Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water…Tales of the TMNT is back! The Turtles once again head down somewhere grimy, smelly, and wet — the Jersey Shore. (Sorry, New Jerseyans!) What starts as a fun family vacation turns into coastal chaos when Mikey almost gets attacked by something with big teeth, a big dorsal fin, and big… arms?! We’re gonna need a bigger shell…

I mean it makes sense the Turtles would eventually end up on the Jersey Shore, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t surprised. What starts as a fun adventure to the beach turns into the frightful fight against a mutant shark. This TMNT story is a blend of Ninja Turtles and Jaws, even including a few references to the the timeless classic that are perfectly placed.

Continuing the Turtles stories spun out of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem film is genius. Taking the fresh and unique TMNT lore and crafting stories that will relate to the next generation of Turtles fans without having to know years of history allows for easy connection to the material. Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Coastal Chaos feels like the fresh, new TMNT vibe, but with a nod to the classic stories and original tales that made them so special.

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Coastal Chaos is fun, playful, action-packed, and a bit chaotic (in a good way). Exploring a new location with the brothers and a new antagonist made for a fresh new experience that had me giddy as well as a bit intrigued. There is even a bit of fear with mixing in the mutant shark and being frightened to enter the water.

In addition to a story that itself feels like it spun out of the animated film, the artwork by Joyce is a seamless transition for fans of the movie. A way for those new TMNT fans to continue their love for the feature film with a new and fresh comic book tale. The illustrations are a mix of chaotic lines and vivid colors and had me glued to each and every panel.

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Coastal Chaos is an absolute blast from start to finish. Writer Andrew Joustra and artist Louie Joyce captures the vibe of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem film and what has made TMNT so enduring over the years. Coastal Chaos is a fresh adventure that proves the TMNT franchise still has fight left in it after over 40 years.

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Coastal Chaos #1 hits local comic shops on September 9, 2026 from IDW Publishing (FOC: August 3).

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Coastal Chaos #1 Preview

1 of 3

- +

The post Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Coastal Chaos #1 – A Fresh Wave of TMNT Adventure appeared first on Capes and Tights.

While we are not the official voice of your decision, we want to help guide you in the right direction for comics releasing August 5, 2026.

The Smart Division #1

Writer: Zack Kaplan
Artist: John Pearson
Publisher: Dark Horse

A dark and modern sci-fi detective series set five minutes in the future. When a mysterious new predictive artificial intelligence program appears responsible for assisting someone in the perfect murder, a pair of unlikely investigators, a chaotic Gen-Z savant and a veteran FBI agent, must hunt down the killer by starting the FBI’s first AI crimes division.

Creator Zack Kaplan (Kill All Immortals, Masterminds, Port of Earth) and Eisner-winning artist John Pearson (In Bloom, The Infernals, The Department of Truth) reunite for the first timesince their fan-favorite sci-fi horror series, Mindset!

The Smart Division is a fantastic science-fiction mystery that eerily could be more fact than fiction. Writer Zack Kaplan delivers a timely detective tale exploring the use of modern technology in solving crimes. However, it’s the juxtaposition of John Pearson’s elegant brush strokes that makes story rise above the rest. Kaplan and Pearson’s creativity knows no bounds and The Smart Division is proof of that. – CLICK HERE to read the entire review

Power Rangers: Green #1

Writer: Paul Allor
Artist: Gustaffo Vargas
Publisher: BOOM! Studios

He’s the last Power Ranger on Earth… but that doesn’t mean he’s alone.

The world we know is long gone. Tommy Oliver has put away his morpher and settled into a quiet life with his strange little family. But one day, an unexpected visitor from his past arrives on his doorstep and challenges him to take up the hero’s mantle once more.

Can he relive the past with this unexpected ally? Will the Green Power Ranger finally return?

Go on an unexpected journey with Power Rangers veteran writer Paul Allor (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, G.I. Joe) and up-and-coming artist Gustaffo Vargas (Altiplano, Olympos: Nullhunter), as they explore a reenvisioned future for Tommy Oliver and the fate of the world as we know it!

