Here’s this week’s list of comics – both US and UK releases – on sale in specialist UK comic shops tomorrow, Wednesday 10th December 2014, courtesy of First Age Comics, Lancaster. We’ve picked out the titles published by British publishers in bold below, or titles with a British connection we’re aware of.
It’s an important week over at 2000AD, as all stories wrap up Prog 1911 to make way for all-new thrills, with double-length episodes of Greysuit and Stickleback, plus a zarjaz one-off Judge Dredd: End Of The Road by Alec Worley and Leigh Gallagher, to make way for this year’s festive feast of Thrill-Power – Prog 2015 – set your circuits to stunned, Earthlets! This issue comes wrapped in a suitably sinister` Stickleback cover from series artist, D’Israeli.
Don’t forget that despite many British publishers lack of faith in full-blown cover to cover comic strip action and humour, there are still comics on sale in newsagents that still delight in bringing you such subversive delights, including The Beano and Commando, with great strips featuring in titles such as Judge Dredd Megazine, Doctor Who Magazine, Doctor Who Adventures, TOXIC, VIZ and more.
Sample pages from Prog 1911’s one-off Judge Dredd story
2000 AD Prog 1911
All stories wrap up this Prog, with double-length episodes of Greysuit and Stickleback, plus a zarjaz one-off Judge Dredd: End Of The Road by Alec Worley and Leigh Gallagher, to make way for this year’s festive feast of Thrill-Power – Prog 2015 – set your circuits to stunned, Earthlets!
JUDGE DREDD // END OF THE ROAD
Mega-City One, 2136 AD. This vast urban nightmare is situated along the eastern coast of post-apocalyptic North America, with the irradiated wasteland known as the Cursed Earth to the west and the polluted Black Atlantic to the east. Home to 50 million citizens, crammed into gigantic citi-blocks, overcrowding is rife, unemployment endemic and boredom universal. Struggling to get back on its feet after the Chaos Bug outbreak, resources are stretched, tensions run a constant knife-edge, and crime is rampant. Only the Judges can prevent total anarchy. Empowered to dispense instant justice, these future lawmen are judge, jury and executioner. Toughest of them all is JUDGE DREDD — he is the Law! Alec Worley (Writer). Leigh Gallagher (Artist).
Judge Dredd created by John Wagner & Carlos Ezquerra
GREYSUIT // PRINCE OF DARKNESS
UK, 2014. John Blake is a GREYSUIT, a Delta-Class assassin working for a shadowy branch of British Intelligence. Given superhuman powers through extreme mental conditioning, Greysuits are feared for their ruthlessness. But Blake’s programming started to break down, and he became aware of what had been done to him. Although reprogrammed, when he was sent to murder an innocent policeman his memories again returned, and he began to wage a war against the Establishment that’s been manipulating him. Now he’s undercover in Bolivaria as part of a private security outfit, trying to get close to his target Hugo Prince, the man for whom vengeance has been a long time coming… Greysuit created by Pat Mills &John Higgins
STICKLEBACK // THE THRU’PENNY OPERA
London, the end of the nineteenth century. STICKLEBACK was a master criminal, pulling the strings amidst the denizens of the capital’s underworld, and led a gang of freaks, oddballs and semi-supernatural entities that had the city under their thumb. Mystery has always surrounded his past, and there’s been the persistent rumour that his appearance is not all that it seems. Falling to his death, he was resurrected five years later by the secret society the Brotherhood of the Book to perform at their bidding. Awaking to a very different London, he’s discovered that the city has been infiltrated and corrupted by otherworldly creatures, and now they have begun the takeover as they forge their empire… Stickleback created by Ian Edginton& D’Israeli
A City Of Whiskey And Fire One-Shot Abe Sapien 18 Aferlife With Archie 7 Alice Cooper 4 All New Ultimates 11 Amazing Spider-Man 11 SV Amazing Spider-Man Annual Amazing X-Men 14 AXIS Angry Birds/Transformers 2 Astro City 18 Avengers 39 TRO Avengers And X-Men: Axis 7 Avengers World 16 AXIS Axis: Carnage 3 Batgirl 37 Batman Eternal 36 Bitch Planet 1 Coffin Hill 14 Constantine 20 Copperhead 4 Deadpool’s Art Of War 3 Death Of Wolverine: Logans Legacy 6
Disenchanted Trade Paperback Volume 2 (Avatar Press)
Writer: Simon Spurrier Artist/Cover Artist: German Erramouspe
Violence, crime, drug use, and racism rule on the streets of Vermintown. Simon Spurrier has created a fascinating city of angry fairy folk that have become far too much like the human race that no longer believes in them. The smash-hit web comic takes you into a metropolis of vices that unflinchingly shows us what happened to the fairy folk of yesteryear. Now this living and breathing city holds a darkness that has rotted it to the core. Vermintown is where magic went to die. And in its streets the worst evils in us are now poisoning the last remaining magics in the world. Disenchanted will change the way you look at fairy tales forever. This volume collects the complete second arc of the weekly web series www.disenchantedcomic.com.
