DC COMICS
ACTION COMICS #1100
(W) Various (A) Various (CA) Ryan Sook
SUPERMAN RETURNS IN THIS LANDMARK ISSUE! Written by Mark Waid, Joshua Williamson, Sophie Campbell and Dan Slott Art by Skylar Patridge, Ryan Sook, Daniel Sampere, Dan Mora and Lucas Meyer Celebrate 1,100 issues of Action Comics with DC's top talent and architects of the world of Superman! In April 1938, a man faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound graced the pages of Action Comics #1, and the rest was superhero history. Now together with the talents of writers Mark Waid, Joshua Williamson, Sophie Campbell, and Dan Slott, we honor Superman's storied career and turn toward his thrilling future. Brought to life by the all-star artistic talent of Skylar Patridge, Ryan Sook, Dan Mora, and Lucas Meyer, the Man of Steel has never looked better.
Superman returns to Action Comics as the title character, but Superboy isn't going away -- he will come to the present for the "Kingdom of Zod" storyline. At least, that's my interpretation of the solicitations. And for how long, I don't know. Is the "Superboy" feature gone for good? That would be sad.
DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL HEIR TO THE SEA #1 (ONE SHOT)
(W) Tom Taylor (A) Riccardo Federici (CA) Reiko Murakami
CATCH UP ON THE SECRET ORIGIN OF AQUAMAN IN THE DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL UNIVERSE!
Before the rise of the House of El, two steadfast soldiers within the Wayne army, Jonathan and Martha Kent, make a startling discovery: a child, left among the waves, orphaned by a civil war raging beneath the water's surface. The Kents hope to hide him from the bitter violence of the world he left behind ... but no one runs from their destiny forever. Originally seen in the pages of Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter, witness the origin of a deep-sea king whose journey leads directly into his royal debut in Dark Knights of Steel II #1.
If you read the blurb, you know as much as I do. I truly am looking forward to reading all this Dark Knights of Steel business at a sitting someday. But I'm going to let DC do the work of collecting it and putting it in the right order.
DC FINEST SUICIDE SQUAD THE NIGHTSHADE ODYSSEY TP
(W) John Ostrander, Kim Yale (A) Luke McDonnell, Bob Lewis, Various (CA) Jerry Bingham
IT'S A DIRTY JOB…AND THEY'RE FORCED TO DO IT.
Rick Flag and his motley crew of conscripted villains return! As the Squad's notoriety grows, its activities attract the attention of Batman. Plus, the team finally discovers Nightshade's mysterious origin. Collects Suicide Squad #11-20, Suicide Squad Annual #1, Checkmate #1 and #8, Deadshot #1-4, The Doom Patrol and Suicide Squad Special #1, Flash #12, Justice League International #13, Manhunter #1 and #6, and Secret Origins #28 and #37.
I didn't realize at the time how ground-breaking this book was, but I knew I liked it, despite not being crazy about Luke McDonnell's art. It has since become more or less fundamental to the DC Universe, and has launched a thousand storylines.
DETECTIVE COMICS #1111
(W) Tom Taylor (A/CA) Mikel Janin
PAST AND PRESENT COLLIDE!
Many years ago, during the early days of Batman's tenure as Gotham's Dark Knight, he trained alongside Green Arrow and Black Canary, learning the combat skills that have served them throughout their careers as crime-fighters. But there was another heroic hopeful in their ranks--a mysterious man known only as Prion--who suffered a tragic fate that still weighs upon the trio. Now, face-to-face with a young girl who goes by the same code name, they find the sins of their past coming back to haunt them. Tom Taylor and Mikel Janín bring you the penultimate chapter of this history-shaking arc!
Whoa! I didn't realize that Detective was retconning Batman's early years (again)! I really should read the solicitations more carefully.
So Bruce and Dinah and Oliie were, like, super friends?
FLASH #35: In case you're not following this book, Wally can see seconds into the future now. As if being able to see, think and move at the speed of light, and travel through time and other dimensions, isn't enough. Seriously, are we supposed to still see the rogues as a genuine threat? Or anyone?
MILESTONE COMPENDIUM 5 TP
(W) Dwayne McDuffie, Ivan Velez Jr, Jackie Ching, Various (A) Jeff Moore, Ho Che Anderson, ChrisCross, Various (CA) Denys Cowan, Ho Che Anderson
FEATURES A NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN MILESTONE STORY FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PUBLICATION!
The original Milestone universe ends in this final compendium that collects the remaining series runs of Static, Hardware, Icon, and Blood Syndicate. This volume also features the Heroes and Wise Son: White Wolf miniseries, plus other appearances of Static throughout the early 2000s during the height of the Static Shock animated series. Collects Blood Syndicate #33-35, Hardware #39-50, Heroes #1-6, Icon #38-42, Milestone Forever #1-2, Static #32-45, Static Shock!: Rebirth of the Cool #1-4, Static Shock Special #1, and Wise Son: The White Wolf #1-4, plus bonus content from 9-11: The World's Finest Comic Book Writers & Artists Tell Stories to Remember #2, Superman & Batman Magazine #7, and for the first time ever, an exclusive look at the never-before-published Xombi Hanukkah Special by John Rozum and Guy Davis!
This edition brings the original Milestone run to a close, with a bit of follow-up as well. Which serves to remind me how sad I was when Milestone shut down the first time. My favorites were Icon, Hardware and Static, which probably isn't a surprise to anyone. Blood Syndicate made me uncomfortable at the time, which I realized later was its intent, making me appreciate it more. Some Milestone books, like Xombi, left me unmoved, but I'm glad they got made anyway.
