ROM, CON-Crete and Monsters. 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.
Apologies for the lack of content over the summer, it’s been a busier than normal one and it has also been a bit quiet on the comics I’m reading front. I’ll be off for the next two weeks too, but hopefully normal weekly service will be resumed in mid-September. Remember, if there are comics you’re enjoying please let me know because if I like them too, I’ll profile them here and we can spread the word together about all the great comics that are out there.
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…
Concrete: Stars Over Sand #3
DARK HORSE COMICS
By Paul Chadwick
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Concrete: Stars Over Sand #3 (Link)
Amnesiac Concrete, now in the mountains, does an uncharacteristic thing: he kills a deer and eats it. Ominously, he feels no sorrow nor empathy. Maureen hires a helicopter, possibly the last financial transaction of her life. Larry makes a secret decision that might be his most irresponsible, ever.
Five-issue series.
Concrete: Stars Over Sand #3 looks like the point where this comeback series really starts to get under the skin. The idea of an amnesiac Concrete doing something so brutally out of character, and feeling no empathy for it, adds a proper sense of dread to a book that already felt strange and uneasy. Paul Chadwick has always known how to make Concrete thoughtful and human, so pushing him into darker territory makes this instantly fascinating. With Maureen and Larry making desperate decisions of their own, this feels like the kind of issue where the tension really tightens and refuses to let go.
Rom Special #1
IMAGE COMICS · SKYBOUND
By Robert Kirkman, Lorenzo De Felici, Mat Lopes and Rus Wooton
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Rom Special #1 (Link)
THE ENERGON UNIVERSE DEBUT THAT BROKE THE INTERNET! The superstar dream team of Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici reunites for the First Appearance of the character that fans have demanded since the launch of the Energon Universe — enter ROM! This full-length debut reprint, featuring all new covers, leads directly into the can’t-miss upcoming issues of Void Rivals!
Even though I had my reservations about how this story first appeared, ROM Special #1 has exactly the kind of audacious energy I want from the Energon Universe. Dropping a ROM one-shot into the mix as a surprise already gives it a certain event-comic thrill, but pairing Robert Kirkman with Lorenzo De Felici makes it even more enticing. ROM is such a beloved slice of sci-fi toy and comics history that there was always going to be pressure on this debut, yet everything about it suggests confidence rather than caution. With Mat Lopes and Rus Wooton completing the team, this feels like a smart, sharp and very exciting way to bring another icon into the fold
Kingdom of Earth #2
DARK HORSE COMICS
By David Dastmalchian, Leah Kilpatrick, Soo Lee and Frank Cvetkovic
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Kingdom of Earth #2 (Link)
In the ruins of Chicago, political tensions rise as the ambitious Orpheus challenges Romero, Grand Leader of the Northern Territory. Meanwhile, Frankie chooses to follow the terrifying beast Virago. The young human remains wary but curious as to why they were spared—are there such things as “Good Monsters” amidst the hordes of malevolent creatures vying to dominate the Kingdom of Earth?
Kingdom of Earth #2 looks set to lean even harder into the monstrous ambition that made the first issue such an intriguing start. A ruined Chicago, monsters scheming for power, and Frankie following the terrifying Virago deeper into this nightmarish world feels like exactly the right way to build on that hook. David Dastmalchian and Leah Kilpatrick have created a setting where the creatures are every bit as fascinating as the humans trying to survive them, and that gives this series a little extra bite. With Soo Lee and Frank Cvetkovic shaping the atmosphere, this still feels like one of Dark Horse’s most compelling horror books.
Stuff of Nightmares: The Cat in the Coffin
BOOM! STUDIOS
By R. L. Stine, Matthew Dunn and Pippa Bowland
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Stuff of Nightmares: The Cat in the Coffin (Link)
From horror legend R.L. Stine (Goosebumps, Fear Street) comes a fresh, one-and-done nightmare framed by the Nightmare Keeper, with chilling visuals by comics artist Matthew Dunn.
A broke dad steals a “valuable” stuffed black cat from his mother’s coffin, dumps her three real black cats at the pound, and gets hunted by the kind of bad luck you can’t outrun.
Harvey Goodwin is unemployed, desperate, and convinced his late mother’s antique stuffed cat, Lucy, is his ticket back to stability. Hazel asked for two promises: care for her three black cats and bury her with Lucy. Harvey breaks both.
Pocketing Lucy during the funeral, caging the cats, and leaving them at the pound, the haunting starts. Cat cries flood his car stereo, his ears bleed, and reality begins to “swap” out from under him.
