It’s a great time to be a comic book fan, as the past week has served up a whirlwind of news, new releases, and surprises across the worlds of Marvel, DC, and independent publishers. The buzz is everywhere—on the shelves, on screens, and fueling speculation about where our favorite characters are headed next.
Fans of superhero crossovers are especially abuzz, thanks to the much-anticipated release of “Deadpool/Batman #1.” This unprecedented collaboration between Marvel and DC has generated even more heat due to a dazzling array of new variant covers from superstar artists like Artgerm, Steve McNiven, Peach Momoko, and Terry Dodson. Collectors are scrambling to secure these striking editions before street date in September. The mere concept of Deadpool and Batman sharing the spotlight has fans spinning out wild theories about just how wild and irreverent this team-up might get.
Meanwhile, on the Marvel side, the week’s comic shop arrivals bring fresh chapters for long-loved teams and heroes. New issues of Amazing Spider-Man, Fantastic Four: Fanfare, Iron Man, and Uncanny X-Men signal Marvel’s momentum as it barrels toward its next big event. Fans looking for something a bit quirkier have set their sights on Jeff the Land Shark. The adorable and oddly fearsome Jeff returns this Wednesday in his second issue, squaring off against the villainous Shadow Jeff—a menacing creature who threatens to plunge everything into darkness. Jeff’s rising popularity, both as comic relief and unexpected hero, continues to capture readers’ imaginations.
The U.S. and the wider comic world are also reeling from the release of Superman, the new film that marks the official entry of the Man of Steel into Marvel’s cinematic universe. The film’s post-credit sequences hint at possible team-ups with both the Avengers and the X-Men, and fans are speculating hard about where Superman fits into the now sprawling multiversal landscape.
DC has been keeping pace with its own big stories. The upcoming “New History of the DC Universe #2,” dropping July 23rd, offers a modern retelling of origin stories for icons like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, giving both longtime fans and new readers a fresh entry point into the major events that shaped DC’s legendary roster.
Not to be overshadowed, creators from the indie scene are making waves as well. “The Family Graves: I Scream Spectacular,” currently crowdfunding, fuses family drama, horror, and monster adventure in a story that’s been described as The Munsters meets The Fantastic Four. The campaign promises an equal mix of heroics, humor, and heart, amplified by a cast of wonderfully weird characters—like a telepathic fish-boy and a baby zombie—taking on a rampaging mutant brain.
There’s also excitement for classic characters. Skybound and Image, in partnership with Hasbro, just announced G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #321—an all-new “silent” issue in the iconic tradition. Meanwhile, Conan the Barbarian is building toward a milestone 25th issue, and Savage Sword of Conan is set for a bold relaunch, promising even more savage fantasy adventure.
Whether it’s the shake-up of legendary superhero rosters, cross-company collaborations, or the continuance of indie creativity, this week proves the comic book industry’s supply of bold ideas and beloved characters is far from running dry.