SWAMP THING 1989 #4 (OF 4): I see from the discussions that several Legionnaires are reading this. So heads up!
MARVEL COMICS
Written by CHRIS CLAREMONT
Art by ROBERT GILL
This July, discover the legend of Gambit’s journey from New Orleans thief to mutant super hero in GAMBIT: WANTED!
Visionary writer Chris Claremont returns with another revelatory retro series set during his incredible run of Uncanny X-Men, this time revisiting one of his most beloved—and mysterious—co-creations, GAMBIT. Teaming up with acclaimed artist Robert Gill (Dungeons of Doom, X-Force), Claremont will shed light on Gambit’s final adventure before he officially took his place among the X-Men. Back in New Orleans after meeting the team, Gambit isn’t ready to leave his old life and friends behind, but when an anti-mutant threat is unleashed across his city, the choice may be taken out of his hands! The deck is stacked with new enemies alongside fan-favorite villains in this surprising tale that adds new depth to Gambit’s fateful decision to join the X-Men!
TARGET: REMY LEBEAU!
Get ready, mes amis, as Gambit, the mutant-thief-hero, travels back to his hometown for an explosive showdown! Set in the timeframe when Gambit returned Storm to what was left of the X-Men, discover how Gambit came to join the team for the first time – and the deadly trial that made it so! Someone’s got mutants in their crosshairs down in New Orleans… and when they hire Bullseye to target Gambit, hang on for the most kinetic showdown of the month!
GAMBIT: WANTED is the latest retro series that sees Chris Claremont fill in gaps and flesh out stories from his legendary, decades-long work on the X-Men franchise, following hit series like Wolverine and Kitty Pryde, X-Treme X-Men, and 2022’s Gambit series. On what motivated him to revisit the Ragin’ Cajun again, Claremont said, “I enjoy returning to Gambit because when I first created him, I never had much of a chance to build his backstory. I gave him the dichotomy of being both a hero and a thief, a conflict that creates a fertile patch for stories. GAMBIT: WANTED is set when he first meets the X-Men, and gives me a chance to explore why he decided to give up his unfettered life doing as he wished in New Orleans, becoming bound to this group of heroes, dramatically changing his life’s course.”
“Getting the chance to work on a Gambit book with Chris was a complete surprise, and it continues to be a surreal experience,” Gill said. “Chris's name is iconic and one that surrounded my early days of reading comics. I've always thought Gambit was one of the coolest and mysterious X-Men characters, and despite more than eight years drawing comics for Marvel, I've almost never drawn him… until now!”
I've said this before, and I'll say it again: I don't understand Gambit. And I'll keep saying it until somebody explains him to me.
- How can he be popular with the ladies when his eyes are red and his sclera black? Any normal human being would run screaming from such a sight. "Is he a zombie?" "Is he a mutant?" "Is he an alien?" "Who cares, RUN!" Yet, Gambit is always depicted as so charming that random baristas fall for him.
- Why is he wearing a heavy duster in New Orleans, which is hot and humid most of the year?
- What on Earth is his outfit? Seriously, folks, WHAT IS THAT OUTFIT? Is it supposed to suggest some culture I'm unfamilar with? If so, what? And where would you even get that sort of stuff? Metal spider-webby stuff around the throat, some sort of boxer's head protection, leggings with bizarre patterns, purple metal shin guards ... It looks like something from outer space, which -- again -- would be alarming to most people. And it would be SUPER HOT in New Orleans, so much so that he could easily collapse from heat exhaustion in the summer. Let me repeat: New Orleans is semi-tropical. It is not New York.
- How is he a successful sneak thief, when he dresses in a way that attracts attention? The eyes would attract attention. The coat would attract attention. The strange costume would attract attention. And yet, nobody notices him.
NOTHING about Gambit makes sense to me. Even his name doesn't make sense: It's a chess term, and he has nothing to do with chess.
That was my immediate reaction when he was introduced, and nothing has been explained to my satisfaction since.
It doesn't help that I find the accent annoying, too.
GODZILLA CONQUERS THE MULTIVERSE #1
GODZILLA CONQUERS THE MULTIVERSE #1 (OF 5)
Written by GERRY DUGGAN
Art by JAVIER GARRÓN
Cover by DAVID MARQUEZ
Virgin Variant Cover by DAVID MARQUEZ
Foil Variant Cover by JUAN FRIGERI
Variant Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
Heisei Godzilla vs. Marvel Variant Cover by NIC KLEIN
Since Marvel Comics and Toho International, the Japanese studio’s U.S.-based subsidiary that’s brought global sensation Godzilla to life, joined forces to bring Godzilla to the Marvel Universe, the King of the Monsters has battled iconic heroes across eras, rampaged across Earth, and now roars into the cosmos in Godzilla: Infinity Roar! This July, this unforgettable crossover escalates beyond what anyone could imagine in GODZILLA CONQUERS THE MULTIVERSE! Infinite realities unleashes infinite possibilities as Godzilla ascends to the Marvel multiverse, taking on bold new versions of both Kaiju from the Tohoverse and heroes of the Marvel Universe. Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe and Godzilla: Infinity Roar creators Gerry Duggan and Javier Garrón reunite for the explosive finale to a trilogy destined for pop culture legend—packed with bigger surprises and more mythos-shattering spectacle than ever before!
GODZILLA UNLEASHED, NOWHERE IS SAFE!
An unholy alliance between Knull and Godzilla conquers the Marvel Universe–-and now Doctor Doom, Spider-Man, Kang, Emma Frost, Ghost Rider, the Punisher, Man-Thing and more stand on the edge of annihilation! When Doomstadt rips across dimensions to capture a kaiju capable of stopping the King of the Monsters, the team collides with mecha fiends, multiversal kaiju and a deadly Red Skull in adamantium armor. But as universes burn, an unexpected ally may hold the key to survival.
