The Geeky Brummie Pull List with Gatchaman
We have 12 new comics for you this week. Our Comic of the Week is Gatchaman from Mad Cave Studios. The other comics on the main pull list come from Mad Cave Studios, Image Comics, Skybound, BOOM! Studios, IDW Publishing, Marvel Comics and DC Comics and DC Comics Black Label. Our On The Radar selection includes 2 new comics from Image Comics and IDW Publishing. In MEANWHILE... a massive roundup of all the important 2000AD related news stories from the past few weeks.
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…
Gatchaman
Issue 1
Mad Cave Studios
Script – Cullen Bunn
Art – Chris Batista
Colours – Carlos Lopez
Letters – Buddy Beaudoin
Buy digitally from Comixology/Kindle – Gatchaman #1 (Link)
The triumphant return of Gatchaman, the iconic Japanese animated franchise of a five-member, bird-themed superhero team, known to Western audiences as Battle of the Planets!
A mechanical terror has descended upon numerous cities and the world’s greatest scientists are disappearing. Our only hope: Science Ninja Team Gatchaman! As they battle these machinations from the international terrorist organization known as Galactor, their strength, willpower, and even vehicles are pushed to the absolute limit. If they fail…who’s waiting in the wings to take their place? The first exciting issue in an ongoing series that expands upon the original anime series!
ONE CONTINUITY, INFINITE POSSIBILITIES!
As a fan of the original Battle of the Planets TV, I’m excited to see the team return in this new Gatchaman comic series. I thought the FCBD issue was a great reintroduction to the world, and in this new ongoing series the nostalgia is mixed with fresh storytelling promises and it should be an exciting ride for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. If you’ve only a faint memory of the old TV show then this is your chance to catch up with the wider world of G Force and Science Ninja Team Gatchaman.
Gatchaman – Ken: Deathmatch
Issue 1
Mad Cave Studios
Script – Tommy Lee Edwards
Art – Mindy Lee
Colours – Giada Marchisio
Letters – John Workman
Buy digitally on Comixology/Kindle – Gatchaman – Ken: Deathmatch #1 (Link)
Ken goes undercover to infiltrate an underground gambling ring where martial artists from around the globe fight to the death. There, the winners are captured and brought to a secret Galactor recruiting base. If they refuse to join, the captives are dropped in the jungle and hunted as prey for Galactor’s training program. Can anyone make it out alive? The first in a series of self-contained one-shots that each focus on a separate member of Science Ninja Team Gatchaman!
The second of two Gatchaman comics released today, this one-shot features captivating artwork by Nicoletta Baldari, and the story by Tommy Lee Edwards promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. I’m looking forward to seeing what Mad Cave can do with the Gatchaman Universe and you should keep an eye out for more one-shots and limited series in the coming months that expand on the characters and their world.
Animal Pound
Issue 4
BOOM! Studios
Script – Tom King
Art – Peter Gross
Colours – Tamra Bonvillain
Letters – Clayton Cowles
Buy digitally on Comixology/Kindle – Animal Pound #4 (Link)
Piggy the dog reigns in a dictatorial role, instating a system of brutality and death, a meatgrinder of hierarchy that there is no escape from.
When two groups of animals work together to try and put a stop to this, will their efforts be enough to prevent Piggy’s third term?
Animal Pound continues the series’ thought-provoking exploration of power, freedom, and resistance. King and Gross continue to deliver a compelling narrative that still resonates in the modern world. As a fan of the original Animal Farm novel, I’m loving the fresh take on the timeless themes of the book, and this series is highly recommended.
Universal Monsters: Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives!
Issue 3
Image Comics/Skybound
Script – Dan Watters and Ram V.
Art – Matthew Roberts
Colours – Dave Stewart
Letters – D.C.Hopkins
Kate’s quest for revenge creates unexpected dangers as she closes in on the serial killer known as Collier and discovers their surprising connection to the creature that dwells within the rainforest.
In this penultimate issue, Dan Watters and Ram V take us back to the mysterious Amazonian lagoon where terror lurks beneath murky waters. The story continues to follow Kate’s quest for revenge as she closes in on the serial killer known as Collier. But unexpected dangers arise, and a surprising connection to the creature dwelling in the rainforest is revealed.