A darkly funny morality tale about what people do when they feel cornered by money, responsibility, and loss, it taps into the evergreen horror pleasure of “the curse that fits the crime,” with black-cat folklore turned into a relentless, escalating punishment.
Stuff of Nightmares: The Cat in the Coffin sounds like exactly the sort of nasty little morality tale R. L. Stine can have a lot of fun with. A desperate man stealing a supposedly valuable stuffed black cat from his mother’s coffin, only to be hunted by the kind of bad luck he absolutely brought on himself, is a wonderfully mean hook. The best thing about Stuff of Nightmares has always been how cleanly it can deliver these one-and-done horror setups, and this feels like another very strong example. With Matthew Dunn and Pippa Bowland on art, this looks creepy, wicked and deliciously cruel.
Grendel: Devil’s Crucible – Sedition #2
DARK HORSE COMICS
By Matt Wagner, Brennan Wagner and Steve Dutro
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Grendel: Devil’s Crucible – Sedition #2 (Link)
After an attack by the Hounds of Orion, the Necro-Lords are on high alert—and desperate for revenge! Grendel’s hounds will have to regroup and bring in more allies to stay ahead of their bloodthirsty foes, who are closing in faster than anyone could guess!
Matt Wagner’s hellish vision of a future earth destroyed by vampires continues!
Grendel: Devil’s Crucible – Sedition #2 looks like it is settling into the kind of blood-soaked future nightmare that Matt Wagner does so well. The Necro-Lords are out for revenge, Grendel’s forces are scrambling for allies, and the whole thing sounds grim, pulpy and gloriously committed to its own mythology. There is something deeply reassuring about Wagner still pushing this world forward himself, while Brennan Wagner’s colours help sell the hellish atmosphere that Grendel stories thrive on. With Christine Spar’s clone coming to life as well, this feels like the sort of issue that widens the conflict and deepens the menace in equal measure.
Day of Dredd
All citizens should attend October’s Day of Dredd — it’s The Law!
Rebellion is delighted to announce The Day of Dredd, an international celebration of the ultimate lawman of the future, Judge Dredd, on 3 October 2026!
A titanic celebration of one of the most famous characters in comics history that will give fans the chance to share in their love of Judge Dredd, The Day of Dredd will be marked by creator signings at locations across the UK, with line-ups including Mick McMahon, Colin MacNeil, John Higgins and many more!
Plus comic book stores can take part thanks to special promotions on graphic novel collections and exclusive point-of-sale items from Rebellion.
Signings will take place across the UK as well as internationally, with creator guests confirmed so far including Andy Diggle, Anthony Williams, Arthur Wyatt, Ben Willsher, Boo Cook, Chris Weston, Colin MacNeil, D’Israeli, Dan Cornwell, Ian Edginton, Jake Lynch, Joe Currie, John Higgins, Laura Bailey, Lee Carter, Leigh Gallagher, Mick McMahon, Mike Perkins, Nick Percival, Patrick Goddard, Peter Doherty, Pye Parr, Rob Williams, Robbie Morrison, Sally Jane Hurst, Staz Johnson, and Tom Foster — with even more to be revealed and signing venues to be announced in the coming weeks!
It’s Been A Long Time Judge
First taking place almost a decade ago, The Day of Dredd aims to encourage readers new and old to discover 2000 AD’s biggest character and Britain’s greatest comics export — a hardline future cop created by John Wagner (A History of Violence) and Carlos Ezquerra (Preacher), who has been bringing justice to the mean streets of the vast Mega-City One for almost half a century, both thrilling readers and satirising everything from Margaret Thatcher to Donald Trump, from fad fashions to freedom fighters. As well as helping launch the careers of some of comics’ biggest names, Dredd has become one of the most iconic characters in British comics and even part of the English language!
With the 50th anniversary of 2000 AD and Judge Dredd fast approaching in February 2027, and with special plans to celebrate the occasion to be announced in the coming months, The Day of Dredd is a chance for fans to pass on their passion for The Law as well as for new readers to jump into the world of one of the most important characters in comics.
In addition to the long-running and best-selling Judge Dredd: The Complete Case Filesseries, the Essential Judge Dredd line of graphic novel collections gives readers the opportunity to encounter the big epic storylines that have influenced not just comics over the last fifty years but global culture!
Don’t miss the chance to dive into some Dredd on 3 October — obey the Day of Dredd!
ISO-Cubes 50 Years
He’s Britain’s biggest comic book export — and a huge new book will showcase Judge Dredd, Lawman of the Future, as he celebrates half a century of publication!
