December 2025

2000ad scotland

The Tartan Takeover: How Scots Built 2000 AD (Legacy)

28th January 2026

Introduction: The Soul of the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic When comic fans talk about the “British Invasion,” they often focus on the names that went to America. But the heart of that movement was forged in the pages of 2000 AD by a powerhouse of talent from north of the border. At the center of it all stood Alan Grant. While 2000 AD is a British institution, its most iconic eras were defined by a “Tartan Takeover.” Alan Grant didn’t just write stories; he injected the comic with a uniquely Scottish brand of dark humor, political satire, and deep human empathy. Alongside his “partner in crime” John Wagner (raised in Greenock), Grant turned a weekly sci-fi magazine into a global cultural force. 1. The Grant & Wagner Powerhouse Alan Grant and John Wagner redefined Judge Dredd during the 1980s, creating what many consider the “Golden Age” of the character. Grant’s writing was fueled by a disdain for authority and a sharp, satirical wit. 2. The Heart of the Mutant: Strontium Dog If Dredd was the head of the comic, Strontium Dog (Johnny Alpha) was its heart. Grant became the primary voice of this mutant bounty hunter, using the series to explore themes of prejudice and social exclusion. 3. The “Glasgow Mafia” & The Mentor In the 90s, the “Glasgow Mafia”—Grant Morrison, Mark Millar, and Frank Quitely—took the industry by storm. They stood on the shoulders of Alan Grant, whose success with Batman in the late 80s opened the doors for Scottish talent at DC Comics. 4. Gordon Rennie: The Workhorse of the North A mainstay of the “Prog” for decades, Gordon Rennie is the writer who arguably “nails” the grit of the 2000 AD universe better than anyone else. 5. Jim Alexander: The Master of Calhab Jim Alexander famously expanded the Dredd universe into a “post-apocalyptic Scotland” with Calhab Justice, bringing a grounded, local perspective to the Mega-City world. 6. Gary Erskine: The Technical Visionary Paisley’s Gary Erskine provided the industrial, cinematic aesthetic that made the future feel real. His technical detail is legendary among fans. Conclusion: A Legend Never Truly Dies Alan Grant passed away in 2022, but his influence is everywhere—from the superhero movies filmed in Glasgow to the vibrant indie comic scene in Scotland. He taught us that the future doesn’t belong to the law; it belongs to the rebels.

The Tartan Takeover: How Scots Built 2000 AD (Legacy) Read More »