Godzilla vs. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers II
Issue 3
IDW Publishing/BOOM! Studios
Script – Cullen Bunn
Art – Baldemar Rivas
Colours – Andrew Dalhouse
Letters – Johanna Nattalie
Buy digitally on Comixology/Kindle – Godzilla vs. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers II #3 (Link)
The terrifying Psycho Rangers have siphoned the energies of some of Godzilla’s greatest foes, giving rise to the Kaiju Psycho Rangers! Even with Jet Jaguar and Mothra by their side,Godzilla and the Power Rangers might not stand a chance! But Zordon and the fairies have one last magical trick to play… one that creates the most unexpected group of Power Rangers of all time!
I recommend checking out this comic to witness this epic clash of titans and to discover the surprising new team of Rangers. The creative team, including writer Cullen Bunn and artist Baldemar Rivas, deliver action-packed visuals and an intriguing storyline. If you’re a fan of either franchise, this crossover series is a must-read!
Star Trek: Defiant
Issue 16
IDW Publishing
Script – Christopher Cantwell
Art – Angel Unzueta
Colours – Marissa Louise
Letters – Clayton Cowles
Buy digitally on Comixology/Kindle – Star Trek: Defiant #16 (Link)
It’s now or never for the Defiant crew if they are to survive the parasitic infestation on the isolated Section 31 outpost Starbase 99. But with B’Elanna still connected to both Borg ally Hugh and the parasite hivemind, Nymira nowhere to be found, and a giant portal connecting their reality to a horde of hellish bugs just itching to burrow into each of their brain stems, things are looking dire at best. The third arc of the critically acclaimed series ends here!
Star Trek: Defiant continues to deliver intense storytelling and high-stakes drama. Fans of Star Trek in all its forms won’t want to miss this fantastic addition to the excellent IDW comic universe.
Void Rivals
Issue 10
Image Comics/Skybound
Script – Robert Kirkman
Art – Lorenzo De Felici
Colours – Patricio Delpeche
Letters – Rus Wooton
Buy digitally on Comixology/Kindle – Void Rivals #10 (Link)
Secrets of the Sacred Ring revealed! VOID RIVALS finally puts the “energon” in their corner of the Energon Universe!
Away from the Transformers and G.I Joe contingent of the Energon Universe, Void Rivals continues to tell a compelling story that impresses with its complexity and ever deepening relationship between the main characters. Highly recommended.
Power Girl
Issue 10
DC Comics
Script – Leah Williams
Art – Eduardo Pansica and Júlio Ferreira
Colours – Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Letters – Becca Carey
Buy digitally on Comixology/Kindle – Power Girl #10 (Link)
Break out! Power Girl joins the Holliday Girls in this action-packed “House of Brainiac” tie-in! Goblin and his goons may have the neighborhood, but they’ll never break the spirit of our local hero and her new allies. With the biker gangs brawling, it’s now up to Crush and Paige to shut the Czarnians down for good. Can the power of brains, brawn, and beauty prevail?
This is the only part of the House of Brainic story I’m reading so I’ve no idea how it fits in to the overall event, but Power Girl remains a fun series that is well worth your time.
Zatanna: Bring Down the House
Issue 1
DC Black Label
Script – Mariko Tamaki
Art – Javier Rodríguez
Letters – Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Buy digitally on Comixology/Kindle – Zatanna: Bring Down the House #1 (Link)
AN ALL-NEW DC BLACK LABEL SERIES FROM EISNER-WINNING WRITER MARIKO TAMAKI AND ARTIST JAVIER RODRÍGUEZ! And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for… please put your hands together for Zatanna Zatara! The greatest entertainer in the crappiest hotel and casino of Las Vegas! Not that the ritzier spots on the Strip haven’t come calling, of course. But since a devastating instance of magic gone wrong that forever changed the course of her childhood, Zatanna would much rather live out her days as a top-hat-and-fishnets-wearing sleight-of-hand stage act than bother with real magic. These days, she doesn’t think much of the past at all. That is, until an interdimensional vortex cracks open during Zatanna’s act, and a terrifying demon crawls out to kill her. If she hopes to survive the horrors that follow it, she’ll need to take herself and her power seriously for the first time in a long time — and fast. Because when it comes to your past, you can run… but you can’t hide forever!
In this fresh start for Zatanna, the story exists in its own space, separate from the current DC Universe continuity. Tamaki and Rodríguez take a modern approach, reminiscent of Marvel’s new Ultimate Universe. While some fans may miss the familiar continuity, this comic offers a refreshing take on the character.
