Issue number 7 of Quantum sees the bi-monthly Brit sci-fi anthology comic celebrating its first anniversary.

Though I’d seen the first issue of Quantum in my local WH Smith when it came out, the 2023 Portsmouth Comic Con was just a few weeks away and I figured it’d be cool to say hello to the publishers, Time Bomb Comics, and pick a copy up in person instead of getting it in-store.

Which I did, of course, and I’ve eagerly devoured every issue since, as close to its release day as possible.

I’ve even featured in its pages more than once, thanks to those very lovely people at Time Bomb Comics, who’ve taken the time to check out and recommend my website!

So, issue number seven then; what can readers expect this time around?

We’ve got the alt-Victoriana, camp sci-fi fun of Major Rakhana kicking things off, as is traditional for Quantum’s comic strips.

This issue’s tale is a one-and-done in which the titular defender of the British Empire has to deal with a rather noisy problem, which is blocking a new space tunnel network.

As always, it’s good, daft fun and a nice way to kickstart the comic.

Next up is the much darker in tone, Weird West action of Westernoir, in which Mrs Jones discovers a terrifying secret, beneath a town already beset by horror.

As always, the artwork is hugely atmospheric, and the story itself does a great job of gradually introducing an even scarier threat than those we’ve seen in the series so far.

The Baker Street Irregulars is another story that’s drenched in supernatural happenings, in which the eponymous government agency, composed of (mostly) famous historical and fictional characters, or facsimiles of them, are about to deal with a hideous threat from the past, while also navigating the much scarier world of British civil service politics.

It’s another compelling strip; it sets up some great plot points to be developed as the series continues.

The second part of The Very Strange Reappearance of Peter Thomson dials down the sci-fi aspect of its premise for a more grounded chapter, that focuses on some very relatable teen angst.

It’s really good stuff, and despite the mention of Peter’s superpower in one scene, it manages to feel pretty realistic and grounded throughout, though no doubt the more fantastical aspects of the story will be coming back in a big way in future chapters!

Finally, dashing 18th century automaton, The Clockwork Cavalier, gets a clever and satisfying short story, in which he’s challenged to a duel, with pistols, by a pompous Duke.

I’m a big fan of the Cavalier, and it’s great to see him get both top billing on this issue’s cover, along with a great strip to wrap up this issue.

In addition to the main stories, there’s the usual excellent content, such as funnies The Adventures of Schrödinger’s Cat and Norton the Dragon, plus a spotlight on another Indie publisher.

Those indie comic publisher spotlights are always welcome; it’s interesting to see Time Bomb Comics showcasing indies, for one thing, but I’m always also left with a hankering to actually read the stuff they feature.

Which of course, is the whole point!

In any case, Quantum #7 is an excellent read, as always, and it’s available now from shops such as WH Smith.

Time Bomb Comics offer a subscription via Patreon (link here), if you can’t find it in person, or if you want regular extras (and behind the scenes insight) along with the comic arriving through your door every other month!

The only thing stopping me from doing that so far is the ritual of actually going to buy Quantum for myself in-store, which is becoming a rarer thing these days.

In fact, I almost stopped myself from buying Quantum #7, knowing that I’ll be catching up with Time Bomb Comics once again in just a few short weeks at the Portsmouth Comic Con.

And if anyone reading this happens to see me there, in my Tenth Doctor cosplay, please do feel free to say hello.

Unlike some of the creatures featured in the pages of Quantum, I don’t bite.