Welcome to the New Number Ones!
Each week we bring you the list of new series and special editions coming this Wednesday. We are highlighting what you need to put in your cart at the comic shop or digital marketplace.
This week has a good mix of interesting new series from a bunch of publishers and of course a couple of seasonal one-shots for your reading pleasure.
We have an alphabetical list with cover art and the official solicitation text from the publishers of some of the cool new comics that are coming out this week. Check below for our PCS NOTES to find out what we just have to tell you about the new comics in question.
We have books on this week’s list from: DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Alien Books, Archie Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, Mad Cave Studios, Fantagraphics Books, and Image Comics.
We will bring you reviews of these debut issues as they come out, and don’t forget to use the comments section to let us know what you think of this list.
New Series
New One-Shots and Special Editions
New Series This Week
Challengers of the Unknown #1
DC Comics
Written by Christopher Cantwell
Art by Sean Izaakse & Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Cover Art by Mike Deodato Jr. & Jão Canola
Spinning out of Absolute Power and the DC All In Special, the terror of the Darkseid shockwave has cascaded across the DC Universe… tearing open the very fabric of time and space itself! Only one band of super-scientists have the right stuff to challenge the fate of a universe… enter: THE CHALLENGERS OF THE UKNOWN. Alongside the Justice League —where the Challengers run day-to-day operations for the massive Watchtower base in orbit above Earth — Ace Morgan, June Robbins, Prof Haley, Red Ryan, and Rocky Davis must team with Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the rest of the League to seal the rifts that threaten the galaxy. But a mysterious foe from the Challengers’ past lurks in the shadows, and its connection to the godshock will put the DCU on borrowed time!
Release Date: December 18, 2024
PCS NOTES: It’s been a long time since the Challengers were remotely relevant. I am looking forward to this.
Deadly Tales of the Gunslinger Spawn #1
Image Comics
Written by Jimmy Palmiotti
Art by Patric Reynolds
Cover Art by Reynolds
One of the most mysterious characters in the Spawn Universe is the Gunslinger Spawn. In DEADLY TALES, his true origin is finally revealed in full. Written by superstar creator JIMMY PALMIOTTI, with art by the exceptional PATRIC REYNOLDS, see the true origin of the deadly Gunslinger Spawn. From the character’s first appearance in SPAWN #174 to his adventures in the present day, all will be laid bare to the reader. The series, set in the past before the Gunslinger is pulled to the future, unravels his place in the Spawn Universe. It is a brutal tale of Old-West violence and mayhem by two of the comic industry’s finest.
Release Date: December 18, 2024
PCS NOTES: It’s exciting to see Jimmy Palmiotti play in other peoples sandboxes.
Freddie the Fix #1
Image Comics / Ninth Circle
Written by Garth Ennis
Art by Mike Perkins & Mike Spicer
Letters by Rob Steen
Cover Art by Perkins & Spicer
A twisted horror tale from Garth Ennis (the legendary creator of The Boys and Preacher) and Mike Perkins (Bat-man: First Knight, Swamp Thing)!
Hollywood After Dark — werewolves, vampires, zombies, aliens, bogeymen, predators, and… things. They all have their kinks, and they all get in deep shit. They all call Freddie… to fix it.
The horror-skewed intersection of The Boys and Ray Donovan. The debut offering from Ninth Circle, the creator-owned, creator-driven, horror showcase of standalone bone-chilling tales of terror and mayhem!
Release Date: December 18, 2024
PCS NOTES: Ennis & Perkins in Joe Pruett’s new imprint. Sign me up.
Hellverine #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Benjamin Percy
Art by Raffaele Ienco
Cover Art by Kendrick Lim
It’s hellfire-fueled, claw-slashing action in the Mighty Marvel Manner as HELLVERINE blazes a new path across the Marvel Universe! The Demon Bagra-ghul possessed Wolverine, turning him into a killing machine… but Logan is no stranger to caging the beast within his soul, and the demon learned his heroic ways. Now it’s resurrected Akihiro, and the two must learn to live as one — the HELLVERINE! But they can’t do it alone — enter: Doctor Strange!
Release Date: December 18, 2024
PCS NOTES: Ben Percy is a great writer.
Missing on the Moon #1
Mad Cave Studios
Written by Cory Crater
Art by Damian Couceiro
Cover Art by Couceiro
The year is 1997, and crime on the Moon runs rampant…and in the Lunar colony of Buzztown, a billionaire’s daughter has just gone missing. Washed-up private investigator Daniel Schwinn is tasked with finding the missing child, but in the process discovers a dark conspiracy stemming back decades… Schwinn will have to navigate a world of undead drug addicts, mechanized robocops, and blue-skinned Soviets known as Darksiders to discover the truth. In doing so, he’ll have to confront his own allegiances, and try to atone for past mistakes since resurfaced. Missing on the Moon is your next neon-noir obsession, brought to you by writer Cory Crater (The Codex) and artist Damian Couceiro (X-Force, Ghost Rider 2099, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles).
