Bots, Sacs and Mutts. Welcome to Wednesday Comics. Each week, we will highlight our Comic of the Week, along with other notable releases, classic favourites, and industry news. Please note the links to Forbidden Planet are not affilate links, and we receive no revenue from them. They are provided as an alternative if you don’t have access to a local comic shop. You can also pick up most of these books digitally from a number of online sources.
If you want to send any comics or details of any comic related events we should feature, feel free to reach out to me at keith@geekybrummie.com or comics@geekybrummie.com
Now on with the comics…
Astrobots #1
Massive Publishing
By Simon Furman and Phillip Knott
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Astrobots #1 (Link)
Simon Furman, writer of the original Transformers comic series, creator of Marvel’s Death’s Head, and writer of Astrobots Volume 1 has teamed up with Philip Knott, known for his work on IDW’s Transformers: Last Bot Standing to continue the Mecha-Masterwork based on the toyline designed by Aaron Thomas.
Pathfinders, Pioneers… breaking new ground in the furthest reaches of the galaxy… they are — ASTROBOTS.
Massive Publishing launches a bold new chapter in the acclaimed mecha saga crafted by the legendary Simon Furman and artist Phillip Knott. Inspired by Aaron Thomas’s toyline, this debut issue blends high-stakes sci-fi with philosophical undertones, exploring themes of evolution, autonomy, and survival. With dynamic visuals and a gripping narrative, Astrobots #1 is a must-read for fans of intelligent mech fiction, cosmic adventure, this is the start of a thrilling new volume in the Astrobots universe.
Cul-De-Sac #3
Bad Idea Comics
By Mike Carey and Jonathan Wayshak
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Cul-De-Sac #3 (Link)
New York Times bestselling writer, Mike Carey (LUCIFER, X-MEN) and fine art phenomenon Jonathan Wayshak’s (SPAWN: VIOLATOR) crank up the heat in the next bloody chapter of their must-read modern horror masterpiece.
Out of the frying pan! After a narrow escape from an explosive encounter with vampire hunters at the bus station, the kids are back on the run, this time in a hotwired new ride. But vampire assassin Jagger is hot on their trail and she’s hungry for blood. Between Jagger, the hunters, and the cops chasing them down, Gail and her friends are seriously outgunned and in way over their heads. And just who is Thale, the shadowy figure who seems to be pulling the strings, and why is he so obsessed with seeing them put into early graves?
This is a comic I’d missed earlier in the year but is now definelty one to check out. This issue escalates the tension in Carey and Wayshak’s blood-soaked horror saga. Carey’s sharp storytelling and Wayshak’s visceral artwork plunge us deeper into a world where survival means confronting monstrous truths and making impossible choices. As the shadow of Thale looms larger, the stakes rise and the blood flows. This issue delivers relentless action, eerie atmosphere, and a growing sense of dread that makes Cul-De-Sac a standout in modern horror comics
Event Horizon: Dark Descent #2
IDW Publishing/IDW Dark
By Christian Ward, Tristan Jones, Alex Ray and Pip Martin
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Event Horizon: Dark Descent #2 (Link)
After activating the experimental gravity drive aboard the ship, the crew of the Event Horizon are transported to an outer-space hellscape that defies comprehension. Already, this new realm is making some of the crew behave… strangely. And still, the worst is yet to come, as the king of this hell is about to make his entrance!
The prequel to the cult-classic film continues here! You’ll never see the film the same way again.
This issue plunges deeper into cosmic horror as Ward, Jones, and co continue their terrifying prequel to the cult-classic film. Jones’s grotesque visuals push the boundaries of sci-fi horror, while Ward’s writing explores the crew’s unraveling psyches. Pip Martin’s color work intensifies the dread, contrasting fleshy reds with sickly greens that illuminate the ship’s descent. This issue is a visceral, unforgettable descent into madness that expands the Event Horizon mythos in disturbing new ways.
Transformers #25
Image Comics/Skybound
By Robert Kirkman, Jorge Corona, Dan Mora, Mike Spicer and Rus Wooton
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Transformers #25 (Link)
ROBERT KIRKMAN AND DAN MORA START A NEW ERA WITH AN OVERSIZED ANNIVERSARY ISSUE!
The Energon Universe will never be the same as the Autobots and Decepticons kick off the most surprising new chapter in their war on Earth.
