Picture a British storyteller who spun quirky tales of teenage detectives and university misfits—meet John Allison! Born in 1976 in a small UK village, this web cartoonist turned award-winning graphic novelist has charmed readers with his witty, coming-of-age comics. From the supernatural streets of Tackleford to the dorms of Sheffield, Allison’s stories blend humor, mystery, and heart, making him a beloved figure in modern comics.
The Making of John Allison
Hailing from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, John Allison grew up devouring American comics like Transformers and DC’s Superman, sparking a lifelong love for storytelling. After university, jobless and dodging his mum’s threats of bin duty, he started sketching comic strips in 1998. His first webcomic, Bobbins, launched on Keenspot, marking his debut as a pioneer of online comics when the internet was still a wild frontier.
John Allison’s Unforgettable Stories
Allison’s comics are a delightful mix of sharp wit, quirky characters, and slice-of-life charm. His breakthrough, Scary Go Round (2002–2009), followed barmaids and supernatural antics in the fictional town of Tackleford. Feeling uninspired, he pivoted to Bad Machinery (2009–2017), a fan-favorite about teenage sleuths solving mysteries with a Nancy Drew-meets-X-Files vibe. Published by Oni Press, its ten volumes earned critical acclaim for their clever dialogue and all-ages appeal.
In 2013, Allison pitched Giant Days, a Scary Go Round spin-off, to Boom! Studios’ Boom! Box imprint. This comedic series, illustrated by Max Sarin and Lissa Treiman, tracks three young women—Esther, Susan, and Daisy—navigating university life at Sheffield. Its relatable humor and heartfelt friendships won two Eisner Awards in 2019 for Best Continuing Series and Best Humor Publication. Allison’s latest, The Great British Bump-Off (2025), with Max Sarin, promises more of his signature charm.
Known for his chaotic yet endearing art style and sitcom-inspired storytelling, Allison crafts narratives that feel like chatting with a witty friend. His Tackleverse—a shared universe across Bobbins, Scary Go Round, Bad Machinery, and Giant Days—brims with recurring characters and interconnected tales, rewarding loyal readers with rich, evolving worlds.
Why John Allison Matters
John Allison’s impact on comics is undeniable. As a webcomics trailblazer, he built a daily online following when digital comics were niche, inspiring creators like Molly Ostertag. His shift to print with Oni Press and Boom! Studios brought his stories to libraries and global audiences, with Giant Days translated into eight languages. Allison’s ability to blend humor, mystery, and coming-of-age themes has made him a cornerstone of British comics, proving that small-town stories can resonate worldwide.
- Born: 1976, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, UK
- Key Works: Bad Machinery, Giant Days, Scary Go Round, Bobbins
- Awards: Two Eisner Awards (2019), National Cartoonists Society Award (2018)
Ready to dive into Allison’s quirky world? Snag Bad Machinery or Giant Days and lose yourself in his hilarious, heartfelt comics!