The final issue of the British comic anthology Quantum is on sale now in TG Jones and all good newsagents – but, sadly, it’s the final issue.
Published by Time Bomb Comics, the title has had something of a roller coaster ride on the news stand, not helped by the sale of WHSmith high street stores last year, or the vagaries of newsstand distribution in the UK, which mean a title of this type has more profitable ways of reaching an audience.
Originally launched by Time Bomb Comics back in April 2023, Quantum was always intended to be a mainstream British anthology comic, albeit with an indie ethos, on sale in high street newsagents. Over its run, the title has featured a range of stories, from a wide range of talented creators, spanning alternate worlds, western horror, steampunk, historical adventure and twisted thrillers – and some unique takes on superheroes!
This final issue is no different, leading with a tale starring Major Rakhana, the steampunk space-ace; “The Very Strange Reappearance of Peter Thomson”, a superhero story by Dave West, drawn by Gustaffo Vargas; and “Space Banshee Exorcist”, starring Fenshaw, an ancient banshee working for the interplanetary space government!
“We really wanted to get comics back into newsagents but the vast majority of them just weren’t interested,” says Time Bomb Comics Dave West. “We had to settle for WHSmiths (as was) but found that not enough people seemed to go into town centres these days. We just couldn’t make it work financially.
“We learned a lot in the process though, so if anyone else is considering something similar then get in touch and I’ll be happy to share.
“It was fun doing it though and I’d like to thank all those who did support us on the journey.”
Changing Fortunes on the High Street
Quantum’s mixed fortunes have been victim, like other titles, to the massive changes in high street visibility following the sale of WHSmith High Street to private equity firm Modella last year, who also own Hobbycraft and Original Factory Shop.
The management at TG Jones – the rebrand a requirement of the sale, a name choice derided by experts in branding – are still wrestling with how to make a success of the product range – comics, magazines, newspapers, stationery, confectionery, art and craft, toys, games, gifts and more – that they acquired for £76 million from WHSmith; a range so extensive unwieldy and complex, a turnaround in fortunes requires a much tighter product focus and areas of specialism/Unique Selling Point.
In the face of these wider challenges, it’s frankly a miracle any independent publisher would maintain much faith in high street distribution, when other routes – crowdfunding, subscription model and digital distribution – are available, offering greater percentage of cover price.
While it’s sad to see Quantum depart the newsstand, I’m sure the experience hasn’t dissuaded publisher Steve Tanner from his long held, much appreciated belief in the comics form – and provided some useful lessons in getting your books out there in difficult times, even on the high street, perhaps, in future. I wish him and his team – and other publishers still making their titles available through TG Jones and the diminishing number of retailers still selling newspapers and magazines – every success.
• Time Bomb Comics is online at timebombcomics.com
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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.
Categories: British Comics, British Comics - Current British Publishers, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News
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