Comic book fans are in for an electrifying summer as the industry surges with major events, thrilling debuts, and the return of legendary characters. DC has just ignited excitement with the announcement of their major 2025 event: DC K.O. This new series, from creative heavyweights Scott Snyder and Javier Fernandez, plunges Earth into chaos as the Heart of Apokolips transforms the planet into a battleground. To save the world from Darkseid’s looming return, the Justice League must enter a brutal, Mortal Kombat-style tournament—turning hero against hero, as the power of Apokolips threatens to twist even the noblest into something dark. Fans are speculating wildly about which DC icons will survive this grueling contest, and what they’ll be willing to sacrifice with the fate of the universe at stake.

Outside the main superhero universes, Vault Comics has made waves with Post Malone’s Big Rig—a red-hot new series that’s just hit shelves. The launch was met with controversy when collectors who bought the limited “mystery box” bundles found disappointing repeats among their variant covers, sparking outcries on social media and prompting calls for accountability from the publisher. Despite the backlash, anticipation remains strong for Big Rig #2, especially as some bundles included ultra-rare variants like a one-of-one Peach Momoko diamond edition.

Meanwhile, cult favorites are getting new life as crossovers and anniversaries approach. October will bring a one-shot mash-up: Fantastic Four/Gargoyles, written by original Gargoyles creator Greg Weisman. The comic community is also buzzing about Marvel’s upcoming “Ultimate Endgame” mega-event, which promises to shake up some of the publisher’s most iconic characters later this year.

On the independent frontier, dark fantasy fans have something to cheer about with the debut of Author Immortal. This series explores the boundaries of reality and fiction as a failed writer is pulled into a dangerous magical realm shaped by the stories of his youth. In the realm of nostalgia, Craniacs #1 arrives from the creator of Garbage Pail Kids, launching a quirky saga of warring skull-faced planets, with a tie-in TV series already in development.

IDW is also making monster-sized moves as their new Godzilla universe kicks off with the “Kai-Sei Era.” The series sets the stage for epic kaiju showdowns and even introduces a mysterious boy with the power to channel Godzilla’s energy—an intriguing twist for longtime fans of the franchise.

Other highlights from this week include the continued success of the Absolute Batman series, which sees the Dark Knight grappling with new foes in an evolving “Abomination” arc, and the imminent release of Storm #10 as Marvel’s weather-controlling mutant confronts threats in a preview that’s caught the attention of X-Men enthusiasts.

Supernatural fans can celebrate as Sam and Dean Winchester charge back into action, this time in a brand-new comic series from Dynamite, steered by acclaimed writer Greg Pak. Also, the beloved legacy strip Phantom continues its daily adventures, continuing to delight generations of readers.

With all of these releases and announcements, comic shops are bustling as readers prepare for an action-packed end to July. Whether drawn by legendary superheroes, monster battles, or fresh independent voices, this season in comics promises unforgettable stories and plenty of surprises.