The latest downthetubes quickfire roundup of comic-related news items spotted this week…
Marvel on the Move
Marvel Comics is to leave its longtime home of New York and to Los Angeles. “Bringing our comics, film, television, and other creative teams together will help us learn from one another, collaborate, and build on the strengths that make Marvel the true House of Ideas,” Marvel’s head of television, animation, comics, and franchise Brad Winderbaum and newly appointed general manager, comics and franchise, David Abdo said in a joint letter to employees, as noted here by The Hollywood Reporter.
We’re sure the logistics of this for existing staff will be far more onerous than Marvel UK’s moves over the years, when it still existed. We wish those who decide to make the move well.
The company plans to move in July next year, and has announced other changes, too – for example, Stephen Wacker is taking over as editor-in-chief from C.B. Cebulski, who is moving to Japan, to become the Asia Originals editor for Marvel, the company’s foray into manga.
Amazing Advertisements!
The National Library of Scotland has published an article about its work restoring an interesting collection of old TV adverts for DC Thomson comics, including Bunty, Judy and Jackie.
The article includes link to the full catalogue of advertisements commissioned by the Dundee-based publisher, such as this a Bunty advert, promoting a “free gift” issue, a Bunty Bracelet given away with No. 458, cover dated 22nd October 1966.
Not every video has sound, or is available to view remotely, but the archive offers a fascinating snapshot of how comics were marketed in the UK when circulation figures merited major TV campaigns. It’s a shame there isn’t a similar official archive for IPC / Fleetway’s comics, or other now ling gone publishers such as City Editions or Polystyle. Luckily, some at least show up on YouTube.
Vintage Annual Sale
The Magical Toy Cupboard is hosting a Live Auction of Vintage Annuals Books, Comics and Collectibles tonight, Friday 17th July, on eBay. Grab yourself some vintage bargains! Head over to The Magical Toy Cupboard eBay store and save the event.
Ron Turner Spotlight
Ace contributor to downthetubes Richard Sheaf discusses the superb book, Fantastic Art of Ron Turner on a recent Mega City Book Club (Episode 333). Get your copy direct from publisher Telos here, and read more of Richard’s writing about Ron Turner on his unmissable Boys Adventure Comics blog. You can also view some of the contents of Eric Parker’s portfolio there as well.
Barry Kitson Art Tease
Here’s the inked version of Barry Kitson’s cover for the Legion Of Super-heroes Omnibus DC Comics is publishing this summer. “It was treat to revisit these characters I had such fun drawing and designing back in the day,” he says. There’s a Facebook group dedicated to his work here
Explore the Lakes with One Bad Rat!
Heading to the Lake District for the summer holidays? A fan asked for directions to some of the locations used in the A Tale of One Bad Rat, so Bryan Talbot went off and collated a collection, so you can find the locations used. Enjoy! More information on The Tale of One Bad Rat his official website (For more on the maps, search the site for “Directions to locations in One Bad Rat”)
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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.
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