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Category Archives: Spotlight

Exclusive: Steve Niles’ Cal McDonald: Plague of Evil and Other Stories gets Joe Jusko and Cat Stagg Lithographs and Stickers

Posted on September 21, 2026 by Graphic Policy Team Leave a comment

Legendary horror writer and 30 Days of Night co-creator Steve Niles’ iconic paranormal detective Cal McDonald’s hard boiled adventures have captivated fans since his first appearance in the 1990 story “Big Head.” Cal McDonald has seen it all. Vampires, werewolves, ghouls, demons, mutants, maniacs, and every other thing that crawls out of the dark. Niles is revisiting his gruesome gumshoe in Cal McDonald: Plague of Evil and Other Stories, a collection of short stories.

Cal McDonald: Plague of Evil and Other Stories features a foreword by acclaimed actor and horror creator David Dastmalchian and a stunning painted cover by master illustrator Joe Jusko. Published by Clover Press’ The Fourth Leaf, a new imprint for creator-owned comics, books and graphic novels, this 216-page hardcover will collect ten brand-new Cal McDonald stories, each with an illustration by a different beloved comic artist. Fans can support the project on Kickstarter.

In the tradition of Mickey Spillane and Rymond Chandler, Niles sends Cal and his undead sidekick on a strange journey through a Los Angeles populated by monsters, freaks, ghouls, and all kinds of new creatures hell-bent on causing chaos.

Cal McDonald: Plague of Evil and Other Stories will feature gorgeous chapter illustrations by an incredible lineup of artists, including Cat Staggs, Liam Sharp, Scott Morse, Christopher Mitten, Gyula Nemeth, Steven Russell Black, Francesco Francavilla, Alison Sampson, and Damien Worm, each adding their own signature style to Cal McDonald’s world of hard-boiled horror.

In addition to the illustrated hardcover book, the Kickstarter campaign for Cal McDonald: Plague of Evil and Other Stories, we can exclusively reveal that Clover Press is creating exclusive Lithographs and a sticker featuring Joe Jusko’s cover art and a beautiful colored version of Cat Staggs’ illustration from the book.

Check them out below and don’t miss Cal McDonald: Plague of Evil and Other Stories on Kickstarter!

Exclusive: Marvel Masterworks returns from Clover Press with Exclusive Buttons

Posted on September 16, 2026 by Graphic Policy Team Leave a comment

Starting today, Marvel Comics’ longest-running, premier archival hardcover collection series is coming back in style! Clover Press will now publish the iconic Marvel Masterworks line, starting with four brand new editions that highlight four iconic eras of Marvel history and some of the industry’s greatest creators of all time. Clover Press is publishing three different covers for each book in the Marvel Masterworks line: the legacy trade dress that collectors already know and love, a variant cover of the legacy trade dress, and a bold and poppy new trade dress, designed by Clover Press Co-Founder and Art Director Robbie Robbins. The Kickstarter campaign for Marvel Masterworks is now live.

The campaign will also feature a slew of the kind of collectible extras that Clover Press is known for, including a Premium Works collector box, Fact Files character cards, journals with Masterworks branding and comic art, buttons, character stickers, mini prints, large artist edition prints, postcards, stationery-inspired inserts, facsimile posters, dustjackets, die-cut slipcases, and more to be announced during the campaign.

We have the exclusive reveal of the buttons!

A collection of comic book character buttons featuring various Marvel superheroes and villains, including recognizable faces expressing intense emotions.

The first wave of Clover Press’ Marvel Masterworks includes four titles:

In Marvel Masterworks: The Uncanny X-Men, Vol. 18, Chris Claremont and Jim Lee begin their march towards X-Men #1, the Guiness Book of World Records top-selling comic book of all time—collecting THE UNCANNY X-MEN (1981) 256-268 & ANNUAL (1970) 14 and material from THE FANTASTIC FOUR ANNUAL (1963) 23, X-FACTOR ANNUAL (1986) 5 and THE NEW MUTANTS ANNUAL (1984) 6.

Featuring an introduction by Chris Claremont

In Marvel Masterworks: Super-Villain Team-Up, Vol. 1, Doctor Doom and his notorious accomplices Namor and the Red Skull take the stage in this classic Marvel series which gives the bad guys full rein—collecting GIANT-SIZE SUPER-VILLAIN TEAM-UP (1975) 1-2, SUPER-VILLAIN TEAM-UP (1975) 1-17, MARVEL SPOTLIGHT (1971) 27, THE AVENGERS (1963) 154-156, THE CHAMPIONS (1975) 16 and material from MARVEL PREVIEW (1975) 21.