Release Date: December 18, 2024
PCS NOTES: The solicit has me intrigued.
Nexus: Scourge #1
Alien Books
Written by Mike Baron
Art by Kelsey Shannon
Letters by Warren Montgomery
Cover Art by Shannon
The Eisner Award-winning science fiction vigilante is back in a universe-shattering tale that’s essential for all Nexus fans!
Mike Baron and Steve Rude’s Nexus enters a new era with classic characters and an all-new villain that’s destroying the universe one planet at a time.
It’s a breathtaking new vision for the Nexus Universe by series co-creator Mike Baron and up and coming artist Kelsey Shannon (Batman Adventures, GI Joe).
Nexus: Scourge is an all-new era of Nexus; a two-issue event by Mike Baron and Kelsey Shannon exclusively from Alien Books! Planet destroying action and a wry wit that’s perfect for fans of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and classic Doctor Who.
Release Date: December 18, 2024
The New Gods #1
DC Comics
Written by Ram V
Art by Jorge Fornés, Evan Cagle, & Francesco Segala
Cover Art by Nimit Malavia
An old god has died, and the reverberations of his passing are felt across the universe, setting forth the soldiers of an intergalactic army and awakening the latent powers of a mysterious child on Earth. But this has all been foreseen — prophesized by the Source and fed as enigmatic images to its agent, Metron. Now, as Metron brings word of this cosmos-shattering prediction to the residents of New Genesis and Apokolips, both worlds are thrown into chaos and conflict. On Earth, Scott Free and Barda find themselves unaware of this incoming chaos while consumed with their most daunting task yet: parenthood. Ram V and Evan Cagle bring the Fourth World to a whole new generation in this epic of cosmic proportions. An old god has died… the New Gods are born!
Release Date: December 18, 2024
PCS NOTES: I am super excited to see what this book is all about.
TVA #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Katharyn Blair
Art by Pere Pérez & Guru-eFX
Letters by Joe Sabino
Cover Art by Pepe Larraz & Marte Gracia
FOR ALL TIMES, ALWAYS! The Time Variance Authority has long watched over the timeline, protecting it from dangerous variations that could cause the end of EVERYTHING. Now, as the organization begins to expand its tolerance of variants, it’s enlisted some new recruits from timelines that have been wiped from existence: Captain Peggy Carter, Super-Soldier of her world; Gambit, despondent and aimless from the loss of his lady love; and… this can’t be right… Spider-Gwen?!? Has her world been destroyed?!? Writer Katharyn Blair (LOKI Season Two) and artist Pere Pérez (CARNAGE, SPIDER-WOMAN) bring a touch of cinematic flair to the bureaucracy at the end of time!
Release Date: December 18, 2024
PCS NOTES: I like the idea of this book.
New One-Shots and Specials
Alligator Loki Holiday Special #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Alyssa Wong
Art by Bob Quinn & Pete Pantazis
Cover Art by Quinn
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
AN ALLIGATOR LOKI HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR! The Alligator of Mischief is back to ruin – I mean, save! – the holidays! Join Alligator Loki and his many, many, many friends – from the X-Men to the Young Avengers to several symbiotes – as they romp across the Marvel Universe, sowing chaos and camaraderie in equal stride! Don’t miss a brand-new story starring Alligator Loki and the REAL meaning of the holiday season: frenzy–er, sorry, FAMILY! This issue also collects issues #13-24 of the hit ALLIGATOR LOKI Infinity Comic for the first time in print!
Release Date: December 18, 2024
PCS NOTES: Alligator Loki. Nuff Said.
The Cursed Library: Unbound #1
Archie Comics
Written by Eliot Rahal & Magdalene Visaggio
Art by Craig Cermak & Matt Herms
Letters by Jack Morelli
Cover Art by Cermak
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
This is it! The final chapter of the Cursed Library is here. Will Jinx assume her rightful role on Satan’s throne? Can the unlikely duo of Danni and Madam Satan save her? It’s going to take a hell of a lot to set things right!
Release Date: December 18, 2024
PCS NOTES: The end of great run of Archie horror stories.
Damned #1
Fantagraphics Books
Written by Eric Haven
Art by Haven
Cover Art by Haven
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
From cult favorite Eric Haven (Vague Tales, Compulsive Comics) comes this delightfully demented one-shot of pure comic book bliss! Ned has fancied Meg Tempera since they met at the toy convention, but Meg’s head is elsewhere. Especially with all the weird dreams she’s been having. Who is the brutal assassin, Deathika? Who are the Collective? Is this real life? Is this the ultimate fate of the soul of humanity? Unceasing, horrifying threats attacking from all sides? Those answers to come, plus: Modern boating! Psychotherapy! And ham sandwiches for everyone!