“The culmination of this Godzilla X Marvel collaboration has been a privilege from the jump,” Duggan shared. “To be able to help smash these worlds together with Javi and our collaborators has brought real joy, and we hope you're prepared for an ending you'll never see coming—with favorites from both universes making late star entrances and some of the craziest sequences I've had to honor of rolling off a printer. Hold fast, one last time.”
The novelty of these cross-genre mash-ups has worn off on me. But if you're still game, go for it!
JLA/AVENGERS #3 FACSIMILE EDITION
X-MEN: THE HELLFIRE MURDER (2026) #1
Writer: Saladin Ahmed, Eve Ewing, Jed Mackay, Erica Schultz, Gail Simone
Penciller: Tony Daniel, Aaron Kuder, Federica Mancin, Cory Smith, Luciano Vecchio
The X-Men’s Hellfire Gala, mutantkind’s biggest—and sometimes deadliest—celebration, is back for another drama-filled night of mystery, betrayal and Omega level fashion in X-MEN: THE HELLFIRE MURDER #1, hitting stands in July.
As is tradition, X-MEN: THE HELLFIRE MURDER #1 will be written and drawn by a spectacular lineup of current X-Men creators including Jed MacKay (X-Men), Gail Simone (Uncanny X-Men), Eve L. Ewing (X-Men United), Saladin Ahmed (Wolverine), Erica Schultz (Rogue), Tony Daniel (X-Men), Luciano Vecchio (Uncanny X-Men), Federica Mancin (Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant) and more! Once more, the giant-sized one-shot serves as a capstone to the last year of X-Men storytelling with reunions and romance abound, and simultaneously sets the stage for what’s on the horizon with startling developments like the formation of an all-new Hellfire Club and the murder of a key mutant figure.
HOMICIDE AT THE HELLFIRE GALA!
When an iconic mutant power player is murdered at an exclusive masquerade hosted by Sebastian Shaw, it falls to Wolverine and Jubilee to solve a locked-room mystery that has dire consequences for all mutantkind. Everyone is a suspect. And the party isn’t over yet...
The secrets won’t be the only thing stunning readers. As always, your favorite mutants will be decked out in unforgettable attire! Leading the design efforts will be Marvel’s Stormbreaker artist Luciano Vecchio, following his acclaimed work on last year’s Hellfire Gala issue, X-Men: Hellfire Vigil. A certified expert in mutant fashion, Vecchio outdid himself this year with dramatic and unique masquerade looks. Can you guess who’s behind each mask?
“Doing Hellfire Gala designs is always a pleasure,” Vecchio said. “This time around, it’s a masquerade, so the challenge was to come up with looks that divert from each character’s classic iconography to reflect their mask’s theme. The dress code is a callback to classic Hellfire Club attire, so there’s 18th-century fashion mixed with corsets and leather gear, but mixing up the gendering of those elements, resulting in something elegant and sexy.”
The novelty of this has worn off too, especially since the protection of Krakoa is gone and mutants really shouldn't be holding public parties that make them targets. Also, I think the tough-guy X-Men would be too embarrassed to wear these outfits.
IMAGE COMICS
CORPSE KNIGHT #4 (OF 6)
(W) Michael Chaves (A/CA) Matthew Roberts, Rico Renzi
Foy and her father must cross a battlefield to reach the one person who can reverse this curse...but all is not what it seems.
The first three issues had a lot of things I like -- Historical fiction! Unexplained zombies! A desperate quest! A slow-reveal mystery! -- and I'm in it to the end. We haven't seen Joan of Arc, the putative goal of the quest, and maybe we never will. What the title offers now is enough for me!
DREAD THE HALL H 2026 (ONE SHOT)
(W) Chris Ryall, Jordan Hart (A) Luana Vecchio, C.P. Wilson III, Chris Anderson, Marianna Ignazzi, Tom Williams (CA) Maria Wolf
DREAD THE HALL H is back with your VIP pass to 48 pages of convention-related horror stories! Attending this show are CHRIS RYALL, CP WILSON III, and TOM WILLIAMS, with panel-breaking stories of the variant craze gone amok; and JORDAN HART alongside artists LUANA VECCHIO, MARIANNA IGNAZZI, and CHRIS ANDERSON, spreading con-tales, tasty custom ads, and a board game, too!
Aren't comics conventions nightmarish enough without supernatural horror? For one thing, i don't know if Hell would smell any worse than hundreds of fanboys packed into a small space.
GIANT-SIZE YOUNGBLOOD #1
Comic book icon and Image Comics co-founder Rob Liefeld’s highly anticipated Giant-Size Youngblood issue is set to hit stores next month and promises fans exciting first appearances of multiple new characters key to the expanding Youngblood storyline. This extra-length issue will weigh in at a whopping 72 pages total and will be published by Image Comics.
New characters won’t be the only first appearances brought to readers through this thrilling new one-shot story. The Giant-Size Youngblood issue will also showcase a bevy of variant covers by emerging new talent—industry “young bloods” Beniamino Bradi, Michael Pedro, and Reese Hannigan — handpicked as standout artists by Liefeld himself via an open call for submissions.
“Giant-Size Youngblood #1 is chock full of signature moments that shape the future of the franchise! We re-introduce fan favorites The New Men, who were recently glimpsed in Youngblood #100. They will continue to play a key role in our titles from Youngblood to Badrock and beyond,” said Liefeld. “But, most importantly, five all-new, never-before-seen characters emerge to aid Youngblood. These characters create the core of the new team line-up when Youngblood #101 returns this fall. Giant-Size Youngblood #1 is their official first appearance.
