Home › downthetubes News › Can You help Rebuild Rochester’s Get Ready Comics?

Can You help Rebuild Rochester’s Get Ready Comics?

By John Freeman on August 28, 2025

Get Ready Comics, an independent comic shop in Rochester, Kent, is seeking support after it was victim to a devastating arson attack.

*Rochester’s Get Ready Comics has been victim to an arson attack | Photo via the GoFundMe campaign*

A GoFundMe campaign has already helped raise over £2000 to cover their initial appeal goal, but further help, we’re sure, would be welcome. Any money raised will go towards the loss of earnings, replacing stock and covering staff wages.

Earlier this week, on Tuesday 26th August 2025, Get Ready Comics, located on Rochester’s High Street, suffered a devastating arson attack that left their beloved shop badly damaged and a heartbreaking amount of their stock destroyed – and endangered the lives of people living in retirement flats above the business.

“While we’re beyond grateful that no one was hurt, the shock of this senseless act has rippled through the entire community,” says GoFundMe organiser Lauren Evans.

“It’s not just a shop that’s been targeted – it’s a place that means something to so many.

The response to the appeal so far, however, has stunned Paul and his team.

“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who’s donated so far,” Lauren said in a GoFundMe appeal update yesterday. “Your support and generosity mean the world. In such an uncertain time, you’re helping to lift the spirits of Paul, Katie and the team, reminding them they’re not alone and that this amazing community is right behind them.”

Based in Rochester, Get Ready Comics has been run by Paul Blakeborough for ten years, only moving to this premises last November. He told local press the firebugs had endangered the lives of people living in retirement flats above the business.

Kent Online reports the incident was caught on CCTV from the City Wall Wine Bar opposite, when a youth was seen setting light to the floral arch doorway decoration before fleeing on foot across the car park.

“I’m just thankful nobody was hurt, especially when you consider the elderly occupants, some of them NHS workers, who live in the flats above,” Paul said. “One lady was awoken by a fireman leaning through her window.”

“We’d like to extend our very sincere thanks to Kent Fire and Rescue Service,” the team said in a social post.

“Their swift response and actions not only saved the lives of the people above us but protected our shop from complete disaster. Our gratitude is immense.”

The arson attack happened just two weeks after local yobs smashed the store’s front window.

“Get Ready Comics is more than four walls filled with comics, games, and collectibles,” says Lauren Evans. “It’s a home for fans, a hub for friendship, and a safe space where everyone is welcome — whether you’re a lifelong collector or stepping into the world of comics for the very first time. Paul and the team aren’t just shopkeepers; they are the beating heart of this community. Always kind. Always welcoming. Always going above and beyond

“Every single donation – no matter how big or small – is deeply appreciated. Your support will help bring this treasured place back to life.

“Let’s show Paul, Katie and the team the same love and loyalty they’ve always shown us. Together, we can help Get Ready Comics rise from this stronger than ever.”

Check out, share the GoFundMe Page here

If you’re not in a position to donate, you can still make a huge difference by sharing the GoFundMe page and spreading the word

About the Author
Latest Posts

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.