batman filming in glasgow 2021

7 Best Superhero Movie Locations in Scotland to Visit

28th January 2026

Hollywood of the North: The Ultimate Guide to Comic Book Movies Filmed in Scotland   Did you know that Gotham City is actually in Glasgow? Or that the Asgardians live in the Scottish Borders? Over the last decade, Scotland has quietly become the secret weapon of Hollywood. With its gothic architecture, moody weather, and dramatic landscapes, directors from Marvel and DC are ditching the green screens and heading north. If you want to walk in the footsteps of Batman, The Flash, or Thor, you don’t need a plane ticket to LA. You just need a train ticket to Scotland. Here is our guide to the biggest superhero blockbusters filmed right here on our doorstep. 1. Avengers: Infinity War (Edinburgh) The Scene: Vision and Scarlet Witch are ambushed by the Black Order while trying to enjoy a romantic night out. The Location: The Royal Mile, Cockburn Street, and Waverley Station. In 2017, the Russo Brothers shut down Edinburgh’s Old Town to film one of the biggest fight scenes in MCU history. ? [Watch it now: Buy the Infinity War Blu-ray on Amazon] 2. The Batman (Glasgow) The Scene: Bruce Wayne rides his motorcycle through a misty, gothic cemetery. The Location: The Necropolis & Glasgow Cathedral. When Matt Reeves wanted to create a grittier, noir-inspired Gotham for Robert Pattinson, he looked to Glasgow. The Victorian architecture of the Necropolis was perfect for the Wayne family history. ? [Get The Batman (4K Ultra HD) on Amazon] 3. Avengers: Endgame (St Abbs) The Scene: Rocket and Hulk travel to “New Asgard” to convince a depressed Thor to rejoin the team. The Location: St Abbs, Scottish Borders. The tiny fishing village of St Abbs stood in for the Asgardian refugee camp. The location was so grateful for the tourism boost that they officially “twinned” the town with New Asgard! You can even find a sign near the harbour celebrating the connection. It’s a bit of a drive from Edinburgh, but absolutely worth it for the photos. ? [Complete your collection: Avengers Endgame Box Set] 4. The Flash (Glasgow) The Scene: Batman (Ben Affleck version) chases criminals on the Batcycle. The Location: George Square & St Vincent Street, Glasgow. Glasgow city centre was transformed once again for DC’s multiverse adventure. George Square was filled with American police cars, news vans, and pyrotechnics. St Vincent Street, with its grid system and tall buildings, is a favorite for directors because it looks remarkably like Philadelphia or New York when viewed from street level. 5. The Dark Knight Rises (The Highlands) The Scene: Bane hijacks a CIA plane in mid-air during the opening prologue. The Location: The skies above the Cairngorms. While Christopher Nolan prefers practical effects, this stunt was insane even for him. He actually dropped a real fuselage from a C-130 Hercules transport plane into the Scottish Highlands. The background landscape you see as the plane disintegrates is the unmistakable rugged terrain of the Cairngorms National Park. ? [The Dark Knight Trilogy (4K Box Set) on Amazon] [INSERT LINK] 6. Batgirl (Glasgow – The “Lost” Movie) The Scene: The entire movie. The Location: Glasgow City Centre (Trongate, Parnie Street, Charing Cross). We can’t talk about Scottish filming locations without mentioning the elephant in the room. Batgirl was filmed almost entirely in Glasgow, transforming the Trongate area into a snowy festive Gotham, complete with murals of Batman and Robin. While the movie was controversially cancelled by Warner Bros, the production left a lasting mark on the city, proving once again that Glasgow is Gotham. Want to visit Gotham? Next time you are in Glasgow for a BGCP Comic Con, take a walk up to the Necropolis. You might not see the Bat-Signal, but you’ll stand exactly where the Dark Knight stood. [Check out our Upcoming Events to plan your trip!]

7 Best Superhero Movie Locations in Scotland to Visit Read More »

Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred – Paladin Class Guide, Release Date & Second Class Leaks

Is the Paladin Coming to Diablo 4? Lord of Hatred Leaks

28th January 2026

The Lord of Hatred expansion has officially been revealed, and the Diablo community is finally getting the one thing it has been screaming for since launch: The Paladin. Following the massive reveal at The Game Awards earlier this week (December 11, 2025), we now have concrete details on the next chapter of Diablo IV. Set to launch on April 28, 2026, the Lord of Hatred expansion will take us to the Skovos Isles to face Mephisto—but you don’t have to wait until April to start swinging a holy hammer. Here is everything we know about the Paladin, the confirmed features, and the rampant speculation surrounding the mysterious unnamed second class. The Paladin: Playable Now (With a Catch) The biggest news is that the Paladin isn’t just “coming soon”—it is playable right now for anyone who pre-purchases the expansion. This marks the first time Blizzard has released a class before the expansion it belongs to, likely a move to bring players back for Season 11. What we know about the Class: The Unnamed Second Class: The “Amazon” Theory vs. The “Warlock” Theory Blizzard confirmed that Lord of Hatred will ship with two new classes. The Paladin is the first, but the second will remain a mystery until launch day in April 2026. However, clues from the trailer and the new region (Skovos) have led to two leading theories. Theory A: The Amazon (or “Askari”) Theory B: The Warlock / Witch The Region: Skovos Isles We are finally leaving the mainland. The Skovos Isles are described as a “volcanic, jungle-covered archipelago” brimming with ancient ruins. Story: The Return of Lilith? The most shocking lore reveal is the “unthinkable alliance.” To defeat Mephisto (who has been festering in the Soulstone since the end of the base game), the Wanderer may be forced to resurrect or ally with a remnant of Lilith. The trailer explicitly shows Inarius’s tomb and hints that “Mother must return to save her children.” Release Date & Roadmap For now, the servers are flooded with Paladins. If you see a dozen players throwing blessed hammers in Kyovashad, you know why.