Deep State 2 Dredd Uprise 2 Dungeons And Dragons: Legends Of Baldur’s Gate 3 Earth 2 Worlds End 10 East of West World One-Shot
The seminal eight-issue Vertigo epic is back in a new edition of the postmodern tale of self-discovery and sexual identity told against the backdrop of improbable super heroes and villains. Michael Smith lives a meaningless life of routine and boredom. But when Enigma, his favorite childhood hero, inexplicably comes to life, Smith must discover the secret behind his improbable existence.
Eternal 1 (Boom! Studios)
Writer: William Harms Artist: Giovanni Valleta Cover Artist: Frazer Irving
A story where humans can continually make clones of themselves, so death is a thing of the past. We need to know: What does a world like that look like? William Harms (IMPALER, INFAMOUS) is crafting a gripping, sophisticated story about what happens if science completely changes the rules of life itself. This is a story where characters’ ethics and loyalties are tested, for society has changed but human failings remain the same.
In a world of clones, the Human Liberation Army wants to free people from New Life’s grasp. Their leader Gail will take the most drastic, personal measures yet to do so. Rathmann, a former homicide detective turned New Life enforcer, is on the case, and is asking tough questions. Violet, a young girl and one of the few nonhumans (Pures, they’re called) left, is longing to enter the real world. But she has no idea the danger she is stepping into.
Fairy Tales I Just Made Up Hard Cover (Don’t Eat Any Bugs Productions)
Writer: Ray Friesen Artists: Roger Langridge & Various Cover Artist: Ray Friesen
The most beloved fairy tale classics are kinda… broken. I mean they don’t have any dinosaurs, robots, zombies, or space aliens in them! We fixed that. Fairy Tales I Just Made Up is jam-packed with weirdo fun, including “The Dumbest Love Story Ever,” “Magical-Science,” and “Bacon Helicopters.” Creators include Roger Langridge, Batton Lash, Ian Boothby, Andy Runton, Scott Christian Sava, and many more!
FBP 16 (DC Comics)
Writer: Simon Oliver Artist: Nathan Fox, Alberto Ponticelli Cover Artist: Nathan Fox
With the secrets of his father’s final work laid bare will Adam sign up to save the world? New series artist Alberto Ponticelli makes his debut in this issue that kicks off a new story arc in world where physics has gone mad!
“GRIDLOCK,” Part Two
Turns out the gridlocker’s death was no accident, and Klem for one is shocked, SHOCKED, I tell you, to discover this is a murder case. But it won’t stop her going over The Wall, or even down into Smacktown, to find the killer!
George Perez’s Sirens 2 George Romero’s Empire Of Dead Act Two 4 God Is Dead 25 Goon: Occassion If Revenge 4 Gren Lantern Corps 37 GODHEAD Guardians Of The Galaxy Annual 1 Harley Quinn Holiday Special 1 Hexed 5 Itty Bitty Comics: The Mask 2
Justice League United 7 (DC Comics)
Writer: Jeff Lemire Artist: Neil Edwards, Jay Leisten Cover Artist: Andrew Robinson
The Infinitus Saga continues as the JLU battles the Legion of Super-Heroes over the fate of the innocent alien who may grow up to destroy the 31st century!
