Never Been Exhibtion Online

(with thanks to Matthew Badham): Never Been, the giant comic strip that exhibited on the walls of Projekts MCR skateboard park in Manchester earlier this year is now online at www.stuartkolakovic.co.uk/neverbeen.htm

The exhibition , both real and virtual, is the work of artist Stuart Kolakovic, an exhibition of one real long strip, that ended up being almost 10 meters long. The imagery - just one 'panel' of which is published here -- is quite stunning.

• Click here to read an interview with Stuart at Manchester's BBC Web site.

Temple of Comics!

On the weekend of Free Comics Day, downthetubes is pleased to report Issue #0 of The Temple Comic APA’s Digital Showcase is now available to download as a free PDF at templeapa.ning.com, featuring a motley collection of strips from some great indie talent.

Showcasing the work of 15 members (mostly from around the UK), this 70-page anthology highlights the diverse nature of the Amateur Press Association, containing humour, horror, slice-of-life, superhero, sci-fi and more (including content of a mature nature).

Creators include Dave Evans, Paul Harrison-Davies, Paul Elridge, Toshiro de Smeyter and others and it's a fab free read!

The Temple is the UK’s longest running comic APA, having run for 12 years and 55 issues before going digital. The aim of the Temple is to learn, improve, collaborate and support each other’s comic projects. Everyone from the rawest amateur to the most seasoned professional is welcome to join.

• For more information check out templeapa.ning.com, or contact John Kirkham at sr-republic AT ntlworld.com

DFC Teaser Online

Some pages from the new weekly subscription-only British The DFC comic are now available to view on line at: www.thedfc.co.uk/teaser_issue.html

DFC's content includines a strip by author Philip Pullman, The Adventures of John Blake, illustrated by John Aggs, one of the contributors to RapidFire, plus Charlie Jefferson and the Tomb of Nazaleod by Garen Ewing, creator of the highly acclaimed Rainbow Orchid; Mobot High by Neill Cameron, creator of Thumpculture; The Boss by Patrice Aggs; and Good Dog, Bad Dog by Dave Shelton (pictured right) and Monkey Nuts by The Etherington Brothers, creators of Malcolm Magic – both featured in the Saturday Guardian.

Early Bird subscriptions are now also available, offering four free issues and the next 22 with 25% off -- and as an additional bonus for subscribing, you get 50% off Random House children’s books. Click here for more information on the official DFC web site. Special discounted subscriptions are also being offered for schools.

The first issue of The DFC -- already being heavily promoted, if a little erroneously, -- will be delivered to homes across the world on the 30th May, packed with adventure, excitement, robots and talking sausages...

Robin Hood Joins Accent UK

Accent UK are very pleased to announce that by special arrangement with Geoff West of The Book Palace, they’ll have a supply of the newly released Frank Bellamy’s Robin Hood the Complete Adventures book at both the International Comic Expo in Bristol on 10th --11th of May 2008 and the Komiks.DK festival in Copenhagen on 31st May 00 1st June 2008.

Copies will be available to view and purchase from Accent UK’s tables or order through the Book Palace website as normal.

“We’re delighted that this gives everyone attending the events the chance to see for themselves this excellent book," said Accent UK’s Colin Mathieson said which brings back into print Frank Bellamy’s legendary early comic strips which have proven elusive for over 50 years and now have a chance of reaching a new audience”.

The book reprints Bellamy’s classic strip from the old British title Swift with a special introduction and end notes from noted comics historian, Steve Holland. The flexicover 144 page book costs £14.99. It is also available from amazon.co.uk