Is the Paladin Coming to Diablo 4? Lord of Hatred Leaks Read More »

lego star wars gingerbread

Ultimate Geek Christmas Gift Guide 2025 (UK Edition)

28th January 2026

1. LEGO Star Wars: Gingerbread AT-AT Best For: Star Wars fans with a festive side. Forget the traditional Death Star. This year, LEGO has embraced the festive spirit with a “Gingerbread” version of the iconic AT-AT walker. It features brown “cookie” bricks, white “icing” details, and even a Gingerbread Darth Vader minifigure. It is hilarious, fun to build, and the perfect centrepiece for a geeky Christmas decoration. ? Buy at LEGO UK | Buy at Amazon UK 2. Pokémon Holiday Calendar 2025 Best For: The Pokémon Trainer who wants a daily treat. Advent calendars are usually just cheap chocolate, but the official 2025 Pokémon Holiday Calendar is a cut above. It features 16 exclusive 2-inch Battle Figures with a special “shimmer” finish that you cannot get anywhere else, plus 8 accessories to build a winter display. ? Buy at Smyths Toys | Buy at Amazon UK 3. Botley 2.0 The Coding Robot Best For: Future programmers (Ages 5+). Screen-free coding is a huge trend for 2025. Botley 2.0 teaches kids the logic of coding (sequences, loops, and if/then logic) without them ever needing an iPad. It comes with a remote programmer and can navigate obstacle courses, detect objects, and even transform into a train or ghost with different shells. ? Buy at Learning Resources UK | Buy at Amazon UK 4. Star Wars: Unlimited – Two-Player Starter Set Best For: Kids ready to graduate from Pokémon cards. Star Wars: Unlimited has exploded in the UK this year. It is a fast-paced, easy-to-learn Trading Card Game (TCG) that lets you battle with decks led by Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader. The “Spark of Rebellion” starter set gives you two ready-to-play decks, so siblings can play against each other straight out of the box. ? Buy at Magic Madhouse | Buy at Amazon UK 5. Minecraft “The Creeper” Large Scale LEGO Set Best For: Minecraft addicts. With the Minecraft movie hype building, this set is a bestseller. Unlike the small playsets, this is a large-scale, brick-built model of the iconic green Creeper. The head lifts off to reveal a detailed “living quarters” inside, making it both a playset and a cool statue for their bedroom shelf. ? Buy at LEGO UK | Buy at Argos 6. Bitzee Magicals Interactive Pet Best For: Kids who want a “real” digital pet. Think Tamagotchi, but 3D. The Bitzee Magicals allows kids to “touch” the digital pet via a flexible display strip. They can stroke, tilt, and shake the box to interact with 20 different magical creatures. It’s a brilliant fidget toy that teaches care and responsibility. ? Buy at Smyths Toys | Buy at Amazon UK 7. Snap Circuits Jr. Electronics Kit Best For: The Tinkerer. Stop them taking apart the toaster! Snap Circuits is the safest way to teach kids about electricity. The components snap together like buttons (no soldering required) to create real working circuits, including doorbells, alarms, and flashing lights. It’s pure STEM education disguised as a toy. ? Buy at Amazon UK 8. The Lord of the Rings: Trick-Taking Game Best For: Family game night. This new 2025 release is a cooperative card game that is perfect for families who love Middle-earth. It’s smaller and cheaper than the massive board games, making it a great stocking filler. You work together as Frodo, Sam, and the Fellowship to play cards and get the Ring to Mordor without running out of resources. ? Buy at Zatu Games | Buy at Amazon UK 9. Star Wars Power Crystal Lightsaber Best For: The Jedi in training. Listed as one of Argos’ top toys for 2025, this isn’t just a plastic tube. It features a “Kyber Crystal” core that you can swap out to change the blade’s colour and sound effects. It’s the most customisable mass-market lightsaber Hasbro has ever released. ? Buy at Argos | Buy at Amazon UK 10. Sphero BOLT+ Coding Robot Best For: Advanced tech heads (Ages 8+). The BOLT+ is the upgraded version of the world’s most popular spherical robot. It now features a sharper LCD screen that can display pixel art and real-time data. Kids can drive it using an app or program it using Block coding or JavaScript. It’s durable, waterproof, and educational. ? Buy at Sphero UK | Buy at Amazon UK Which one should you choose? For the Smart Kid: Go for Botley 2.0. For the Builder: Go for LEGO Minecraft or the Gingerbread AT-AT. For the Gamer: Go for Star Wars: Unlimited.