Chachu #1

Writer: Iman Vellani
Artist: Marianna Ignazzi
Publisher: Image Comics

1979. Leila, a 19-year-old Pakistani-Canadian girl, stands on the cusp of adulthood, eager to experience the “real world” for the first time. With a head full of Hollywood dreams and a penchant for pulp novels, she ventures to California to connect with her estranged uncle — her “Chachu” — a middle-aged, semi-retired private eye who gained brief fame after marrying the starlet he was initially hired to find. But when Chachu’s wife goes missing once again, the two are forced on an impromptu road trip to track her down — with Leila navigating young adulthood and Chachu confronting his own mortality and regrets.

Inspired by her own coming-of-age experiences in the entertainment industry, Chachu is the solo writing debut of superstar Iman Vellani (Ms. Marvel), a reinterpretation of the classic neo-noir private investigator story brilliantly illustrated by Marianna Ignazzi (Exquisite Corpses) and colored by Jordie Bellaire (Absolute Wonder Woman).

TMNT: Shredder Vol. 1 TP

Writer: Dan Watters
Artist: Michele Bandini
Publisher: IDW Publishing

One of the most terrifying villains in the history of comics is back—and more deadly than ever! Why is he here and what path will he take? Find out as the Shredder gets his own series!

As a dark new power rises from the shadows of New York, so does a much darker power return to the city’s streets…for revenge! Long a nemesis of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Shredder has returned forever changed by a maddening ordeal beyond imagining—a man out of time, betrayed by all around him, without the Foot Clan, and quite possibly insane. When one of his former Foot prodigies forms their own rival clan with infernal designs on New York, a recovering Shredder must quest deep into the criminal underworld, where enemies both old and new will discover what defiance will bring them at the end of the Shredder’s blades.

Collects issues #1-6 of the comic series by Dan Watters, the celebrated writer of Batman: Dark Patterns and Nightwing, with artist Michele Bandini (Batman Incorporated, Spider-Man: City at War) to tell the rags-to-revenge story of the ultimate ronin.

Dan Watters and Michele Bandini bring the legendary badass TMNT villain back in TMNT: Shredder #1, and it hits hard. With an outstanding new character design by Mateus Santolouco that both new and old fans of the character will enjoy, Oroku Saki is back for revenge and I’m all in. – CLICK HERE to read the entire review of the first issue

The post FEATURED 4: The Smart Division #1, Power Rangers: Green #1, and August 5 Comics appeared first on Capes and Tights.

This week on the Capes and Tights Podcast, Justin Soderberg welcomes comic writer Dan Watters to the program to discuss Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder, The Twilight Zone, and more!

Watters is an Eisner-winning comic writer located in England who has worked on numerous projects from DC, Marvel, Image Comics, BOOM! Studios, IDW Publishing, and more. These titles include Nightwing, Destro, Detective Comics, The Six Fingers, Loki, Home Sick Pilots, Universal Monsters: Creature from the Black Lagoon, Batman: Dark Patterns, and more.

Recently Dan was been writing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder and the opening chapter of The Twilight Zone for IDW Publishing, as well as M.A.S.K. for Image Comics. The trade paperbacks for TMNT: Shredder and The Twilight Zone: Stories from the Fifth Dimension hit stores on August 4 and September 1, 2026 respectively.

#292: Dan Watters – Writer of TMNT: Shredder

The post #292: Dan Watters – TMNT: Shredder, The Twilight Zone, M.A.S.K. appeared first on Capes and Tights.

When a mysterious new predictive artificial intelligence program appears responsible for assisting someone in the perfect murder, a pair of unlikely investigators, a chaotic Gen-Z savant and a veteran FBI agent, must hunt down the killer by starting the FBI’s first AI crimes division.

The addition of modern technology in certain parts of life have been questioned since the beginning of time, but the use of artificial intelligence in some of the most important jobs lately has been scary to downright wrong. The Kaplan fingerprints are all over this comic with the writer doing what he does best, crafting a story that is entertaining, mysterious, as well as extremely timely in the world we live in.

