Yo, Ho and GoGoGo. 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.
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…
G.I. Joe #20
IMAGE COMICS · SKYBOUND
By Joshua Williamson, Andrea Milana, Lee Loughridge and Rus Wooton
Buy from Forbidden Planet – G.I. Joe #20 (Link)
OPTIMUS PRIME AND DUKE MEET FOR THE FIRST TIME
What does this mean for future of the Energon Universe?
This issue delivers a high‑stakes Energon Universe milestone as Duke and Optimus Prime finally meet, setting the stage for major consequences across the shared continuity. Hinted ties to Clutch, Autobot Hound, and Matt Trakker deepen the intrigue, promising a payoff that reshapes the franchise’s future. This comic looks to be a must‑read turning point for both G.I. Joe and Transformers fans.
ThunderCats X SilverHawks: Road to War #1
DYNAMITE
By Ed Brisson, Gerardo Gambone, Andrea Arcari, Chris Campana, Elton Thomasi, Robby Bevard, Renato Pacheco and Jeff Eckleberry
Buy from Forbidden Planet – ThunderCats X SilverHawks: Road to War #1 (Link)
THE COUNTDOWN TO CATASTROPHE BEGINS! In this special 40-page one-shot, acclaimed author ED BRISSON (ThunderCats: Lost, SilverHawks, Apex) and artists ELTON THOMASI and ALICE LECLERT bring readers three special tales that set the stage for a cataclysmic crossover event to come!
THE PAST: Claudus’s heir to the throne of Thundera, the cub Lion-O, struggles to understand his destined place at the head of the kingdom. How can he protect an entire realm when he can barely lift a sword? And with the destruction of their planet looming, will the young prince be able to shoulder the burden of leadership?
THE PRESENT: With mob boss Mon*Star gone, criminals from the furthest reaches of the galaxy are moving to fill the power vacuum left in his wake — and it’s up to the SilverHawks to stop them. But with their resources stretched thin, the team has to expand — and when Quicksilver and new recruit Chromium take on an intergalactic biker gang, the veteran and the rookie will face a real trial by fire!
THE FUTURE: For the ThunderCats trapped in the far future of ThunderCats: Lost in Time, the quest to find a way back to the past is proving to be an exercise in frustration. A restless Neko begins pulling away from her teammates to wage a one-woman war against the Darkbirds, whose secrets may hold the key to the ’Cats survival — past, present, and future!
Featuring spacetime-spanning covers from SEBASTIÁN PÍRIZ, MEGHAN HETRICK, FABIO FAILLA, and DECLAN SHALVEY, as well as a special piece of classic ANIMATION ART, ThunderCats X SilverHawks: Road to War #1 also includes a special PREMIUM MYSTERY BLIND BAG! The Premium Blind Bag contains three limited editions of the one-shot selected randomly from a range of covers exclusive to this offering — including virgin variants, colored blanks, and more! Please Note: The number of Blind Bags is limited, and allocations may occur.
This one-shot ignites a universe‑spanning conflict with three time‑shifting tales that set the stage for a major crossover event. From young Lion‑O’s coming‑of‑age struggle to the SilverHawks’ battle against rising galactic crime and Neko’s desperate future mission, the issue promises high stakes and rich world‑building. This 40‑page comic is a must‑read catalyst for what’s coming next.
Racer X #5
MAD CAVE STUDIOS
By Mark Russell, Nuno Plati, Giada Marchisio and Buddy Beaudoin
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Racer X #5 (Link)
Racer X hits the Tiger Syndicate hard…but Dante Ferno hunts harder. As X is herded into a deadly construction-site trap, Ferno unveils his chilling creed inside a taxidermy “Hall of Champions”: only predators survive. Trapped between gangland artillery and a madman’s natural-selection philosophy, Racer X must evolve fast…or end up mounted on the wall.
Racer X #5 escalates the series’ noir‑fueled tension as Racer X clashes violently with the Tiger Syndicate, only to be driven into a lethal construction‑site ambush by Dante Ferno. With Ferno’s chilling “only predators survive” philosophy revealed inside his macabre Hall of Champions, the issue promises intense psychological stakes and brutal action. This chapter pushes Racer X to his limits, forcing evolution or extinction.