Ultimate Geek Christmas Gift Guide 2025 (UK Edition) Read More »

five nights at freddy's 2 movie

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 Movie Review: Scarier, Darker, and Exactly What Fans Wanted

28th January 2026

Release Date: December 5, 2025 Director: Emma Tammi Cast: Josh Hutcherson, Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich, Piper Rubio Rating: 4.5/5 Stars When the first Five Nights at Freddy’s movie released in 2023, it broke box office records but left some die-hard horror fans asking one question: “Where were the scares?” Two years later, Blumhouse has answered. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 isn’t just a sequel; it is a terrifying upgrade that finally balances the deep lore of Scott Cawthon’s universe with genuine, pulse-pounding horror. If the first movie was a love letter to the fans, FNAF 2 is a scream into the void. Here is our spoiler-free review of why this is the best video game adaptation of 2025. The Plot: Welcome to the Grand Re-Opening Set one year after the events of the first film, we find Mike (Josh Hutcherson) and his sister Abby (Piper Rubio) trying to live a normal life. But in the world of FNAF, “normal” doesn’t last long. The story introduces the “New and Improved” Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, a shinier, plastic-coated location preparing for a “FazFest” celebration. But as fans know, shiny doesn’t mean safe. The introduction of the Toy Animatronics brings a new kind of threat—one that features facial recognition software and a serious glitch in the system. The standout addition to the cast is Skeet Ulrich as Henry Emily. His performance adds a tragic, grounded weight to the story that perfectly balances Matthew Lillard’s chaotic energy as William Afton. Seeing the two original founders of the franchise on screen together is a surreal moment for lore hunters. The Animatronics: Toys, Withered, and The Puppet The Jim Henson Creature Shop has outdone itself. While the first film gave us the classics, this sequel doubles the roster. Is FNAF 2 Scarier Than the First Movie? Yes. Absolutely. The first movie was rated PG-13 and felt like a “gateway horror.” Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 pushes that rating to its absolute limit. The “sustained threat” is much higher here. Director Emma Tammi has traded the cozy fort-building scenes for claustrophobic tension. The sequence involving the Withered Animatronics waking up in the Parts & Service room is pure tension, reminiscent of Jurassic Park’s raptor scenes. For the Lore Hunters If you have spent the last decade watching Game Theory videos, you will be well fed. The movie finally dives into the Henry Emily vs. William Afton dynamic, touches on the origins of the Puppet, and drops massive hints about Sister Location (keep your eyes peeled for a certain clown-like animatronic in the background of Afton’s workshop). The Verdict Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is the Terminator 2 of horror game adaptations—bigger, darker, and better in every way. It respects the fans without alienating general audiences, and finally makes Freddy Fazbear scary again. Pros: Cons: FAQ: Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 Movie Is FNAF 2 suitable for kids? It is rated PG-13 in the US (15 in the UK), but it is significantly more intense than the first film. Parents should be aware that the “jumpscares” are more frequent and the tone is darker. If your child found the first one scary, this might be too much. Is there a post-credits scene in FNAF 2? Yes. There is a mid-credits scene involving a Springlock Suit that sets up the third movie, and a post-credits audio tease that will have fans screaming. Do not leave the theater early. Who voices Toy Bonnie? In a nod to the community, Toy Bonnie is voiced by Matthew Patrick (MatPat), the creator of Game Theory. Looking for FNAF Merch in the UK? Don’t forget to check out Forbidden Planet and HMV for the new wave of “Toy Animatronic” Funko Pops and plushies released alongside the movie!