With this debut issue, Kaplan sets the tone of the series, introduces us to some important elements, as well as the characters that make this story what it is. Some of these new characters are likable, some not so much. While technology is the core of this tale, it’s the people who opt to use it to commit crimes and ultimately attempt to solve said crimes that make the story special. By creating some relatable characters we care more about what happens.

Yes, Kaplan is a wonderful storyteller and doesn’t shy away from hot button topics, but it’s the artwork by Pearson that makes this comic a must-read. Kaplan’s technology filled story set against the imagery stunningly painted by Pearson makes each and every panel hit all the more harder. The decision to use softer imagery in a story filled with the square edges of modern technology was one that will set this story apart from the crowd. Pearson uses all the weapons in his arsenal to give us a stunning work of art. Not to mention the fantastic layouts that allow the story to move in fluid motion.

The Smart Division is a fantastic science-fiction mystery that eerily could be more fact than fiction. Writer Zack Kaplan delivers a timely detective tale exploring the use of modern technology in solving crimes. However, it’s the juxtaposition of John Pearson’s elegant brush strokes that makes story rise above the rest. Kaplan and Pearson’s creativity knows no bounds and The Smart Division is proof of that.

The Smart Division #1 hits local comic shops on August 5, 2026 from Dark Horse.

The Smart Division #1 Preview

1 of 6

- +

The post The Smart Division #1: A Technology Fueled Thriller appeared first on Capes and Tights.

Watters is an Eisner-winning comic writer located in England who has worked on numerous projects from DC, Marvel, Image Comics, BOOM! Studios, IDW Publishing, and more. These titles include Nightwing, Destro, Detective Comics, The Six Fingers, Loki, Home Sick Pilots, Universal Monsters: Creature from the Black Lagoon, Batman: Dark Patterns, and more.

Recently Dan was been writing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder and the opening chapter of The Twilight Zone for IDW Publishing, as well as M.A.S.K. for Image Comics. The trade paperbacks for TMNT: Shredder and The Twilight Zone: Stories from the Fifth Dimension hit stores on August 4 and September 1, 2026 respectively.

Nightwing (DC)

Dick Grayson joins DC’s “All In” initiative with a brand-new creative team for Nightwing. It’s not all sunshine when Blüdhaven erupts into a warzone between rival gangs fighting for the future of crime. Nightwing must push himself further than he ever has to save his home and legacy. Don’t miss this groundbreaking new era from the new creative team of writer Dan Watters and artist Dexter Soy.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!

Home Sick Pilots (Image)

In the summer of 1994, a haunted house walks across California. Inside is Ami, lead singer of a high school punk band-who’s been missing for weeks. How did she get there? What do these ghosts want? And does this mean the band has to break up?

Expect three-chord songs and big bloody action as Power Rangers meets The Shining (yes really), and as writer Dan Watters and artist Caspar Wijngaard (Limbo, Star Wars, Peter Cannon: Thunderbolt) delve into the horrors of misspent youth.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!

Lucifer (DC)

This is the one true tale of what befell the Prince of Lies, the Bringer of Light – Lucifer. The blind, destitute old man, who lives in a small boarding house in a quiet little town, where nothing is quite what it seems and no one can leave. He’s trapped, you see? Trapped in a bizarre prison with no memory of how he got there or why. He has no recollection of setting out to find his offspring. He also does not remember that if he does not find him it could be the end of all things. Meanwhile, in Los Angles, a cop who may have brain cancer is tasked with a mission; find and kill Lucifer.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!

Batman: Dark Patterns (DC)

Batman: Dark Patterns is a series of four self-contained, street-level mysteries that delve into the early days of Batman’s role in Gotham City and his healing presence within its streets.

This grounded, mystery-driven narrative evokes the rich tone and style of beloved classics such as Batman: Year One , Batman: The Long Halloween , and Batman: Hush . Penned by the talented Dan Watters and brought to life through the striking artistry of Hayden Sherman, each three-part story stands alone as a gripping detective case, shedding light on the trauma and resilience of Gotham’s citizens and its urban landscape.