Featuring an introduction by Roy Thomas

In Marvel Masterworks: The Mighty Thor, Vol. 25, Walter Simonson and Sal Buscema’s original art is faithfully restored and looking better than ever as The God of Thunder leads an army into Hel itself in this fan-favorite classic every Marvel fan should have in their library—collecting THE MIGHTY THOR (1966) 360-369 and BALDER THE BRAVE (1985) 1-4.

Featuring an introduction by Walter Simonson

In Marvel Masterworks: The Tomb of Dracula, Vol. 6, high-stakes storytelling pulls long-running characters like Quincy Harker, Rachel van Helsing and Blade into a final reckoning that leaves no one untouched from collaborators Marv Wolfman, Gene Colan and Tom Palmer—collecting THE TOMB OF DRACULA (1972) 56-70.

Cover of Marvel Masterworks featuring The Uncanny X-Men, showcasing characters like Captain America, Black Widow, and Wolverine. Includes details about issues and creators.

Cover of Marvel Masterworks featuring 'Giant-Size Super-Villain Team-Up' with illustrations of various Marvel characters including Dr. Doom and Sub-Mariner. The background is green with decorative text detailing other comic issues included.

Cover of Marvel Comics' The Uncanny X-Men Volume 18 featuring characters Wolverine, Captain America, and Black Widow in action.

Cover of Marvel Masterworks Super-Villain Team-Up Volume 1 featuring Dr. Doom and the Sub-Mariner with bold titles and comic-style artwork.

Cover art for 'The Uncanny X-Men' featuring a dramatic depiction of characters including a female with short blonde hair and a male character displaying fierce expression and claws, showcasing the comic's dynamic style.

Cover of 'Super-Villain Team-Up' featuring characters Magneto and Doctor Doom, with colorful comic-style artwork.

Featuring an introduction by Kelley Jones.

The publication of the first wave of books marks just the first stage of Clover Press’ publishing plan to continue the historic Marvel Masterworks program, with an ambitious, ongoing schedule that will bring dozens of new editions of Marvel Masterworks series to print. Longtime Marvel series editor Cory Sedlmeier will continue in his role as editor and series steward, continuing the role that he’s served at Marvel for more than two decades.

Don’t miss out and support this new era of Marvel Masterworks, head to Kickstarter!

Jack Kirby Museum Receives its Largest-Ever Gift of Original Kirby Art

Posted on September 16, 2026 by Graphic Policy Team Leave a comment

Page 12 from Fantastic Four Annual #4 from 1966, featuring ink art by Joe Sinnott and lettering by Sam Rosen, also part of the generous gift to the Kirby Museum from Richard Howell..

The Jack Kirby Museum and Research Center has announced today that Richard Howell has donated a significant number of pages of original art by Jack Kirby from the legendary Howell/Kalish collection to the Museum’s permanent collection. Howell is a comic book writer, artist, and editor; co-founder of Claypool Comics; a Kirby scholar; and a longtime collector of comic art.

The gift comprises more than 50 pages and is the largest donation of original Kirby artwork the Museum has received. It spans his industry-defining work at Marvel in the 1960s, including Fantastic Four, X-Men, and Thor, through his mid-1970s work for DC on 1st Issue Special, his return to Marvel on 2001: A Space Odyssey and Devil Dinosaur, as well as his animation concept art of the early 1980s for Hanna-Barbera. The gift also includes pencil art for an unpublished Kirby cover for What If? #10, featuring Jane Foster as Thor. Also included are two original stories from Kirby’s Boys’ Ranch series, published in 1950.

Selections from this donation will go on view in 2027 in an exhibition curated by the Museum (exact dates and exhibition theme will be announced at a later date). The works will also be available for viewing through the Museum’s online archive, now in development.

Additionally, the Kirby Museum has been named a beneficiary of a trust established by another longtime collector who wishes to remain anonymous at this time. Gifts of original art, whether made during a collector’s lifetime or through a will or trust, are how the Museum builds its permanent collection and keeps Kirby’s work available to researchers and the public.

Collectors and families considering a gift of artwork or a bequest can contact Rand Hoppe or (201) 204-0532. The Museum can provide its legal name, tax identification number, and sample bequest language for collectors and their advisors.

