Kilroy, Racer and Whales. 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 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…
Kilroy Is Here #1
IMAGE COMICS
By Joe Pruett, Dalibor Talajić, Stjepan Bartolić and Joe Martin
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Kilroy Is Here #1 (Link)
Throughout history, KILROY, a being of unknown origin and power, has been cursed to wander the Earth, avenging the innocent and protecting the weak, always leaving his trademark signature “Kilroy Was Here” to mark his presence. But what if his life has been a lie? The war to end all wars is imminent. Which side will he choose?
From Eisner Award winner JOE PRUETT (VIKING MOON, VOICES IN MY HEAD, X-Men) and legendary artist DALIBOR TALAJIC (Deadpool, THE KIDS, Hit-Monkey) comes this tale of timeless horror. What would you do if you could decide the fate of the world?
Kilroy Is Here delivers a striking blend of mystery, horror, and mythic weight. The creative team craft a tense, atmospheric tale centered on Kilroy—a powerful, enigmatic figure cursed to roam the Earth, protecting the innocent and leaving his iconic mark behind. This issue teases a deeper truth: what if everything Kilroy believes is a lie, and a world‑shaping war is approaching? Strong visuals and an ominous narrative promise a gripping one‑shot that questions destiny, morality, and sacrifice. A compelling introduction to a dark legend revived with modern intensity.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Godzilla #5
IDW PUBLISHING
By Tim Seeley, Fero Peniche, Luis Antonio Delgado and Brian Kolek
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Godzilla #5 (Link)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Kaiju vs. Mechashredder!
The epic finale to the most radical crossover of the year! The Turtles have harnessed the power of the kaiju to face off against Shredder’s Mechagodzilla-inspired upgraded suit. Witness the glory of Leonardo/Godzilla, Raphael/Rodan, Mikey/Ghidorah, and Donny/Jet Jaguar.
It’s cover-to-cover nonstop mutant kaiju mayhem!
TMNT x Godzilla unleashes a massive, high‑energy finale as the Turtles tap into kaiju power to confront Shredder’s Mechagodzilla‑inspired evolution, Mechashredder. The book delivers a spectacle filled with mutant mayhem as Leonardo, Raphael, Mikey, and Donnie merge with iconic kaiju forms—Godzilla, Rodan, Ghidorah, and Jet Jaguar—to battle their mechanized nemesis. Expect nonstop action, larger‑than‑life stakes, and bold visuals that embrace both franchises’ strengths. This concluding chapter promises an explosive finish to the crossover event, celebrating the wild creativity fueling this clash of titans.
Speed Racer #7
MAD CAVE STUDIOS
By David Pepose, Davide Tinto, Jão Canola and Buddy Beaudoin
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Speed Racer #7 (Link)
Fathers and Sons!
At the Universal Motor Showcase, Carl Kranem boasts that the deadly GRX Engine has ended Speed Racer’s era…until Speed challenges him head-on, armed not with more power, but hard-earned wisdom from Pops. As father and son clash over legacy, loss, and what it truly means to race, Speed learns that endurance and intelligence can outmatch raw force. In a blistering showdown where the GRX’s terrible cost is finally revealed, the sins of the fathers come due at the finish line.
This issue of Speed Racer delivers high‑octane drama fueled by legacy, heart, and raw competitive fire. Pepose and Tinto craft a tense “Fathers and Sons” showdown as Speed confronts Carl Kranem at the Universal Motor Showcase, challenging the deadly GRX engine not with brute force but with Pops’ hard‑earned wisdom. The issue explores the emotional weight of racing, the cost of ambition, and the generational echoes that shape both rivals. This chapter promises a thrilling, character‑driven clash at full throttle.
Toxic Avenger Comics #8
AHOY COMICS
By Matt Bors, Fred Harper, Lee Loughridge and Rob Steen
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Toxic Avenger Comics #8 (Link)
Meet Doctor Planet, an environmentally conscious hero for our age—upstanding on the outside, embittered on the inside. When he teams up with the Planet Teens for a massive brawl vs. Toxie on the streets of Washington, DC, monuments will fall! And characters will die! Which, you have to admit, is cool. Characters dying, I mean.
This issue unleashes a chaotic, satirical gut‑punch as Toxie is pushed deeper into the political firestorm of Washington, D.C. This chapter introduces Doctor Planet—an eco‑hero polished on the surface but seething underneath—who joins the Planet Teens for a monument‑shattering showdown against Toxie. The script and art are kinetic with suitably grimy visuals, and the issue blends political absurdity, grindhouse energy, and dark humour into a volatile but fun mix. Expect fallen monuments, deadly stakes, and blistering commentary as Toxie fights through the chaos of corruption and conspiracy.
The Girl Who Draws on Whales TP
DARK HORSE COMICS
By Ariela Kristantina, Bryan Valenza and Bernardo Brice
Buy from Forbidden Planet – The Girl Who Draws on Whales TP (Link)
From Ariela Kristantina, artist of the Eisner Award-nominated graphic novel Adora and the Distance, The Girl Who Draws on Whales is a testimony to the power of stories — their uncanny ability to entertain, educate and, ultimately, unite us.
Reminiscent of stories like Moana, Princess Mononoke, The Never-Ending Story, Frozen, and Snow Angels, The Girl Who Draws on Whales is an epic YA graphic novel adventure about two siblings struggling for survival, who must use their art to save their world.
The Girl Who Draws on Whales is set in a fantasy world, several centuries after “The Great Flood.” Sister Wangi and younger brother Banyu live in a sea-village. Wangi has a special bond with the Great Whales that visit their sea-village and they allow Wangi to draw on their backs. Sometimes they return with new drawings on them. Wangi believes that there are other sea-villages or island settlements scattered around and that they are sending her messages but, none of the elders listen to her.
One day, a new whale arrives in the village alone, wounded, and dying — this whale has a new drawing on her back that doesn’t look like the previous drawings. Inspired by this mystery, Wangi vows to investigate. Although forbidden by her parents and the village elders, Wangi—along with a stowaway, who happens to be her brother Banyu — embark on a wondrous journey to investigate where the drawings are coming from only to find much more than they were expecting.
The Girl Who Draws on Whales invites readers into a lush post‑apocalyptic ocean world shaped by Southeast Asian folklore, where siblings Wangi and Banyu uncover mysteries carried across the sea on the backs of whales. Ariela Kristantina—serving as both writer and artist—crafts an atmospheric tale inspired by her Indonesian heritage, with whale‑borne drawings acting as messages from distant settlements and sparking a quest that leads the siblings into deeper dangers. The premise blends mythic wonder, environmental tension, and the emotional pull of family, creating a visually rich journey filled with exploration and discovery.
This epic young‑adult adventure delivers a narrative that flows like tides between quiet introspection and sweeping action. As Wangi follows clues from a wounded whale marked with strange symbols, the story expands into themes of resistance, colonization, and the transformative power of storytelling. We can expect an immersive, heartfelt odyssey—one that blends personal courage with the magic of a world rebuilt after the Great Flood, guided by an artist whose vision is as bold as it is intimate.
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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