Death, Teddies and Snoochie Boochies – Wednesday Comics. Welcome to Wednesday Comics. Each week, we will highlight our Comic of the Week, along with other notable releases, classic favourites, and industry news.
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…
Archie Meets Jay & Silent Bob #1
Archie Comics
By Kevin Smith, Fernando Ruiz, Jack Morelli, Matt Herms and Rich Koslowski
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Archie Meets Jay & Silent Bob #1 (Link)
SNOOCHIE BOOCHIES, ARCHIE FANS!! Yes, you read that right—acclaimed writer, director, actor, producer, and podcaster Kevin Smith takes the teens you know and love from Riverdale on the wildest ride of their lives. What’s supposed to be a summer job at Quick Stop for Archie Andrews turns into so much more; from a budding friendship with co-worker Randal Graves, crashing a Pussycats concert, a potential new love interest, Jay and Silent Bob being, well, Jay and Silent Bob, and a musical number that will be burned into your brain forever. Plus, could Jay and Silent Bob even help Archie to finally choose between Betty and Veronica? SNOOGANS!! Featuring legendary Archie artists Fernando Ruiz and inker Rich Koslowksi, this is a DOUBLE-SIZED, CAN’T-MISS event FOR MATURE AUDIENCES unlike anything we’ve ever done before!
It was touch and go whether this or Planet Death would be my Comic of the Week, but in the end I just couldn’t resist returning to the View Askewniverse. Expect classic Riverdale charm mixed with stoner madness, as Archie navigates friendship, romance, and the eternal Betty vs. Veronica dilemma—with Jay and Silent Bob offering their own brand of “wisdom.” Featuring legendary Archie artists and a variety of collectible covers, this comic marks Archie’s first mature-rated outing and promises laughs, nostalgia, and unexpected heart in this unique mashup of two iconic worlds.
Planet Death #1
Bad Idea Comics
By Robert Venditti, Derek Kolstad, Tomás Giorello and Sunny Gho
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Planet Death #1 (Link)
The explosive 48-page first issue of the record-breaking series premieres in a high end, deluxe prestige format! From the minds of blockbuster screenwriter Derek Kolstad — creator and writer of the box office dominating motion picture franchise JOHN WICK — and New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (Superman ‘78, Green Lantern), along with artistic visionaries Tomás Giorello (Star Wars, Conan) and ten-time Eisner Award-winner Dave Stewart (Star Wars, Hellboy) comes a groundbreaking new sci-fi epic.
Millions of miles from home, hundreds of ships descend into the stormy atmosphere of a hostile frozen world. On board, an army of resolute men and women brace for the coming assault. They are an invasion force, on an impossible mission — destroy the devastating enemy weapon garrisoned below. Corporal Scott and his battalion are in the vanguard but the human forces are no match for their brutal alien adversaries. Scott’s battalion is dead within moments. He is its lone survivor. The landing force annihilated, the battle is lost.
Against overwhelming odds, Scott dares the unthinkable — cross behind enemy lines, survive the lethal landscape, evade capture by ruthless enemies, resist natural predators, face human deserters and finish the mission singlehandedly. Locked in his suit of full combat battle armor, sustained only by what he can carry, and driven by Earth’s wrath, Scott must do by himself what an entire army could not. Destroy the weapon. Return home.
From the creator of John Wick and the writer of Green Lantern comes a brutal sci-fi epic. I’ve not heard of Bad Idea Comics, before but this issue promises stunning art and high-stakes action, making it a essential read this week.
Godzilla: Here There Be Aliens #2
IDW Publishing
By Frank Tieri, Ángel Hernández, Heather Breckel and Steve Wands
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Godzilla: Here There Be Aliens #1 (Link)
The Xiliens have already invaded!
An intergalactic conspiracy dating back hundreds of years is on the verge of tearing apart human society! Every encounter with space kaiju since King Ghidorah landed in ancient Egypt has been an attempt to destabilize life on Earth!