“Part of the pure joy I have experienced in my career is putting fresh, new talents under the spotlight and the “Young Bloods,” as I call them, came out in full force with these incredible covers!”
In Giant-Size Youngblood, the Youngblood team investigates a mysterious island and its secret inhabitants.
Fans won’t want to miss out on more of Liefeld’s “Summer of Youngblood” happenings. This season-long celebration — marking the monumental return and expansion of the franchise that launched the Image Revolution— kicked off with the instant sell-out and immediate reprint of the highly collectible Youngblood #100. The season will ramp up further with more announcements surrounding Liefeld’s presence at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.
This a serious question: Is there anything original here at all? Everything from the format to the covers to the characters looks like a swipe. Excuse me, homage. I don't detect a single original thought, yet this shallow, derivative concept still exists. What draw is there, unless you happened to be 12 years old in 1992, and feel nostalgic?
GOOD DEVILS: DON’T PLAY FAIR WITH EVIL (ONE-SHOT REPRINT)
Sales chart-topping artist Nick Dragotta (East of West) and fan-favorite writer David Brothers (Time Waits) bring three action-packed tales back to shelves next month with a reprint of the critically-acclaimed Good Devils: Don’t Play Fair with Evil from Image Comics.
This 64 page, perfect-bound, one-shot will also boast four highly collectible covers including two Absolute Batman homage variants by Dragotta.
"There's nothing like a good action story, and Nick brought all his storytelling guns to bear on our three stories in Good Devils in three different ways," said Brothers. "I'm really proud of the work we've done here, and judging by the conversations we've had at cons and signings, our readers are in love with it too."
Dragotta added: “I loved drawing this book! David Brothers served up the perfect stories, high octane action from the heavens to the streets. Little did I know this would be the perfect warm up to Absolute Batman."
Who will rule the roost in the post-apocalypse? Will the greatest boxer alive actually live up to his self-proclaimed legend? And just who will survive in America? Readers will find out when they pick up Good Devils: Don’t Play Fair with Evil.
It's a first issue (albeit a reprint), and they sent me a press release, so here ya go.
ODIN #3 (OF 9)
(W) James Tynion IV, Marguerite Bennett (A) Letizia Cadonici, Jordie Bellaire (CA) Alex Eckman-Lawn
Adela was chasing a story. Austin sought his great white destiny. Tanner… Tanner just wanted to get laid. Every member of this doomed expedition set out with a purpose in mind. And every one is going to discover that the old gods of the woods care not at all for their desires. They have lusts of their own. Reader discretion is advised as JAMES TYNION IV (EXQUISITE CORPSES), MARGUERITE BENNETT (WITCHBLADE), LETIZIA CADONICI (House of Slaughter), and JORDIE BELLAIRE (REDLANDS) continue to push the limit of the printed page!
I have no idea what's going on in this book. Which is not a complaint! In the first two issues, an undercover journalist journeys with a enigmatic billionaire and a handful of neo-Nazi followers to the wilds of Norway in search of the Norse/Teutonic gods. In the first issue they took drugs in the Norwegian wilderness in winter and, as you'd expect, terrible things happened. The second issue shows the fallout, and even more weirdness. Is it divine visitation? Hallucinations? Hypnosis? I don't knooooooooow! But the mythology is spot on, and there's really nothing cooler to me than Norse mythology. Drugs! Omens! Injury to the eye motif! It's got it all!
TERMINAL #1
As announced today in Robert Kirkman’s keynote address at ComicsPro, Skybound and Image Comics are unleashing the all-new comic book series Terminal this summer. The blockbuster title brings together the truly all-star creative team of writers Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead) and Joe Casey (Uncanny X-Men, Wildcats), alongside artists Andy Kubert (X-Men, Batman), David Finch (Ultimate X-Men, Batman), and Arthur Adams (X-Men), colorist Dave McCaig (The Walking Dead Deluxe), and letterer Rus Wooton (TRANSFORMERS). Terminal also marks Robert Kirkman’s long-awaited return to the superhero genre for the first time since Invincible. The debut issue of the year’s must-read superhero event arrives in comic book shops on July 22, 2026.
"Listen, I’ve done my fair share of press release quotes but never for anything this cool,” said Robert Kirkman. “This will be the coolest comic on the market by the best creative team ever assembled. I dare you to find a book with a more stunning array of artistic talent. Go on, I’ll wait! You can’t! I’m co-creating another vast superhero universe and I’m getting to do it along with Joe Casey, Andy Kubert, David Finch and Arthur Adams! It’s going to be great!”
"I've been involved in some big launches before, but this is by far the biggest!” added Joe Casey. “This series has been many years in the making, and readers have no idea what they're in for. The level of talent involved is completely off the charts—and what we're doing is truly epic in both ambition and scale. Terminal is what great superhero comics are all about!"
There is a secret war being waged across the world by two violent forces with superhuman abilities who blur the lines between good and evil.
When Marilyn Howe's search for her missing sister Alessandra puts her in the center of this conflict, she'll learn that the power to save the world comes from unlocking your genetic code and giving up everything you thought you knew about yourself…if you survive the experience.
“I’ve had a very fortunate career with the big two, so for my first project outside that box since the late ‘80s, I couldn’t be more excited!” said Andy Kubert. “Being mentioned in the same breath as Kirkman, Casey, Finch and Adams along with colorist extraordinaire Dave McCaig is not only humbling but also gargantuan for me. Building characters and environments with Robert and Joe was some of the most fun I’ve had in comics. Heck, just getting to know them is a blast! And that comes through on every page and every panel. Honestly, I thought I had drawn pretty much everything until I got involved with Terminal!”
