Deaths, Diggers and Dates. 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 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…
2000AD #2469
2000AD • REBELLION
By John Wagner, Mike Perkins, Chris Blythe, Annie Parkhouse, David Barnett, Lee Milmore, Gary Caldwell, Ben Wheatle, Simon Coleby, Jack Davies, Kek-W, Rob Richardson, Rob Steen, Peter Milligan, Kieran McKeown, Jim Boswell and Simon Bowland
Buy from Forbidden Planet – 2000AD #2469 (Link)
2000 AD Prog 2469 kicks off with a pair of explosive finales, as some major storylines reach their breaking point. This week sees the 3riller Money Shot: High Stakes wrap up with a scrotnig cameo from a long‑lost 2000 AD character from the min-nineties. Judge Dredd: Death of a Judge delivers a fiery climax that could mark Joe’s last hurrah. It’s also a historic moment for the comic. This prog features John Wagner’s final Dredd tale (for the time being, at least). A cracking story to end on if that remains the case.
There’s also more excitement from Herne & Shuck, Judge Dee and The Discarded.
Judge Dredd: Death of a Judge reaches its gripping finale as John Wagner delivers a tense, twist-laden climax to his last ever Judge Dredd story. Will it be Joe’s too? Elsewhere, Herne & Shuck continues with the magical intrigue steering into heartfelt territory. Meanwhile, Judge Dee is pushed into ever darker psychic territory, while the latest of Tharg’s 3rillers wraps up with sharp, pulpy energy and an unexpected cameo. The Discarded rounds out a packed prog that showcases why 2000AD is still the Galaxies Greatest Comic.
The Thing on the Doorstep #1
IMAGE COMICS · TOP COW PRODUCTIONS
By H. P. Lovecraft, Simon Birks, Willi Roberts and Rob Jones
Buy from Forbidden Planet – The Thing on the Doorstep #1 (Link)
Daniel Upton and Edward Derby have been best friends almost their entire lives, right up to the point Daniel shoots Edward dead in the Arkham Sanitorium — a crime Daniel swears he didn’t commit, despite all the evidence. What happened on that fateful day in Arkham? What is the truth behind this seemingly mindless act of violence? Witness the beginning of this doomed relationship and Edward’s slow descent into a horrifying world beyond his control.
From award-winning writer Simon Birks (ANTARCTICA, Sinners, Gone, The Shadow Over Innsmouth) with artist Willi Roberts (ANTARCTICA, The Dark, Clodagh, The Blood Below, Remothered) comes a chilling tale based on HP Lovecraft’s terrifying story.
The Thing on the Doorstep #1 hits hard from page one, plunging us into a friendship curdled by something unspeakable. This issue crafts a dread-soaked atmosphere, blending psychological tension with creeping cosmic horror as Upton and Derby’s bond fractures under forces beyond control. A striking, unsettling opener that promises a chilling descent in to madness.
The Center Holds #1
BOOM! STUDIOS
By Larry Hama, Mark D. Bright, Josh Burcham and Janice Chiang
Buy from Forbidden Planet – The Center Holds #1 (Link)
A new superhero universe is born!
In a world where superheroes have become commonplace, heroes are required to join a union or else face serious financial liability for the damage caused during battles.
Enter the Superheroes’ Union: A team-up of genius Scyber, psychic Lakshmi, the mysterious Keeper, and child prodigy Nekkotron, among others, as they battle villains and bureaucracy alike.
And though the delicate balance of mitigating damage while saving lives is already tough enough, they’ve got their own worries with a constant stream of villains rising up to challenge them.
Follow along as the legendary duo of writer Larry Hama and artist M.D. “Doc” Bright, marking his final work, question the very nature of what it means to be a hero in this thrilling new giant-size issue!
A sharp, modern superhero universe where capes come with contracts, liability, and a union card. Hama and the late Mark D. Bright set the tone with a world where saving lives means navigating red tape as much as rogue villains. The Superheroes’ Union—featuring Scyber, Lakshmi, the Keeper, and Nekkotron—faces both explosive threats and bureaucratic choke points, giving every action real stakes. The result: a fresh, grounded, high‑impact opening salvo for a universe built on accountability.
ThunderCats Valentine’s Day Special 2026 #1
DYNAMITE
By Ed Brisson and Elton Thomasi
Buy from Forbidden Planet – ThunderCats Valentine’s Day Special 2026 #1 (Link)
LOVE — AND THUNDER — ARE IN THE AIR! After setting out on a solo mission to explore the wilds of Third Earth, Panthro finds himself caught in the middle of an ancient battle between two rival warlords. Trapped in an endless cycle of violence, the feuding parties have been at each other’s throats for longer than anyone can remember — but as Panthro discovers, their enmity has been made all the more bitter because of what they used to mean to each other.
Faced with an escalating conflict that could endanger the ThunderCats’ adopted home, Panthro must find a way to unravel a tangled web of old wounds and raw emotions and ignite a spark of reconciliation between the star-crossed commanders — before the bloodshed expands to cover all of Third Earth!
ED BRISSON, the irresistible author of ThunderCats: Lost and Apex, teams up with hot-blooded artist ELTON THOMASI (Lost Dimension, Animosity) for an epic 40-page tale of pride and passion — featuring ardently obsessive covers from NICOLETTA BALDARI, SEBASTIAN PIRIZ, and ZULEMA SCOTTO LAVINA, as well as a classic piece of ANIMATION ART and a special PREMIUM MYSTERY BLIND BAG! The Blind Bag contains three limited editions of the issue selected randomly from a range of covers exclusive to this offering — including virgin variants, colored blanks, and more! Please Note: The number of Blind Bags is limited, and allocations may occur.