About the Jack Kirby Museum and Research Center: The Jack Kirby Museum and Research Center is organized exclusively for educational purposes; more specifically, to promote and encourage the study, understanding, preservation, and appreciation of the work of Jack Kirby by:

illustrating the scope of Kirby’s multi-faceted career,
communicating the stories, inspirations, and influences of Jack Kirby,
celebrating the life of Jack Kirby and his creations, and
building understanding of comic books and comic book creators.

To this end, the Museum will sponsor and otherwise support study, teaching, conferences, discussion groups, exhibitions, displays, publications, and cinematic, theatrical, or multimedia productions.

Spotlight

Early Review: Godzilla’s Monsterpiece Theatre Presents: The Kaiju of Oz is a laugh-out-loud funny comic

Posted on September 4, 2026 by Logan Dalton

Godzilla’s Monsterpiece Theatre Presents really saved the best for last in Kaiju of Oz, a twisted retelling of The Wizard of Oz with Godzilla wreaking havoc on Munchkinland and the Emerald City while the Wicked Witch of the West tries to pick up the pieces with the help of some familiar faces. Mike Costa and Ryan Browne don’t just retell the classic L. Frank Baum’s novel story and insert the King of Monsters into key moments, but have the appearance of Godzilla simultaneously with Dorothy completely put this world out of whack. Also, instead of Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion play a key role in the narrative and get full character arcs that are also quite hilarious.

Because, above all else, Kaiju of Oz is a laugh-out-loud funny comic. Costa and Browne revel in the absurdity of this hyperpop fairy tale world with its Skittles “taste the rainbow” color palette, silly sound effects, and heightened takes on these classic literary figures. Baum’s original novel was a satire of late 19th century American society, and this comic actually pays homage to those roots by poking fun at authority figures and the foibles of its characters. However, Kaiju of Oz is far from highbrow, and Browne’s art is full of silly and gory visual gags and so many fart jokes. The sound effects lettering is a real visual highlight of the book, especially when Godzilla goes into action. It works nicely with Mike Costa’s sarcastic dialogue that maybe has a hint of a heart, brain, and courage beneath its piss takes.

Honestly, this whole review could just be my reaction to the totally apeshit events of this comic, but I don’t want to spoil for the folks who weren’t lucky enough to get an early copy. Let’s just say that Kaiju of Oz might have my favorite characterization of the Wicked Witch of the West, with apologies to Ms. Elphaba as played by Cynthia Erivo. Her interactions with other key figures in the story are so petty and funny, and she embodies evil throughout the story in her monologues and facial expressions. It’s fun watching her string along various Ozians, and the flying monkeys are introduced almost as an afterthought. She was born for this chaos, but unfortunately, there’s only room for one green monster in this universe.

If you like your deconstructed fairy tales more Shrek than Wicked, then Kaiju of Oz will be quite the treat for you next month. Mike Costa and Ryan Browne think about what would actually happen if a giant lizard with stinky nuclear breath arrived in a faction-filled fairy tale land and execute it with a diabolical sense of humor. This is the most fun I’ve had reading a fantasy comic since I Hate Fairyland, and if I were a high school English teacher, I would spend my last week before retirement assigning this book.

Godzilla’s Monsterpiece Theatre Presents: The Kaiju of Oz is set to be released on October 7, 2026.

Story: Mike Costa Art: Ryan Browne
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.3 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Pre-Order: Third Eye Comics – Kindle

Ed Brubaker sued and accused of Hostile Work Environment on Criminal

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Brett

Another comic creator is being accused of pretty horrendous behavior. Ijaaz Noohu is seeking unspecified damages in a lawsuit against Amazon MGM and Big Indie Pictures for behavior by showrunner Ed Brubaker during the production of the television show Criminal. Amazon MGM, MGM Studios, Big Indie, Ed Bubaker, and Phillip Barnett are all named as defendants. They are being accused of turning a blind on to the hostile work environment and Brubaker with harassment.

Noohu says he was subjected to sexual and racial harassment, religious discrimination, assault, and battery, and more by Brubaker in the 28 page document.

