John Charles Sketchbook

Step inside the mind and sketchbooks of John Charles — the acclaimed British comic book artist and colourist whose career spans 2000 AD, Judge Dredd, Spider-Man, Technofreak, and countless other cult favourites.

Across nearly five decades, John has filled sketchbook after sketchbook with ideas, experiments, false starts, breakthroughs, and the seeds of characters that would later appear in print. Many of these drawings have never been seen outside his studio… until now.

This beautifully curated volume gathers highlights from around 30 sketchbooks, dating back to 1978, showcasing:

• Early self‑portraits and student work
• Developmental art for Technofreak
• Rare Judge Dredd, Doctor Strange, Hulk, and Spider‑Man pieces
• Wild experiments, loose inks, Tipp‑Ex textures, and raw creative play
• Personal moments, including portraits of family
• Abandoned concepts, alternate takes, and ideas that never made it to print
• Digital-era work, including a 2025 self‑portrait
• And the wonderfully strange: Walldude, Alien Doctor, Tiger J. Jackson’s Weirdos, and more

John’s commentary throughout the book adds warmth, humour, and insight — reflecting on the journey from young art student to seasoned professional, now known for his work on 2000 AD, Panini/Marvel UK, and his co‑creation of Technofreak.

Whether you’re a fan of British comics, a collector of behind‑the‑scenes art, or an artist looking for inspiration, this book is a rare chance to see the private creative evolution of a major UK comics talent.