Rabbits, Tigresses and Other Halves. 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…
Usagi Yojimbo: Kaito ’84 #1
DARK HORSE COMICS · DOGU PUBLISHING
By Zack Rosenberg and Jared Cullum
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Usagi Yojimbo: Kaito ’84 #1 (Link)
In 1984 Osaka, the bloodline of Miyamoto Usagi lives on through Kaitō, a cunning rabbit thief with a rebellious spirit. He embodies his ancestor’s legacy in a way the stoic samurai we know and love never could. A daring new heist for a legendary spear sets Kaitō down a perilous path, forever altering his destiny and placing the fate of Osaka, and perhaps the world, on his shoulders.
This issue launches a stylish new era for the franchise, shifting the action to 1984 Osaka and introducing Kaitō Usagi, a rebellious rabbit thief carrying the storied legacy of Miyamoto Usagi. This story delivers a fresh, high‑stakes heist narrative centered on a cursed legendary spear that threatens far more than Kaitō realizes. The lush watercolor art gives the issue an atmospheric, lived‑in feel, blending modern crime energy with classic Usagi spirit. This debut promises a bold, kinetic evolution of a beloved world.
Tigress Island #1
IMAGE COMICS
By Patrick Kindlon and EPHK
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Tigress Island #1 (Link)
A group of down-on-their-luck actresses are kidnapped to an island prison run by a sadistic female warden. Working together is their only chance of escape, but trust issues abound! Action-adventure inspired by exploitation films. Ridiculously fun. Seriously sexy.
Tigress Island #1 delivers a sharp, pulp‑infused blast of exploitation‑cinema energy as Kindlon and EPHK throw a group of down‑on‑their‑luck actresses into a brutal island prison ruled by a sadistic warden. The setup instantly evokes classic grindhouse tension, with survival hinging on fragile alliances and constant danger. Kindlon captures the genre’s punch while grounding it in character, and EPHK’s bold, visceral artwork heightens every moment with exaggerated grit and style. This debut promises a fierce blend of action, attitude, and unapologetic thrills—a modern take on exploitation stories with teeth.
51 #1
MAD CAVE STUDIOS
By Curt Pires, Jok and Micah Myers
Buy from Forbidden Planet – 51 #1 (Link)
What if all the secrets housed in AREA 51 leaked out into the world? Who would be responsible for that mess? And who would be responsible for cleaning it up? After the President’s screw-up son, Harvey, gets in trouble with the law, his dad calls in a favor and gets him assigned to the real-life Area 51 — Hangar 51. But it’s not the thrill ride the conspiracy theorists would have you believe. Harvey spends most of his days cataloging items he’s forbidden from even looking at.
That all changes when Harvey and his coworkers decide to throw a rager and wake up from their bender to find that every single item from Hangar 51 has been stolen. Now in the deepest trouble of his life, Harvey and his ragtag crew must go out into the world and put the genie back in the bottle — capturing rogue aliens, stolen superpower formulas, experimental energy weapons, and all manner of impossible objects. And as they hunt each piece down, a darker truth begins to surface: who actually broke into Hangar 51… and what do they plan to do with what they took? Writer Curt Pires and artist Jok take you on a trip like you’ve never been to explore a conspiracy theory you won’t ever believe!
This new #1 issue unleashes a wild sci‑fi conspiracy romp as we are dropped into Hangar 51, a not‑so‑mythical extension of Area 51. When the President’s chaotic son Harvey helps trigger the theft of every classified artifact, he and his misfit crew are forced into a frantic cleanup mission—recapturing rogue aliens, stolen superpower formulas, and unstable energy weapons. Pires’ sharp satire meets Jok’s energetic visuals, blending action, humour, and escalating mystery into a breakneck debut. This opener promises high‑octane chaos with a conspiratorial edge and a cast you can’t help rooting for.
The Other / Half #1
IGNITION PRESS
By Jim McCann, Joe Eisma, Pete Pantazis and AndWorld Design
Buy from Forbidden Planet – The Other / Half #1 (Link)
Opposites attract in this wholesome whodunnit from Jim McCann (Return of the Dapper Men) and Joe Eisma (Morning Glories)!
Formerly a high-society darling, Ethan thinks the worst thing he’ll have to contend with over the holidays is the disapproval of his upper-crust parents, but when things go awry on his job protecting the priceless Nobility Diamond, more than just his feelings are put into jeopardy! Now it’s up to his husband Henry (and their adorable cat, Skippy) to put his P.I. skills to good use and clear Ethan’s name. Both men will have to step out of their comfort zones and into their husbands’ shoes to solve the case!
Combining the dazzling charm of the Golden Age of Hollywood with modern city living, this story is equal parts wholesome rom-com and thrilling detective story. Written by Jim McCann (Return of the Dapper Men) with art by Joe Eisma (Morning Glories) and colorist Peter Pantazis (Trinity).
The Other / Half introduces a charming, queer rom‑com mystery, centered on married opposites Henry, a rough‑edged P.I., and Ethan, a fallen socialite entangled in the disappearance of the priceless Nobility Diamond, the issue blends Golden Age Hollywood flair with modern city intrigue. As the husbands swap roles to clear Ethan’s name, the story promises sharp wit, heartfelt warmth, and classic detective tension. The expressive art and vibrant colours elevate a playful, character‑driven debut that balances romance, humour, and mystery with effortless charm.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 2: NYC vs. TMNT TP
IDW PUBLISHING
By Jason Aaron, Juan Ferreyra and Shawn Lee
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 2: NYC vs. TMNT TP (Link)
An all-new era of TMNT comics continues in this explosive second arc of the series! After being split up for some time, the family reunion hasn’t exactly gone as planned.
Even if they could put their sibling feuds aside, there’s no time for the brothers to celebrate. Hunted by a new Foot-enhanced police force led by the relentless D.A. Hieronymus Hale, the Turtle brothers must endure their worst gut punch yet: New York City is no longer safe for the TMNT, forcing the mutant heroes to take drastic measures — relocating to the sewers of New Jersey!
Volume 2 collects issues #7–12 of the new ongoing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic series by bestselling writer Jason Aaron and artist Juan Ferreyra.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 2: NYC vs. TMNT signals a tense and dramatic turn in the new TMNT era as the brothers are plunged into their most destabilizing challenge yet. After a long period apart, their strained reunion is cut short when a Foot‑enhanced police force, led by the unrelenting D.A. Hieronymus Hale, makes New York City too dangerous for them to remain. What should be a celebratory reconnection becomes an immediate fight for survival, pushing the Turtles to confront their fractured dynamics under extraordinary pressure.
This volume, collecting issues #7–12, escalates the stakes as the Turtles face a city turning against them, forcing drastic decisions and setting the stage for shifting alliances and renewed purpose. The artwork continues to bring kinetic energy and dramatic weight to the sharp character‑driven storytelling. With high emotional stakes, relentless action, and a deepening threat to their home, NYC vs. TMNT positions this second arc as a defining moment for the series—one that challenges the brothers to evolve or be overtaken by a changing world.
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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