“Terminal is everything that made me want to draw comics in the first place,” said David Finch. “Classic, high action superhero storytelling by the very best writers around, with designs and art by Andy Kubert and Arthur Adams. I can't believe I'm even saying that! ANDY KUBERT AND ARTHUR ADAMS. On one book!! As a fan, it's a shot of adrenalin, with fast paced action, high concept craziness, and over the top visuals. As an artist, it feels like coming home.”
“How much fun is this? This is my first interior work in ages, and it’s been amazing being able to participate in the creation of a whole new universe of characters,” added Arthur Adams. “Amazing to work on a series with proven creators like Robert Kirkman and Joe Casey—a series that I think is going to go in directions no one is expecting. And so humbling to work on a project alongside artists like Andy Kubert and David Finch and Dave McCaig. Terminal features Heroes and Monsters galore! My kind of comic book! I hope you guys enjoy reading this as much as I’ve enjoyed working on it!”
Terminal #1 will also feature a special blind bag program that allows fans a chance to get nearly all orderable covers available for the issue, intermixed at varying degrees of rarity. However, there are also three exclusive surprise items that can be found in these blind bags. It will give you a sneak peek into the world of Terminal, delivered in a distinctive Robert Kirkman style and unlike anything seen in a blind bag program before.
Perfect for fans of Invincible and classic eras of X-Men, this is the most violent and unpredictable superhero series of the year, and nothing will prepare you for what’s coming. With a murderers’ row of creators who have each redefined superhero comics in their own right and powerful storytelling on fullest display,Terminal is set to be one of the biggest comic launches of the year.
I feel guilty, because I was sent an early review copy, and didn't get around to reading it. I'm sorry, Image, I'll try harder next time! But here's a lovely preview so you can judge for yourselves.
UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: BLOOD OF THE WOLF MAN #2 (OF 4)
Today Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics, in partnership with Universal Products & Experiences, revealed the cover lineup and preview pages for Universal Monsters: Blood of the Wolf Man #2, from the superstar team of writer Joshua Williamson (G.I. JOE, Superman), artist Leomacs (Basketful of Heads, Rogues), colorist Pip Martin (Of the Earth), and letterer DC Hopkins (Ordained). The second chapter of this haunting new adaptation of Blood of the Wolf Man arrives in comic book shops on July 22, 2026.
The must-read horror series of the summer continues! As the cops close in, Adam must convince his father that monsters do exist...before the full moon rises again.
Universal Monsters: Blood of the Wolf Man #2 features a main cover by Leomacs & Pip Martin (Rogues), an open to order B cover by Jacob Phillips (That Texas Blood), incentive variants including the continuation of the connecting 1:10 incentive cover series by Maria Wolf (Phoenix) & Mike Spicer (TRANSFORMERS), a 1:25 incentive variant of Phillips’ B cover in black & white, a 1:50 incentive variant by Luana Vecchio (Lovesick), and a 1:75 incentive variant by Anwita Citriya (Creepshow).
Universal Monsters: Blood of the Wolf Man is the seventh Universal Monsters series launch, following James Tynion IV and Martin Simmonds’ Dracula (which netted Simmonds a BEST PAINTER/MULTIMEDIA ARTIST (INTERIOR ART) Eisner Award nomination), Ram V, Dan Watters, and Matthew Roberts’ Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives!, Michael Walsh’s Frankenstein, Faith Erin Hick’s The Mummy, James Tynion IV and DANI’s The Invisible Man, and Tyler Boss and Martin Simmonds’ Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera.
Blood of the Wolf Man will be followed by additional new Universal Monsters limited series pairing the biggest names in comics with pop culture’s most iconic monsters in the bestselling modern line of horror comics.
The first issue opens with the cheesy poem they used to recite in the Universal Wolfman movies. Cheesy yes, but I grew up on those Universal movies and I love the callback.
This isn't an adaptation of any of the famous movies, though. It's set in the present, and the college-age protagonist appears to bear the curse. I suspect things are not what they seem, or there won't be enough story for four issues!
IDW PUBLISHING
STAR TREK: REDSHIRTS -- GHOST OF THE 21ST CENTURY #1
Revenge is a dish best served on time delay. From Gerry Duggan (Deadpool, X-Men: Fall of the House of X) and Scott Buoncristiano (The Dark Room) comes the next Red Shirts bloodbath…
On the Federation’s farthest frontier, red shirts don’t just die—they’re used.
When conscripted security grunt Harry Deubert finds contraband hidden inside a fallen comrade’s body, he uncovers Section Null—a secret Starfleet directorate turning disposable red shirts into assets in a sprawling criminal conspiracy. Teaming with Lyna Taval, an Andorian officer with her own covert agenda, Deubert digs too deep…and becomes a target.
Someone inside Starfleet Security is selling out the Federation. And once Deubert and Taval learn what red shirts are really for, there’s no going back.
Since Paramount seems to have no plans for Star Trek in the near future, the comics are all we've got for now. Fortunately, Red Shirts is pretty good.
TEENAGE MUTANT TURTLES 300TH ISSUE SPECIAL
More than 40 years ago, the brilliant duo of Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird co-created the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT). While it was Eastman and Laird’s imagination that brought the Heroes in a Half-Shell to life and turned them into a pop culture phenomenon, they cited two comic icons as inspiration for their incredible creation: Jack Kirby and Frank Miller. And now, more than four decades after that original spark of innovation, Miller has drawn a TMNT cover for the first-time ever to celebrate a massive milestone: TMNT #300!
