Author: Bob Harrison

Pop Culture Squad > Articles by: Bob Harrison
New Number Ones: New Comics Series and Specials Coming for the Week of 9/2/2026

New Number Ones: New Comics Series and Specials Coming for the Week of 9/2/2026

Posted on by Bob Harrison

It time that we bring you the list of new series and special editions coming on New Comic Book Day this Wednesday. We are highlighting what you need to put in your cart at the comic shop or digital marketplace.

Holy Moley Folks! What an amazing list of new series and special editions!? There are so many must reads this week that thank goodness there is a long weekend coming to help us catch up.

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, IDW Publishing, Boom! Studios, Vault Comics, Bad Idea Comics, Oni Press, 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 

Archie #1
Oni Press
Written by Ben H. Winters
Art by Fábio Moon & Jason Wordie
Cover Art by Stuart Immonen

BEING YOUNG NEVER GETS OLD! THE MILESTONE COMICS PUBLISHING EVENT OF THE YEAR STARTS HERE AS ONI PRESS AND ARCHIE COMICS PROUDLY PRESENT A GROUNDBREAKING NEW ONGOING SERIES FOR THE MOST JOYOUS COMIC BOOK ICON OF ALL!

A new day is dawning in Riverdale as New York Times bestselling writer, Edgar Award and Philip K. Dick Award winner, and Eisner Award nominee Ben H. Winters (EC’s Cruel Universe, Benjamin) joins multiple Eisner Award–winning artist Fábio Moon (Daytripper, Casanova) to reintroduce America’s favorite teenager — and begin a star-studded countdown to Archie’s 85th anniversary — with a 21st-century testament to teenage idealism and the limitless joy of Archie Comics!

For his entire life, 17-year-old Archie Andrews has had it all: adoring friends, football glory, and a natural charm that always seems to make him the center of attention. Now, through his eyes, experience the warmth and wonder of Riverdale and its near-infinite roster of residents — the popular kids, the endearing oddballs, and everyone in between — as Archie embarks on a whirlwind, all-star adventure through his town’s past, present, and future… beginning with a local film festival that’s about to turn everything upside down!

And, at the center of it all, lies an enigmatic paradox that only Archie’s pal Jughead Jones can possibly unravel…

Plus: Puzzles! Pin-ups! Bountiful bonus stories! And a veritable sweet shop of surprises that all link to the same inextricable mystery… Finally, your antidote for postmodern malaise has arrived. Welcome to the all-new ARCHIE #1!

Release Date: September 2, 2026

PCS NOTES: A new chapter in the publishing life of Archie Andrews starts here, and it is a really good start.

Black Panther / Namor: Doomed #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Ethan S. Parker & Griffin Sheridan
Art by Stefano Nesi & Jesus Arbutov
Letters by Travis Lanham
Cover Art by Dave Johnson

BLACK PANTHER AND NAMOR TRAPPED IN HELL… WITH DOOM!!!

Black Panther and Namor must investigate Hell when Wakanda and Atlantis are attacked by demons! But once there, these rival kings discover they aren’t alone, as they cross paths with the wandering soul of Doctor Doom!

Release Date: September 2, 2026

PCS NOTES: An unlikely team up may make for interesting storytelling.

Crowbound #1
Image Comics
Written by Jeff Lemire
Art by Dustin Nguyen
Letters by Steve Wands
Cover Art by Nguyen

Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale meets Cormac McCarthy’s The Road with echoes of Kill Bill and Pan’s Labyrinth when a noncompliant mother makes a dark pact with an ancient, violent Scarecrow Queen to stop a totalitarian government from taking her daughter.

