by Eric Stoltz) and Joseph Adama (Esai Morales) who compete in the future world of the 12 Colonies.

• About the Author
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John Freeman

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.

• Dennis the Menace goes tartan!
• "Material Memoirs: Telling Tales through Things" event celebrates new graphic novel by Susan Sainsbury
• A look back at the chequered history of "Merlin" magazine

Categories: Tube Surfing

Tags: Alternative Press Festival, Jimi Gherkin, Tube Surfing, Warren Ellis