Klarion 3 Little Nemo Return To Slumberland 3 Lola XOXO 5 Magic Whistle 15 Marvel Mightiest Heroes Volume 25 Punisher Hard Cover My Little Pony: Friends Forever 12 New 52 Futures End 32 New Suicide Squad 5
Nightcrawler 9
Writer: Chris Claremont Artist/ Cover Artist: Todd Nauck
• Bamfing to the aid of a friend in need, Nightcrawler finds himself in over his head when he runs afoul of THE SHADOW KING!
• And things go from bad to worse when the X-Men fall under the Shadow King’s sway…
Nightwing Trade Paperback Volume 5: Setting Son October Faction 3 Powers Bureau 12 Prometheus: Fire And Stone 4 Punisher 13 Punks The Comic 3 Rachel Rising 30
Robocop Trade Paperback Volume 3: Last Stand Part 2
Writers: Frank Miller, Steven Grant Artist: Korkut Oztekin Cover Artist: Declan Shalvey
From creator Frank Miller (THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS) and artist Korkut Öztekin (HELLRAISER: DARK WATCH) comes the untouched original vision for RoboCop’s final chapter. Sequentially adapted by Steven Grant (PUNISHER: CIRCLE OF BLOOD), it puts THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS at the hands of Terry Gilliam’s BRAZIL. Also featuring the special epilogue written by SHELTERED creator, Ed Brisson. Old Detroit is burning, and now only the squalor of Cadillac Heights stand in the way of OCP’s vision for a perfect, clean, crimecity. In the midst of this rebellion, RoboCop must stand with the people to end OCP’s corporate tyranny and corruption once and for all. This is his last stand.
Rocket Raccoon 6
Rogue Trooper Classics #8 of 8 (IDW)
Writer: Gerry Finley-Day Artist: Colin Wilson & Various Cover Artist: John McCrea
The adventures of the only surviving Genetic Infantryman continue! In this issue, the epic “All Hell on the Dix-I Front” reaches its conclusion, and then Rogue goes on an “Assassination Run” in this final issue!
Royal Masters of War Trade Paperback (DC Comics) Writer: Rob Williams Artist: Simon Coleby, Gary Erskine Cover Artist: Simon Coleby
The year is 1940. As the Blitz destroys London and kills thousands, the Royal Family looks on. But in this world, the only people with special abilities are Royalty, and the purer the bloodline, the greater their abilities. When England’s Prince Henry can take no more and intervenes, breaking a truce between royal families, will it stop the planet’s suffering or take it to another level? Collecting the 6-issue miniseries.
Savage Hulk Trade Paperback: The Man Within Volume 1 (Marvel)
Writers: Alan Davis, Roy Thomas Artists; Alan Davis, Sal Buscema Cover Artist: Alan Davis
Alan Davis writes and draws a blockbuster story pitting the classic Silver Age Hulk against…the X-Men?! Learn the startling secret of Professor Xavier’s connection to Bruce Banner! While Hulk and Abomination have the clash of the century, Xavier puts his plan into motion. But is he trying to save Banner, or terminate the Hulk? Or both? And Xavier isn’t the only one with far-reaching plans, as the Leader makes his presence known! With the Hulk trapped in an unbelievable place, and the X-Men under lock and key, who – or what – is the newest gamma-powered goliath? It’s robots, mutants and Hulks, oh my! Plus: a blast from the Silver Age past: the Hulk’s first encounter with the X-Men from the swingin’ sixties! Collecting SAVAGE HULK #1-4 and X-MEN (1963) #66.