Optimus Prime and the remaining Autobots must join forces with unlikely allies in order to protect their adopted planet. But Prime’s next challenge lies closer to home than he ever imagined.
And what is the fate of the Decepticons?
The creative dream team of Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead) and Dan Mora (Justice League Unlimited, Superman) kick off the new direction for TRANSFORMERS that will be More Than Meets The Eye!
This issue marks a seismic shift in the Energon Universe as Robert Kirkman and Dan Mora (is there a book he isn’t drawing) take the reins of the Robots in Disguise. This oversized anniversary issue kicks off a bold new era, with Optimus Prime and the remaining Autobots forced to ally with unexpected partners to defend Earth. Kirkman’s storytelling and Mora’s dynamic visuals, with returning old hands Mike Spicer and Rus Wooton, promise a fresh yet faithful take on the Transformers legacy. Joining the team are Jorge Corona who delivers a backup story with stunning visuals that deepen the emotional stakes. After an incredible run with Daniel Warren Johnson, this issue is a perfect jumping-on point for new readers and a thrilling continuation for longtime fans.
The Blue Falcon and Dynomutt #2
Dynamite
By Jimmy Palmiotti and Pasquale Qualano
Buy from Forbidden Planet – The Blue Falcon and Dynomutt #2 (Link)
The returning kung-fu epic from James Stokoe, the creator behind Orc Stain and Aliens: Dead Orbit!
Orphan Mo is back! After having dispatched two of the five Beasts tasked to her by her late master, the hunt begins for the third. But, Mo isn’t the only one following the trail, as a whole new cast of eccentric and dangerous players arrive to join the fray.
Another book that I somehow missed first time around, this issue continues Palmiotti and Qualano’s gritty reimagining of some of my favourite Hanna-Barbera icons. This issue ramps up the action and emotional stakes, blending noir-style storytelling with high-tech heroics. Qualano’s art captures the kinetic energy and moody atmosphere, while Palmiotti’s writing explores the bond between man and machine in a world spiraling into chaos. It’s a must-read for fans of classic cartoon characters with a modern edge.
Eight Billion Genies TP
Image Comics
By Charles Soule, Ryan Browne, Crank, Kevin Knipstein and Max O’Connell
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Eight Billion Genies TP (Link)
What if every person on Earth gets a genie — and one wish — all at the same time?
If you had one wish… what would you wish for? What if everyone else on the planet had one wish too? That’s Eight Billion Genies. Eight seconds after magical genies grant every person on earth one wish, the world is transformed forever… and that’s just the beginning!
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Charles Soule (Light of the Jedi, Undiscovered Country) and superstar artist Ryan Browne (Curse Words, God Hates Astronauts) comes the most thought-provoking, hilarious, terrifying and emotional ride of the year.
Collects all 8 issues.
The Eight Billion Genies Trade Paperback from Image Comics collects all eight issues of the wildly imaginative and genre-bending series from the brains behind Cursed Words. The premise is simple but explosive: what if every person on Earth was granted one genie—and one wish—at the exact same moment? In just eight seconds, reality fractures as billions of desires reshape the world in unpredictable, chaotic, and often hilarious ways.
This collection explores the ripple effects of wish-making across time, from the first eight seconds to eight centuries later. Soule’s sharp writing balances philosophical depth with absurd humour, while Browne’s kinetic, surreal artwork brings the madness to life, making each page a sensory experience. The trade paperback also includes bonus content and behind-the-scenes insights.
Whether you’re new to the series or revisiting its wish-fueled chaos, this volume offers a complete, thought-provoking journey through a world where desire reigns—and consequences follow
Announcing The Complete 2000 AD by Alan Moore
Alan Moore is the legendary comics writer credited with transforming the medium and how it was seen through his seminal works such as V For Vendetta, From Hell and, of course, Watchmen. But, before any of that, some of his first published work came after he submitted a Future Shock pitch to 2000 AD – a short story with a twist on the last page.
After getting a story approved by 2000 AD’s editor Tharg The Mighty, Moore didn’t look back, quickly establishing himself as an assured and engaged writer across a host of Future Shock stories for The Galaxy’s Greatest Comic.
Moore went from strength to strength at 2000 AD, contributing longer-form comics including D.R. & Quinch – who graduated from a Future Shock to their own continuing series – Skizz, and his three-story epic with Ian Gibson, The Ballad of Halo Jones. Moore’s work brought heart and working-class soul to 2000 AD, creating memorable and anarchic characters who railed against the system – and sometimes succeeded.