The series masterfully underscores Batman’s dual identity as a methodical sleuth and a shadowy beacon of hope, skillfully steering clear of cosmic or supernatural distractions. This intentional focus reassures readers of a steadfast commitment to a more authentic, detective-driven experience, highlighting relatable mysteries that brilliantly showcase the Dark Knight as a healer cloaked in darkness.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!

Coffin Bound (Image)

Izzy Tyburn has promised the world that if it won’t have her in it, it’ll have nothing of her at all. Chased by an unstoppable killer, she’s retreading her life, leaving nothing behind but burned rubber, ash, and the sun-scorched bones of those who get in her way. Ride shotgun on an existential road trip through the tangle of a blood-splattered life.

Mad Max: Fury Road meets Sandman in this full-throttle, grindhouse fantasy epic!

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!

Destro (Image)

For Fans of Cobra Commander – Destro has major ambitions now that Energon has been discovered, but he’ll have to balance keeping his allies close while crushing his enemies to maintain his power.

James McCullen Destro XXIV is the man behind M.A.R.S. Industries, the undisputed leader in providing high-tech weapons to world powers…for the right price. But the emergence of Energon has changed everything. As Destro’s ambitions grow, the “Crimson Twins” Tomax and Xamot Paoli emerge to destroy their competition, and Cobra Commander realizes his current ally could be his future greatest enemy.

Acclaimed writer Dan Watters and artist Andrei Bressan (Dark Ride, Birthright) change the balance of power in the Energon Universe forever.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!

The Six Fingers (Image)

Neo Novena archaeology student, Johannes Vale has always been so very in control of his life. But when he commits a brutal murder using the M.O. of a historic and notorious serial killer, everything begins to spiral out of control… and Johannes doesn’t remember doing it.

What follows is a deadly cat-and-mouse game told through two intertwined narratives. Both men will stop at nothing to unravel the secrets and ciphers of this case — but each revelation only leads further into the dark heart of this future-metropolis.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!

The Seasons Have Teeth (BOOM!)

In a drab, colorless world, the seasons bring change… and also destruction.

Andrew, a retired conflict photographer, lives deep in regret after an unthinkable tragedy, but when the seasons arrive — each one a god-like creature — everything transforms. As he risks everything to track down Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, can the perfect picture of each be enough to find redemption… and ultimately bring color back to his world?

Dan Watters is joined by artist Sebastián Cabrol (Anthony Bourdain’s Hungry Ghosts, Maestro: World War M) for this down to earth yet supernaturally apocalyptic tale.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!

M.A.S.K. (Image)

The world is becoming a terrifying place. Matt Trakker needs your help saving it.

Enter M.A.S.K.— a network of specialists ready to respond to the next global emergency. At a moment’s notice, Trakker and his agents deploy bleeding-edge technology that converts their vehicles—and their drivers—into the ultimate weapon.

But Miles Mayhem and V.E.N.O.M. are one step ahead in a secret arms race, scouring the globe for deadly weapons from this planet and beyond, ready to sell out the entire human race. Only M.A.S.K. can stop them…but will Trakker’s own secrets jeopardize their entire mission?

Powerhouse creators Dan Watters and Pye Parr (Petrol Head) launch the most anticipated new series of the year, where anyone and everyone in the Energon Universe must join the fight for humanity’s survival.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!

Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! (Image)

Years after the events of the original film, journalist Kate Marsden hunts for a notorious serial killer in the heart of the Amazon. Hot on the trail of this madman, she soon encounters an unexpected new threat — but is he friend or foe? Or is he simply… THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON?

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!

Doctor Who: The Prison Paradox (Titan)

The Doctor and Belinda star in a spectacular new adventure as they encounter new foes and new friends aboard an inescapable prison facility in a forgotten part of the universe.

The Doctor continues his adventures through time and space alongside a team of allies from across the universe, fellow prisoners held captive in a maximum security space prison! Each has a story to tell and a role to play in uncovering the mysteries of their incarceration.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!

