John Freeman
@johnfreeman.bsky.social
Ancient. Publisher, downthetubes.net | Linktree: https://linktr.ee/johnfsfreeman | Comics, feature writer, editor; former editor of Doctor Who Magazine, Overkill, Star Trek Magazine/Explorer, Babylon 5 Magazine. No DMs please
Pinned
I’m scaling down for the festive season a little earlier than usual, so Merry Christmas, All! And a Happy New Year! My thanks to Maxim Simic for this year’s Downthetubes card, art featured on an issue of STRIP Magazine. I’ve paid him for using this as this year’s eCard. More info in alt text.
Reposted by John Freeman
1) In case you missed any, here are James Bacon's three reports for Downthetubes from Singapore. Many thanks to him, the team Singapore Comic Con, the bookshops he visited, the artists he met, curators and more!. First: downthetubes.net/in-review-an... ... / more...
December 19, 2025 at 10:25 AM
1) In case you missed any, here are James Bacon's three reports for Downthetubes from Singapore. Many thanks to him, the team Singapore Comic Con, the bookshops he visited, the artists he met, curators and more!. First: downthetubes.net/in-review-an... ... / more...
Doctor Who: Battles in Time game returns
Doctor Who: Battles in Time game returns
The popular trading card game returns, but what about the comic strip?
downthetubes.net
December 27, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Doctor Who: Battles in Time game returns
AQUILA Magazine kicks off 2026 with a “Heroes & Villains” issue in January that includes a feature on Marvel superhero co-creator and publisher Stan Lee; and an “Aliens” issue in February
https://downthetubes.net/aquila-magazine-kicks-off-2026-with-heroes-villains-aliens-issues/
https://downthetubes.net/aquila-magazine-kicks-off-2026-with-heroes-villains-aliens-issues/
December 26, 2025 at 11:31 AM
AQUILA Magazine kicks off 2026 with a “Heroes & Villains” issue in January that includes a feature on Marvel superhero co-creator and publisher Stan Lee; and an “Aliens” issue in February
https://downthetubes.net/aquila-magazine-kicks-off-2026-with-heroes-villains-aliens-issues/
https://downthetubes.net/aquila-magazine-kicks-off-2026-with-heroes-villains-aliens-issues/
The book that never was! Author Alan Clark recently sent downthetubes this cover of a planned Centenary Edition of The Comic Art of Roy Wilson. It would have been bigger, better and and more complete than…
https://downthetubes.net/a-book-that-never-was-the-comic-art-of-roy-wilson-centenary-edition/
https://downthetubes.net/a-book-that-never-was-the-comic-art-of-roy-wilson-centenary-edition/
December 26, 2025 at 7:39 AM
The book that never was! Author Alan Clark recently sent downthetubes this cover of a planned Centenary Edition of The Comic Art of Roy Wilson. It would have been bigger, better and and more complete than…
https://downthetubes.net/a-book-that-never-was-the-comic-art-of-roy-wilson-centenary-edition/
https://downthetubes.net/a-book-that-never-was-the-comic-art-of-roy-wilson-centenary-edition/
Merry Christmas from Aces Weekly!
Merry Christmas from Aces Weekly!
A Christmas present for yourself, comics fan? How about Aces Weekly?
downthetubes.net
December 25, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Merry Christmas from Aces Weekly!
