Tharg, Xmas and Ho!(liday). 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 affilate 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. This will be the last regular edition of Wednesday Comics for the year, but look out for a list of my favourite comics of 2025 just before New Years. I hope you’ve had a great year reading comics and I wish you all a very happy holiday season.
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…
2000AD #2463
REBELLION • 2000AD
By Kenneth Niemand, Stref, Fin Cramb, Annie Parkhouse. Dan Abnett, Tazio Bettin, Matt Soffe, Jim Campbell, Alec Worley, Staz Johnson, John Charles, Rob Steen, Karl Stock, Colin MacNeil, Dylan Teague, Alex de Campi, Neil Edwards, David Barnett, Lee Milmore, Gary Caldwell, Kek-W, Clint Langley, Peter Milligan, Kieran McKeown, Jim Boswell and Simon Bowland
Buy from 2000AD Webshop – 2000AD #2463 (Link)
Get ready to have your halls decked with a blast of pure Thrill-power – the bumper Christmas issue of 2000 AD is out on 17 December!
Featuring over 100 pages of the finest comics excitement imaginable, the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic marks the end of another year with the traditional festive blowout – including these stunning stories:
Judge Dredd: MikMak’s Big Mega-City Adventure by Ken Niemand & Stref
Azimuth: Better the Devil You Know by Dan Abnett & Tazio Bettin
Hawk the Slayer: The Call by Alec Worley & Staz Johnson
Strontium Dog: The Necks Case by Karl Stock & Colin MacNeil
Rogue Trooper: Ghost Patrol by Alex De Campi & Neil Edwards
Herne & Shuck series 2 by David Barnett & Lee Milmore
Young Death: Dog Eat Dog by Kek-W & Clint Langley
But that’s not all! In addition to these all-new Thrills, the Christmas Mega-Special will also include the start of brand new series ‘The Discarded’ by Peter Milligan & Kieran McKeown!
All this, and a festive cover from Greg Staples? Grud bless us, every one!
The 2000 AD Christmas mega-spectacular is out on the 17 December – pre-order yours now to save yourself the sleigh ride and have it delivered straight to your door! If you already have a 2000 AD subscription, you will receive this issue automatically with no additional charge – blessings be!
This festive bumper issue of 2000 AD roars in with over 100 pages of sci-fi and fantasy thrills. Niemand and Stref kick things off with a gritty, chaotic “Mik-Mak’s Big Mega‑City Adventure” in Mega‑City One. Abnett and Bettin’s “Azimuth: Better the Devil You Know” deepens the eerie, transhumanist world with Anderson and Ramone Dexter unraveling a new conspiracy. Peter Milligan debuts “The Discarded,” a tense, high-stakes prison noir, while David Barnett’s Herne & Shuck returns for folk‑horror magic intertwined with demon‑dog antics. With Rogue Trooper, Strontium Dog, Hawk the Slayer and a seasonal finale packed with wit and punch, it’s a stellar end‑of‑year spectacle, that should not be missed.
Judge Dredd Megazine #487
REBELLION • 2000AD
By Kenneth Niemand, Anthony Williams, Annie Parkhouse Alec Worley, Ben Willsher, Dave Taylor, Rob Steen, Michael Carroll, John Higgins, Dan Abnett, Phil Winslade, Liam Johnson, Staz Johnson, Quinton Winter, John Wagner, Alan Grant and Dan Cornwell
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Judge Dredd Megazine #487 (Link)
More action and adventure in the future-shocked world of Judge Dredd!
The lawman hunts a predator in special Xmas story ‘The Survivor’ by Ken Niemand; Psi-Judge Anderson discovers who is behind the possessed in ‘Hell Night at the Cine-Pit’ by Alec Worley & Ben Willsher; there’s political machinations in ‘Megatropolis’ by Ken Niemand & Dave Taylor; there’s zero-tolerance policing in Dreadnoughts: ‘Qualified Immunity’ by Mike Carroll & John Higgins; and there’s more Lawless, courtesy of Dan Abnett & Phil Winslade.
Plus Rok of the Reds, features, interviews and lots more!
This justice-packed issue of delivers a festive fusion of grit and intrigue. Niemand’s “The Survivor” pits Dredd against a feral predator in a chilling Xmas tale. Psi-Judge Anderson fronts “Hell Night at the Cine‑Pit” — a cinematic nightmare by Worley & Willsher. Political tension simmers in “Megatropolis” (Niemand with Dave Taylor), while “Qualified Immunity” by Carroll & Higgins, explores the bristling edge of zero‑tolerance justice in the Dreadnoughts. Abnett & Phil Winslade bring back the explosive “Lawless,” and the issue packs out your comic stockings with interviews, features, and Rok The God for maximum holiday mayhem. Don’t miss it.
ThunderCats Ho!(liday) Special 2025 #1
DYNAMITE
By Ed Brisson and Fabio Gallo
Buy from Forbidden Planet – ThunderCats Ho!(liday) Special 2025 #1 (Link)
While on a mission in the snowy mountains of Third Earth, the ThunderCats stumble across Snowman, the last of his people, on the eve of the Festival of the Claw — a day of celebration, food, and gifts, and a time for Snowman to pay tribute to those he’s lost. With no others of his kind remaining to pass his traditions on to, Snowman shares them with the ’Cats, who understand all too well the need to persevere in the face of overwhelming loss.
