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Time Bomb Comics announces new, newsstand anthology comics title, “Quantum”

By John Freeman on February 16, 2023

Trying to launch a new British comic into the traditional UK newsagent markets is just a bonkers thing to do these days, but try telling that to Time Bomb Comics.

The Birmingham-based independent publisher has just announced Quantum, a new, physical comic magazine which will be available in newsagents across the UK and select international retailers, in a bold new step to reach a new audience.

Following on from the success of Time Bomb’s 2022 Gerry Anderson Spectrum anthology, Quantum will be available bi-monthly in WHSmiths, alongside independent newsagents. The title will also be available internationally, with distribution already secured in Germany, Sweden, Australia and the United States.

Publisher Steve Tanner is holding his cards close to his chest on who’s involved in the new project and what genre of strips will feature, but has said Quantum #1 will contain five stories, and begin four ongoing serials, “each one set in a world alternate to our own”.

Full details of the stories themselves and the creators involved will be revealed soon.

*Colourful Time Bomb Comics publisher Steve Tanner, armed with another of his independent successes, Flintlock*

Steve has discussed his hopes for the new comic, and talked about the decision to make Quantum a title mainly available through the distribution channels that were once traditionally used to reach comics readers, but which most comics publishers now avoid, Steve says “I think the response to Spectrum being on sale in WHSmiths made us realise that there’s a whole readership out there that don’t buy comics online, at conventions or even comic shops.

“Quantum is what we’ve produced for those readers, but we’re hoping that a lot of our existing readers will come along for the ride – via their newsagent, of course!”

Quantum importantly also marks a new stage in Time Bomb’s story, with Steve stating, that the title is, “a first step; some of the things we have planned long-term as part of the Quantum project are things that genuinely haven’t been done before. Not just by an indie UK comics publisher. Not by any comics publisher. Ever.”

Time Bomb Comics is a British comics company created back in 2007, that publishes comics and graphic novels, including the popular Flintlock and Brawler anthology series, and the recently-published Gerry Anderson Spectrum anthology. From historical horror to mind-bending science-fiction, each release is a complete story by talented creators.

Their books are about delivering good solid comic book entertainment, featuring stories from exciting newcomers to established professionals our artists and writers, united with a single aim – Telling Great Stories.

Expect comics released under the Time Bomb Comics banner to be wide and diverse in theme, genre and format, and with only a single limitation – the imagination of the creative teams.

• Check out Time Bomb Comics at timebombcomics.com | Facebook | Twitter | Substack

John Freeman

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. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 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.