Veteran ilustrator, TV21 artist Jon Davis awarded MBE

By John Freeman on December 31, 2013

“The Angels” drawn by Jon Davis for Lady Penelope comic in the 1960s

We’re delighted to report that science fiction illustrator Jon Davis – best known to British comics fans for his work on TV Century 21, Lady Penelope and Countdown comics in the 1960s and 70s – has been awarded an MBE for services to Children’s Literature in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

Ladybird’s edition of Frankenstein, art by Jon

Announced under his full name of John Frederick Charles Davis, Jon has been an Illustrator since 1960, working on book jackets, and magazine Illustration, drawing strips such as Gerry Anderson’s Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, Joe 90, The Secret Service and UFO. An integral part of the establishment of Linden Artists in the 1960s, his book art includes work for Ladybird (such as an editiuon of Frankenstein in 1984) and Rupert the Bear.

He began drawing science fiction art in 1973, after reading The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.

“I enjoy the work I do now,” he says, “which is mainly history books for children – all Cartoons, Great fun!”

He has published his own book, the Fantastic Adventures of Trevor & Eric, available for purchase in print from Authorhouse or as an eBook download from Kobo.

Other names of interest to genre fans should include author and TV Script writer Anthony Horowitz (for services to Literature) and children’s author Kathleen Wendy (also for services to Children’s Literature).

• Jon Davis web site is at: wixsite.com/jondavistv21

• More about Gerry Anderson comic strips on the Gerry Anderson Complete Comic History Site

• You can read a full listing of 2014 New Year honours on gov.uk

Story with thanks to Shaqui le Vesconte

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.