Meanwhile, just outside of Snowman’s mountaintop village, Queen Tartara’s royal guard are preparing to use the holiday as a perfect opportunity for a surprise attack. But even on this hallowed occasion, not every Thunderan has let down their guard!
Acclaimed ThunderCats: Lost author ED BRISSON and renowned artist FABIO GALLO get the party started in this special 40-page one-shot — with seasonal covers catered by GALLO, SEBASTIAN PIRIZ, and ROBERT QUINN, as well as an exclusive BLIND BAG VARIANT!
EACH MYSTERY BLIND BAG INCLUDES TWO SEPARATE COPIES OF THE ISSUE, BOTH OF WHICH ARE EXCLUSIVE TO THE BLIND BAG — ONE BLANK AUTHENTIX EDITION, AND ONE OF FIVE UNIQUE VARIANT COVER ART EDITIONS.
Who could resist that title? This wintery one-shot delivers festive action and heartfelt moments. Writer Brisson reunites the team with Snowman of Hook Mountain, the last of his kind, as they gather for the Festival of the Claw — a ritual of remembrance and joy amid snow‑capped peaks. The ThunderCats join him, forging new bonds while confronting a surprise assault led by Queen Tartara’s royal guard, blending holiday warmth with pulse‑pounding combat. A festive, emotional adventure perfect for fans both old and new.
The New Space Age #1
MAD CAVE STUDIOS
By Kenny Porter, Mike Becker, Kevin Betou and Buddy Beaudoin
Buy from Forbidden Planet – The New Space Age #1 (Link)
Disgraced astronaut Mark Mitchell has only ever had one true mission — to find his little brother Joey, who was abducted by aliens from a crop circle when they were little. But when Mark’s hotshot piloting gets him grounded and the last of the public space program defunded, Mark loses his only means of finding Joey out in space. Until Mark’s homemade scanning rig discovers the shocking truth about the crop circles — they’re instructions for space travel. Mark will need to uncover the hidden messages that have been left on Earth for years, and reverse engineer the magic that can finally help him find Joey.
Edging the boundaries of cosmic wonder, The New Space Age blasts off with a heart-rending mission: disgraced astronaut Mark Mitchell is determined to locate his abducted brother Joey—taken via crop circles as a child. Writer Porter weaves a tale where UFOs bypass physics and harness magic, prompting Mark to assemble a crew of experts in science and the mystical. Becker’s vibrant art brings psychedelic sci‑fi to life. A spellbinding opener—where grief, wonder, and cosmic conspiracies collide in a thrilling space‑age debut.
Star Trek: The Last Starship #3
IDW PUBLISHING
By Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, Adrián Bonilla, Clayton Cowles and Heather Moore
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Star Trek: The Last Starship #3 (Link)
The U.S.S. Omega launches into battle! Its adversary? A chaotic Klingon cult whose bloodred path is focused purely on obliterating the remaining vestiges of Starfleet. What’s left of the Federation is falling apart by the moment. Captain Sato, who once dreamed of uniting the galaxy, is now living his worst nightmare. He was raised in a time of peace… but no progress comes without a fight. While the Klingons might be his enemies after centuries of peace, he has Kirk as his ally… and no one knows how to defeat a Klingon better than the Federation’s greatest hero.
In this issue the U.S.S. Omega is thrust into a chaotic battle against a ruthless Klingon cult hell‑bent on obliterating the remnants of Starfleet. Captain Sato, forged in peace, struggles under the brutal realities of war, while the newly resurrected Captain Kirk takes command—bringing old‑school firepower and strategic brilliance. With relentless action, layered character dynamics, and a cliffhanger that leaves you desperate for more, this issue marks a thrilling turning point in the post‑Burn saga.
Sláine Definitive Edition Vol. 2 TP
2000AD • REBELLION
By Pat Mills, David Pugh, Glenn Fabry, Steve Potter, Bryan Talbot and Gordon Robson
Buy from 2000AD Webshop – Sláine Definitive Edition Vol. 2 TP (Link)
The adventures of Sláine Mac Roth continue in the second volume of the Definitive series, collecting the complete story in order. With character-defining arcs such as The Time Killer and The Tomb of Terror, this volume sees the exiled barbarian facing new trials and tribulations – including a trip through time which will have dangerous repurcussions for everyone on Earth!
Showcasing Pat Mills’s epic storytelling alongside the art of Glenn Fabry (Hellblazer, Swamp Thing), Bryan Talbot (The Adventures of Luther Arkwright), and David Pugh (Dan Dare), this is another unmissable entry for fans and new readers alike.
This volume of Sláine Definitive Edition plunges deeper into Celtic myth and mind-bending adventure, gathering two pivotal arcs—“The Time Killer” and “The Tomb of Terror”—across 272 richly illustrated pages. Mills amps up the drama as Sláine Mac Roth faces temporal upheaval and subterranean horrors: first, a time-bending saga that thrusts him and companions through history with dire global stakes; next, a descent into a dread-filled necropolis brimming with ancient malevolence. The art, led by David Pugh, Glenn Fabry, and Bryan Talbot, brings visceral energy to Sláine’s warp‑spasms, mythic vistas, and terrifying creatures—with each panel suffused with potent atmosphere. This trade paperback is a definitive showcase of Mills’s sweeping world-building, brutal mythology, and Sláine’s tumultuous hero’s journey—ideal for both long-time fans and new readers exploring Tir-Nan-Og.
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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