22nd October 2026
The sixth and final instalment of Hull Maritime's popular Maritime Tales comic series has been released, ending a much-loved collection that has helped thousands of readers discover Hull's rich maritime heritage in an engaging and accessible way.
Titled Lily and Jacob's Cyclopedia of Coincidence: A Curious Collection of Happenings from 1867 to 1871 During Construction of Hull's Dock Offices, the latest comic explores the fascinating events and discoveries taking place around the world during the years Hull's historic Dock Offices, now home to Hull Maritime Museum, were being built.
The comic follows young explorers Lily and Jacob as they embark on one final adventure with the museum's Saturday Curators' Club. Along the way, readers will uncover surprising facts about the design and construction of one of Hull's most recognisable landmarks and discover what else was happening across the globe as the building's distinctive three domes rose above the city's dockside.
The Maritime Tales series has proved hugely popular since its launch, capturing the imagination of readers of all ages while bringing Hull's maritime stories to life through illustrations, engaging characters and fascinating local history. Written and illustrated by local artist Gareth Sleightholme, each edition has explored different aspects of the city's maritime past, helping to connect new audiences with Hull's remarkable heritage.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: "The Maritime Tales comics have been a fantastic way of introducing people, particularly younger audiences and families, to Hull's extraordinary maritime story.
"The series has successfully combined education, creativity and storytelling to make our heritage more accessible and engaging, while encouraging people to discover more about the people, places and events that shaped our city.
"This final edition provides a fitting conclusion to a hugely successful series, and I would encourage everyone to pick up a copy, visit Hull Maritime Museum and explore the wealth of maritime history we have on our doorstep."
Local artist, Gareth Sleightholme, said: "Issue 6, the last of the Maritime Tales comics, sees Lily and Jacob preparing to run a Saturday Club workshop of their own, as their final contribution before moving on to concentrate on their studies. As part of that, they have been looking up what else was going on during the years the Maritime Museum building was under construction, to give the museum a little historical context.
“To be honest I’m a little sad that the series has come to an end. I have grown fond of these characters over the last few years of drawing them. It's been a very rewarding project. There is always a joy in finding out new historic details about the city you live in.
“My aim with the books was always to try and pose questions alongside the placement of facts and details. So that people perhaps went off to look up the various name-drops and briefly mentioned curious things and found themselves engaged in a bit of research themselves, whether on their own or as a family. I hope other people have enjoyed this element of the books too.
“Oh, and just for those people who may have followed Lily and Jacob's historic wandering around the city and elsewhere, through all six of the comics, and like me want to know they are going to be okay. There is also a little note at the end of the final comic that gives some notion as to what Lily and Jacob might be doing next.
“Who knows, we may hear from them again sometimes. I guess we will see."
Copies of the comic will be available free of charge from Hull Maritime Museum, Hull History Centre and The Pod at Hull Interchange while stocks last.
In partnership with Hull Libraries, Hull Maritime has also made the Maritime Tales series available online free of charge. The new comic, alongside the full collection, can be borrowed digitally through BorrowBox here using a Hull Libraries card.
Anyone wishing to join Hull Libraries can do so for free by visiting here.
The release of the final Maritime Tales comic marks the completion of a successful series that has celebrated Hull's maritime heritage through imaginative storytelling, leaving readers with a lasting connection to the city's fascinating past.