Union Jack the Ripper: Blood Hunt
Issue 2
Marvel Comics
Script – Cavan Scott
Art – Kev Walker and Craig Yeung
Colours – Javier Tartaglia
Letters – Travis Lanham
Buy digitally on Comixology/Kindle – Union Jack the Ripper: Blood Hunt #2 (Link)
WAR OF BLOOD! JOEY CHAPMAN, Union Jack, is at war with the brood of a certain vampire running amok in Manchester… But who is THE HUNGER? And what ally of Union Jack has fallen prey to his wicked ways?
Much like House of Brainiac, I’m not really reading much of the main Blood Hunt story line, but if you enjoy vampire lore, suspense, and morally complex characters, this series is definitely worth picking up. The art by Kev Walker adds to the eerie atmosphere, and Cavan Scott’s writing keeps the intrigue alive. Any any opportunity to see more of Union Jack, and in a vision cameo here, Captain Britain, is always welcome.
On the Radar, these are comics I’ve not got on my physical Pull List, but are books I’ll pick up digitally or in trades:
Feral #4
Image Comics
Script – Tony Fleecs
Art – Tone Rodriguez and Trish Forstner
Colours – Brad Simpson
Buy digitally on Comixology/Kindle – Feral #4 (Link)
MORE ANIMAL HORROR IN THIS ONGOING SERIES FROM THE CREATORS OF STRAY DOGS! The indoor cats finally come home, but so do their secrets! After surviving the rabies-infested forest, can the cats survive… each other?!? And what exactly is lurking in the basement? Don’t get bit. Don’t get scratched. Don’t become… FERAL.
Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons II – Sons of Giants #1
IDW Publishing
Script – Frank Tieri
Art – Inaki Miranda
Colours – Eva de la Cruz
Letters – Steve Wands
Buy digitally on Comixology/Kindle – Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons II – Sons of Giants #1 (Link)
A sequel to last summer’s smash miniseries! Frank Tieri and Inaki Miranda reunite to explore the conspiracy that led to Sir Francis Drake hiding his treasure on Monster Island! Who are the Sons of Giants, and what is their mission? More importantly, what is their connection to Godzilla and the other monsters? This series shows us how it all came to be, how Godzilla was discovered by the leaders of the world, and how it changed history forever!
Christmas just got Thrill-powered Again
Rebellion is proud to announce the return of the 2000 AD Annual!
After an absence of three decades, the first 2000 AD Annual of the 21st Century arrives in November – in plenty of time to make it under the tree – from all good comic book stores, as well as the 2000 AD webshop!
This gorgeous hardcover collection will feature a mix of brand new and classic stories from top creators – including John Wagner (A History of Violence), Alan Grant (Batman), Simon Spurrier (Hellblazer, Coda), Dan Abnett (Warhammer 40k), Phil Winslade (Lawless), Fernando Blanco (Detective Comics), Ian Gibson (Halo Jones), Dave Gibbons (Watchmen), Mick McMahon (The Last American), and Emma Vieceli (Life Is Strange).
It will come in two editions with stunning new covers bringing a fresh twist to the annuals of yesteryear – the standard edition will feature a bold, contemporary ensemble of 2000 AD’s greatest heroes by breakout Judge Dredd and Rok of the Reds artist Jake Lynch (Judge Dredd), while the 2000 AD webshop-exclusive edition will have a special retro cover by the legendary Brian Bolland (Batman: The Killing Joke), drawing his first 2000 AD annual cover since 1983!
And, due to popular demand, the 2000 AD Annual will be joined by a brand new Treasury of British Comics Annual!
An Annual to Treasure
Last year’s sold out hardcover returns this November with three brand new stories from industry superstars, including Simon Furman (Transformers) and Mike Collins (Doctor Who) on Kelly’s Eye, Alec Worley (Hook-Jaw) and Anna Morozova (Lowborn High) on Black Beth, and Paul Grist (Jack Staff) and Simon Williams (The HOFF: Heroes of Fearless Freedom) on Robot Archie.
Rebellion has delved in its vast archive to craft a selection of some of the greatest strips ever to appear in British comics – including Adam Eterno, Cursitor Doom, Stryker, and Major Eazy from such esteemed titles as, Scream!, Battle, Tiger, Valiant and Lion!