"As a lifelong Turtles fan, it's awesome to be able to celebrate the landmark 300th issue of TMNT and we're going all-out to celebrate,” commented Ryan Balkam, IDW’s Director of Sales. “From a blind bag with an amazing artist lineup to Frank Miller's first-ever TMNT drawing and a never-before-seen piece by Kevin and Peter, TMNT #300 will be the ultimate reading and collecting experience for TMNT fans this year. The whole team here at IDW, along with our partners at Paramount, have put our passion for this property on full display. TMNT #300 is a book made by fans for fans new and old.”
In addition to the jaw-dropping covers, the special landmark comic will be a key issue for the future of IDW’s TMNT Universe. The epic storyline ‘The City That Never Dies’ kicks off in TMNT #300 with Eisner Award-winning writer Gene Luen Yang and blockbuster artist Freddie E. Williams II. Splinter and Tang Shen, the mother of the Turtles, have magically come back to life… but they aren’t the only ones who returned from the land of the dead! Plus: fans will be treated to a can’t-miss back-up story from co-creator Kevin Eastman, fan-favorite writer Tom Waltz and a roster of classic TMNT artists that celebrates the many eras of the Heroes in a Half-Shell as the time-traveler Renet explores timelines full of familiar faces.
I'm not a TMNT fan, but issue #300 of anything is worth a mention.
DARK HORSE
CAPTAIN HENRY AND THE GRAVEYARD OF TIME HC
Explore a new corner of the Hellboy universe in this time-traveling graphic novel to another dimension!
On a dark night in 1880s England, the ever-adventurous Whittier family, along with Edward Grey, are attempting to send a man into the realm between reality and the Beyond to free the trapped spirit of a Whittier uncle. But his expedition into space—and time—will take him to places beyond even the Witchfinder’s knowledge.
Captain Henry and the Graveyard of Time follows an intrepid time-travelling explorer on a journey to a new dimension. He soon discovers that the monsters he encounters aren’t his only problem, as time itself might be the even greater danger.
Mike Mignola and Bruce Zick cowrite, and Zick (Thor, The Atomic Legion) draws this new series that explores an uncharted corner of the Hellboy universe!
Collects Captain Henry and the Graveyard of Time #1-4 along with bonus material.
Wait, this is part of the Hellboy Universe? I don't know anything about it. How closely related is it?
Here's a PREVIEW.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: TOTAL PARTY KILLERS #1
Dark Horse Books and Hasbro’s Wizards of the Coast division present DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Total Party Killers, a new four-issue comic series gathering five iconic D&D monsters into their own adventuring party. The miniseries is written by Christopher Hastings (The Adventures of Dr. McNinja, The Unbelievable Gwenpool), illustrated by Denis Medri (Red Hood/Arsenal, Spider-Verse), colored by Dan Jackson (Stranger Things, Star Wars), and lettered by Lucas Gattoni (Harley Quinn, Absolute Green Lantern). Issue #1 will feature cover art by Elizabeth Beals, Matías Bergara (1:20 incentive variant), Michael Walsh, and Lukas Ketner, as well as one blank character sheet cover.
About DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Total Party Killers:
The wizard Custos has died, and his lair lies ripe for the taking! As adventurers raid the lair for treasure, the monsters enthralled by Custos in life must protect his domain even after his death. That is, unless the creatures can trick someone into releasing them! Thus, a lycanthrope, gelatinous cube, mind flayer, death knight, and baby beholder form their own adventuring party to win their freedom in a hostile world!
The monster party kicks off on July 22, 2026, when DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Total Party Killers #1 (of 4) arrives in comic shops. It is now available for preorder from your local comic shop for $4.99.
Praise for DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: The Fallbacks:
"DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: The Fallbacks #1 is both a solid introduction to the world of D&D and an adventure that's laced with plenty of humor."—AIPT Comics
"Even if you have no idea who Tess, Anson, Cazrin, Lark, Baldric, or Uggie are, The Fallbacks is an easy series to jump into and still have fun!"—Gaming Trend
"DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: The Fallbacks #1 is an entertaining start as the classic property finds a new comic publisher with Dark Horse. . . . It’s a casual adventure that is welcoming to all who want to join the party."—Graphic Policy
"It’s a genuinely enjoyable, action-packed issue that hits the ground running and doesn’t stop until it absolutely has to, striking a similar action-comedy vibe to the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS movie, Honor Among Thieves."—Midlife Gamer Geek
"Overall, The Fallbacks does a great job of tiptoeing the line between the established D&D lore and visual style and a more modern, humorous vibe that keeps the pages turning from start to finish. "—Big Comic Page
"Greg and his team knocked this issue and series out of the park."—Nerd Initiative
I stopped playing D&D decades ago, hear the movie was pretty bad and have never read the comics. But they sent me this nice package, so I'll post it for you. Plus, here's a PREVIEW. No need for thanks, folks, just doin' my job.
GIANT ROBOT HELLBOY RETURNS #1
Writer: Mike Mignola
Artist: Duncan Fegredo
Scientists comb the deep sea for any sign of Giant Robot Hellboy after his disappearance, but find more than they bargained for when an interdimensional portal threatens to pull them in—or let monsters of unknown origin out.
New two-parter that continutes the story from Giant Robot Hellboy and connects more deeply to Hellboy and B.P.R.D. lore.
Fan-favorite artist Duncan Fegredo returns!
“If you're looking for intrigue, fun, and plenty of robot-powered excitement, look no further than Giant Robot Hellboy.”—Monkeys Fighting Robots
Shucks, I'm still tradewaiting the first one. Maybe I missed it.
Here's a PREVIEW.