Alan Moore Knows The Score
Now, 2000 AD are proud to begin a collection of every Alan Moore story in the form of The Complete 2000 AD By Alan Moore. In volume one, readers will be able to enjoy his mastery of the short-form story as we collect together his Future Shocks and one-off stories into one complete volume. Whipsmart and funny, this first volume doubles as the perfect guide for how to write comics to a page limit – and it also includes the story “A Holiday In Hell” which has never been reprinted in English since its first publication in 1980!
Featuring over 250 pages of imaginative and mind-expanding stories and set for release in April 2026, The Complete 2000 AD By Alan Moore Volume 1 is available now for pre-order in either standard hardback or webshop-exclusive slipcase editions.
This first volume not only collects all of Moore’s Future Shocks and Time Twister stories, but will also feature his short stories for legendary 2000 AD characters including The ABC Warriors, Ro-Busters and Rogue Trooper; a Tharg The Mighty one-off, and of course Ro-Jaws’ Robo Tales! And if you’re looking for the smartest comics in history, this volume features the full run of Abelard Snazz stories: the man with the multi-storey brain! It’s genius, master!
Moore’s stories are complemented by the works of a string of legendary artists, including his first work with artist Dave Gibbons (Watchmen), alongside 2000AD icons including Ian Gibson (The Ballad of Halo Jones), Eric Bradbury (Rogue Trooper), Bryan Talbot (Grandville), Steve Dillon (Preacher), Brett Ewins (Bad Company) and more.
Collecting together all of the Moore’s work at 2000 AD across several volumes, The Complete 2000 AD by Alan Moore Volume 1: Future Shocks is available for pre-order now from the 2000 AD webshop!
Celebrate 35 Years of The Megazine
Judge Dredd Megazine celebrates 35 years of publication in October with a special anniversary issue, which features the return of much loved creators, characters, and series to the comic!
In 1990 a seismic shock swept through the comics industry, as an upstart new comics anthology rumbled into production for the first time. Judge Dredd Megazine, a sister title to the legendary British comics anthology 2000 AD, was brought to life!
Thirty-five years later and the Megazine is still going strong, and this October we’ll be celebrating 35 drokkin’ years of awesome comics with a celebratory issue featuring the return of beloved characters and series, a celebration of everything that the Megazine has stood for across the last three and a half decades!
“Thirty-five is an extraordinary birthday for any comic to have reached, let alone one that was tasked with expanding the universe of its older sibling’s lead character and has been running neck and neck with it ever since,” says Ben Smith, Head of Film, TV and Publishing for Rebellion.
“Such longevity would have been impossible without our editor Matt Smith guiding the Judge Dredd Megazine for more than half its lifetime, nor without the incredible artists and writers who have sustained it with classics, bold experiments, unexpected adventures, new characters, alongside the journalists giving us one-to-one interviews that cover the history and present of the comics medium in the UK. Most important of all, we are enormously grateful to the Megazine’s readers; subscribers and newsstand regulars, both physical and digital customers who have ensured its ongoing success.”
It’s Not the Years, It’s The Mileage
From its debut at the start of the 90s, Judge Dredd Megazine has been home to some of the most acclaimed and beloved comics in 2000 AD history, including Judge Dredd: America; Young Death, and Judge Anderson: Satan, as well as debuting new series including Dreadnoughts, Lawless, Armitage, Missionary Man, and Devlin Waugh.
Current editor Matt Smith says “The Meg reaching its 35th anniversary is a fantastic achievement, and testament to the wonderful work being published in its pages that readers are still flocking to. It’s fair to say that before the turn of the millennium the Meg’s future was not guaranteed – but it’s flourished over the past quarter of a century, building on some of the stunning stories of the nineties to become the unmissable companion to 2000 AD. Lawless, Dreadnoughts, Megatropolis, Angelic, Spector and more have shown that the Meg may be approaching middle age but it’s stronger and more vital than ever.’