Limbo (Image)

A detective with no memory, no identity, and no manners. A femme fatale seeking escape from a powerful crime lord. A voodoo queen with a penchant for mixtapes and hi-tops. A goat-eating TV… A surreal neon-noir fusing hardboiled pulp with an 80’s VHS visual aesthetic, dripping with neon and static.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder (IDW)

As a dark new power rises from the shadows of New York, so does a much darker power return to the city’s streets…for revenge! Long a nemesis of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Shredder has returned forever changed by a maddening ordeal beyond imagining—a man out of time, betrayed by all around him, without the Foot Clan, and quite possibly insane. When one of his former Foot prodigies forms their own rival clan with infernal designs on New York, a recovering Shredder must quest deep into the criminal underworld, where enemies both old and new will discover what defiance will bring them at the end of the Shredder’s blades.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!

The post 13 Terrific Comics by Dan Watters You Should Read appeared first on Capes and Tights.

While we are not the official voice of your decision, we want to help guide you in the right direction for comics releasing July 29, 2026.

Horror of Godzilla #1

Writer: Ethan S. Parker, Griffin Sheridan
Artist: Tristian Jones
Publisher: IDW Publishing

A terrifying look at Godzilla’s first attack!

Tokyo, 1954. As the country begins to look toward its postwar future, two scientists start an experiment in the Pacific Ocean. It is meant to change everything…and it will. Come now, reader, and bear witness to the incredible horror of the King of the Monsters. There are no heroes. There are no survivors. There is only the wrath of Godzilla.

This standalone four-issue miniseries serves as a prequel to the Kai-Sei Era while also being perfect for fans of Godzilla: Minus One, Shin Godzilla, and Godzilla (1954). Written by rising star authors Griffin Sheridan and Ethan S. Parker (Marvel Zombies, Kill Your Darlings) and illustrated by one of the best horror artists of all time, Tristan Jones (Event Horizon, Aliens), this comic experience puts you on the ground during the kaiju’s first attack. And as readers will soon discover, they’ve never seen a Godzilla attack quite like this one before…

The Horror of Godzilla #1 is exactly what the title promises, an incredibly terrifying look at the King of the Monsters through the eyes of those caught in their path. Writers Ethan S. Parker and Griffin Sheridan deliver one of the most unsettling Godzilla stories I have ever experienced, while Tristan Jones brings his A-game with artwork that is both impactful and horrifying. The Horror of Godzilla is one of the most frightening Godzilla stories with some of the best illustrations I have seen in recent memory, making it a strong contender for comic of the year. – CLICK HERE to read the entire review

The Patron #1

Writer: Christian Ward
Artist: John Pearson
Publisher: Ignition Press

All the great artists have one thing in common… they’re dead.

A true patron of the fine arts, Mr. Cherish has dedicated his life to scouting and supporting emerging artists, launching countless unknowns from obscurity into industry superstardom. Unfortunately for these young artists, the secret to Cherish’s success is their untimely demise. Nothing makes a work of art more desirable and valuable to collectors than the passing of its creator, and Cherish has refined his ability to orchestrate spectacular tragedies without leaving a trace… before selling his dead protégés’ oeuvres for massive profits.

Painter Matty Barnes is primed to become Cherish’s next “hit” — but when the script is flipped on this latest murder, a posthumous twist calls the artist’s fate and legacy into question putting the patron’s empire in the dueling crosshairs of law enforcement and a merciless third-party connoisseur.

Writer Christian Ward (Batman: City of Madness, Event Horizon) and artist John J. Pearson (Mindset, The Infernals) put their own life’s work on the page in a highbrow thriller at the bloody intersection of art and commerce! Both creators will contribute a full series of variant covers, alongside a special incentive cover on #1 by Eisner Award-winning artist Anand RK (Deicidium, The Beauty).