Rose isn’t special. She works in the Factory just like everyone else — a dark, sprawling monolithic structure that runs along the coast and cuts the world in two. All that’s left now are desolate settlements that exist in its shadow, made up of submerged villages, derelict woods, and deadly swamps. No one knows what’s left of the world on the other side…

But when Rose’s young daughter Ava is violently taken from their shanty town home a year before she is meant to join the work force, Rose will come face-to-face with the surreal, harrowing forces outside the Factory’s walls — including a terrifying figure called the Scarecrow Queen, who has an offer: one last chance to save her daughter, in exchange for her soul.

Release Date: September 2, 2026

PCS NOTES: When this creative team works together, magic happens. Can’t wait to see what they have in store for us this time.  Continue reading “New Number Ones: New Comics Series and Specials Coming for the Week of 9/2/2026” →

Terrificon Recap and Cosplay Pics

Terrificon Recap and Cosplay Pics

Posted on by Bob Harrison

I spent this past weekend at Terrificon, at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT. As we do every year, my wife Shari and I volunteer to help raise money and awareness for Hero Initiative at this show along with our friend Shannon and Leo.

This year was a great success from our perspective. Attendees were generous and supportive of the cause to help comic creators in need, and if you are unaware of the mission and activities of Hero Initiative, please go to their website to check it out.

This year’s Terrificon was well attended. Having Jim Lee for two of the three days might have helped, but regardless of that, people were walking around in good moods, making purchases, getting signatures, and generally having a great time.

Mitch Hallock, who runs Terrificon, did a fantastic job curating an engaging and entertaining guestlist of creators, celebrities, and vendors.

We always look forward to helping out at this show and will do so again next year.

I also wanted to share some of the amazing cosplay that we saw this weekend. So many attendees were letting their colors show and did a fantastic job of crafting fun and interesting costumes.

Enjoy the pics below: Continue reading “Terrificon Recap and Cosplay Pics” →

New Number Ones: New Comics Series and Specials Coming for the Week of 8/5/2026

New Number Ones: New Comics Series and Specials Coming for the Week of 8/5/2026

Posted on by Bob Harrison

It time that we bring you the list of new series and special editions coming on New Comic Book Day this Wednesday. We are highlighting what you need to put in your cart at the comic shop or digital marketplace.

This week’s list is chock full of superstar creators and super intriguing new concepts that have our wallets crying uncle.

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, Mad Cave Studios, Boom! Studios, Vault Comics, Scholastic Books, Penguin Random House, Archie Comics, Oni Press, 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 

Chachu #1
Image Comics
Written by Iman Velani
Art by Marianna Ignazzi & Jordie Bellaire
Letters by Lucas Gattoni
Cover Art by Ignazzi

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).

Release Date: August 5, 2026

PCS NOTES: 

Death Vigil #1
Image Comics / Top Cow
Written by Stjepan Šejić
Art by Šejić
Cover Art by Šejić

The smash hit series is back! Bad news: You’re dead. Good news: You can join a band of Death Knights and help protect the world from necromancers and cosmic horror. The pay’s not great, but you’ll love your co-workers. So grab your spirit weapon and prepare for battle against the Primordial Enemy — join Death Vigil today!

From critically acclaimed creator STJEPAN ŠEJIC (STJEPAN ŠEJIC, RAVINE, APHRODITE lX, WITCHBLADE, Harleen) comes the exciting return of his creator-owned series DEATH VIGIL! The story of modern-age Death Knights locked in an ongoing war against the ever-growing power of the ravenous primordial Elder Gods. The only catch is you have to die first. Become a corporeal immortal Death Knight, and obtain reality-altering weaponry in the never-ending battle between Good and Evil.

Release Date: August 5, 2026

PCS NOTES: Fans of Death Vigil and Šejić will definitely be excited for this new release.