Release Date: December 18, 2024
PCS NOTES: This looks interesting.
Gargoyles Winter Special #1
Dynamite Entertainment
Written by Nate Cosby & Greg Weisman
Art by George Kambadais & J.P. Jordan
Cover Art by Jae Lee & June Chung
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
Disney and Dynamite present a very special GARGOYLES holiday treat: “Bronx’s Silent Night!”
When a December blizzard blankets New York in snow, the city that never sleeps comes to a standstill – and the Gargoyles awaken to find that Manhattan has been transformed into a silent winter wonderland!
With the rest of the Clan on patrol, Bronx is eager to explore this new landscape on his own… but his peaceful night is interrupted when a family is separated and Bronx has to sniff out the missing member before they’re trapped under ten feet of snow!
Co-written by Gargoyles creator GREG WEISMAN and NATE COSBY, and illustrated by returning Gargoyles artist GEORGE KAMBADAIS, this all-new 40-page special will warm the hearts of even the most jaded of seasonal cynics – fortified by glowing covers from KAMBADAIS, JAE LEE & JUNE CHUNG, TRISH FORSTNER, and CHRIS ELIOPOULOS!
Release Date: December 18, 2024
PCS NOTES: Even Gargoyles have a holiday season.
Green Lantern / Green Arrow: World’s Finest Special #1
DC Comics
Written by Jeremy Adams
Art by Lucas Meyer, Travis Mercer, & Marcelo Maiolo
Letters by Lucas Gattoni
Cover Art by Dan Mora
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
Everyone’s favorite hard-travelin’ heroes are back and brought to you through the iconic lens of World’s Finest! In the not-too-distant past, Oliver Queen and Hal Jordan find themselves at a crossroads… and only teaming up together once more will save them from the scope of the mysterious bounty hunter known in whispered tones throughout the underworld as Deathstroke the Terminator. Plus, writer Jeremy Adams returns to the world of the Flash to weave a twisted tale of Barry Allen on the road to crisis — it’s a World’s Finest adventure you cannot miss in this special, oversize one-shot spectacular!
Release Date: December 18, 2024
PCS NOTES: I love seeing these two characters together.
Horizon Experiment: Motherf*ckin’ Monsters #1
Image Comics
Written by Jason Holtham
Art by Michael Lee Harris
Cover Art by Harris
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
Esteemed TV writer J. Holtham (Emmy-winning The Handmaid’s Tale, Marvel’s Jessica Jones) and white-hot indie cartoonist Michael Lee Harris (Black Hitler, Choco Leche) present an Evil Dead for black nerds-a modern spin on the action-packed horror comedy for fans of Bitter Root and Chew.
Release Date: December 18, 2024
PCS NOTES: This experiment has been pretty good so far.
Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures – The Wedding Spectacular #1
Dark Horse Comics
Written by Daniel José Older
Art by Harvey Tolibao, Nick Brokenshire, Toni Bruno, & Michael Atiyeh
Cover Art by Ella Poworoznik
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
Save the date! Guests from across the galaxy are arriving on Eriadu to witness Lula Talisola and Zeen Mrala, the young freedom fighters who are championing the resistance against the Nihil, join hands in marriage. Friends and family from throughout the High Republic will be joining in the celebration of light, life, and love. You won’t want to miss it, so RSVP soon! Just know that the dress code calls for ball gowns as well as blaster rifles because war could break out at any moment!
Release Date: December 18, 2024
Superman 100 Project TP
DC Comics / Hero Initiative
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Various
All of Hero Initiative’s 100+ original covers to DC Comics’ Superman #6 are on display in this great book, with art by Alan Davis, Kevin Eastman, José Luis García-López, Dan Jurgens, Ed McGuinness, Frank Miller, Frank Quitely, and more! See all the covers, along with a special behind-the-scenes section showing developmental art along with even more bonus content.
Note: There will be only one printing of this book ever! Get it now so you don’t blow your chance!
Release Date: December 18, 2024
PCS NOTES: This collection of sketch covers is now on sale, and all proceeds go to support Hero Intiative.
War on Gaza #1
Fantagraphics Books
Written by Joe Sacco
Art by Sacco
Cover Art by Sacco
Joe Sacco is well known as a chronicler of Palestinian pain (Palestine, 1993; Footnotes on Gaza, 2010). He continues this self-created tradition in War on Gaza, a series of graphic commentaries on Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza that has been going on non-stop for the last year.
Originally published in installments on The Comics Journal‘s website, War on Gaza is a series of comics continuities and single panels as morally devastating as the war itself. Employing his trademark combination of earnestness, compassion, satire, and dark humor, Sacco’s War on Gaza is a relentless critique of Israel’s warmongering and President Joe Biden’s complicity.
Release Date: December 18, 2024
PCS NOTES: An important and timely topic for this collection of cartoons.