Now, all over the planet, the Xiliens are landing — and with them, thousands upon thousands of Hedorah drones.
Will one rogue government operative be enough to send these extraterrestrial attackers back into outer space?!
Writer Tieri and Inaki Miranda deliver high-octane action and eerie atmosphere in this pulpy, sci-fi adventure. With the fate of Earth hanging in the balance, the question remains: are the monsters our protectors—or the first wave of an invasion?
The Toxic Avenger Comics #1
Ahoy Comics
By Matt Bors and Fred Harper
Buy from Forbidden Planet – The Toxic Avenger Comics #1 (Link)
You demanded it, so here it is: a new ONGOING series featuring the movies’ grossest hero, masterminded by the hit creative team from 2024’s TOXIC AVENGER miniseries! In this issue’s self-contained horror story, kids are disappearing from Toxie’s hometown of Tromaville, NJ. Did they simply run away from the chemically polluted town? Or is the real explanation even more frightening? Find out before the new TOXIE film hits theaters, THIS SUMMER!
Toxie Team-Up was a blast, and now from the team behind the 2024 Toxic Avenger miniseries are back with a brand-new ongoing series, kicking off with a chilling standalone horror tale. Expect grotesque action, biting satire, and radioactive weirdness as Ahoy Comics reboots the cult classic for a new era.
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring #1
IDW Publishing
By Patrick Horvath and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring #1 (Link)
The six-issue return of the Eisner-nominated cozy horror smash hit!
It’s been eight long years since a bloodlusting brown bear drove into the city, kidnapped a kind young duck, dissected his body, and buried the pieces in the woods. The duck’s family painstakingly sought justice… but this brown bear was smart… she covered her tracks… and in the ’80s, there simply wasn’t a way for the duck’s family to find answers.
But it’s not the ’80s anymore. Almost a decade after cuddly brown bear Samantha Strong solidified herself as the sole serial killer in Woodbrook, the world is entering a new era.
As Samantha will soon find out, there are no secrets in the age of the internet. And those who lost loved ones to her massacre haven’t given up the flame of justice. A reckoning is coming to Woodbrook.
Join visionary writer and artist Patrick Horvath for one of the most anticipated comics of 2025.
The Eisner-nominated cozy horror returns. Set nearly a decade after the blood-soaked finale of the original series, Samantha the serial-killing bear is back—and still hiding in plain sight in the idyllic town of Woodbrook. With more gore, more heart, and even more unsettling charm, Rite of Spring kicks off a twisted new chapter in one of comics’ most exciting series.
The UnChosen #1
Image Comics
By David Marquez, Marissa Louise and D. C. Hopkins
Buy from Forbidden Planet – The UnChosen #1 (Link)
13-year-old Aida wakes in a city laid waste by a massive explosion — a scene of devastation that SHE caused. Pursued by rival forces wielding incredible powers, she must discover who truly wants to help her, who wants to control her, and the truth behind her own mysterious past.
Acclaimed creator DAVID MARQUEZ (Uncanny X-Men, Miles Morales) makes his highly anticipated debut as both writer and artist on his first creator-owned series.
The UnChosen is the gripping debut creator-owned series from acclaimed artist David Marquez, blending post-apocalyptic survival with emotional depth and high-stakes mystery. Think The Last of Us—but from the perspective of those who broke the world.
Transformers: Worst Bot Ever – Meet Ballpoint! TP
Image Comics/Skybound
By Brian Smith and Marz Jr.
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Transformers: Worst Bot Ever – Meet Ballpoint! TP (Link)
He’s the littlest Decepticon with the biggest dreams to take down the Autobots — Meet BALLPOINT in Transformers: Worst Bot Ever, a new adventure graphic novel for young readers!
The Decepticons are known for being bad… but Ballpoint is truly the worst — the biggest failure of them all. After the latest attempt to take down the Autobots goes horribly wrong, he’s kicked out of the Decepticons, for good!