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 Movie Review: Scarier, Darker, and Exactly What Fans Wanted Read More »

The Best Places to Buy Funko Pops in the UK (2025 Guide)

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Funko Pops in the UK (2025)

16th February 2026

The Hunt is On: The Best Places to Buy New & Pre-Owned Funko Pops in the UK “Where did you get that Chase?!” If you are a Funko collector in the UK, you know the struggle. Unlike our friends across the pond in the US, finding specific “Grails” (rare, expensive Pops) or trusted pre-owned figures can be a nightmare of high shipping fees and dodgy eBay listings. Whether you are looking for the latest Stranger Things wave, a rare Star Wars exclusive, or just want to sell your old collection to make space for new ones, you need a retailer that actually understands the hobby. Here is our 2025 guide to the best Funko Pop stores in the UK, starting with our top pick for serious collectors. 1. The Collector’s Choice: Fab Deals UK If you are tired of big-box retailers sending you crushed boxes in plastic bags, you need to visit Fab Deals UK. They have quickly become a favourite among the UK community because they are clearly run by collectors, for collectors. Why they are our top pick: ? Shop the full Fab Deals UK Catalogue Here 2. The High Street Giant: Forbidden Planet If you prefer to hold the box in your hand before buying, Forbidden Planet is the king of the high street. With massive stores in Glasgow, London, and Edinburgh, they get huge shipments of US exclusives (often with the “Underground Toys” stickers). 3. The Official Source: Funko Europe For a long time, the UK didn’t have an official Funko shop. Now we do. Funko Europe is the only place to get the specific “Funko Shop Exclusive” stickers. While they don’t sell pre-owned or vaulted items, they are the safest bet for brand-new releases. 4. The Hidden Gem: Pop Figures If you are an “Out of Box” (OOB) collector—meaning you take the figures out to display them—check out Pop Figures. They often have a “Damaged Box” section where you can pick up brand-new figures for a fraction of the price just because the cardboard has a dent. Summary: Which Store is Right for You? If you want… Go to… Rare / Vaulted Pops Fab Deals UK To Sell Your Collection Fab Deals UK Brand New Exclusives Funko Europe To Browse in Person Forbidden Planet

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Funko Pops in the UK (2025) Read More »

K-Pop Demon Hunters Merchandise

Where to Buy Official K-Pop: Demon Hunters Merch (2025)

28th January 2026

Where to Buy Official K-Pop: Demon Hunters Merch in the UK (2025) With the massive success of the Netflix hit “K-Pop: Demon Hunters”, official merchandise featuring the girl group HUNTRIX and their rivals The Saja Boys has finally hit the UK high street. Unlike general K-Pop merch which is often expensive to import, this franchise has partnered with several major British retailers. Whether you need a Rumi costume or a limited edition Funko Pop, here is where you can find officially licensed gear right now. 1. The Entertainer (Best for Toys & Costumes) The Entertainer is currently the main high-street stockist for the “K-Pop: Demon Hunters” toy line. They have the widest range of kids’ costumes and vinyl figures. 2. Netflix Shop (Best for Premium Apparel) For the high-end collector, the official Netflix online shop ships directly to the UK. This is where you find the “adult” sizes and premium replicas that aren’t sold in toy shops. 3. Grindstore (Best for Posters & Accessories) If you want to decorate your room, Grindstore is the place to go. They have a massive range of printed accessories and wall art that is very affordable. 4. Smyths Toys (Best for Collectibles) Smyths is another great option for the physical toys, often stocking the larger playsets and exclusive mug designs that The Entertainer doesn’t carry. 5. Be More Geek (Best for Independent Gifts) Support a UK-based geek retailer! Be More Geek stocks a curated selection of the best-selling items from the range. Summary: Where should I go?