Just in time for the big day, this Valentine’s special delivers a fierce, emotionally charged one‑shot that sends Panthro on a solo trek that spirals into an ancient feud fueled by heartbreak and lingering grudges. Caught between two rival warlords locked in a cycle of violence, Panthro becomes the unlikely catalyst for reconciliation as old wounds threaten to engulf all of Third Earth. This 40‑page issues blends thunder, passion, and high‑stakes tension—purr-rfect for fans wanting heartfelt character stakes alongside classic ThunderCats adventure.
Just Brutal #1
IGNITION PRESS
By Dennis Hopeless, Brahm Revel and Marissa Louise
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Just Brutal #1 (Link)
Every family has problems — but the Savage Family has actual monsters.
Jordan Savage is a normal 16-year-old kid barely holding it together after his parents’ recent divorce. His twin sister Winter is his opposite in every way — including how she is coping with the changes in the Savage family’s lives.
And those changes are bigger than they could even imagine. They are about to find out that the boring, bickering parents they’ve lived with this whole time are secretly ancient death-dealing barbarian warriors. They have been living quietly for 3000 years, having defeated their nemesis—the evil sorcerer warlord Farklar the Fleshless — leaving the world safe for humanity. Only now, Farklar has returned, and his army of hideous Mordorks are about to devour Des Moines. Now the Savages are piled in Mom’s minivan headed for Iowa to wage war against Black Magic Armageddon. Jordan is freaking out, Winter thinks it’s all pretty cool, and no one is sure if Mom and Dad can get along long enough to save civilization from destruction.
Just Brutal is an action-packed thrill ride that stacks the trauma of family against the challenge of saving the world. Written by Dennis Hopeless (Heart Eyes; Spider-Woman) with art by Brahm Revel (Guerillas; Marvel Knights: X-Men) and colorist Marissa Lousie (Mr. Terrific).
Just Brutal #1 explodes with a wild fusion of family drama and full‑tilt fantasy mayhem. This issue introduces the Savage family—teen siblings Jordan and Winter, still reeling from their parents’ divorce—just in time to discover Mom and Dad are actually 3,000‑year‑old barbarian warriors hiding from their resurrected nemesis, Farklar the Fleshless. What follows is a breakneck road trip in a minivan toward Black Magic Armageddon, stuffed with Mordorks, monster battles, and chaotic emotional whiplash.
The Digger #1
INVADER COMICS
By T. S. Luther and Sam Gudilin
Buy from Forbidden Planet – The Digger #1 (Link)
In 1930s Veracruz Mexico, along the Gulf Coast, lie Olmec ruins, all but hidden to anyone from the outside world. Locals make money guiding academics and scholars through the region. But there is one name that is spoken in hushed tones, one name guides stay away from, they call him “El Excavador”. But The Boy doesn’t listen to whispers, he hasn’t seen that no one returns from guiding The American in the hat. No, The Boy doesn’t know the man with the eyes of the devil. But, The Boy knows he needs money for his sick grandma, and The Boy knows The American has money, and The Boy KNOWS where the ruins are. What begins as guide and treasure hunter, turns into cat and mouse.
I do love a hero with a shovel (see The Shoveler of the Mystery Men) so I couldn’t resist this new title. Not to be confused with the upcoming Tom Cruise movie, The Digger #1 drags us into the humid, perilous wilds of 1930s Veracruz, where ancient Olmec ruins and whispered legends set the stage for a tense, folklore‑soaked horror adventure. This debut issue pits a desperate young boy against “El Excavador,” a devil‑eyed American treasure hunter no guide dares accompany—yet the boy needs money, and danger feels like opportunity. What begins as a simple escort job twists into a deadly cat‑and‑mouse chase through jungle shadows and buried secrets. A perfect pick for fans of pulp‑inspired, atmospheric horror. Go check it out.
MAKE 2026 THE YEAR OF THE COMIC CON
There are loads of great comic conventions coming your way in 2026 so here is a quick roundup of ones you really shouldn’t miss.
Though Bubble
This year marks the 20th Edition of Thought Bubble with a week long festival from 9-15 November 2026, taking place across Yorkshire. The main Comic Convention will be on 14 & 15 November 2026 at the Harrogate Convention Centre. Comic Convention tickets are on sale now: thoughtbubblefestival.com/tickets
Macc-Pow!
The Comic Art Festival in Macclesfield, Cheshire will be celebrating their eleventh year of Macc-Pow which will take place between 25th -28th June. Full details have yet to be announced but keep on eye on their website and be ready to book your tickets – https://maccpow.co.uk
Lawless Comic Con
Lawless Comic Con is back in May. This celebration of UK comics is a chance for fans to meet the artists and writers who work on their favourite characters in teh very best of British comics. This years event with be raising money for Prostate Cancer UK, a charity chosen in memory of comic artist Dave Taylor, who sadly passed away in last August. You can find out more and book your tickets via their website – https://lawlesscomiccon.co.uk/
Comic Assemble ComicCon
On August 15th at Gloucester Leisure Centre, there is the new Comic Assemble Comic Con from local legend Shane Chebsey. This is a democratic comic convention celebrating creators, their work, and the community. I have very fond memories of the other great cons Shane has hosted so this is set to be one to watch. Find out more and book your tickets – here.
High Viz Comic Con
High Viz Comic Con, returns to Kings Heath in Birmingham (home of the first UK Comic Con way back in 1968) on 19th September 2026 after a magnificent debut in 2025. They will have a whole host of returning guests as well as a few new names – and rather BIG names, too – which are yet to be announced, so do stay tuned and keep up with all the announcements over the coming months!
For tickets, head over here and get yours 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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