Will Ballpoint be able to prove his worth by defeating the Autobots all by himself? Or will he keep failing and find that being the “best” is More than Meets the Eye?
Brian “Smitty” Smith (Pea, Bee, and Jay) and Marz Jr. introduce middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) to the misadventures of the bot who is mightier than the sword in TRANSFORMERS: WORST BOT EVER: MEET BALLPOINT.
Meet Ballpoint—the Decepticon so bad at being bad, he got kicked out. In this hilarious and heart-filled graphic novel for all-ages, Ballpoint sets out to prove he’s not the worst bot ever… even if everything he touches turns into a disaster. With slapstick action, colourful art, and a surprising amount of heart, Transformers: Worst Bot Ever is a fresh, funny take on the iconic franchise that’s perfect for young readers and longtime fans alike.
Red Dragon Soars for 2000 AD In September
Bore da! This September 2000 AD welcomes back a Welsh legend for an all-new story spinning from the pages of the classic series Zenith!
Originally appearing in 1987 in Grant Morrison and Steve Yeowell’s much-loved Zenith, Welsh superhero Red Dragon is returning in 2025 for a new series which looks back at the character’s origins, marking a major new series for The Galaxy’s Greatest Comic!
Original Zenith artist Yeowell returns with writer Rob Williams and artist Patrick Goddard for a new story set across two ages, exploring the beating heart of Welsh courage.
Red Dragon first debuted in the very first Zenith series in issue #535 in 1987: a Welsh superhero recruited by the bratty young superhero to take on the danger of Nazi super-soldier Masterman. Red Dragon, real name Siadwel Rhys, was a pyrokinetic hero who had found fame in the 1960s – but by the 1980s, Zenith found this once-mighty hero had become disillusioned and lost his heart for battle.
Rob Williams explains: “Reading Red Dragon’s story arc in Zenith in 1987 broke my heart, and I wasn’t alone in that. Grant and Steve created this vibrant, deeply flawed, extremely human character and, what’s more – he was a Welsh superhero. Red Dragon sounded and felt like quite a few people I’ve known over the years growing up in South Wales, just they didn’t have the ability to fly (although there were a few alcoholics and arsonists).”
Shwmae Siadwel
Siadwel’s only appearance to date was in the first “phase” of Zenith, although he’s long been a fan-favourite character – as Yeowell knows all too well, noting that Siadwel has become “one of the mainstays of my sketching repertoire. My first encounter with him was when he appeared in Zenith phase one, more than thirty years ago: a broken and disillusioned figure, fated for a tragic end. So I’m really excited at the opportunity to work with 2000 AD writing veteran Rob Williams and fellow artist Patrick Goddard on this dual timeline story, to show him as a super hero in his 1960s prime – charismatic, confident and principled”.
This new series heads back in time to explore the young and powerful Welsh pyrokinetic in his glory days during the swingin’ Sixties. Yeowell and Goddard will split artistic duties, with Yeowell joined by colourist Dylan Teague to explore the 1960s-set sequence, while Goddard remains in the present day, pencilling events as a documentary crew head to post-Brexit Wales to look at the legacy left by their greatest hero.
Meet Us In Cardiff
To celebrate that legacy, Williams and Goddard will both be heading to Forbidden Planet in Cardiff on Saturday 27th September from 3pm-4pm for a very special Red Dragon signing. To make things even better, they’ll be joined by Rogue Trooper: Ghost Patrol artist – and fellow Welsh hero – Neil Edwards, making this a can’t-miss event for 2000 AD fans!
For the creative team this is an opportunity to explore Welsh heritage and culture, as Williams notes: “When I was asked if I would be interested in telling a Red Dragon story, I started to think about the idea of a Welsh superhero. Of where the UK and Wales was in the 1960s of Red Dragon’s heyday, of showing some of that optimism and bright colour, and then telling a story about where Wales, and Britain, is now.”
Red Dragon starts in 2000 AD Prog 2451, a special bumper issue releasing on 24 September! Subscribe to 2000 AD today to reserve your copy!
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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