This week, we are diving into a truly eclectic mix of new releases that span from hard-boiled noir to high-fantasy sword and sorcery. Whether you are looking to solve a classic mystery, roll for initiative in the Forgotten Realms, or blast off into a retro sci-fi arcade, this week’s pull list has a little bit of everything. Grab a slice of cheesecake and settle in for some of the best sequential storytelling on the shelves.
Please note the links to Forbidden Planet are not affiliate 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 for review 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…
Rip Kirby #1
MAD CAVE STUDIOS
By Christopher Sebela, Tango, Kike J. Díaz and Jeff Eckleberry
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Rip Kirby #1 (Link)
CHRISTOPHER SEBELA & TANGO REMAKE A CRIME FICTION LEGEND! War hero. Star athlete. Brilliant scientist. Savvy private investigator. Rip Kirby’s reputation is long-secured, and these days he’s enjoying the post-war boom of New York City. With gorgeous and quick-witted Honey Dorian at his side and reformed criminal valet Desmond running the show, it’s a perfect life, and perfectly balanced. It’s been perfect for what seems like forever… But Rip’s world is about to get complicated, and his unflappably decent ways newly tested. Up against a world that seems to be growing too fast, can an upstanding man of morals and fair play like Rip remain himself or, he will be swallowed up by the ugliness?
In 1946, co-creators Alex Raymond and Ward Greene introduced a new, sophisticated kind of detective, Rip Kirby, a detective who stood apart from the hard-boiled heroes of the era. Solving cases through intelligence, scientific reasoning, and careful observation rather than brute force, Kirby helped redefine crime fiction and left an enduring mark on newspaper strips for generations to come. Now, two-time Eisner-nominated writer Christopher Sebela (High Crimes, Dead Letters) and rising star artist Tango (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Archie Horror) bring Rip Kirby to a contemporary audience with a mystery series as charming as it is thrilling.
The classic gentleman detective is back for a modern audience. Christopher Sebela and Tango have taken the iconic character created by Alex Raymond and thrust him into a contemporary noir that feels both fresh and deeply respectful of its roots. Rip Kirby is still the sharpest mind in the room, but the world around him has gotten a lot more complicated. Tango’s artwork is sleek and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the shadows and neon of a modern mystery. If you are a fan of classic detective fiction, this is an absolute must-read.
Mad Science Division #1
IGNITION PRESS
By Dan Watters, Brian Level, Lee Loughridge and Frank Cvetkovic
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Mad Science Division #1 (Link)
It’s no secret Archimedes Anderson is a nepo hire. Assigned chief-coordinator of R&D at the American arm of genetic engineering and bioweapons development company Miyashi-Smith, everyone knows he’s here for one purpose: to slash the budget and trim the fat. If he can cut 30% from the unaffectionately nicknamed “Mad Science Division” budget, he’ll earn a cushy, high-level job at HQ.
He goes in with a move-fast-and-break-stuff attitude, knowing absolutely nothing about the dangerous genetic experiments taking place in the division. When he upsets the delicate equilibrium of the department factions and removes guard rails which protect the workers and the public, he winds up exposing them to terrible, evil experiments.
From the twisted minds of Dan Watters (Nightwing; TMNT: Shredder) and Brian Level (Venom: Black, White & Blood) comes a comedic, sci-fi horror series that asks, “What if DOGE dismantled the SCP Foundation?”
Dan Watters and Brian Level are diving headfirst into the weird, the wild, and the scientifically impossible. This new series explores the fringes of science where ethics are optional and the results are terrifying. It is a brilliant, high-concept sci-fi thriller that asks the question: what happens when the smartest people in the world have absolutely no oversight?
The Last Starfighter #4
MAD CAVE STUDIOS,
By Deric Hughes, Ben Raab, Willi Roberts, Francesco Segala and Rob Jones
Buy from Forbidden Planet – The Last Starfighter #4 (Link)
NEW SHIPS, OLD TRICKS! The Ko-Dan Armada sets a trap for the Star League and its fledgling recruits! Alex Rogan is the only one among the Starfighters with real battle experience—and that terrifies him. But he’s still the best pilot in the galaxy, and with the newly upgraded Gunstars, they might just keep the Armada at bay. But the Blackstar Squadron doesn’t need new technology to outwit a young Star League Commander… The direct sequel to the beloved sci-fi film continues!
