Martin Lock

Martin Lock (born c. 1950 in the United Kingdom) is a British comics critic, writer, and publisher who played a key role in British comics fandom during the 1970s and 1980s. He is best known as the publisher of the fanzines *BEM* and *Fantasy Advertiser*, and later as the founder of Harrier Comics. Lock’s day job in the sales department of a chemical company helped finance his printing bills; when his employer relocated from London to Worcester in the late 1970s, he moved as well, later returning to Northwood, Middlesex, by the time he launched Harrier in the mid-1980s.

As a writer, Lock contributed to 33 issues between 1978 and 1994, with his most credited titles including *Conqueror*, *Swiftsure and Conqueror*, *Swiftsure*, *Barbarienne*, *Deadface*, and *Nightbird*. His work often blended genre storytelling with the DIY ethos of British fandom, collaborating with artists and writers from the small-press scene. Lock’s legacy lies in his role as a bridge between fan culture and professional comics, nurturing talent and providing a platform for independent voices. No major awards are recorded for his career, but his impact on British fandom and small-press publishing remains significant.