Progs, Dogs and Shakedowns. 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…
2000AD PROG 2500
2000AD • REBELLION
By Rob Williams, Arthur Wyatt, Henry Flint, Annie Parkhouse, Dan Abnett, Tazio Bettin, Matt Soffe, Rob Steen, Jon McKellan, David Roach, Emily Roach, Alec Worley, Ben Willsher, Simon Bowland, T.C. Eglington, Simon Davis, Guy Adams, Megan Huang, David Barnett, Lee Milmore and Quinton Winter
Buy from Forbidden Planet – 2000AD PROG 2500 (Link)
JUMP ONBOARD WITH 2000 AD HERE! An all-new lineup for the landmark 2500th issue of The Galaxy’s Greatest Comic reveals a major shake-up for Judge Dredd’s Mega-City One brewing in The New Future, the follow-up to A Better World; vampire bounty hunter Durham Red arrives on a casino world in Hungry City; Dexter and co cross dangerous seas in Azimuth: How to Train Your Dagon; Herne & Shuck sets their sights on the organisation St Michael; and we learn the truth behind the world of Ghosted as it returns for its second series!
2000AD Prog 2500 looks like exactly the kind of milestone issue that makes the anthology feel so special. A new-reader-friendly jumping-on point, the launch of fresh strips, and the return of major threads like Judge Dredd: The New Future, Durham Red, Ghosted, Herne & Shuck and more gives this a real sense of occasion without feeling like homework. That is always the trick with 2000AD at its best: a huge amount of history, but an energy that makes you want to dive straight in. With a line-up this strong, Prog 2500 feels like a celebration and a doorway all at once
Exquisite Corpses: Fox Mask Killer #1
IMAGE COMICS
By Che Grayson, Adam Gorham, Jordie Bellaire and Becca Carey
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Exquisite Corpses: Fox Mask Killer #1 (Link)
Among killers-for-hire, there are a select few feared even among other assassins. The enigmatic Fox Mask Killer is at the top of that list.
But now she wants the one thing even she can’t have — she wants out. And the only person who can offer her an opportunity to get away from her old life may be the devil herself…
Discover the thrilling — and tragic — backstory of EXQUISITE CORPSES’ most emblematic killer, as brought to life by breakout creators CHE GRAYSON (Absolute Catwoman), ADAM GORHAM (Infernal Hulk), JORDIE BELLAIRE (Absolute Wonder Woman), and BECCA CAREY (RADIANT BLACK)!
Exquisite Corpses: Fox Mask Killer #1 has one of those titles that does half the work before you even open the book. It sounds sharp, stylish and just a little bit nasty, which is very much a compliment. There is an instant hook to something like this, especially when it promises a killer with that sort of iconography and attitude. More than anything, this feels like the sort of comic that knows exactly how it wants to present itself, and I am always up for that. If it lands the mood as well as the title suggests, this could be a very tasty slice of horror.
Star Trek: The Last Starship #11
IDW PUBLISHING
By Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Adrián Bonilla, Lee Loughridge and Clayton Cowles
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Star Trek: The Last Starship #11 (Link)
The penultimate issue!
After decades of struggle, Sato, Kirk, Agnes, Zed, and Valqis have come back together—united to save the Federation from the trap that is the Emerald Chain closing in around them. The tension is high; trust is at an all-time low and has been broken before. They’ve been through hell, and not always on the same side. But Dr. Zed sees a path toward healing.
They’ve all been wrong. They’ve all made mistakes. Now, and only now, does the crew of the U.S.S. Omega have the chance to make it all worth it.
Despite Solara and her demented protégé Osyraa circling ever closer aboard the Emerald Chain flagship, the crew of the Omega are going to build T’Galatheon Gate—and save what little is left of Starfleet..for those who will follow in their footsteps.
Star Trek: The Last Starship #11 feels like the kind of book that rewards sticking with the journey. Penultimate issues tend to carry a bit of weight, and this certainly feels like a point where everything should be pulling tighter and aiming for something bigger. Lanzing and Kelly have always been good at giving Star Trek a sense of scale without losing the people at the centre of it, and that is exactly what I want here. Add Adrián Bonilla, Lee Loughridge and Clayton Cowles to the mix, and this looks like another strong chapter in a series that seems determined to earn its place in Star Trek history.
Something Epic #15
IMAGE COMICS · ONE MAN ART COMICS
By Szymon Kudrański
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Something Epic #15 (Link)
The investigation continues! The more disturbing details of the crime come to light, the more terrifying the list of suspects becomes…
Something Epic #15 still feels like the sort of title that invites big, bold swings, and that alone makes it appealing. There is something wonderfully confident about a comic willing to wear a name like that and ask readers to meet it on its own terms. By the time you get to issue fifteen, you want a book to feel fully committed to its own strange little universe, and this certainly sounds like one of those. Szymon Kudrański has a strong sense of mood and atmosphere, so this feels like exactly the kind of comic that can live or die on its vibe and still leave an impression.