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
VAMPIRELLA VOL. 8 #4
Writer: Christopher Priest
Vampirella faces the ultimate betrayal when she discovers virtually every person she trusts has been keeping a dark secret from her. It's a truth so devastating it forces Vampirella to make a life-changing choice that will give birth to a new unholy alliance that will ultimately threaten not only the Earth but also Vampirella's homeworld of Drakulon!
Wait, Priest hasn't written Drakulon out? Maybe that's what this is building to. It was always a silly concept, and no amount of framing or re-interpretation is going to make it less silly. It just needs to go away, and be replaced by a less embarrassing origin.
FANTAGRAPHICS
ATLAS COMICS LIBRARY VOL. 9: ADVENTURES INTO WEIRD WORLDS HC
(W) Russ Heath, B (Bernard) Krigstein, Bill Everett, Joe Maneely, Carmine Infantino, Dr. Michael J. Vassallo (A/CA) Russ Heath, B (Bernard) Krigstein, Bill Everett, Joe Maneely
In the unrestrained days before the Comics Code Authority censored the industry, these stories drawn by the cream of the Atlas crop — Russ Heath, Bill Everett, Joe Maneely, Carmine Infantino, Mort Meskin, George Tuska, Bob Fujitani, Joe Sinnott, and Bernard Krigstein — chilled readers to the bone: Irradiated, postapocalyptic monsters become “The Walking Death!” A frantic, tiny voice calls out from “The Thing in the Bottle”! Humanity faces intergalactic doomsday “When a World Goes Mad!” A cemetery robber tells how “I Crawl Through Graves”! Satan himself unveils “The Pit of Horror,” as only Bill Everett could envision it! This is the first of three volumes that will re-present this classic Atlas horror series in its entirety. Adventures don’t get any weirder!
Another must-have for me. I'll never read all the 1950s Atlas books, so a curated series is probably the next best thing. And just look at that murderer's row of creators!
BITCHY: THE EXASPERATING EXISTENCE OF MIDGE MCCRACKEN TP
(W/A/CA) Roberta Gregory
Midge McCracken is the abrasive, self-destructive pessimist every office has. Not to mince words, she's a bitch: bitter, mistrustful, racist, and completely unfiltered in her words and thoughts. But she comes by it honestly, growing up with hateful, racist parents, suffering sexual abuse as an adolescent, experiencing an unwanted pregnancy, etc. Did we mention that this is a comedy? Roberta Gregory’s unflinching sense of humor is the engine driving Bitchy! This mammoth collection includes Gregory’s “Bitchy Bitch” stories, presenting a life from childhood into middle age, following the character through multiple decades. Along the way, Gregory’s wider cast of characters are introduced, notably Bitchy’s suffering and insufferable coworkers: the obnoxiously cheerful Sylvia (who never met a problem that positive vibes won’t cure); the upwardly mobile and power-hungry Pam (aka Bitchy’s boss); the intolerant, God-fearing Marcie; her hapless friend-with-benefits, Kenny; and many more. In 1976, Roberta Gregory released Dynamite Damsels — the first underground solo comic created and self-published by a woman. After contributing regularly to the influential anthologies Wimmen’s Comix and Gay Comix throughout the 1980s, she launched Naughty Bits in 1991 while working as a production artist at her publisher, Fantagraphics. It became the longest-running solo alternative comic book series by a female cartoonist, coming to an end in 2004 after an influential and pioneering 14-year, 40-issue run. The Bitchy Bitch stories remain the pinnacle of a historic career, and a highwater mark in comics and graphic novels over the past 40 years.
I think I've read all the "alternative comics" I need for one lifetime, but I'm glad strips like this are being collected. I've been burned by too many bad comix over the years, and am unwilling to take a chance on adding another unwanted book to the mountain I already have. But for somebody out there, this book will be a revelation. I'm glad it exists for them.
ARCHIE COMICS
LITTLE ARCHIE #1 FACSIMILE
(W/A/CA) Bob Bolling
We’re travelling back in time 70 years ago to the first-ever appearance of Archie’s younger self! This issue, from 1956, introduces the world to Little Archie and all the adventures he and his li’l friends get into! Written and drawn by the legendary Bob Bolling, who’s entering the Eisner Hall of Fame this year! You won’t want to miss out on the piece of Archie Comics history in LITTLE ARCHIE #1, faithfully reprinted in a full-facsimile edition!
I think Little Archie was a dead letter by the time I started reading Archies, or if not, then it wasn't distributed in my area. Because I never saw any. I've read a few Little Archie stories since, usually as reprints, and don't see why it was a big deal. Maybe this issue will correct my ignorance.
TITAN COMICS
GUN HONEY DOUBLES DOWN #2
(W) CHARLES ARDAI
(A) ANG HOR KHENG
Cover A: Derrick Chew
Cover B: Ivan Tao Variant
Cover C: Cosplay Cardstock Variant ($6.99)
Cover D: Ang Hor Kheng Variant
Cover E: Ace Continuado Variant
Cover F: Rare Tempter Wraparound Nude/Clothed Bagged Variant ($10.00)
Cover G: Nuno Pereira Homage Variant
Cover H: Seage Wraparound Nude/Clothed Bagged Variant ($10.00)
Cover I: Derrick Chew Virgin Cardstock Variant ($6.99)
Cover J: Derrick Chew Foil Variant ($14.99)
Cover K: Ivan Tao Virgin Cardstock Variant ($6.99)
Cover L: Ivan Tao Foil Variant ($14.99)
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, 32pp, $4.99, IN-STORES: 15 JULY 2026
When a botched attack on the dictator of Russia sends three identical-looking men fleeing Moscow for Siberia, Finland, and the Black Sea, Gun Honey Joanna Tan is offered $10 million to separate the real target from his doubles -- and make sure the right man dies.
