Comics International publisher company dissolved

Cosmic Publications, previously publishers of Comics International (and, for a while, Dangerous Ink magazine), has been dissolved.

News broke after fans of Comics International spotted the dissolution of the company on the Companies House web site spelling an end, perhaps, to any further speculation that the much-loved comics news magazine created by veteran editor and publisher Dez Skinn might one day return.

Cosmic Publications bought Comics International from Dez after interest from several other publishers. Edited by Mike Conroy, sadly, the takeover proved problematic almost immediately, with late running publication and internal issues affecting production, before the magazine finally disappeared.

Despite several request for updates, downthetubes and other comics media made no headway with publisher Peter Boyce, who last claimed the title was "not dead" last September.

"Comics International dead?" Peter Boyce, also owner of Movie New Media told us. "It's news to me."

His comments came despite the lack of any regular issues, with the last publications being two Comics International Specials last July.

If the dissolution of Cosmic Publications means Comics International has now gone for good, will anyone step up and take on the title?

downthetubes understands that several companies have considered a new British-based comics magazine - aside, of course, from the British comics-devoted Crikey! - but have been waiting patiently to see if and when CI might return.

• More comments on the apparent demise of Comics International on the downthetubes forum

In Review: Dangerous Ink

After we plugged the alternative arts magazine Dangerous Ink recently, editor Tom Green very kindly sent downthetubes copies of the most recent issues -- and I'm very impressed.

Quite aside from the comics-related interviews -- which include 1960s Batman actor Adam West and 2000AD and one time Jane artist John M. Burns -- there's a smashing number of comic strips and illustration included in the magazine, of which Jenny's Weird Friend by Shug (which first featured in Reet! magazine back in 2004) and Batmook by James Howard are my favourites. (Just as an aside, Volume 1 Issue 4 features a double spread of Kreepy Kat, a strip well worth traking down online).

Balancing the comics with alternative art are interviews with pop surrealist Leslie Ditto and illustrator Andy Hixon, and a creepy comic by Spyros Verykios that balances between the two 'halves' of the title.

Melding comics with alternative art may seem a weird combination for a magazine but it works. The design is excellent, with plenty of space given over to stunning and, on occasion, thought-provoking visuals. The writing is succinct and enjoyable, and the choice of comics from a variety of quarters affords their creators a print platform they might not otherwise have enjoyed.

This is a great looking, well put together title that's well worth tracking down and giving a try.

• Dangerous Ink is available from selected newsagents, comic shops and the Dangerous Ink web site.

Dangerous Ink interviews John M. Burns

(with thanks to Jay Eales): Cosmic Publishing, who also publish Comics International, have just released the first issue of the revamped, alternative arts magazine Dangerous Ink, which includes an interview with 2000AD and one time Modesty Blaise artist John M. Burns.

The interview spans his entire career, starting with his work for Link Studios in the 1950s alongside Harry Lindfield and Gerry Haylock, whose work also featured, much later, in another title he worked on, the 1970s comic Countdown.

Combining comics, 'fine' art, comic strips and more the magazine also has interviews with 1960s Batman actor Adam West and Canadian cartoonist Doug Wright.

The magazine was first conceived back in January 2007 by two Glasgow creatives, Will Couper and Tom Green. Past issues have included interviews with comic creators such as Joe Matt, Thomas Ott and Frank Quitely.

• Dangerous Ink is available from selected newsagents, comic shops and the Dangerous Ink web site.