Articles - BGCP Comic Con

How to Tell if Labubu is Fake: 2026 Real vs. Fake Comparison Guide

28th January 2026

The viral rise of Labubu, the mischievous furry monster from Pop Mart, has unfortunately led to a massive influx of “Lafufus”—counterfeit versions that can look incredibly convincing at first glance. If you’ve bought a Labubu from a third-party seller or a marketplace, here is your definitive checklist to ensure you’ve got the real deal. 1. The “Magic Nine” Teeth Rule The most famous way to verify an authentic Labubu is by counting the teeth. 2. Scan the QR Code Technology is your best friend when it comes to authentication. Most modern Pop Mart boxes (especially the “Macaron” or “Have a Seat” series) feature a holographic sticker with a QR code. 3. The Blacklight (UV) Test If you have a UV torch or a blacklight, you can perform two secret checks: 4. Packaging & Materials Pop Mart is a premium brand, and the packaging reflects that. The Collector’s Choice: ? [Pop Mart THE MONSTERS – Tasty Macarons Vinyl Plush] (Official Store) Verify at Home: ? [UV Blacklight Flashlight for Authentication] Display Your Collection: ? [Clear Acrylic Blind Box Display Case]

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IRN-BRU Carnival Autism Friendly Sessions 2025/26

Irn-Bru Carnival Relaxed Sessions 2025: Ultimate Guide

28th January 2026

Europe’s largest indoor funfair can be overwhelming. Thankfully, the 2025/26 season features dedicated Autism Friendly Sessions, allowing everyone to enjoy the thrills of the SEC in a more relaxed environment. Here is everything you need to know to plan your visit. IRN-BRU Carnival Autism Friendly Sessions 2025/26 These sessions are specifically designed for visitors with autism or sensory processing differences. During these times, the hall remains bright, the music is turned off or lowered significantly, and, where possible, rides are operated at a slower pace. The confirmed dates and times for this season are: What to expect during these sessions: General Info: IRN-BRU Carnival 2025/2026 If you aren’t attending the sensory sessions, the Carnival runs daily from Friday 19th December 2025 to Sunday 11th January 2026 (Closed Christmas Day). Ticket Prices & Vouchers Tickets are generally cheaper if booked in advance (before 23:59 the day before your visit). The Vouchers Every standard ticket comes with a set of vouchers. Most rides cost 1 voucher, but some attractions (like the Dodgems or the Inflatable Play area) may require more. You can always buy extra vouchers inside if you run out! Need new Ear Defenders: ?ProCase galaxy ear defenders

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The Boys Season 5 Release Date UK: Final Season Schedule & News

When is The Boys Season 5 Out? 2026 Release Update

16th February 2026

The fifth and final season of The Boys is set to be the most explosive yet. With Homelander finally achieving the absolute power he’s craved and Butcher pushed to his absolute limit, the stakes for the series finale are sky-high. If you are a fan in the UK, here is the official word on when you can witness the “gory, epic, moist climax” to the series. The Boys Season 5 Release Date & Schedule Amazon Prime Video has officially confirmed that The Boys Season 5 will premiere on April 8, 2026. Unlike previous seasons that sometimes had staggered starts, Season 5 will launch with a two-episode premiere, followed by a weekly rollout leading to the series finale. UK Release Times: Episodes typically drop at 1:00 AM BST / 12:00 AM GMT. Here is your viewing calendar for the final ride: What to Expect: The End of The World? Showrunner Eric Kripke has made it clear: no one is safe. Because this is the final season, the “plot armor” for the main cast is gone. Cast Additions: The Supernatural Reunion In a treat for Supernatural fans, Season 5 will feature a major reunion. Joining Jensen Ackles (Soldier Boy) and Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Kessler) are Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins in undisclosed roles. We will also see Daveed Diggs join the cast as a character known as “O Father.” Read the Original Saga: 👉 [The Boys Omnibus Vol. 1 by Garth Ennis] (The inspiration for the carnage) Own the Show: 👉 [The Boys Season Blu-ray] For the Collectors: 👉 [Funko Pop! Homelander (Levitating)]

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Who is Thragg in Invincible? The Ultimate Villain Guide

16th February 2026

Who is Thragg? The Emperor of Ashes Thragg is the Grand Regent of the Viltrum Empire. While Omni-Man was a high-ranking soldier, Thragg is the absolute ruler who has held the empire together for thousands of years. How Strong is Thragg? In the world of Invincible, Thragg is essentially “the final boss.” His power level is so far beyond Mark or Nolan that he can take on both of them simultaneously without breaking a sweat. Thragg in the TV Show (Season 4) In October 2025, it was officially revealed that Lee Pace would bring Thragg to life. Creator Robert Kirkman has teased that Thragg will be portrayed with a “warm, calm confidence”—the kind of scary power that doesn’t need to shout to be felt. While we’ve seen hints of the Viltrumite high command in Season 3, Season 4 will be Thragg’s full introduction. He is the mastermind behind the Viltrumites hiding on Earth and the primary antagonist of the upcoming Viltrumite War.