Dead Teenagers #1
ONI PRESS
By Jude Ellison S. Doyle and Caitlin Yarsky
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Dead Teenagers #1 (Link)
THERE’S NO ESCAPING HIGH SCHOOL! Since 1997, five friends have been trapped in the ultimate nightmare as a mysterious entity forces them to relive their first prom night over and over again… and re-kills them in new and increasingly insane ways each time. They dress up. They party. They make out. And no matter what they try to change, they always die… until now. Something is about to break the cycle that has kept Alicia, J.T., Ryder, Brandy, and their group of friends locked in a bizarre purgatory beyond all understanding… but what they find on the other side will be the most disturbing revelation of all.
Hell is the ’90s in this brash and brutal, genre-distorting ode to the generation that gave us Scream and Buffy the Vampire Slayer — and what’s become of them since — as GLAAD Award–nominated writer Jude Ellison S. Doyle (Maw, Be Not Afraid) and hyper-talented artist Caitlin Yarsky (Black Hammer Reborn, EC’s Cruel Universe) unleash the year’s most clever and compulsively page-turning horror thriller.
This debut issue traps readers in a viciously nostalgic ’90s‑themed time‑loop nightmare where five friends relive prom night—and their own bizarre deaths—again and again. Doyle delivers razor‑sharp horror laced with dark humor, while Yarsky’s art heightens both the terror and the satirical bite. As the cycle finally threatens to break, the mystery deepens, promising shocking revelations on the other side. Brutal, clever, and compulsively readable, this Oni Press debut sets up a chilling exploration of nostalgia, identity, and the horrors we never truly leave behind.
Dan Dare Returns
B7 comics is Kickstarting a brand-new launch for Dan Dare: the first volume in a three-book graphic novel saga, created with the full blessing of the rights holders, The Dan Dare Corporation.
Dan Dare: First Contact is a slightly oversized, roughly 100-page rocket ride of a book, available as an eBook, paperback, and a premium Kickstarter-exclusive hardback for collectors who like their adventures with extra heft.
Dan Dare In A New Era
This mission is powered by Writer Alex de Campi (Rogue Trooper: Ghost Patrol, MADI), Artist Marc Laming (Star Wars, Endeavour) and B7 Comics (part of B7 Media), makers of the critically acclaimed Dan Dare Audio Adventures, and publishers of graphic novels including Hancock: The Lad Himself, Mr Jones’s Smoking Bones, and the sci-fi thriller Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies.
If Book One funds, we’re aiming to publish in Q4 2026. The best bit? The script is already written. Marc is basically strapped into the cockpit already! He’s even started on early concept art. As we count down to launch, we’ll be sharing a proper taste of what you’re backing: the first eight fully lettered and coloured pages.
“Alex and I are huge fans of Dan Dare from Frank Hampson and Frank Bellamy’s original stories of the 50s and 60s through to 2000AD’s more anarchic take on the character in late 70s. We are both extremely excited to bring Colonel Dare to a new audience. I think our tale has something for fans of the original Eagle stories and for lovers of modern sci fi action of the screen and books.” – Marc Laming
“You don’t need to know anything about Dan Dare to enjoy this book. It’s meant so you can go in completely cold and just be swept away by the story. However, if you are already a Dan Dare fan, there’s a ton of references to the classic stories as well as a sincere respect for Frank Hampson’s legacy from our entire creative team.”- Alex de Campi
Pilot of the Future
In First Contact, the science is updated making Dan’s world one we can understand from our current point of view: a world of bickering oligarchs, broken nations, and climate disaster. The stakes are immediate: humanity is only just getting faster-than-light travel. We’re no longer the space-age grownups we think we are. We’re the kids at the table, suddenly bumping into civilisations that are vastly older, stranger, and more powerful than anything we’re ready for.
And we don’t explore because it’s glamorous. We explore because we’ve pushed our own planet to the edge – and the wider universe is no safe harbour. It’s breathtaking, yes; but also terrifying.
At its heart, this is still what Dan Dare does best: big wonder, bigger danger, and characters you’ll genuinely root for. It’s the thrill of stepping into the unknown, the shock of discovering you’re not the centre of the story, and the pulse-racing rush of trying to survive first contact when the odds look impossible, and turning back isn’t an option.
You can follow the new adventure of Dan Dare and the First Contact Kickstarter campaign – HERE (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
On YouTube
Subscribe to our channel
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.
Follow @GeekyGoingsOn On Twitter
Follow @GeekyBrummie On Twitter
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Support us on Ko-fi
Leave a Reply