Little King by Otto Soglow
December 24, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Little King by Otto Soglow
December 24, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds Live! The Concert Experience is set to tour to UK theatres and concert halls in 2026
https://downthetubes.net/jeff-waynes-musical-version-of-the-war-of-the-worlds-concert-to-tour-uk-theatres-in-2026/
https://downthetubes.net/jeff-waynes-musical-version-of-the-war-of-the-worlds-concert-to-tour-uk-theatres-in-2026/
December 23, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds Live! The Concert Experience is set to tour to UK theatres and concert halls in 2026
https://downthetubes.net/jeff-waynes-musical-version-of-the-war-of-the-worlds-concert-to-tour-uk-theatres-in-2026/
https://downthetubes.net/jeff-waynes-musical-version-of-the-war-of-the-worlds-concert-to-tour-uk-theatres-in-2026/
Master Replicas have announced two all-new Doctor Who figurines of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Doctors
https://downthetubes.net/master-replicas-open-preorders-for-fourteenth-and-fifteenth-doctor-figurines/
https://downthetubes.net/master-replicas-open-preorders-for-fourteenth-and-fifteenth-doctor-figurines/
December 23, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Master Replicas have announced two all-new Doctor Who figurines of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Doctors
https://downthetubes.net/master-replicas-open-preorders-for-fourteenth-and-fifteenth-doctor-figurines/
https://downthetubes.net/master-replicas-open-preorders-for-fourteenth-and-fifteenth-doctor-figurines/
The Whotopia blog recently completed its representation of “Tomb”, an enjoyable fan-created Cybermen strip by John Swogger, which originally appeared in the Doctor Who fanzine Jigsaw, 25 years ago.
https://downthetubes.net/cybermen-comic-strip-resurrected/
https://downthetubes.net/cybermen-comic-strip-resurrected/
December 23, 2025 at 7:16 AM
The Whotopia blog recently completed its representation of “Tomb”, an enjoyable fan-created Cybermen strip by John Swogger, which originally appeared in the Doctor Who fanzine Jigsaw, 25 years ago.
https://downthetubes.net/cybermen-comic-strip-resurrected/
https://downthetubes.net/cybermen-comic-strip-resurrected/
Don Newton (1934 - 1984)
Unknown Worlds of Science Fiction Cover Art (Marvel, 1976)
Unknown Worlds of Science Fiction Cover Art (Marvel, 1976)
December 23, 2025 at 5:07 AM
Don Newton (1934 - 1984)
Unknown Worlds of Science Fiction Cover Art (Marvel, 1976)
Unknown Worlds of Science Fiction Cover Art (Marvel, 1976)
Reposted by John Freeman
A cartoon from @altajournal.bsky.social
December 18, 2025 at 8:31 PM
A cartoon from @altajournal.bsky.social
If you’re thinking of heading to Plymouth next month to see the much anticipated free “Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy” exhibition at The Box, you’re in good company...
https://downthetubes.net/beryl-cook-pride-and-joy-exhibition-opens-next-month-in-plymouth/
https://downthetubes.net/beryl-cook-pride-and-joy-exhibition-opens-next-month-in-plymouth/
December 22, 2025 at 7:46 AM
If you’re thinking of heading to Plymouth next month to see the much anticipated free “Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy” exhibition at The Box, you’re in good company...
https://downthetubes.net/beryl-cook-pride-and-joy-exhibition-opens-next-month-in-plymouth/
https://downthetubes.net/beryl-cook-pride-and-joy-exhibition-opens-next-month-in-plymouth/
Robby the Robot - Forbidden Planet (1956) art by Don Marquez | fantasy.mrugala.net/Don%20Marquez/
December 21, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Robby the Robot - Forbidden Planet (1956) art by Don Marquez | fantasy.mrugala.net/Don%20Marquez/
The Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics is looking for book reviewers.
https://downthetubes.net/journal-of-graphic-novels-and-comics-seeks-reviewers/
https://downthetubes.net/journal-of-graphic-novels-and-comics-seeks-reviewers/
December 21, 2025 at 10:15 AM
The Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics is looking for book reviewers.