The Patron was a serious roller coaster of emotions, wasting no time in getting going, and hit harder than expected. Christian Ward crafts an eerie mystery filled with emotional gut punches, while John Pearon’s delivers stunning paintings that make every moment all that more enjoyable. The Patron is a blend of beauty and brutality that somehow exists on the same page and if the rest of the series is anything like this first issue, we are in for a story that could contend for comic of the year. – CLICK HERE to read the entire review

Queen in Black #1

Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Iban Coello
Publisher: Marvel Comics

HEL ON EARTH! On the farthest edges of the solar system, KNULL, GOD OF THE VOID, builds a brand-new army to destroy Earth… but HELA OF ASGARD might have gotten there first — as she makes planetfall with a legion of the galaxy’s deadliest symbiotes! Two of the most powerful evils in the galaxy are at war… and the SON OF VENOM is caught right in the middle!

Writer Al Ewing (Immortal Hulk, Mortal Thor) and Iban Coello (Imperial, Fantastic Four) — the team behind VENOM WAR — bring you a cosmic collision of evil versus evil with the good caught in the middle!

Event Horizon: Dark Descent TP

Writer: Christian Ward
Artist: Tristan Jones
Publisher: IDW Publishing

Discover what happened to the original crew of the Event Horizon in this all-new cosmic horror graphic novel set in the universe of the terrifying cult-classic film!

This original comic series serves as an official prequel to the film! The Event Horizon was a revolutionary spaceship designed for one mission: faster-than-light travel with a top-secret, experimental gravity drive. But upon activating the device, the ship journeyed across the borders of Hell itself. In a nightmarish realm of torments beyond imagining, Captain Kilpack and the crew of the Event Horizon must resist all manner of demonic forces—including Paimon, the eyeless King of Hell, and their own descents into madness and bloodlust—if they’ve any chance of escaping back to their own world.

Abandon all hope and board the Event Horizon with multiple Eisner Award winner Christian Ward (writer of Batman: City of Madness, Two-Face) and powerhouse sci-fi artist Tristan Jones (Aliens: Defiance, Tales of the TMNT) in this unbelievable story of the true and final fate of the original Event Horizon crew.

Event Horizon: Dark Descent is a great return to the universe, nailing the disturbing feeling and psychological horror that made the original film become a cult classic. Writer Christian Ward and artist Tristan Jones craft a brutal, unsettling and character-driven story that not only expands on the mythology of the original film, but also carves its own path. Event Horizon: Dark Descent is a wonderful return to cosmic horror that honors the film’s legacy while being a nightmare all its own. Plus, all the more reason to rewatch the classic film over again. – CLICK HERE to read the entire review

The post FEATURED 4: Horror of Godzilla #1, The Patron #1, and July 29 Comics appeared first on Capes and Tights.

Why say goodbye? Brenda’s mom is dying—but not for long. Like millions of others, she’s uploaded her consciousness to the groundbreaking new app Forevr, which allows the surviving family members to chat with her on their screens for a very reasonable monthly fee. Death is only a temporary glitch in this eerily plausible future.

Forevr hits bookstores everywhere on September 8 and your local comic shops a day later on September 9.

ISBN: 9781603096003 | $19.99 (US)

Forevr Cover

About Brian “Box” Brown

Brian Brown has been a newspaper reporter for the New York Times and the San Diego Union and a television and film writer, director, and producer. He wrote and produced the Emmy Award-winning documentary The Wonders of Rome and has also won four other Emmy Awards for producing, directing, and writing in sports and entertainment. He is currently the coordinating producer of HBO’s On the Record with Bob Costas. He lives with his wife and two children in Scarsdale, New York.

The post EXCLUSIVE: Watch the trailer for Brian “Box” Brown’s FOREVR appeared first on Capes and Tights.

While we are not the official voice of your decision, we want to help guide you in the right direction for comics releasing July 22, 2026.

Dread the Hall H 2026 #1

Writer: Chris Ryall, Jordan Hart
Artist: Various
Publisher: Image Comics

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!

Sicko #1

Writer: Tini Howard
Artist: Amilcar Pinna
Publisher: Ignition Press

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…at least, that’s what healthy people say.

Valentine Virago has always struggled with her health. Her rare autoimmune disorder has defied all treatment, and as she grew older, it defied even classification. You see, Valentine can take her immune system and weaponize it. What would just be a normal sneeze to the rest of us, she can turn into a projectile of bloody miasma. Just as a start.