I haven't read the first issue yet, but I plan to. And besides, I need an excuse to post all these covers.
SOLOMON KANE: THE LION ERRANT #1 (of 4)
(W / A) PATCH ZIRCHER
Cover A: Patch Zircher
Cover B: Stuart Sayger
Cover C: Jh Williams
Cover D: Daniel Brereton
Cover E: Utsab Chatterjee
Cover F: Patch Zircher Foil Variant ($14.99)
Cover G: Jh Williams Virgin Cardstock Variant ($6.99)
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, 32pp, $4.99, IN-STORES: 22 JULY 2026
SOLOMON KANE is no stranger to the impossible. But the mythic storm gathering in the heart of India may be his greatest test yet.
Guided by a mysterious black-maned lion, Solomon Kane is drawn to India and a confrontation between the warrior queen Rani Durgavati and the mighty Mughal Empire. But the coming battle is more than a clash of armies. Ancient powers are stirring, gods and demons walk among the living, and Kane's arcane Atlantean staff may hold the key to it all.
Legend meets legend. Steel meets the divine. The Sword of Vengeance answers a higher call.
I don't know why I like Solomon Kane so much. He's sort of a one-note character. Maybe it's his look. A cool outfit makes up for a lot. Anyway, yes: I'll be reading this.
MASSIVE PUBLISHING
SUPERMAN: THE DEFINITIVE HISTORY HC
(W/A/CA) Various
Since his 1938 debut in the pages of Action Comics #1, Superman was the very first superhero, and he has become an international icon and a cultural cornerstone, instantly recognizable to audiences everywhere. Following Kal-El from his escape from the dying planet Krypton through his humble beginnings in Kansas to his work as a part-time journalist and full-time superhero in Metropolis, this deluxe reformat explores Superman across comics, TV, animation, film, video games, and beyond, creating a compelling portrait of one of the most recognizable characters in the history of popular fiction. Covering the complete history of Superman in vivid detail, this comprehensive book features exclusive commentary from the key creatives who have been instrumental in building Superman’s iconic legacy. Filled with additional material and exciting updates in a new size, Superman: The Definitive History [ICONS] [Reissue] is the ultimate exploration of the template for all superheroes and his incredible and enduring impact on pop culture.
At this stage of my life, I don't need to buy books like this. I need to write them.
#DRCL MIDNIGHT CHILDREN, VOL. 6
ALICE IN BORDERLAND RETRY
BOY’S ABYSS, VOL. 14
BUG EGO, VOL. 2
KINGDOM, VOL. 9
MORIARTY THE PATRIOT, VOL. 20
RECORD OF RAGNAROK, VOL. 19
RED RIVER (3-IN-1 EDITION), VOL. 8
ROOSTER FIGHTER, VOL. 10
TAIKA’S REASON, VOL. 1
THE CLIMBER, VOL. 6
THE MORTIFYING ORDEAL OF BEING SEEN, VOL. 2
ULTIMATE EXORCIST KIYOSHI, VOL. 2
THE MAGNIFICENT BASTARD VOLUME 3
SMELLS LIKE GREEN SPIRIT SMELLS LIKE GREEN SPIRIT
GACHIAKUTA - VOLUME 11
LONELY DEATHS LIE THICK AS SNOW - VOLUME 3
KEI X YAKU: BOUND BY LAW - VOLUME 13
DRAGON CIRCUS - VOLUME 1
BLUE LOCK - VOLUME 32
Replies
The novelty of this has worn off too, especially since the protection of Krakoa is gone and mutants really shouldn't be holding public parties that make them targets. Also, I think the tough-guy X-Men would be too embarrassed to wear these outfits.
Who the Hell is still going to these things? "Hmm. Shall I go to the X-Men's "At least one guest will be murdered" gala, or stay home and watch MST3K episodes that I've only seen ten times?
SWAMP THING 1989 #4 (OF 4): I see from the discussions that several Legionnaires are reading this. So heads up!
If you're keeping score at home, I'm reading it, CK is reading it, Rob is reading up to it, and Mark is tradewaiting.
This a serious question: Is there anything original here at all?
Challenge accepted. I'll read it so you don't have to.
TERMINAL #1
This is a new Robert Kirkman book, so I'm in.
Speaking of Robert Kirkman and Rob Liefeld, Kirkman must have been around 12 years old in 1992 and absolutely adores Rob Liefeld! In 2011, he even wrote a "ongoing" title specifically for Liefeld to illustrate. It was actually off to a good start, but lasted only four issues before Liefeld's [lack of] work ethic kicked in and he abandoned it.
Since Paramount seems to have no plans for Star Trek in the near future, the comics are all we've got for now.
The fifth and final season of Strange New Worlds starts next week (same day as Stuart Fails to Save the Universe).
ATLAS COMICS LIBRARY VOL. 9: ADVENTURES INTO WEIRD WORLDS HC
This is the one that was on a ship bombed in the Strait of Hormuz.
BITCHY: THE EXASPERATING EXISTENCE OF MIDGE MCCRACKEN TP
This one, too. I don't know if these are those copies, or if they went back to press and took a different route.
Marvel actually skipped a year of Hellfire Galas. There wasn't one in 2024. In 2025 it was the "Vigil" instead, a sort of all-mutants meeting loosely meant as a reaffirmation of mutant unity after the departure of Xavier to space.
The way I see it, last year's Hellfire annual even, as well as this year's, are both attempts at showcasing the array of connections among the many mutants and gauging reader reaction. Things really got somewhat directionless since the last couple of Krakoa years, and there is much reader reaction and expectation to measure.