Swords, Sorcery and Bats – Wednesday Comics

Swords, Sorcery and Bats – 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…

Helen of Wyndhorn #6
Dark Horse Comics

By Tom King, Bilquis Evely, Mat Lopes and Clayton Cowles

Buy digitally – Helen of Wyndhorn #6 (Link)

From the Eisner award-winning and bestselling creative team of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow — source of the upcoming film from DC Studios, comes this Gothic sword and sorcery epic that’s Conan the Barbarian meets The Wizard of Oz.

Helen relives her final adventures in the fantasy world riding sharks like horses into the sunset and battling dangerous sea men as everything comes to a a final conclusion in this hit series from Supergirl’s Tom King and Bilquis Evely.

This is the epic conclusion to this captivating series. King’s writing gave depth to Helen’s character and made every moment feel significant, whilst Evely’s art has created a truly immersive experience, reminiscent of the great Charles Vess. The series has been a rollercoaster of emotions, and this final issue will hopefully tie everything together beautifully.

Absolute Batman #2
DC Comics

By Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin and Clayton Cowles

Buy digitally – Absolute Batman #2 (Link)

Batman was born out of violence – a horrible tragedy that shaped the trajectory of his future. But when a vigilant MI6 agent starts tracking the lonely life of Bruce Wayne, he discovers the interconnectivity between a hero’s shell life and the many layers of the Black Mask Gang. It’s Batman versus Alfred Pennyworth! 

The first issue of this series appears to have split opinions amongst readers. I quite enjoyed Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s, bold new direction for the Dark Knight. This issue delves deep into the complex relationship between Bruce and Alfred, who in this reality is an active MI6 agent with a hidden agenda.

Masters of the Universe/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles of Grayskull #2
Dark Horse Comics/IDW Publishing

By Tim Seeley, Freddie E. Williams II, Andrew Dalhouse and AndWorld Design

Buy digitally – Masters of the Universe/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles of Grayskull #2 (Link)

The universe is in knots!

Renet is doing everything she can to stop the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and He-Man universes from getting all tangled up, but they’re stuck in a time loop! And with He-Man and the Turtles on the Triceraton Homeworlds facing-off against the All-Star Team in the Tri-Sports Arena, things seem to be only getting worse…

Get ready for more action-packed crossover shenanigans, in this comic that masterfully blends the worlds of He-Man and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, creating a unique and thrilling adventure. Freddie E. Williams II’s artwork is spectacular, and worth the price of admission alone. If you’ve not yet discovered the joys of these unique pairings, then this series is a great jumping on point.

Transformers #14
Image Comics/Skybound

By Daniel Warren Johnson, Jason Howard, Mike Spicer and Rus Wooton

Buy digitally – Transformers #14 (Link)

THE FATE OF STARSCREAM REVEALED

Everything has changed for the most conniving Decepticon the universe has even seen. And hell hath no fury like a Starscream scorned…

Transformers continues to be the jewel in the crown of the Energon Universe saga, and this issue is focusing on the fate of the cunning Decepticon, Starscream, delving deep into the psyche and schemes of one of the most iconic Transformers characters.

Batman: Dark Age #6
DC Comics

By Mark Russell, Michael Allred, Laura Allred and Dave Sharpe

Buy digitally – Batman: Dark Age #6 (Link)

THE ANTI-MONITOR LOOMS OVER GOTHAM! Gotham appears to be saved, but for how long? A face from Gotham’s past emerges from the ashes and the Anti-Monitor threatens to destroy everything. Bruce Wayne looks back across the years and wonders if it was all for nothing.

This is the thrilling conclusion to Mark Russell and the Allred’s unique take on the Dark Knight’s saga. This issue brings the story to a dramatic close, with Bruce Wayne facing an existential crisis as Gotham is threatened by the Anti-Monitor once again. After this and Superman: Space Age, I can only hope Russel will bring us his unique take on either Wonder Woman or the Green Lantern next.

The Uncanny X-Men #5
Marvel Comics

By Gail Simone, David Marquez, Matt Wilson and Clayton Cowles

Buy digitally – The Uncanny X-Men #5 (Link)

The brutal conclusion to the RED WAVE storyline is here! The Uncanny X-MEN face an unstoppable force of evil and death who reveals a shocking secret… but they may not survive long enough to face it! Will the next generation of young mutants stand by Rogue and her team or join the other side?

LEGACY #705

This issue brings the intense Red Wave storyline to an end, with the future of the Outliers hanging in the balance. Gail Simone and David Marquez deliver a mix of high-stakes action and emotional depth, making this even more interesting than the main X-Men title, and if you only want to pick up one X-book, this should be the one.

Gatchaman: Jun – Apex Heart #1
Mad Cave Studios

By Tommy Lee Edwards, Nuno Plati, Giada Marchisio and John Workman

Buy digitally – Gatchaman: Jun – Apex Heart #1 (Link)

An elite squad of motorcycle-riding death bikers have successfully hijacked an armored train transporting experimental International Science Organization tech. These thieves are fast and ruthless–they carry out their orders with razor-sharp efficiency. The only thing in their way is Jun the Swan and her G-3 hover-cycle mecha. The action-packed second tale in a series of standalone one-shot stories that each focus on a separate member of Science Ninja Team Gatchaman!

This one-shot showcases fan favourite Jun the Swan, in a high-flying adventure. While the one-shot format limits the depth of character exploration, Jun’s personality shines through here. She’s portrayed as a skilled fighter with a strong sense of justice, making her a compelling hero in her own right. Gatchaman: Jun – Apex Heart is a fantastic addition to the growing Gatchaman universe, with a thrilling and visually impressive comic that successfully captures the spirit of the classic anime.

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

Space Ghost Vol.1 : With Only Ghosts to Comfort Us
Dynamite

By David Pepose, Jonathan Lau, Andrew Dalhouse and Taylor Esposito

Buy digitally – Space Ghost Vol.1 : With Only Ghosts to Comfort Us (Link)

Greed and corruption flourish in the darkness between stars. With the territories of the Galactic Federation spread far and wide across the vastness of space, pirates and hijackers ransack the distant colonies with cruel disregard for the innocent scientists living within them.

Yet there is a cosmic vigilante who metes out justice throughout the galaxy, bringing vengeance to those prey upon the defenseless.

Some say he is a policeman who has abandoned the strictures of the law. Others say he is a phantom, the sole survivor of a war-torn planet. And those who have survived his wrath claim he is more a force of nature, able to bend the very elements of Creation to decimate his enemies.

They call him the SPACE GHOST – and his adventures begin here!

Space Ghost Vol.1: With Only Ghosts to Comfort Us collects issues 1-6 of this brilliant series. Writer Jeff Parker captures the essence of classic space adventure while infusing it with modern storytelling elements. Jonathan Lau’s artwork is a visual delight. His dynamic style brings the vastness of space and the intensity of battles to life. The vibrant colors and detailed panels enhance the storytelling, making the cosmic landscapes and action sequences pop off the page.

Space Ghost Vol.1: With Only Ghosts to Comfort Us combines thrilling action, compelling characters, and breathtaking art, making it a an essential purchase for old and new fans alike.

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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

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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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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