This week in the world of comic books, excitement is at a fever pitch as several major publishers unveil bold new stories, introduce fresh characters, and bring fan-favorite universes to new heights. Leading the headlines, Predator: Badlands has received an official prequel announcement, sending ripples of anticipation among sci-fi and horror fans. Fast on its heels, Marvel has published its November 2025 solicitations, providing a glimpse at big upcoming storylines, including a striking new look for Captain America and the cancellation of Red Hulk, both of which are provoking speculation and debate across fan communities.

In the pages of Wonder Woman, DC is positioning itself for a paradigm shift with the imminent debut of a new villain, the Matriarch, set for her first appearance in issue 25 on September 17. Written by Tom King with art by Daniel Sampere, this anniversary issue promises to introduce a character who could shape Wonder Woman’s stories for years to come. DC is also readying fans for a wildly inventive Batman/Deadpool crossover, described as “200% more Grant Morrison-esque Grant Morrison than ever before,” and teasing an “Absolute-ly Evil” bent for October’s Absolute Universe releases, both of which have fans speculating about the creative risks on the horizon.

Marvel’s August releases are making waves as well, with a standout being Marvel Rivals: Hellfire Gala #1, an event book that throws the cast of the Marvel Rivals video game—including heavy hitters like Emma Frost and Ultron—into the comic spotlight. Readers are also being treated to specials like Marvel’s Swimsuit Special: Friends, Foes & Rivals and the return of iconic franchises like Fantastic Four, drawing praise for their blend of nostalgia and bold new directions.

On the indie and genre comics front, a major release capturing readers’ imaginations is The Shadow Planet, an original graphic novel from Image Comics hitting shelves in September. Fusing retrofuturism with Lovecraftian horror, it follows the crew of the rocket Vidar as they uncover planetary secrets that threaten humanity. With its “bonanza of rusty rockets, clunky space-suits and hideous monsters,” it’s being heralded as a must-read for science fiction and horror aficionados.

Meanwhile, in Justice League Unlimited #10, dropping August 27, Mark Waid and Dan Mora are delivering more high-stakes superhero action, keeping DC’s flagship team book fresh and dynamic. Fans of both DC and Marvel are abuzz over the recent releases, with reviewers pointing out that recent weeks have seen not one but two “perfect ten” comics, underscoring the exceptional quality on offer right now.

Adding to the fun, publishers are looking forward by teasing new limited series, such as Wiccan: Witches’ Road, and offbeat properties, like the surprise return of the Samurai Pizza Cats in 2026, showing that there’s no shortage of creative diversity in the field.

As the summer winds down, the comic book industry is firing on all cylinders with surprises, new directions, and the promise of even bigger mysteries and battles to come—proof, if any were needed, that it’s a great time to be a comics fan.