RIP Dave Evans / Bolt-01: A Quiet Legend Of Brit Comics
by Richard Bruton
This week, we lost someone else in comics, Dave Evans, often known as Bolt-01, a letterer, a publisher, a friend to many in British comics. A life lost way too early.
Dave Evans was many things, but most of all he was someone who epitomized the relatively small world of British comics.
As I said, he was a letterer of many comics, but I think his lasting legacy is as the publisher behind FutureQuake Press, publisher of the 2000 AD – related fanzines Dogbreath and Zarjaz, someone whose life in comics was way more than a fan, he was a mainstay at conventions, a dedicated publisher (who never stopped being a fan), someone whose influence and reach has affected so many creators over the years.
There are many people in the British comics industry feeling saddened by their loss today. Some of them are just fans, many of them have gone from being fans to published artists in those FutureQuake Publications, some have gone on to being professional artists and writers.
And it’s all thanks to the tireless, unselfish dedication of Dave Evans.
PJ Holden managed to sum it up perfectly in a tweet –
Still thinking about Dave Evans. aka Bolt-01 – editor/publisher of @FqQuake and wondering just how much of the current crop of british creatives went through those books first. His death means we've lost a quiet engine that powered a massive chunk of the UK small press.
— PJ Holden (@pauljholden) May 7, 2021
That sums it up so well. And I know there are so many of us in British comics who feel that we’ve lost someone very important to the industry this week. Someone who was always there to support new and upcoming creators, someone who genuinely loved the medium.
Here’s 2000 AD…
We are devastated to hear of the death of Dave Evans – also known as Bolt-01 – a much loved member of the 2000 AD fandom, as well as editor of Futurequake, Zarjaz, Dogbreath and a host of other fanzines. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.
See you at the bar, Bolt. pic.twitter.com/8QU75z3bww
— 2000 AD Comics (@2000AD) May 7, 2021
Paul Williams –
I just learned that Dave Evans aka Bolt-01 has died. I can't begin to impress how big a role he (and the @FqQuake team) played in the development of myself and many other creators, pro or not. Words can't describe how much he'll be missed and thoughts go to his family and friends
— Paul Williams (@sketchymagpie) May 7, 2021
Jim Campbell –
Tried to find some words about the terrible news of the death of Dave Evans this week. They're inadequate for both the measure of the man, and the enormity of the loss, but I felt like I had to try…https://t.co/TACpphJd0t
— Jim Campbell — Socially Distant Since 2009 (@CampbellLetters) May 7, 2021
Mike Carroll –
Rest in Peace, Dave Evans — you magnificent warrior. One of the nicest, kindest, smartest funniest people I've ever had the privilege to know. You made the world a better place and you were a role model to everyone who knew you. Love you, mate.https://t.co/DCZEKZluML
— Michael Carroll (@MikeOwenCarroll) May 7, 2021
Stacey Whittle –
Dave Evans, Legend of the Small Press, 2000AD superfan, a gentleman and a gentle man. A friend and inspiration to so very many. There is a giant hole in the UK comics world now. ❤️
— Stacey Whittle (@stace_w) May 7, 2021
Kek-W –
So very sorry to hear that Dave Evans aka BOLT-01 has passed – an editor at @FqQuake / Zarjaz / Dogbreath, one of the mainstays of UK comicbook fandom and a really super-nice bloke.
— KEK-W (@19f3_records) May 7, 2021
The medium is worse off for his loss today. Anyone who knew him, personally or professionally knows what a loss this is to the British comics scene. And the outpouring of love and respect for him is a testament to the work he did, to the man he was.
Personally, I’d met him a few times at conventions, chatted through email and in person, and he was never anything less, never anything more, than a wonderful person, a fan, an enabler, a man who did so much for British comics, a man who managed to have a huge influence on Brit comics.
We’re all worse off for the loss of Dave Evans today. Our sympathies go out to his friends, his family, and all those who knew him.