Fort Psycho #1
Oni Press / Flux House
Written by Matt Kindt
Art by Brian Hurtt & Bill Crabtree
Letters by Becca Carey
Cover Art by Hurtt

WELCOME TO FORT PSYCHO — THE EXTREME ACTION COMIC THAT ONLY STOPS TO RELOAD! From New York Times bestselling writer Matt Kindt (BRZRKR, Mind MGMT) and adrenaline-racing artist Brian Hurtt (The Sixth Gun, Manor Black), enter the 40-page first chapter of a powerful new maxi-series stocked with trained killers, secret betrayals, and the long-buried truth about the mission that led them to an off-the-grid island prison with no hope of escape…

Ten years ago, the nation of Singapore sank into the Pacific Ocean. The underground terrorist network known as the Seven Seals took credit for the largest act of terror in human history. In the aftermath, the United Nations created a strike team of highly trained covert operatives with one mission: locate, identify, and eliminate the Seven Seals’ secretive leader. The team’s clandestine affairs were to always remain in the shadows — until their final, explosive confrontation resulted in a large-scale tragedy too bloody to cover up and too tragic to ignore.

Disgraced and disavowed by the governments that trained them, the world’s most dangerous secret agents have been convicted for their crimes and sentenced to serve time side by side in the one place capable of holding them: their old island headquarters, Fort Cyclone — now known in the media by the derogatory nickname “Fort Psycho.”

And that’s where the official story is about to go terribly, terribly wrong…

Release Date: August 5, 2026

PCS NOTES: What a fantastically intriguing solicitation from some excellent comic creators. Continue reading “New Number Ones: New Comics Series and Specials Coming for the Week of 8/5/2026” →

Pop Culture SquadCast – Live: Episode #158 with Special Guest Bob Frantz

Pop Culture SquadCast – Live: Episode #158 with Special Guest Bob Frantz

Posted on by Bob Harrison

Join Bob and Mike as they chat about current Pop Culture events. Writer Bob Frantz will join the SquadCast and talk about his latest project, The Attack of Killer Tomatoes GN from Panick Entertainment. It is sure to be a great conversation. Be there.

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

If you don’t catch it live, you can watch later.

Pop Culture SquadCast – Live: Episode #152 with Special Guest Barbara Perez Marquez

Pop Culture SquadCast – Live: Episode #152 with Special Guest Barbara Perez Marquez

Posted on by Bob Harrison

Join Bob and Mike as they chat about current Pop Culture events. Writer Barbara Perez Marquez will make her debut on the SquadCast. We will talk about her career in comics and her upcoming releases. Plus we will chat about whatever else we can think of.

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

If you don’t catch it live, you can watch later.

 

New Number Ones: New Comics Series and Specials Coming for the Week of 6/17/2026

New Number Ones: New Comics Series and Specials Coming for the Week of 6/17/2026

Posted on by Bob Harrison

Hey Squad Members!

New Number Ones is back! Did you miss us? We missed you. After a too long hiatus this regular column returns to your feed. Comics has continued without this weekly primer on the new debut issues, but we want to share the new comics with our readers and point out the cool stuff coming out each week.

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, there is not a huge list, but it is filled with interesting book after interesting book.

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:  Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Mad Cave Studios, Dynamite Entertainment, Fantagraphics Books, Titan Comics, 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 

Concrete: Stars Over Sand #1
Dark Horse Comics
Written by Paul Chadwick
Art by Chadwick
Cover Art by Chadwick

The Eisner, Harvey and Reuben Award-winning Concrete is back with a 5-part story of amnesia, wilderness, and suspense.

Concrete has entered the desert and not come back. Larry and Maureen are frantic. Reports come that he is wandering the nearby arid mountains, covered with blood, attacking people. Concrete, lightning-struck, confused, roams a frightening world he can’t understand. Roars tear across the sky. A strange globe rises. His body is sheathed in stone. He thinks he is being hunted. People are a threat.

His journey back to life, and his friends’ dire search against a looming deadline, is as strange and tense as any Concrete story ever told.

Release Date: June 17, 2026

PCS NOTES: What an amazing gift to have in the return of this column. New Concrete comics is a massive event in the medium. We are so excited to see what this comic has to offer new and old fans. 