It too will come in two editions – the standard edition will feature a new cover by David Roach (Judge Anderson), while the Treasury of British Comics webshop-exclusive edition will be by Andreas Butzbach (The Thirteenth Floor).
Maximum Christmas
After the runaway success of last year’s Treasury of British Comics Annual, these new hardcovers are bringing the proud tradition of annuals back with a vengeance for 2025 – guaranteeing maximum enjoyment this Christmas!
Matt Smith, editor of 2000 AD, said: “The 2000 AD Annual was the highlight of many a reader’s year, and often a staple Christmas present. In the past they’ve showcased some of the best stories to emerge from the House of Tharg, and I’m delighted to see the annual return, containing a mix of classic Thrills and bold new strips. I’m sure the 2025 edition will be top of every Earthlet’s list to Santa!”
Both weighing in at 112 pages, the 2000 AD Annual and Treasury of British Comics Annual for 2025 will be available from all good comic book stores in November, with order details appearing in August’s editions of Previews magazine.
They will also be available to pre-order from the 2000 AD and Treasury of British Comics webshops from Wednesday 19 June, with the standard editions alongside special webshop-exclusive editions featuring brand new covers from Brian Bolland and Andreas Butzbach.
Do you have what it takes to be a 2000 AD creator?
The 2000 AD talent search is BACK at Thought Bubble Comic Convention 2024! The search for the next generation of talent offers the prize of paid work with 2000 AD, where legendary creators such as Alan Moore, Grant Morrison, Mark Millar, Jock, Brian Bolland, Frazer Irving, Charlie Adlard, and many more got their big break.
Previous winners like Rory McConville, Laura Bailey and Will Morris have all gone to regular work with the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic and beyond – and you could be joining them! Whether you’re into sci-fi, horror, fantasy or anything in between: everyone is welcome, and we’re especially looking for pitches from women and creators from marginalised communities.
Click the link below to find full details of how to enter – for writers, we’re looking for you to bring a pitch to the 2000 AD booth ahead of the judging session on Saturday 16th November; while for artists we have a trial Future Shocks comic script from the fantastic Ned Hartley for you to download and pencil, before bringing to our booth ahead of the judging session on Sunday 17th November,
Last year’s winning writer and artist, Ed Whiting and Sinu Senon, will both be published in 2000 AD Prog 2388, releasing on Wednesday 26th June! They’ve collaborated on a new Tharg’s Terror Tale called “The Essence of the Piece” – and we have an exclusive early look at the story below…
Full terms and conditions can be found on the Thought Bubble Festival website here, alongside details on how to enter. Good luck, Earthlets!
War Has Been Declared!
This September, the Nort Army are setting out to conquer the 2000 AD Multiverse – and it’s going to take some unlikely allies to stop them!
The massive crossover event story Nordland Rising will see Rogue Trooper’s oldest enemies invade multiple different storylines from across 2000 AD’s history, as they take on Judge Dredd, Bad Company, Fiends of the Eastern Front, The VCs and more. Spread across 2000 AD Prog 2400 and Judge Dredd Megazine 472, this is an all-out action assault – and The Norts aren’t taking any prisoners!
Featuring stories from Ken Niemand, John McCrea, Peter Milligan, Ian Edginton, Nick Percival, Dan Abnett, Gordon Rennie, Simon Coleby, and more, Nordland Rising will see the return of familiar faces including Jaegir and Major Eazy as the War begins in 2000 AD and then crosses over for the epic climax in Judge Dredd Megazine. With both issues out on the 18th September, readers will be able to read the whole saga in one go – a veritable overdose of Thrill-power!
Jump Onboard
This is a great way to jump onboard 2000 AD for the first time and get a blast of action from some of The Galaxy’s Greatest writers and artists. Easily accessible for new readers – but packed with surprises for long-term fans – the crossover will then be followed by 2000 AD Prog 2401: a jump-on issue featuring the return of Garth Ennis and Patrick Goddard on Rogue Trooper; the follow up to Judge Dredd: A Better World from Rob Williams, Arthur Wyatt and Jake Lynch, and the return of fan-favourite series The Out for an all-new run!
It’s never been a better time to become a regular reader of 2000 AD – or as we call it, a “Squaxx dek Thargo”! That is… assuming we escape The Norts in one piece…
Nordland Rising will begin in 2000 AD 2400 on the 18th September, and conclude the same day in Judge Dredd Megazine 472. Make sure to grab both halves of the story, Earthlets!
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
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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