Releasing 11th February 2027, Fifty Years of Judge Dredd is an over-sized omnibus collection of Dredd’s greatest cases from the pages of 2000 AD, alongside interviews with some of the greatest talents in comics to have brought him to life. Available in standard hardback or webshop-exclusive slipcase editions, each slipcase is individually numbered and showcases exclusive new artwork by Henry Flint, inspired by Carlos Ezquerra’s original character design sketch (which is also featured on the flipside of the slipcase).
Fantastic for fans of Judge Dredd who want a one-stop collection to grab from their bookshelf — and a perfect primer for readers new to the character — this landmark title will be published as part of the celebrations of 2000 AD’s fiftieth anniversary in February 2027.
Since he was created by John Wagner (A History of Violence) and Carlos Ezquerra (Preacher) half a century ago, Judge Dredd has acted as judge, jury and executioner on the streets of the dystopian city of Mega-City One. These stories have ranged from sci-fi satire to war story, from epic adventure to iconic horror.
This dense and sweeping collection will feature classic encounters with legendary villains like Judge Death through to corruption and evil lurking inside the Justice Department itself, in a definitive celebration of Judge Dredd’s electric — and uninterrupted — run in 2000 ADfrom 1977 right through to the present day.
Iconic Artists and Stories
Featuring work by world-renowned creators such as Brian Bolland (Killing Joke), Cam Kennedy (Star Wars), Duncan Fegredo (Hellboy) RM Guera (Scalped) and more, Fifty Years of Judge Dredd collects forty of the very best complete stories; each strip has been carefully selected to showcase his great versatility, showcasing The Lawman of The Future at his very best and showing what makes him one of the most iconic characters in British comics.
This massive collection also features brand new interviews with just some of the incredible writers and artists who have brought their own unique take to Judge Dredd over the years, from co-creator John Wagner to master stylist Jock. Interviewed by Eisner Award-winning writer Michael Molcher (I Am The Law), the creators who shaped and refined Dredd tell the Lawman’s stories in their own words, exploring his enduring appeal as a character across five decades of publication.
From Dark Judges to Love Stories; from The Apocalypse War to Young Giant, these forty stories feature Judge Dredd’s most iconic and memorable moments from across the years. Ranging from the tragedy of Bury My Knee at Wounded Heart to the comedy of Crossing Ken Dodd, Fifty Years of Judge Dredd is a titanic celebration of one of the most important and beloved characters in cultural history.
And in case you hadn’t realised… HE IS THE LAW!!!!
Fifty Years of Judge Dredd will be released in February 2027, available in hardback or webshop-exclusive slipcase Editions!
Cutting Crime Down To Size!
No crime is too small, no punishment too big — as the classic cases of Judge Dredd come in a brand new series with a brand new format!
Judge Dredd: Compact Crimes collects the bestselling adventures of the ultimate lawman of the future in the popular compact format, bringing the best of British comics to a whole new audience.
Launching on 26 January, this is the ideal place to start your Judge Dredd library — from the beginning, starting with his very first cases!
The series’ new-reader-friendly format brings this bestselling evergreen series to a brand new 210×148mm (8¼ × 5⅞ in) trim format of trade paperback novels, priced at £9.99 in the UK and $12.99 in the USA.
For fifty years, the zero-tolerance cop has been delivering justice on the dangerous streets of the future-shocked metropolis Mega-City One. Released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Judge Dredd and his home, the cult sci-fi weekly comic 2000 AD, volume one kickstarts the new CompactCrimes series in a shelf-friendly format, with a price point that’s perfect for introducing new readers to UK’s most successful comics character.
Pocket Sized Justice
As well as stories by Pat Mills (Marshal Law) and John Wagner (Star Wars: Boba Fett), the first volume features artwork from British comics royalty, including Brian Bolland (Batman: The Killing Joke), Mick McMahon (The Last American), Ian Gibson (Halo Jones) and more.
In February 2027, 2000 AD will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a series of special events and publications highlighting the legacy and impact of five decades of groundbreaking comics, which have helped fundamentally change comic book and world culture. Appearing in the second issue of 2000 AD in 1977, Judge Dredd soon became its biggest character, leading to two major feature film adaptations as well as countless comics sold across the globe.
Collecting every case in order from almost five decades of 2000 AD, Compact Crimes will bring readers the groundbreaking classics that have made Judge Dredd a global name!
Judge Dredd: Compact Crimes Vol.1 will be available on 26 January from all good book and comic book stores, as well as from online retailers and digitally from 2000 AD’s webshop and app.
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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