Gun Honey: Doubles Down #1
Titan Comics
Written by Charles Ardai
Art by Ang Hor Kheng & Asifur Rahman
Letters by David Leach
Cover Art by Stanley Lau

When a botched attack on the dictator of Russia sends three identical-looking men fleeing Moscow for Siberia, Finland, and the Black Sea, Gun Honey Joanna Tan is offered $10 million to separate the real target from his doubles — and make sure the right man dies.

Release Date: June 17, 2026

PCS NOTES: This property has always been entertaining. That is because of the subversion of Charles Ardai imbedding smart crime stories in the trappings of an eye-candy comic book. We look forward to more. 

Hellboy in Love: Obsidian #1
Dark Horse Comics
Written by Mike Mignola & Christopher Golden
Art by Alex Nieto
Letters by Clem Robbins
Cover Art by Nieto

Anastasia is called to Crete when an excavation team unearths a tomb with striking similarities to the engraved skull stolen from her by a witch in India. The trail for proof of the mysterious Suaren Artea society may not have gone as cold as she thought, but danger still lurks behind every turn.

Release Date: June 17, 2026

PCS NOTES: Another classic creator-owned character returns this week with a new story. The Hellboy in Love comics have been a lot of fun and this looks like more of the same.  Continue reading “New Number Ones: New Comics Series and Specials Coming for the Week of 6/17/2026” →

Pop Culture SquadCast – Live: Episode #148 With Special Guest Russ Braun

Pop Culture SquadCast – Live: Episode #148 With Special Guest Russ Braun

Posted on by Bob Harrison

Join Bob and Mike as they chat about current Pop Culture events. Russ Braun, renowned comic artist and animator will join the SquadCast. We will talk about his career as an illustrator and The Forgotten Divine, his new Kickstarter project with writer Mark Russell from Ahoy comics, plus whatever else we can think of.

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

If you don’t catch it live, you can watch later.

 

Pop Culture SquadCast – Live: Episode #147 With Special Guests John Layman & Rob Guillory

Pop Culture SquadCast – Live: Episode #147 With Special Guests John Layman & Rob Guillory

Posted on by Bob Harrison

Join Bob and Mike as they chat about current Pop Culture events. Acclaimed creative partners John Layman and Rob Guillory will join the SquadCast. We will talk about their new projects and their history on Chew, plus whatever else we can think of. It’s going to be a great time. Be there.

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

If you don’t catch it live, you can watch later.

 

With Further Ado #393: ITHACON 49 Is a Wrap!

With Further Ado #393: ITHACON 49 Is a Wrap!

Posted on by Bob Harrison

There’s always that feeling when a big event is over – a wedding, a reunion, a comic convention. A mix of exhilaration and relief. The sadness that it’s over and the anticipation of the next one.

ITHACON gave it a go for the forty-ninth time, and it was astoundingly fantastic. A mix of new ideas, old friends, rich traditions and smiles. Here’s a bit of the highlight reel:

Just Ice Tea was our newest collab -in a deal put together by Ella Shorkey. This entrepreneurial brand sampled at the show and treated pros and staff to their amazing product!

Our Program Book took another big step up. It was so polished and professional. Everyone on Team ITHACON was involved, but Nick Polisi, Mo Plizga and Eli Brown led the battle. I’d suggest you jump on eBay and buy up as many as you can right away! Continue reading “With Further Ado #393: ITHACON 49 Is a Wrap!” →

Pop Culture SquadCast – Live: Episode #139 With Special Guests Ande Parks & Dave Wachter

Pop Culture SquadCast – Live: Episode #139 With Special Guests Ande Parks & Dave Wachter

Posted on by Bob Harrison

Join Bob and Mike as they chat about current Pop Culture events. We will have comic creators Ande Parks and Dave Wachter join the show to talk about Bad Thoughts, their new upcoming book from Ignition Press. I am sure we can find some more cool stuff to chat about as well.

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

If you don’t catch it live, you can watch later.