Welcome to this week’s edition of Wednesday Comics, titled “Zones. Last Starships and Starfighters.” This week, we are diving into some truly spectacular releases that span the far reaches of the galaxy and the deepest, most colourful corners of the Twilight Zone. From the final, desperate stands of Starfleet to the untold stories of 1984’s most famous simuloid, there is something for every sci-fi and comic fan to savour. Let’s get into the picks!
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…
The Twilight Zone #11
IDW PUBLISHING • IDW DARK
By Mark Russell and Victor Alpi
Buy from Forbidden Planet – The Twilight Zone #11 (Link)
Something odd is happening in the Twilight Zone. In the middle ground between light and shadow, there is now… color?! This volume of The Twilight Zone (#11–16) will feature one color per issue! Enjoy your terrifying black and white with a flourish of pigment.
This issue: Writer Mark Russell (Superman: Space Age, The Flintstones) and artistic powerhouse Victor Alpi lead you into the Twilight Zone, where scientists Roger and Tina strive to understand an alien vegetation that landed on Earth. But as the vegetation grows to cover the Earth and threaten humanity, their research will take on a dire importance. Tell us, dear reader — what would you sacrifice to save humanity? And when would you need to save only yourself?
I’m a massive fan of Mark Russell’s writing, and his work on this issue has been an absolute delight. This issue asks a terrifying question: what would you sacrifice to save humanity, and when would you need to save only yourself? It’s a must-read.
Star Trek: The Last Starship #12
IDW PUBLISHING
By Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Adrián Bonilla, Lee Loughridge and Clayton Cowles
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Star Trek: The Last Starship #12 (Link)
The final entry in the epic that has redefined the Federation.
Captains Sato and Kirk have put aside their monumental differences. Zed has constructed an engineering masterpiece in the T’Galatheon Gate. All those who remain true to Starfleet’s ideals have miraculously gathered in one place, and they are prepared to hunker down within the Gate’s singularity to finally rebuild what they lost in The Burn… and it’s all too late.
The Emerald Chain has sniffed out the motley assemblage and is decimating them in a brutal attack. But Sato, Kirk, and the crews of the U.S.S. Omega and U.S.S. Challenger have battled to find a whisper of a chance to save their Galaxy more times than they can count. And they won’t let this last hope die without a vicious fight — or a noble sacrifice.
I’ve been very much enjoying IDW’s Star Trek line, and this title has been a fascinating insight into a period of Starfleet history that hasn’t really been explored before. The crews of the U.S.S. Omega and U.S.S. Challenger won’t let this last hope die without a vicious fight—or a noble sacrifice. This is high-stakes sci-fi at its absolute best.
Dog Tag #6
MAD CAVE STUDIOS
By Mark Russell, P. J. Holden, J. P. Jordan and Buddy Beaudoin
Buy from Forbidden Planet – Dog Tag #6 (Link)
The Hibakusha. The war in Europe over, Tom is sent to the Pacific to cover what he believes will be the Allied invasion of Japan. But fate intervenes and he is suddenly given a different, but just as harrowing story to tell.
It’s that Mark Russell guy again, and he’s joined by the fantastic P. J. Holden. I’m a big fan of Holden’s art; he is a much underrated UK artist whose work perfectly complements the gritty, historical reality of this book. This series continues to be a powerful exploration of the human cost of war, and this issue is no exception.
The Last Starfighter: Beta #1
MAD CAVE STUDIOS
By Deric Hughes, Ben Raab, David Cutler, Francesco Segala and Rob Jones
Buy from Forbidden Planet – The Last Starfighter: Beta #1 (Link)
THE BELOVED DUPLICATE GETS HIS DUE!
When the Ko-Dan Armada sent an assassin to kill small-town boy Alex Rogan, it was Alex’s simuloid duplicate Beta who saved the day, sacrificing himself to convince the Ko-Dan that Alex was dead. The move bought the Last Starfighter valuable time—enough to sabotage the Ko-Dan mothership and save the planet Rylos.
That’s been the story for forty years. Now, the original film writer Jonathan Betuel joins a star-studded creative team to reveal Beta’s true fate! Beta survived the Ko-Dan assault, but he’s not the only alien entity left on Earth. And with Alex far away, Beta’s stranded and alone. Can an organic robot with no orders to execute find his own purpose on an alien planet? Not if the Zando-Zan have anything to say about it! A hilarious and heartwarming one-shot from writers Benjamin Raab and Deric A. Hughes (Syfy’s WAREHOUSE 13, The CW’s ARROW, NBC’s QUANTUM LEAP & more) and artist David Cutler (Marvel’s Voices, Giant-Size X-Men: Thunderbird), and a can’t-miss installment in The Last Starfighter mythos!
I’m a huge fan of the original 1984 film (what a year for movies!), and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying Mad Cave’s other Last Starfighter book. This one-shot from writers Benjamin Raab and Deric A. Hughes, with art by David Cutler, is a hilarious and heartwarming addition to the mythos. Stranded and alone on Earth, Beta must find his own purpose—if the Zando-Zan don’t find him first!
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 ADDITIONS – COMIC CLASH IN EVESHAM & 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
COMIC CLASH (EVESHAM)
Comic Clash is an independent comic book and pop culture shop in Evesham, Worcestershire, owned and run by Lewis Weston
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday – 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday – 10:00 – 17:00
Friday – 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday – 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday – Closed
Shop 1, 62 High St, Evesham WR11 4HG
Email clash.comics1@gmail.com
Tiktok – @comicclash3
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 COMICS (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 and Hove BN1 4EN Tel: 01273 691012
Website: Dave’s Comics and Twitter: @DavesComics
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