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When is Invincible Season 4 coming out in 2026?

16th February 2026

Introduction: The Wait is Getting Shorter After the agonizing gap between the first and second seasons of Invincible, fans were delighted when Season 3 arrived in early 2025 with a much tighter production schedule. Now, the question on every UK fan’s lips is: When is Invincible Season 4 coming out? Invincible Season 4 Release Date: The March Window During a major panel at New York Comic-Con 2025, Prime Video officially debuted a “Burger Mart” inspired teaser trailer that confirmed Invincible Season 4 will premiere in March 2026. While an exact day in March hasn’t been pinned down yet, the show is expected to follow its traditional release pattern: The Cast: A New Heavy Hitter Joins the Fray The core cast, including Steven Yeun (Mark Grayson) and J.K. Simmons (Omni-Man), are all set to return. However, the biggest news for Season 4 is the casting of the series’ most terrifying villain yet. What to Expect in Season 4 (Spoilers for Season 3) Season 3 left Mark Grayson in a darker place than ever before. As we head into Season 4, the show is expected to adapt the legendary Viltrumite War arc from the comics. Amazon Affiliate Opportunities

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What Happened to A1 Toys? Static Games Parnie Street Guide

17th February 2026

What Happened to A1 Toys & A1 Comics? The Parnie Street Legacy For over 30 years, A1 Toys and A1 Comics stood as the beating heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City. If you ever visited the iconic shop on Parnie Street, you know the phrase “stacked to the rafters” was an understatement. Specifically, it was a glorious outpost for everything weird and wonderful. While the physical storefront closed in 2024, the impact of A1 Toys and A1 Comics continues to pulse through the city’s geek culture. The “Aladdin’s Cave” of A1 Comics and Toys Walking into A1 Comics (or A1 Toys to the younger generation) was a sensory experience. There was no floor space; there was barely any ceiling space. Every inch was crammed with history. Consequently, it became the spiritual home for the “Glasgow Mafia” of comic creators. Furthermore, you could find the latest issues of 2000 AD tucked next to vintage action figures. Fans of A1 Comics knew they were in the presence of experts. Owners David and Kenneth Burns built a community that survived the rise of the internet and a global pandemic. In addition, world-class artists like Gary Erskine were frequent visitors, further cementing the shop’s legendary status. Static Games: The Survival of a Legend While the toy and comic shelves have “rested their plastic” at the original location, there is good news for the local community. , located just a few doors down on Parnie Street, remains open for business. Specifically, Static Games is also owned by the Burns brothers and continues to be Glasgow’s premier destination for board games, RPGs, and tabletop miniatures. Therefore, Parnie Street remains a vital destination for the city’s gaming community, even after the transition of A1 Toys. Where to Find A1 Toys & A1 Comics Today The “hunt” for rare collectibles is not over. A1 Toys has transitioned from a permanent storefront to a roaming powerhouse. Specifically, you can still find the legendary A1 Toys stock at all BGCP Comic Cons across Scotland. From East Kilbride to Dundee, David and Kenneth’s curated treasures reach the hands of fans through these massive community events. Moreover, for those looking for A1 Comics back issues and rare variants, our events remain the best place to find the brothers and their incredible inventory. The Legacy of David and Kenneth Burns Ultimately, the closure of the Parnie Street storefront leaves a void, but the legacy of A1 Toys and A1 Comics is permanent. They remained one of the last “old school” shops run by fans, for fans. To see when A1 Toys will be appearing at a show near you, check our . In summary, whether you knew it as a toy shop or a comic haven, the spirit of A1 lives on through the fans and the community they helped build. Rest in Plastic (On the High Street), A1 Toys (1990s – 2024) See A1 Toys at a BGCP Comic Con near you

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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.

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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!]

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20 Best Free Things to Do with Kids in Scotland (2026)

28th January 2026

Museums & Culture Landmarks & History Comic Con & Special Events Outdoor Adventures & Nature Play & Interactive Spaces

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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.

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