Scooby Doo Where Are You 52 Sex Criminals 9 Sex Criminals Trade Paperback Volume 1 Sinergy 2 Skylanders 3 Southern B*stards 6 Spider-Man And The X-Men 1 Spider-Verse Team-Up 2 SV Star Trek New Visions: Made Out of Mudd
Suicide Risk 20 (Boom Studios)
Writer: Mike Carey Artist: Elena Casagrande Cover Artist: Stephanie Hans
The Men of Gold, the alternate earth police corps that sentenced Requiem to a life sentence in the F.A.U.L.T.Line for his crimes against humanity, have decided enough is enough. If Requiem refuses to submit to their authority and accept his punishment as his due, they’ll do anything to ensure that justice is served. Even if they have to destroy Earth to serve it…
We could like to introduce you to Doctor Colonel Rex Ellingwood Richards III. He likes people to call him Doc Rocket. He’s from an entirely different stream of history, and he is delighted and frankly relieved to meet you.
Teen Dog 4 The Valiant 1 Thor 3 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ongoing 41
The Tower Chronicles: Dreadstalker 5 (Legendary Comics)
Writer: Matt Wagner Artist/Cover Artist: Simon Bisley
Supernatural bounty hunter John Tower has long been a man shrouded in mystery. Now, discover what set him on this path of horror as his origins are finally uncovered, revealing just what Tower is risking his life to find! FBI agent Alicia Hardwicke comes to realize that John Tower is as supernatural as the creatures he battles to subdue. Despite his long life Tower is still at risk and he faces a formidable opponent! Meanwhile, Martin Castle and his clandestine organization moves with greater urgency to track Tower and steal any supernatural artifact he recovers.
Transformers 36: Days of Deception Uncanny X-Men Annual 1 V-Wars 8
Walking Dead 135 (Image Comics)
Writer: Robert Kirkman Artist: Charlie Adlard & Various Cover Artist: harlie Adlard, Dave Stewart
Face to face.
Wilds End 4 (Boom Studios) Writer: Dan Abnett Artist: I. N. J. Culbard
The group is surrounded and still far away from their home town of Crowchurch. Could Clive, Susan, and the others be the only survivors of this threat or are there other villages still safe from the aliens’ destruction that might be able to provide much needed safety?
Winterworld 5
Wolverine Epic Collection Trade Paperback: Madripoor Nights (Marvel)
Writer: Chris Claremont, Peter David ArtisT: John Buscema, Gene Colan Cover Artist: John Buscema
He’s the best there is at what he does – but what he does isn’t very nice. And now, Wolverine has broken out of the X-Men and into his own solo series! Feeling the urge to cut loose, Wolverine travels to Madripoor – an East Indian island full of pirates, cutthroats and…just the way Logan likes it! There, he’ll take on ruthless crimelord Roche, meet the cunning Tyger Tiger, wield the mystical Black Blade, battle superhuman enforcers Roughouse and Bloodsport, and contend with drug kingpin Nguyen Ngoc Coy and his niece – the former New Mutant known as Karma! Plus: The Hulk comes to town, a formative battle with Sabretooth is revealed, and Wolverine hunts for the Gehenna Stone! Guest-starring Jessica Drew, aka Spider-Woman! Collecting WOLVERINE (1988) #1-16, and material from MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS (1988) #1-10 and MARVEL AGE ANNUAL #4.
A busload of children disappears in the woods. A strange bite grows on a girl’s neck. And the wytches are getting closer, creeping from the woods. Be there for the terrifying second chapter of the new smash hit, WYTCHES.
X-Force 13 (Marvel)
Writer: Simon Spurrier Artist/ Cover Artist:Rock-He Kim
• The fate of Hope Summers revealed!
• Fantomex takes on each and every one of the world’s secret intelligence agencies!
• And on the outs with the rest of his team, Cable hatches one last scheme…
X-Men 22
• First Age Comics is at 3 Moor Lane, Lancaster LA1 1QD. Open: Tuesday – Friday 10.00am – 4.30pm, Saturday 10.00am – 5.30pm. Find them on Facebook
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Star Trek Explorer (previously known as Star Trek Magazine) and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of "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.