https://downthetubes.net/journal-of-graphic-novels-and-comics-seeks-reviewers/
https://downthetubes.net/journal-of-graphic-novels-and-comics-seeks-reviewers/
New Celestial Toyroom vworps into view from Doctor Who Appreciation Society
New Celestial Toyroom vworps into view from Doctor Who Appreciation Society
Published by the Doctor Who Appreciation Society, Celestial Toyroom 555, featuring a cover by Elbert Smith, will be online shortly, and available to buy in print after Christmas. Edited by James Ashway, contents include: Anniversaries of The Daleks' Master Plan, The Android Invasion and Series Nine The Chimes of Midnight and Jubilee revisited following their novelisation…
downthetubes.net
December 21, 2025 at 10:05 AM
New Celestial Toyroom vworps into view from Doctor Who Appreciation Society
“Captain Scarlet” page from TV21 issue 166, art by Mike Noble. The last page of the four page story in that issue in colour. Via collector Jeff Haythorpe
December 21, 2025 at 9:45 AM
“Captain Scarlet” page from TV21 issue 166, art by Mike Noble. The last page of the four page story in that issue in colour. Via collector Jeff Haythorpe
Tim Robins finds Avatar: Fire and Ash wanting downthetubes.net/in-review-av...
In Review: Avatar – Fire and Ash
Spectacular, but found wanting…
downthetubes.net
December 21, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Tim Robins finds Avatar: Fire and Ash wanting downthetubes.net/in-review-av...
Lawless Comic Con Guest List announced
Lawless Comic Con Guest List announced
Tickets on sale soon! Don’t miss out
downthetubes.net
December 21, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Lawless Comic Con Guest List announced
Found this fun die cast Superman - ERTL figure released in 1990 I think?
December 21, 2025 at 6:02 AM
Found this fun die cast Superman - ERTL figure released in 1990 I think?
Reposted by John Freeman
PLEASE COPY OR SHARE THIS! University of Carnegie Mellon are doing a research to see how generative Al has (or has not) impacted your work and/or sentiments in the industry. Folks in creative fields only, please consider filling this out: cmu.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.
cmu.ca1.qualtrics.com
December 20, 2025 at 6:15 AM
PLEASE COPY OR SHARE THIS! University of Carnegie Mellon are doing a research to see how generative Al has (or has not) impacted your work and/or sentiments in the industry. Folks in creative fields only, please consider filling this out: cmu.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
In case you missed it, I’m sharing the first “Strawjack” adventure by Keith Page on my Substack, with Keith’s full permission. Please enjoy! open.substack.com/pub/crucible...
Strawjack: The Terror of Romney Marsh
Introducing a Substack presentation of the graphic novel adventure by Keith Page
open.substack.com
December 20, 2025 at 7:19 AM
In case you missed it, I’m sharing the first “Strawjack” adventure by Keith Page on my Substack, with Keith’s full permission. Please enjoy! open.substack.com/pub/crucible...
The Film is Fabulous! team have announced that three important private film collections, which belong to former industry professionals, or their estates, will be catalogued in the new year. The collections include…
https://downthetubes.net/red-dwarf-film-treasures-recovered-by-film-is-fabulous/
https://downthetubes.net/red-dwarf-film-treasures-recovered-by-film-is-fabulous/
December 20, 2025 at 6:31 AM
The Film is Fabulous! team have announced that three important private film collections, which belong to former industry professionals, or their estates, will be catalogued in the new year. The collections include…
https://downthetubes.net/red-dwarf-film-treasures-recovered-by-film-is-fabulous/
https://downthetubes.net/red-dwarf-film-treasures-recovered-by-film-is-fabulous/
Penguin’s “Write Now” is open to writers of middle grade, chapter and picture books – in other words, books for children aged 0-12 years old. Application deadline 7th January 2026 www.penguin.co.uk/about/social...
December 20, 2025 at 6:19 AM
Penguin’s “Write Now” is open to writers of middle grade, chapter and picture books – in other words, books for children aged 0-12 years old. Application deadline 7th January 2026 www.penguin.co.uk/about/social...
PLEASE COPY OR SHARE THIS! University of Carnegie Mellon are doing a research to see how generative Al has (or has not) impacted your work and/or sentiments in the industry. Folks in creative fields only, please consider filling this out: cmu.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.
cmu.ca1.qualtrics.com
December 20, 2025 at 6:15 AM
PLEASE COPY OR SHARE THIS! University of Carnegie Mellon are doing a research to see how generative Al has (or has not) impacted your work and/or sentiments in the industry. Folks in creative fields only, please consider filling this out: cmu.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...