Where to Buy Official K-Pop: Demon Hunters Merch (2025) Read More »

7 Iconic Sci-Fi Movies Filmed in Scotland

Visit These 7 Sci-Fi Movie Locations in Scotland (Map)

28th January 2026

Scotland doesn’t just look beautiful; sometimes, it looks out of this world. With its jagged mountains, ancient architecture, and misty lochs, our country has become the go-to location for Hollywood directors who need to create alien planets or dystopian futures without relying on a green screen. From Ridley Scott’s return to the Alien universe to Brad Pitt fighting the undead in George Square, Scotland has played host to some of the biggest blockbusters in history. Here is your guide to the most iconic sci-fi movies filmed right here in Scotland. 1. World War Z (Glasgow) The Movie: Brad Pitt races to find a cure for a zombie pandemic that is toppling civilizations. The Location: George Square, Glasgow. In 2011, Glasgow City Centre was transformed into Philadelphia. Yellow taxi cabs, American traffic lights, and vending machines lined the streets, only to be destroyed by a swarm of sprinting zombies. The crash scene in George Square is one of the film’s biggest set pieces. ? [Get World War Z on Blu-ray] 2. Under the Skin (Glasgow & The Highlands) The Movie: Scarlett Johansson plays an alien entity in human form who prowls the streets of Scotland preying on lonely men. The Location: Glasgow Streets, Buchanan Galleries, and the Highlands. This isn’t your typical laser-blast sci-fi. It’s a haunting, gritty masterpiece. Much of the film was shot using hidden cameras in a transit van driving around Glasgow, capturing real people interacting with Johansson (often without them realizing who she was!). It captures the eerie, cold beauty of Scotland like no other film. ? [Get Under the Skin on Amazon] 3. Prometheus (Isle of Skye) The Movie: Ridley Scott’s prequel to Alien, following a crew searching for the origins of humanity. The Location: The Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye. When you need a landscape that looks like a primordial, ancient alien planet, you go to Skye. The opening sequence, where a pale “Engineer” creates life by dissolving himself into a waterfall, was filmed at the Old Man of Storr. The jagged rock formations required almost no CGI to look completely alien. ? [Complete your collection: Prometheus 4K] 4. Cloud Atlas (Glasgow & Edinburgh) The Movie: A mind-bending epic spanning centuries, from the 1800s to a cyberpunk future. The Location: Scott Monument (Edinburgh) and Glasgow City Centre. The Wachowskis (creators of The Matrix) used Scotland to double for multiple locations. The distinct steep streets of Glasgow (specifically around Montrose Street) were used to film the car chases for the “Neo-Seoul” timeline set in the year 2144. Meanwhile, the Gothic spire of the Scott Monument in Edinburgh serves as a key landmark in the story. ? [Get Cloud Atlas on Amazon] 5. Transformers: The Last Knight (Isle of Skye) The Movie: Optimus Prime and the Autobots delve into the history of King Arthur and medieval knights. The Location: The Quiraing, Isle of Skye. Michael Bay loves massive vistas, and Scotland delivered. The dramatic, sweeping shots of the medieval battles and the Transformers flying over green, rocky terrain were filmed at the Quiraing. It’s one of the few places on Earth epic enough to match giant robots in scale. ? [Get the Transformers 5-Movie Collection] 6. 2001: A Space Odyssey (Isle of Harris) The Movie: Stanley Kubrick’s seminal masterpiece about artificial intelligence and human evolution. The Location: The Isle of Harris. Okay, this is a deep cut! While the actors weren’t physically there, the footage of the “Stargate” sequence—where Dave Bowman travels through space and sees alien landscapes—features color-filtered aerial shots of the rocky terrain of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Even in 1968, Kubrick knew Scotland looked like another planet. ? [Get 2001: A Space Odyssey (4K Ultra HD)] 7. Star Wars: Andor (Argyll) The Show: The hit Star Wars series following the rebel Cassian Andor. The Location: Cruachan Dam, Argyll. We couldn’t leave this out. The massive concrete Cruachan Dam (known as the “Hollow Mountain”) was turned into an Imperial base, proving that 20th-century Scottish engineering looks right at home in a galaxy far, far away. Explore the Universe (In Scotland) Whether you are hunting for Xenomorphs in Skye or Zombies in Glasgow, Scotland is a sci-fi fan’s dream. Want to buy some sci-fi merch? Come along to the next BGCP Comic Con to find rare figures, posters, and collectibles from your favorite movies. [Check Upcoming Events Here]