New Stories
Judge Dredd Megazine 485 is out on the 15th October, and kicks off with a new one-off America story from Rob Williams and Colin MacNeil – who was the artist on the original ground-breaking America storyline which rocked the very first issue of the Meg back in 1990! America Beeny has aged in real time since she first appeared in that story, and was taken in by the Judges and trained to be one of them. Now an active Judge, Beeny and Dredd head off into the Cursed Earth to find a message from the past waiting for them…
Megatropolis, the alternate-universe retelling of Judge Dredd and Mega-City One from Ken Niemand and Dave Taylor, is another headline feature in October’s Meg. Returning to the art-deco noir of this unpredictable universe, which debuted in Judge Dredd Megazine back in 2020, much-anticipated sequel will feature the final published artwork from co-creator Dave Taylor, who sadly passed away earlier in the year. Although he hadn’t completed this story at that time, his pages are a reminder of the fierce and passionate flair that he brought to his storytelling – and 2000 AD have pledged to complete the run in tribute to him, with Chris Weston joining the series to draw the final pages.
Old Friends
Elsewhere Judge Anderson has a demonic new case to solve as well, returning to the Megazine which has been her home since 1992 courtesy of Alec Worley and Ben Willsher After a film premiere is taken over by a demonic incursion, Anderson is on the scene, ready to take the psychic battle to the silver screen!
And if you’re looking for hard-hitting political realism in your comics, the return of Dreadnoughts is just what you’re looking for. This Meg-Original series has been critically acclaimed for exploring how we went from our current police system to the judge state that will take over in Judge Dredd’s era. Mike Carroll, John Higgins and Sally Hurst head back into the darkness this issue…
Also returning is the gruff detective Armitage, who debuted in Judge Dredd Megazine #9 back in 1991. Working the tough streets of Brit-Cit, Armitage has a new case thanks to Liam Johnson and Staz Johnson which finds him exploring a serial killer whose patterns seem to replicate the murder spree of Jack the Ripper! And the anniversary line up is rounded off by the latest instalment of Rok The God, John Wagner, Alan Grant and Dan Cornwell’s sci-fi sports series!
The ground-shaking anniversary issue of Judge Dredd Megazine delivers over 100 pages of hard-hitting action and features, and is a true celebration of an incredible run – which continues to thrill readers around the world decades after debuting. Don’t miss this latest issue of one of the longest-running comics in history!
Celebrating 35 years of publication, Judge Dredd Megazine 485 will be published on 15th October 2025, and is available for pre-order now!
Your Local Comics Shops
Britain has some of the best comics shops in the world. This updated lists features just a few of the shops you can pop in to for your geek fix. Check out you own local shops and if they don’t appear on this list let me know and we can add them.
WORLDS APART BIRMINGHAM (part of FPI)
Birmingham’s premier comic book store and Pokestop.
Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 09:30 – 17:00
Wednesday, Friday: 09:30 – 18:00
Saturday: 09:30 – 18:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00
14-16 Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham B5 4EN Tel: 0121 643 0143
Website: Forbidden Planet International and Twitter: @WorldsApart_Bir
FORBIDDEN PLANET (BIRMINGHAM)
Graphic novel/comic store with merchandise & T-shirts, plus character figures & toys.
Monday to Saturday: 09:30 – 17:30
Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00
74 Bull St, Birmingham B4 6AD Tel: 0121 236 3026
Website: Forbidden Planet and Twitter: @ForbiddenPlanet
GOSH! COMICS (LONDON)
A mean little comics shop in the heart of London.
Open Daily: 10:30 – 19.00
1 Berwick St, London W1F 0DR Tel: 0207 437 0187
Website: Gosh! Comics and Twitter: @GoshComics
OK COMICS (LEEDS)
Twenty Year Old, Eisner Award Nominated Comic Book Shop in the beating heart of Leeds City Centre, UK.
Open Monday to Saturday: 11.00 – 17.00
Sunday: 11.00 – 15.00
19 Thornton’s Arcade, Briggate, Leeds LS1 6LQ Tel: 0113 246 9366
Website: OK Comics and Twitter: @OKComics
PAGE 45 (NOTTINGHAM)
UK Comic Shop created & curated since 1994 by Stephen Holland, Comics Laureate 2021-23.
Open Monday to Saturday: 09.00 – 18.00
Sunday: 11.00 – 16.00
Closed on Bank Holiday Mondays, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
9 Market St, Nottingham NG1 6HY Tel: (0115) 9508045
Website: Page 45 and Twitter: @PageFortyFive
TRAVELLING MAN (VARIOUS)
Travelling Man Is The UK’s Friendliest Comic & Games Shop Since 1991. Shop Online Now! Explore The Rich Genres & Worlds That Games, Comics & Independent Press Have To Offer. Since 1991.