Dog Tag #5
MAD CAVE STUDIOS
By Mark Russell, P. J. Holden, J. P. Jordan and Buddy Beaudoin
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Dog Tag #5 (Link)
Castle Itter. A fictional retelling of the true story of the siege of Castle Itter. In the waning days of the war, a small force of American soldiers is tasked with defending Castle Itter from hundreds of SS troops. The German soldiers inside the castle cast their fate with the Americans. The only battle of the war in which Americans and Germans fought side by side.
Dog Tag #5 feels like exactly the point where a sharp concept should really be biting down hard. Mark Russell is one of those writers who tends to find the absurdity in systems and structures, then twist the knife just enough to make it sting, so a title like this instantly has my attention. With P. J. Holden, J. P. Jordan and Buddy Beaudoin helping shape the world around it, this looks like a comic that should have plenty of edge to spare. If it can balance its bite with a bit of personality, this feels like one that could really leave a mark.
The Big Shakedown #1
DARK HORSE COMICS
By Tim Seeley, Jordan Blum, Scott Koblish, Hi-Fi and Nate Piekos
Buy from Forbidden Planet – The Big Shakedown #1 (Link)
The Big One, the earthquake to end all earthquakes, has finally struck Los Angeles. The government decides not to rebuild and the city becomes a no man’s land for those that refuse to leave it. But hey, you can’t beat the weather.
Five years later Ester Blanco, a down on her luck former P.I., is willing to do anything to escape the City of Angels. She believes she’s found her ticket out when a desperate father hires her to solve a missing person’s case in a city where a third of the population is already missing. Instead, the trail of this lost girl leads Ester to uncover a dark web of cults, conspiracy and corruption that threatens every Angeleno that stayed behind.
THE BIG SHAKEDOWN is a sunbaked LA noir in the vein of Chinatown and The Long Goodbye and set in the post-apocalyptic remains of the most beloved/hated city in the world. From writers Jordan Blum (Minor Threats) Tim Seeley (Local Man) and artist Scott Koblish (The Despicable Deadpool) comes a pulpy tale of murder, destruction and traffic.
The Big Shakedown #1 is the kind of title that immediately promises swagger. You can practically hear the hardboiled voiceover before you have even cracked the cover, and that is usually a very good sign. Tim Seeley and Jordan Blum feel like a team who could have a lot of fun with something pulpy and sharp-edged, while Scott Koblish, Hi-Fi and Nate Piekos give it the sort of line-up that suggests plenty of style to go with the attitude. More than anything, this sounds like one of those comics that knows its lane and intends to hit it at speed, which suits me just fine.
High Vis Comic Con Returns
Get ready to geek out and meet your favourite comic book characters at High Vis – Kings Heath Comic Con!
High Vis Kings Heath Comic Con is back this Saturday 19 September 2026, running from 10am to 5pm at the All-Saints Centre in Kings Heath, Birmingham, and it sounds like exactly the sort of day comic fans in the city should be making time for. After a well-received first show, the event is returning with a bigger line-up and a programme built around comics first and foremost, which is always good to see. Better still, it looks like one of those conventions that is trying to offer more than just a room full of tables, with signings, workshops, interviews and charity events all helping to give the day a real sense of shape and personality.
Meet The Millar
The guest list alone makes this one worth a look, with Mark Millar heading up a line-up that also includes John McCrea, Ian Edginton, Jake Detonator, Ian Richardson, Kev F Sutherland, Lew Stringer, Laura Howell, Hunt Emerson, Phil Winslade, Sonia Leong, Paul McCaffrey and Will Potter, while actor Nick Owenford is also listed among the signings guests. Millar will be signing from 1pm to 3pm, and there is also a scheduled interview with him at 3pm, which should be one of the day’s big draws. Add in the return of the 501st Legion, and there is clearly plenty here for people who like their comic events to feel busy, friendly and a little bit celebratory.
On top of that, the programme looks nicely varied, with workshops from Marc Jackson from 11am to 12pm, Laura Howell from 12.15pm to 1.15pm, and Jake Detonator from 1.30pm to 2.30pm, followed later by a live art auction from 4pm to 4.30pm in support of Kings Heath Food Bank. There is also a special charity gig by Cosmic Rays at the Hare and Hounds on the day, with workshop tickets still available according to the event site. Put it all together and High Vis Kings Heath Comic Con looks like a genuinely packed local comics event with enough going on to fill the whole day, whether you are heading in for the guests, the workshops, the atmosphere or simply to spend a Saturday surrounded by comics.
Check out the official website – High Vis Comic Con (Link) for more details and we’ll see you there.
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 ADDITION – 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
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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