Relics, Gore and Warp Spasms – Wednesday Comics

Relics, Gore and Warp Spasms – Wednesday Comics. Welcome to Wednesday Comics. Each week, we will highlight our Comic of the Week, along with other notable releases, classic favourites, and industry news.

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…

Vatican City #1
Dark Horse Comics

By Mark Millar and Per Berg (Narwhal)

Buy digitally – Vatican City #1 (Link)

The all-new series from New York Times-bestselling author Mark Millar!

The world has been overrun by a vampire apocalypse, every man, woman and child dead except the two thousand tourists safe behind the walls and holy relics of Vatican City.

But as the vampires gather in their millions outside, how long can they hold out? Because the monsters can wait forever.

It’s a very Dark Horse heavy this week, and we kick off with this new title from the legendary Mark Millar. This sounds like a great premise and the art by Narwhal is looking very impressive. You can always rely on Millar for a fun story and I’m hoping this one will deliver.

Jumpscare #2
Dark Horse Comics

By Cullen Bunn, Danny Luckert and Jim Campbell

Buy digitally – Jumpscare #2 (Link)

Horror fan turned vigilante Jumpscare can conjure any gore-soaked weapon from any gore-soaked movie she’s watched. Using this power, she’s become a force for good in Empire City… and the world’s most popular superhero! Even with all her powers, though, she may not be able to save her estranged sister from the clutches of mobster turned monster — Grindhouse! Especially with a band of eldritch zealots called the Dismal Concordat standing in her way!

Another one I missed during my hiatus. Jumpscare is another fantastic sounding idea and Bunn is one of my go to writers right now. Luckert’s art is very much in my wheelhouse and is a major draw for this book. If you conjure up a gore-soaked weapon from any gore-soaked movie, which one would you choose?

Behemoth #3
Dark Horse Comics

By Grant Sputore, Ryan Engle, Jay Martin and Frank Cvetkovic

Buy digitally – Behemoth #3 (Link)

Things have taken a turn for the worse inside the Behemoth. With the bus destroyed, the passengers seek refuge on a French fishing vessel. But their new safe haven may not be as safe as it seems…

Wow, trapped on a bus inside a Kaiju, now this sounds like something that would happen to me on my regular commute. Another incredible story with some great looking art, this is definitely a book that is worth a look.

Transformers #19
Image Comics/Skybound

By Daniel Warren Johnson, Ludo Lullabi and Adriano Lucas

Buy digitally – Transformers #19 (Link)

WHAT HAPPENED TO MEGATRON? The story that every fan has demanded begins RIGHT HERE. 

This Transformers book has really breathed new life in to the franchise. This issue brings onboard artist Ludo Lullabi to take a look at what happened to Megatron. If you’ve not experienced this great book, then this would be a good time to jump on board.

Valiant Beyond: Tales of the Shadowman #1
Alien Books/Valiant

By Aj Ampadu and Sergio Monjes

Buy from Forbidden Planet – Valiant Beyond: Tales of the Shadowman #1 (Link)

THE NEW ERA OF VALIANT COMICS CONTINUES! 

Designed as the ULTIMATE jumping-on point, the Valiant Beyond line of comics are ABSOLUTE must-reads that will ENERGIZE your love for superheroes! 

The city of New Orleans is home to a rich history of music, art, and culture that has achieved unparalleled progress and success. It’s the magic capital of the world and home to a hard-nosed detective trained in the ways of Voodoo who has dedicated her life to keeping New Orleans safe! When an ultra-dangerous monster invades her jurisdiction and threatens the peace they’ve fought so hard to protect, she must disobey her orders and summon the mysterious being known as “Shadowman” in order to save the city she loves! 

Discover the secrets of the Shadowman in this all-new 28 page story from the fan-favorite team of AJ Ampadu and artist Sergio Monjes (SHADOWMAN: SOUL EATERS) at a special introductory price!

Last week we had X-O Manowar, and now it’s time for Shadowman to return. The new Valiant Beyond is looking to be a great new line and a fantastic opportunity for fans, both new and old, to rediscover these great characters.

Each week we’ll be selecting one unmissable trade paperback, that absolutely must be in your collection.

Sláine Definitive Edition Vol. 1 TP
Rebellion/2000AD

By Pat Mills, Angie Kincaid, Mick McMahon, Massimo Belardinelli and Tom Frame

Buy from 2000AD Webshop – Sláine Definitive Edition Vol. 1 TP (Link)

Sláine Mac Roth of the Sessair tribe is known as the Warped Warrior – a mighty barbarian who can master the ‘warp-spasm’, harnessing the power of the Earth to transform into a monstrous creature. Accompanied by his dwarf sidekick, Ukko, and wielding his legendary axe Brain-biter, he travels Tir-Nan-Og, a land marred by warring tribes and ruled by merciless gods.

Created by Pat Mills and Angie Kincaid, with art by Mick McMahon and Massimo Belardinelli, Sláine: The Definitive Edition collects the complete series in order, and includes original covers from the full run.

Sláine is one of the best characters to ever appear in the pages of 2000AD, and now following the success of the Nemesis Definitive Editions, we go back to were it all began for our warped warrior. I’m a huge fan of these early stories and the art of McMahon and Belardinelli really capture the essence of the character, with some of the best visuals to grace the prog. The regular paperback edition is lovely, but look out for the beautiful hardback version, which is available exclusively from the 2000AD webshop.

New Dark Legacies Kickstarter

Local heroes Scratch Comics are putting out some unmissable books. This week they launched the Kickstarter campaign for the latest issue of Dark Legacies, created by Babylon 5 legend Claudia Christian. The first two issue were a tremendous amount to fun and I’ve already backed this with the limited edition Anna Morozova cover. If you’ve not heard of this before, I’ll turn you over to the folks at Scratch for the full lowdown.

The Story

Starring Claudia Christian, Patricia Tallman, Bruce Boxleitner and Peter Jurasik of Babylon 5 fame plus surprise new guest stars… Dark Legacies Issue #3 is ready for blast off!

After the shocking revelations of issue #2 tough as nails investigator Jessica Steele has no time to even contemplate the personal repercussions as she is thrown headlong into an intergalactic war.

However, on a desperate mission to find a way to beat the invaders she bumps into an old flame that may change the course of her life forever.

Writers Claudia Christian and Chris McAuley once again ask you to join them as they put our heroine through the ringer and the level of action and intrigue go sky high in this third chapter of Dark Legacies.

They are also joined once again by legendary 2000ad and Preacher artist Glenn Fabry.

What’s Up for Grabs?

Not only can you grab the latest issue of the series with this campaign but you will also be able to catch up on the whole series with limited edition copies of issues #1 and #2 available as part of the rewards. The Kickstarter exclusive version of issue #1 will never be available in the shops and this will be your very last chance to grab a copy of this rare book.

They will also offer two variant cover choices from comic industry rising stars Hal Laren and Anna Morozova.

Back the campaign over on the official Kickstarter page – Claudia Christian’s Dark Legacies Issues #1 – #3

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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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On YouTube

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Visit Worlds Apart Birmingham for all your comic and geeky collectable needs.

Keep a track of all your upcoming comics, trade and creators using the League of Comic Geeks website and app.

 

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