Fed up with being a test subject, poked and prodded by pushy doctors, Valentine has gone on the lam in search of the freedom to be herself. Unfortunately, interested parties want her back in their care, and they are sending goons in hazmat suits. Led by Jono, her one-time nurse and potential love interest, they’re offering her a spot in a private medical facility run by Jono’s parents. Val isn’t one for institutions, however, and what some may see as a safe haven, she sees as a prison— and who wants to be trapped in a prison, when you’re already trapped in your own body?

Sicko is a fresh new series blending raw emotion with some suspense horrify moments. Tini Howard transforms illness into something compelling and visualized by Amilcar Pinna in a way that is beautiful, yet terrifying. I’m all in to see where Valentine Virago’s story goes next. – CLICK HERE to read the entire review

Between the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring TP

Writer: Patrick Horvath
Artist: Patrick Horvath
Publisher: IDW Publishing

It’s been eight long years since a bloodlusting brown bear drove into the city, kidnapped a kind young duck, dissected his body, and buried the pieces in the woods. The duck’s family painstakingly sought justice… but this brown bear was smart… she covered her tracks… and in the ’80s, there simply wasn’t a way for the duck’s family to find answers.

But it’s not the ’80s anymore. Almost a decade after cuddly brown bear Samantha Strong solidified herself as the sole serial killer in Woodbrook, the world is entering a new era. As Samantha will soon find out, there are no secrets in the age of the internet. And those who lost loved ones to her massacre haven’t given up the flame of justice.

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring delivers with its signature artwork and engrossing story, Patrick Horvath has truly outdone himself. This sequel has the same engird and suspense of the original series but takes it to a new level that I didn’t see coming. Horvath has me wanting to immerse myself in the world of Woodbrook, well not so much Woodbrook, but Samantha all over again! Like with the first series, Rite of Spring is a must-read. – CLICK HERE to read the entire review

D’Orc Vol. 1 TP

Writer: Brett Bean
Artist: Brett Bean
Publisher: Image Comics

D’Orc, the half dwarf/ half orc is fated to end the world because of some inconvenient doomsday prophecy from the Book of Certain Doom.

Armed with nothing but a magical yet ambitiously violent shield and a chicken with its head cut off, D’orc is caught dead center into Sunderaine’s never-ending war between the Light and Dark. Elves vs. Orcs. Wizards vs. Common Sense. Dragons vs. Literally Everyone.

Can he survive being hunted, blamed, and beaten by every human, elf, goblin, dwarf, Witch, Timelord, Ice Giant, three headed Dog, and at least three other unpronounceable magical creatures?

Although I am a fan of Brett Bean, D’Orc honestly surprised me in the right ways with a chaotic, funny, fantasy adventure with heart, even tackling a sense of identity. D’Orc is an entertaining fantasy romp that embraces the genre while gleefully poking a bit of fun at them. Bean delivers on a wonderfully told, amazing illustrated, and thoughtful adventure. – CLICK HERE to read the entire review

The post FEATURED 4: Dread the Hall H #1, Sicko #1, and July 22 Comics appeared first on Capes and Tights.

Since 1997, five friends have been trapped in the ultimate nightmare as a mysterious entity forces them to relive their first prom night over and over again…and re-kills them in new and increasingly insane ways each time. They dress up. They party. They make out. And no matter what they try to change, they always die…until now. Something is about to break the cycle that has kept Alicia, J.T., Ryder, Brandy, and their group of friends locked in a bizarre purgatory beyond all understanding…but what they find on the other side will be the most disturbing revelation of all.

Now, time loop concepts are nothing new. We have seen them time in and time out in comics, books, movies, and television. However, what Doyle has been able to accomplish in Dead Teenagers is something truly special. Not only does he drop us in the middle of the dilemma this group of teenagers are in, giving us the feeling we have been we have been stuck alongside the them the entire time, but also changes things each time the teens are killed on prom night. This made for such a unique and fun experience, allowing for some unique storylines.