Visit These 7 Sci-Fi Movie Locations in Scotland (Map) Read More »

How to Start Collecting Pokémon Cards Scotland

How to Start Collecting Pokémon Cards: 2026 Beginner Guide

16th February 2026

Confused by “ETBs”? Don’t know a “Holo” from a “Reverse Holo”? You aren’t alone. Whether you are a parent in Glasgow trying to decipher a Christmas list, or a 90s kid in Edinburgh looking to recapture the nostalgia, the world of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) can be overwhelming. With thousands of cards released every year, where do you actually start? And more importantly, where can you buy them in Scotland without getting ripped off? We’ve put together the ultimate crash course to help you start your collection the right way—saving you money and helping you avoid the fakes. Step 1: Decide Your Goal Before you spend a penny, ask yourself: What kind of collector are you? Step 2: What Should I Buy First? If you walk into a shop like Forbidden Planet (Glasgow) or Wonderland Models (Edinburgh), you will see shelves of confusing boxes. Here is what they actually are: 1. The Elite Trainer Box (ETB) – The Best Starter Item If you are new, buy this first. An ETB is the best value-for-money entry point. It usually contains: 2. Booster Bundles If you don’t need the dice or the box and just want to rip open packs, buy a Booster Bundle. It usually contains 6 packs and is cheaper than an ETB. 3. Tins and Collection Boxes These come with a specific “Promo Card” (a guaranteed shiny card displayed in the window). These are great gifts for kids because they can see exactly what cool card they are getting upfront. Step 3: Where to Buy Pokémon Cards in Scotland Don’t rely on supermarkets. Support local Scottish geek shops to get the best advice and genuine products. Step 4: Protecting Your Cards (Crucial!) The biggest mistake beginners make is throwing expensive cards into a drawer. Paper damages easily. If you pull a rare card, you need to protect it immediately to maintain its value. Step 5: How to Spot Fake Pokémon Cards If you are buying from a market stall or eBay, be careful. Fakes are flooding the UK market. Ready to Trade? Come to BGCP Comic Con! Once you have started your collection, you will end up with “doubles” (cards you have more than one of). Don’t throw them away! Bring your binder to the next BGCP Comic Con. We host events across Scotland (from Ayr to Inverness) featuring designated trading zones and vetted vendors. It is the safest place for you or your child to trade cards without worrying about fakes or scams. [Find Your Nearest Scottish Event Here] FAQ: Pokémon Collecting in Scotland Where can I grade Pokémon cards in the UK? You don’t need to send cards to America anymore. UK-based companies like Ace Grading or Majesty Grading are popular options for British collectors. What is the best Pokémon set for nostalgia? Look for the set named “Scarlet & Violet: 151”. It features only the original 151 Pokémon (Bulbasaur, Charmander, Pikachu, etc.) but with modern artwork. It is the perfect set for 90s kids jumping back in. Are gold Pokémon cards real? Real gold-coloured cards exist (as “Hyper Rares”), but they are made of paper/card. If the card is made of plastic, it is a fake/novelty item. This post is proudly sponsored by Kaos Kreations Glasgow. Supporting local Scottish makers and keeping the geek community creative.

How to Start Collecting Pokémon Cards: 2026 Beginner Guide Read More »

Scroll to Top