DownTheTubes

By David Ferguson It is summer time and people may be thinking about a nice trip somewhere. A cheap price would be good, too. With that in mind, I decided to pick five Doctor Who Short Trips from Big Finish for the latest edition of this feature. Some of them are winners of the annual Paul Spragg Memorial Opportunity, a competition for new writers to get a script made into an audio. It’s been running since 2017, so there are a few others to try. The resulting stories are free, too.

Exploring Comics and More on the Web since 1998 on • Cast members from the original Dark Shadows TV series reunite for two special full-cast audio sequels, released by Big Finish Productions this month (July 2026). Originally broadcast from 1966 to 1971, Dark Shadows, celebrates its 60th anniversary this year with a 60th Anniversary Festival in Hollywood at the end of this month. Dark Shadows has been part of the huge Big Finish catalogue of audio adventures for some years now.

Exploring Comics and More on the Web since 1998 on • US publisher Marvel has announced that veteran editor Stephen Wacker has been named Editor-in-Chief, Marvel Comics. Wacker will take over from C.B. Cebulski, who will be moving to Japan to become Editor, Asia Originals, for Marvel. The news comes as the company also prepares to move its offices to Los Angeles next year.

Exploring Comics and More on the Web since 1998 on • The latest downthetubes quickfire roundup of comic-related news items spotted this week… C.B. Beluski Stephen Wacker Moving to Japan: C.B. Beluski. Taking over at Marvel as Editor-in-Chief: Stephen Wacker Marvel Comics is to leave its longtime home of New York and to Los Angeles.

Exploring Comics and More on the Web since 1998 on • Mary and Bryan Talbot will be giving a presentation of their forthcoming biography of Mary Wollstonecraft at Dr Johnson’s House in London on Thursday 17th September 2026. Tickets, priced £27.50, include a welcome drink and a chance to view Dr Johnson’s House. Do note the rather splendid venue has limited capacity, so early booking is advised, via this link.

Exploring Comics and More on the Web since 1998 on • The Lakes International Comic Art Festival (LICAF) is lining up a huge range of international talent for this year’s annual festival, returning to Kendal Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th October 2026, including Colleen Doran, Frank Quitely, Marcos Martin and Bill Sienkiewicz.

Exploring Comics and More on the Web since 1998 • British and Irish Comic Events 2026 | Last Updated: 12th June 2026 • British and Irish Comic Events 2027 | Last Updated: 12th June 2026 • British and Irish Current Comic-Related Exhibitions | Last Updated: 31st May 2026 • 2000AD, Treasury of British Collections and Specials – 2026 | Last Updated: 5th May 2026 • British and Irish Comic Shop Map | Last Updated: 19th March 2026 Powered by As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases on...

South London Comic and Zine Fair returns to Stanley Arts, London, this weekend (11.00 until 5.00pm Sunday 19th July 2026) for its fifth year, showcasing some of the finest established and fresh talent in the small press publishing scene.

Exploring Comics and More on the Web since 1998 on • New issues of 2000AD, Prog 2491, and Judge Dredd Megazine, Issue 494, are on sale today in the UK, in your Local Comic Shop, TG Jones and select retailers. Old Man Dredd finds out that his allies may be worse than his enemies in 2000AD Prog 2491, as “Oubliettes” heads away from Dredd once more with “The Finders” and hits the mean streets of Mega-City One.

Exploring Comics and More on the Web since 1998 on • Comic creator Kev Sutherland is supporting a leading UK-based event organiser in a quest to find a new comic artist to create their promotional art. “I’ve been offered a comic art commission, and I’ve suggested I’d rather pass it on to the new young comic artist of the future.