Open Monday to Saturday: 10.00 – 18.00
Sunday: 11.00 -17.00
LEEDS
32 Central Road, Leeds LS1 6DE Tel: 0113 245 0822
YORK
74 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF Tel: 01904628787
NEWCASTLE
43 Grainger Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 5JE Tel: 0191 261 4993
MANCHESTER
4 Dale Street, Manchester M1 1JW Tel: 0161 237 1877
Website: Travelling Man and Twitter: @TravellingManUK
MEGA CITY COMICS (LONDON)
Mega City Comics, was established in 1981, initially as a mail-order business, supplying comics, graphic novels, and collecting supplies. After 6 years of mail-order and trading through the comic marts, we opened our shop in Camden Town in 1987.
Open Monday to Friday: 11.00 -18.00
Saturday: 10.30 – 18.00
Sunday: 11.00 – 18.00
18 Inverness Street, Camden Town, London NW1 7HJ Tel: 020 7485 9320
Website: Mega City Comics and Twitter: @MegaCityComics
MEGA CITY COMICS LIVES
Mega City Comics was aquired by Forbidden Planet in February 2025 and will now continue to be one of the best comic shops in the UK.
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS (VARIOUS)
A trio of comic shops in Bedford, Northampton and Peterborough.
BEDFORD
20 Allhallows, Bedford MK40 1LJ Tel: 01234 270777
Open Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 17.30
Saturday: 09:30 – 17:30
Sunday: 11:00 – 16:00
NORTHAMPTON
29 Abington Square, Northampton NN1 4AE Tel: 01604 602311
Monday: CLOSED
Open Tuesday: 10:00 – 17:30
Wednesday: 10:00 – 19.00
Thursday to Friday: 10:00 – 17:30
Saturday: 09:30 – 17:30
Sunday: 11:00 – 16:00
PETERBOROUGH
25 Broadway, Peterborough PE1 1SQ Tel: 01733 892827
Monday: CLOSED
Open Tuesday: 10:30 – 17:30
Wednesday: 10:30 – 18:00
Thursday to Friday : 10:30 – 17:30
Saturday: 09:30 – 17:30
Sunday: CLOSED
Website: Close Encounters and Twitter: @CEncountersUK
THAT COMIC SHOP (PRESTON)
Retailers of new Comics weekly, Magic the Gathering Card Games, Board Games, Toys, T-Shirts plus loads more.
Monday: CLOSED
Open Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00
Friday: 10:00 – 21:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday: CLOSED
116 Friargate, Preston PR1 2EE Tel: 01772 204287
Website: That Comic Shop and Twitter: @ThatComicShop
PARADOX COMICS (DORSET)
Comic book shop in Dorset, dealing in graphic novels, statues, action figures, card games, limited edition comics and more
Monday: Closed
Open Tuesday to Friday: 10:30 – 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 16:00
19 High Street, Poole, Dorset BH15 1AB Tel: 01202 661346
Website: Paradox Comics and Twitter: @ParadoxComicsUK
WAKEFIELD COMICS 616 (WAKEFIELD)
Comic Book Shop in the centre of Wakefield. Stocking the latest comics direct from the US.
Open Monday: 9:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 9:00 – 16:30
Wednesday to Saturday: 9:00 – 17:00
Sunday: CLOSED
3 The Springs, Wakefield West Yorkshire WF1 1PU Tel: 01924 375234
Website: Wakefield Comics 616 and Twitter: @wakeycomics616
COMIC BOOK GUYS (BELFAST)
Comic Book Guys – Northern Ireland’s newest independent comic book store also stocking movie memorabilia, toys & other collectibles… excelsior!
Open Monday to Saturday: 10.00 to 17.00
Sunday: CLOSED
130 Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7BG Tel: 02890 080169
Website: Comic Book Guys and Twitter: @comicbookguysni
RAYGUN COMICS (RICHMOND)
A welcoming and friendly comic book shop. Comics, toys, books, games and merchandise for all ages.
Open Monday to Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00
26 Red Lion Street, Richmond TW9 1RW Tel: 0208 948 8476
Website: Raygun Comics and Twitter: @Raygun_comics
DAVE’S COMCIS (BRIGHTON)
Dave’s Comics, The Graphic Novel Shop.
Open Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 09:30 – 18:00
Sunday: 11.00 – 17:00
5 Sydney St, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4EN Tel: 01273 691012
Website: Dave’s Comics and Twitter: @DavesComics
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