The arcade cabinet is glowing, and the fight for the frontier continues. Deric Hughes and Ben Raab are doing a fantastic job of capturing the magic of the original 1984 film while expanding the universe in exciting new directions. Willi Roberts’ art is dynamic and full of energy, making every dogfight feel cinematic. This is pure, unadulterated sci-fi fun.
Dungeons & Dragons #1
DARK HORSE COMICS
By Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Ibraim Roberson, Arabson Oliveira, Dan Brown and Haley Rose-Lyon
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Dungeons & Dragons #1 (Link)
A draconic apocalypse approaches the Forgotten Realms, and it has one name on its lips: MORDENKAINEN. Now, stripped of his magic but never out of the fight, the most powerful wizard in all reality will need the help of Faerûn’s most legendary heroes to restore the balance.
Creative hivemind Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly team with artist Ibraim Roberson for a brand-new ongoing epic that will shake the world(s) of Dungeons & Dragons!
The Hivemind (Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly) are taking us back to the Forgotten Realms, and they are bringing their signature high-octane storytelling with them. This new series is the perfect jumping-on point for both long-time tabletop fans and newcomers alike. Ibraim Roberson’s artwork is lush and detailed, bringing the magic and monsters of D&D to vivid life.
Red Sonja / Barbarella #1
DYNAMITE
By Homero Rios and Diego Yapur
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Red Sonja / Barbarella #1 (Link)
Two legendary heroines. Two impossible worlds. One mystery that should never have crossed between them.
Barbarella is sent after an Obsidian Mirror tied to her mysterious past – an object that may hold the key to a life she barely remembers. Far away, under a blood-red sky, Red Sonja rides into danger to rescue an Oracle whose fate seems already written in violence and prophecy.
Neither woman knows the other exists. Neither understands the force pulling them closer. But when science fiction collides with sword-and-sorcery, Barbarella and Red Sonja are drawn toward a strange new threat where memory, destiny, desire, and survival all carry a price. Science fiction meets savage fantasy in a new adventure where everything has a price… and some debts are paid in blood.
It is the ultimate crossover of sword and sorcery meets sci-fi cheesecake. Homero Rios and Diego Yapur are throwing two of comics’ most iconic heroines together for a time-bending adventure that is as action-packed as it is visually stunning. The dynamic between the fierce warrior and the futuristic space adventurer is absolute gold.
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. NEW ADDITIONS – COMIC CLASH IN EVESHAM & CITY CENTRE COMICS IN GLASGOW
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
CITY CENTRE COMICS (GLASGOW)
A specialist back issue comic shop based in Glasgow. They also stock new monthly comics, graphic novels, t-shirts and toys. Thousands of titles in stock, they also buy and sell Marvel, DC, Image and indie comics. Glasgows best silver / bronze age comic dealer with a large selection always in stock.
Established in 1992, City Centre Comics was founded by Pete Root who started out in the Argyle market and in July of 1993 moved into AKA comics in Parnie Street (A1 Comics today).After a couple of years there he moved to the back of Forbidden Planet Glasgow and was there until 2002 moving back to Parnie Street in Kollectables.In 2007 Current owner Chris O’Brien took over and was there until May 2012 moving the shop to its current location in the West End.
Monday Closed
Tuesday 11am till 4pm
Wednesday 10am till 5pm
Thurday/Friday 11am till 4pm
Saturday 10am till 5pm
Sunday 12pm till 4pm
37 Ruthven Lane, Glasgow G12 9BG Tel: 0141 357 6325
Website: City Centre Comics and Instagram: @city_centre_comics
COMIC CLASH (EVESHAM)
Comic Clash is an independent comic book and pop culture shop in Evesham, Worcestershire, owned and run by Lewis Weston
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday – 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday – 10:00 – 17:00
Friday – 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday – 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday – Closed
Shop 1, 62 High St, Evesham WR11 4HG
Email clash.comics1@gmail.com
Tiktok – @comicclash3
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 COMICS (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 and Hove BN1 4EN Tel: 01273 691012
Website: Dave’s Comics and Twitter: @DavesComics
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