Known for their dark horror carrying some pretty emotional weight, Doyle brings a playfulness to the pages of Dead Teenagers that are both fun, yet also frightening. The horrors that take place are scary, but what’s even more terrifying is the teens enduring these things over and over, all while just trying to figure out what life is like and how to grow up. All that said, the story still has some deeper meanings that you pick up along the way.

I am a huge fan of the Scream film franchise and while nothing really matches what you get from those films, and similar films such as I Know What You Did Last Summer or even Final Destination. Dead Teenagers gives us a story that was inspired by someone who loves those films, but adds their own spin. It also feels like a blend of Groundhog Day and Happy Death Day, which also made it easy to love.

What makes this comic feel so complete is not just the story by Doyle, but the artwork by Yarsky. That playful horror I mentioned earlier is only solidified by the illustrations and bright colors on each and every page. Yarsky has to deal with coming-of-age teenagers, while also tackling dinosaur style monsters and so much more.

Dead Teenagers is another one of those stories by Jude Ellison S. Doyle that had me hooked from the first page. Doyle’s ability to craft a horrifying story with meaning, but also adding a spin to the tale that makes you stick around is like no one else. Add in the playful horror artwork by Caitlin Yarsky, not to mention lettering by Becca Carey, and you get one of hell of a horror comic.

The collected edition of Dead Teenagers hits local comic shops and bookstores everywhere on October 6, 2026 from Oni Press.

Dead Teenagers TP Preview

1 of 14

- +

The post Dead Teenagers: Prom Night Horror on Repeat appeared first on Capes and Tights.

All the great artists have one thing in common… they’re dead.

A true patron of the fine arts, Mr. Cherish has dedicated his life to scouting and supporting emerging artists, launching countless unknowns from obscurity into industry superstardom. Unfortunately for these young artists, the secret to Cherish’s success is their untimely demise. Nothing makes a work of art more desirable and valuable to collectors than the passing of its creator, and Cherish has refined his ability to orchestrate spectacular tragedies without leaving a trace… before selling his dead protégés’ oeuvres for massive profits.

Painter Matty Barnes is primed to become Cherish’s next “hit” — but when the script is flipped on this latest murder, a posthumous twist calls the artist’s fate and legacy into question putting the patron’s empire in the dueling crosshairs of law enforcement and a merciless third-party connoisseur.

Now, I am all for stories that take no time get jump in, but damn, The Patron wastes no time in setting up characters which we want to root for and then just pulls out the rug from beneath us. Ward takes a unique concept and pushes it just far enough to make me interested in what is going to happen next, but also emotionally drained with what takes place in the first issue. Only a few pages in I was cursing at Ward, but honestly, in the best possible way.

The Patron‘s debut is something that hits hard and doesn’t seem to want to let up. This first issue is an emotional roller coaster that all leads to a mystery that is begging to be told. While the death of each artist is the foundation of the story, it’s the mystery we see at the end of the premiere that really has you itching for more. The Patron is a murder mystery, but really with a twist and while we know something like it was coming after reading the description, the ride we took to get there in the first issue allowed it to land with great force.

This concept and plot is something I was looking forward to, but it’s the artwork by Pearson that may have even stolen the show. Pearon’s brush strokes are beautiful, yet dark and moody. His use of color to project the vibe and feeling of each panel is perfect and allowed for a more immersive reading experience. The care and passion to paint each panel is shown and makes the story hit even harder, which I should’ve expected from such a talented artist. The layouts and design, plus the lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou round out the first issue wonderfully.

The Patron was a serious roller coaster of emotions, wasting no time in getting going, and hit harder than expected. Christian Ward crafts an eerie mystery filled with emotional gut punches, while John Pearon’s delivers stunning paintings that make every moment all that more enjoyable. The Patron is a blend of beauty and brutality that somehow exists on the same page and if the rest of the series is anything like this first issue, we are in for a story that could contend for comic of the year.

The Patron #1 hits local comic shops on July 29, 2026 from Ignition Press.

The Patron #1 Preview

1 of 8

- +

The post The Patron #1: Where Art and Death Collide appeared first on Capes and Tights.