Time Bomb Comics pauses Quantum anthology

By John Freeman on April 15, 2025 • ( 1 )

The next issue of Time Bomb Comics anthology title Quantum, Issue 12, out soon for subscribers, will be the last for a while, the independent British publisher reluctantly pausing publication for a few months.

Quantum #1 cover by David Morris and Ben Lopez

The hiatus comes as the publisher faces challenges bringing the title to the British newsstand with change behind the scenes at WHSmith as its high street operation changes hands, sold to Modella Capital, owner of Hobbycraft. Even ahead of the changeover later this year, fans of Quantum have had difficulties finding copies of the title.

Issue 12 will be on sale in shops in a couple of months, Time Bomb tell us.

“Recently, we’ve had challenges getting the comic into shops when it needed to be, due to circumstances outside our immediate control,” Quantum’s editors, Steve Tanner and Dave West, told subscribers this week. “For example, the current issue 11 was unfortunately delayed by three weeks due to a printer error that necessitated a full reprint. “…Consistent direct to newsagent sales have been challenging, with many readers telling us they just can’t get hold of a copy due to factors such as their local WHS closing, or nearest independent newsagents just not interested in stocking comics and magazines.

“Delays and lack of availability are frustrating for readers, but they also have a knock on effect for us, as most of the revenue generated for the sales of the comic fund the advance costs needed to publish it. Basically, if we don’t receive it when we need it, then it creates us a problem.

“So, rather than continue to swim against the tide, it seemed the sensible thing would be to get out of the water for a while, which would help put us in a better position to continue publishing Quantum rather than not publish Quantum at all. It will also give us some time to bring all the varied distribution methods we have for Quantum in line, and build on some newer ones, such as digital and printed editions of Quantum being available through Kickstarter.”

Current subscribers through Time Bomb Comics Quantum subscription service on Patreon have had billing paused.

“We hope you agree that an extended delay rather than an outright cancellation was the right decision to take,” says Steve and Dave.

Let’s hope it’s not too long before the anthology, featuring an enjoyable mix of adventure strips, is back up and running. Meanwhile, for those of you who missed out, you can always buy back issues at the Time Bomb Comics web shop, and pick up other TBC titles such as Westernoir and Brawler, too!

This article was updated to clarify Quantum 12 will be available to subscribers sooner than to retail

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John Freeman

John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.

He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.