Manchester’s Volcano Comics have big plans for 2026

By John Freeman on January 5, 2026 • ( 0 )

Manchester-based indie comic publisher Volcano Comics have big plans for 2026 – including the launch of Wallop the Comic.

Volcano Comics is the brain child of John “JJ” Jackson (creator of Albert the Mouse, Cyborg Gerbils and more) and Brian Clarke. They published two marvellous annuals – Wallop and Spitfire – simply crammed with British comic talent, including Junior Jones (also editor of Indymag – The Magazine for Indiana Jones fans), Nick Roche, Kev F. Sutherland and Dave Windett.

Mancunian #1 - Pilot Issue - Cover (Volcano Comics)

Mancunian #1 - Ongoing - Cover (Volcano Comics)

Their ongoing Mancunian comic, written by Brian M. Clarke, drawn by John Jackson, featuring the city’s very own superhero, is available from Forbidden Planet Manchester, and eBay, too.

“We’re buzzing for 2026, and for what’s coming next!” say the team in a Facebook post. “Expect the return of some of your favourite artists and characters, alongside exciting new talent and brand-new creations, all debuting in the premiere issue of Wallop the Comic.”

*Twin Jett will make her return to Wallop! written by Brian Clarke, art by Iskander Islam*

To kick things off, Volcano Comics has given fans a sneak-peek panel of Twin Jett making her return to Wallop! Written by Brian Clarke, art duties are handled this time out by Iskander Islam, who many of you will know as IzzY world from the Marvel fan project Avengers UK.

“We knew he’d bring that magic to Wallop… and wow, did he deliver.

“2026 is going to Ace — stay tuned!”

Follow Volcano Comics on Facebook for the latest news and more teasers

Volcano Comics, published from a secret base somewhere in Manchester, are available via eBay. All funds raised go directly back into creating their comics so please support them

• Buy Wallop Annual from eBay

Wallop! is a 64-page annual just like the ones you used to get at Christmas. Written and drawn by ten of the most accomplished humour comics creatives, it’s packed with original characters and stories. This full colour collection of stories includes pirates, cowboys, knights, super-spy cats, gorilla soldiers, time travel and dinosaurs, jet pack action, space girl, robots, bounty hunters, superheroes, jungle action – and a bumbling detective.

• Read Peter Duncan’s review of Wallop! Annual here

• Mancunian – Pilot issue
Pilot issue of Mancunian Comic, Manchester’s very own superhero, in the story The Malevolent Menace of the Metal Master. Full colour comic. Brand new. Sold as seen.

• Mancunian – Issue 1 (Limited numbers)
The UK’s newest superhero take on the Matchstick Men

• Mancunian – Issue 2
Mancunian and Impact take on the menace of The Centurion

• Mancunian – Issue 3
The Menace of the Deansgate Dino!

About the Author
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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.