Tires, Woods and Bandages – 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. 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.
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…
Universal Monsters: The Invisible Man #1
Image Comics/Skybound
By James Tynion IV, Dani and Brad Simpson
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Universal Monsters: The Invisible Man #1 (Link)
JAMES TYNION IV & DANI RESSURECT A HORROR ICON!
Jack Griffin has always been invisible to the people around him — at least in his own mind. But when an experimental breakthrough presents a path to make his dreams of invisibility a reality, no one — not even the woman he loves — will stand in his way.
Witness Griffin’s legendary descent into madness as his humanity fades away and the monster inside is revealed, leaving only… THE INVISIBLE MAN!
The horror dream team of JAMES TYNION IV (SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN, EXQUISITE CORPSES) and DANI (The Low, Low Woods) reveal their vision for one of the most horrific monsters in cinematic history!
I’ve really been enjoying Image/Skybound’s take on the Universal Monsters series and we’ve now reached one of the franchises hidden gems. This debut issue, titled “An Invisible Man Can Rule the World,” sets the tone for a deeply personal and terrifying journey. Tynion and DANI explore Griffin’s unraveling psyche with a modern sensibility, while paying homage to the 1933 Universal Pictures classic and H.G. Wells’ original novel . Expect a moody, atmospheric horror tale that blends body horror, psychological thriller, and gothic tragedy — all wrapped in a visually arresting package.
Stay Out of the Woods #1
Image Comics/Ninth Gate
By Joe Pruett, Butch Guice, Guy Major and Dave Sharpe
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Stay Out of the Woods #1 (Link)
A nightmarish terror once again haunts the shadowy woods of a small town community. Three young friends have to confront their own childhood fears, undead creatures that stalk the living, an enigmatic tree that seemingly collects souls, and an ancient forest entity that seeks to reclaim these lands as its own. It’s Tom Sawyer meets Pan’s Labyrinth meets It in this coming-of-age tale of redemption and courage in the face of pure evil.
From Eisner Award winner JOE PRUETT (X-Men, Black-Eyed Kids, VOICES IN MY HEAD) and fan-favorite artist BUTCH GUICE (Captain America, Winter Soldier, Flash). With an incentive cover by the legendary MICHAEL WM. KALUTA! From NINTH CIRCLE, bringing you the BEST horror each month by the industry’s TOP creative talent!
In this oversized one-shot from Joe Pruett and the late great Butch Guice, three childhood friends return to the woods where they once encountered something unspeakable. Now, the forest calls again—haunted by undead horrors, a soul-hungry tree, and an ancient evil that never left. Blending nostalgic coming-of-age storytelling with chilling supernatural terror, Stay Out of the Woods is a gripping tale of fear, friendship, and survival. With stunning art and a magazine-sized format, this standalone horror story is perfect for fans of It, Pan’s Labyrinth, and The Witch.
Speed Racer #2
Mad Cave Studios
By David Pepose, Davide Tinto, Rex Lokus and Buddy Beaudoin
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Speed Racer #2 (Link)
Life in the fast lane! Speed enters the Sword Mountain qualifier with one goal — win a million dollars to save Pops’ life. But racing at the pro level means taking on corporate-backed legends, deadly rivals like Snake Oiler, and the shadowy legacy of the CAT Team — the same crew that cost Rex Racer his life. When slick tricks send Speed spinning, he must decide: play it safe or drive like the street racer he truly is. One wild comeback later, he’s got a shot at the championship… and a target on his back.
Gear up for another high-octane adventure in Speed Racer #2. Following the thrilling events of the first issue, Speed finds himself in a new, treacherous race with even higher stakes. As the mysterious Mach 6’s dark secrets begin to unravel, Speed must confront not only his rivals on the track but also a shadowy conspiracy that threatens the very foundation of racing. With stunning art and a pulse-pounding story, this issue pushes Speed to his limits, testing his courage, skill, and loyalty. Can he outpace his enemies and uncover the truth before the checkered flag falls?
Gatchaman: Joe – Bloodlines #1
Mad Cave Studios
By Steve Orlando, Nicola Scott, Jão Canola and Frank Cvetkovic
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Gatchaman: Joe – Bloodlines #1 (Link)
Joe Asakura thought he found family… but as it turns out, he found a trap. Racing to a city under Galactor control, the Condor walks straight into a web of lies, covert killers, and weaponized hope. Now it’s war, and Joe’s out for blood.
Condor, Joe Asakura, thought he had found a new family, but instead, he has walked into a trap. In the pulse-pounding new series from Mad Cave Studios, Gatchaman: Joe – Bloodlines #1, Joe races to a city under Galactor’s control, only to find himself entangled in a web of lies, covert killers, and weaponized hope. Written by Steve Orlando with art by Nicola Scott, this one-shot comic promises a high-stakes, action-packed narrative of revenge and redemption. It’s war now, and Joe’s out for blood. The fate of Gatchaman hangs in the balance as a new era begins.
Space Captain Returns
A while back I was able to get hold of the whole six issue collection of Space Captain: Captain of Space, after hearing some very good things about it from friends. The book feels very reminiscent of European comics like Tintin and Aesterix, briming with energy and enthusiasm. The collection has popped up now and again, mostly via co-author and artist Chris Baldie’s Etsy store. Now after seeing it collected in a French language volume, Chris has decided to make it available to everyone in a beautiful new 242 page perfect bound edition via a brand new Kickstarter campaign.
The Story
Space Captain wakes up on a distant planet from a frozen slumber with no idea where he is or how to get back to Earth. Things go from bad to worse when Space Captain is chased across galaxies as he tries to make his way home.
Which way is Earth?
The Rewards
Chris is keeping it simple with only a physical or digital version of the book being made available, you can add-on digital versions of Chris’ other books and other digital offerings if you like. If you do want physical versions of these other books you can find them on his Etsy store.
I can’t recommend this book enough, it’s fun, beautiful and delight to read. You can back the campaign now over on th official Kickstarter page – Space Captain: Captain of Space – A 242-page space epic that sees the last man of Earth trying to make his way back home… (Link)
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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