The lawsuit’s “complaint for damages” lists out:

SEXUAL HARASSMENT / HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT BASED ON
SEX (FEHA, CAL. GOV’T CODE § 12940(J));
RACIAL / NATIONAL ORIGIN HARASSMENT / HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT (FEHA, CAL. GOV’T CODE § 12940(J));
RELIGIOUS HARASSMENT / DISCRIMINATION (FEHA, CAL. GOV’T CODE § 12940);
FAILURE TO PREVENT HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION, AND RETALIATION (FEHA, CAL. GOV’T CODE § 12940(K));
DISPARATE TREATMENT / DISCRIMINATION (FEHA, CAL. GOV’T CODE § 12940(A));
INTENTIONAL INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS;
ASSAULT;
BATTERY;
NEGLIGENCE / BREACH OF DUTY OF CARE;
DEFAMATION;
SEXUAL HARASSMENT NOT MOTIVATED BY SEXUAL DESIRE
(CAL. GOV’T CODE § 12940(J)(4)(C)); AND,
AIDING AND ABETTING HARASSMENT (CAL. GOV’T CODE §12940(I)).

Noohu is asking for a jury trial.

In one incident Burbaker pointed a working firearm at Noohu’s face and pulled the trigger. That incident was witnessed by a senior producer who ignored the event according the the lawsuit. Brubaker subjected Noohu to “repeated and pervasive” sexual harassment including running his hands through Noohu’s hair, joking about rape, and rubbing Noohu’s back. In one incident, Burbaker directed Noohu to a “bikini barista” establishment. Brubaker is also being accused of being demeaning to Noohu with comments about curry, invoking “Tiger Mom” tropes, referencing to Never Have I Ever, stereotypes about math, and being asked if Noohu supports Hamas, and labelling him as “Indian” even though he’s Sri Lankan American.

Noohu, who has 14 years in the film industry, was hired as a production assistant for Brubaker in February 2023. Noohu state his exit date was moved up after asking for a promotion and he was barred from the set and stripped of equipment benefits in retaliation for challenging the misconduct. His employment ended in September 2024. He wasn’t credited on the production.

The lawsuit claims Amazon MGM and Big Indie didn’t investigate the alleged harassment and discrimination and executive producer Phillip Barnett directed individuals to not document complaints on occasions.

Brubaker is a praised and award-winning comic creator. Criminal is a comic series by Brubaker, along with Sean Phillips, and was ordered by Prime Video in January 2024. The series has won multiple awards and was original published by Marvel’s Icon imprint and since has moved to Image Comics. Brubaker reteams with Sean Phillips for Unfinished Tales, a graphic novel which has been announced for release in November from Image Comics

You can read the full 28 page filing below:

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Applications Open September 2 for the Carla Gray Memorial Scholarship for Emerging Bookseller-Activists

Posted on September 1, 2026 by Graphic Policy Team

The Book Industry Charitable (Binc) Foundation is accepting applications for the Carla Gray Memorial Scholarship for Emerging Bookseller-Activists from September 2-20, 2026. The winning bookseller will be awarded a year-long scholarship for professional development, which includes travel and hotel to attend Winter Institute 2027, travel and hotel to attend their 2027 regional fall tradeshow and a $2,000 stipend to fund a community outreach project. Eligibility requirements and the application can be found here.

In recognition of rising costs, the travel and hotel allowances have increased, and the project stipend has doubled from $1,000 to $2,000.

The goal of the community outreach project is to find new readers and ensure access to books that improve readers’ lives while integrating bookstores even more fully into their communities. Meet past winners and learn about their projects.

This year’s scholarship will be the eighth awarded by the Friends of Carla Gray Committee and the Binc Foundation. It is intended to help a bookseller with at least one, but fewer than 10 years of experience connect with other booksellers, publishers and authors, and establish the long-term relationships needed to keep the book industry thriving.

Demo-Graphics: Tabletop Game Worldwide Edition – August sees 4.8 million Fewer than July

Posted on August 31, 2026 by Brett

Demo-Graphics has generally focused on the demographics of comic fans but occasionally we have also reported on other fandoms and communities. In August 2025, we kicked off a new regular look at those interested in tabletop games. That includes board games, roleplaying games, and card games. Why? The question still remains… who are the fans of tabletop games?

What is Demo-Graphics?

Each month I dive into data from Facebook looking at the various demographics it can tell us about comic, and now tabletop game, fans. This isn’t hard numbers, purchasers, or “Wednesday warriors,” but best used to show trends in the industry and the potential of the market out there.

How does it work?

We use key terms, “likes”, that users have indicated and have come up with our own set to measure each month. There’s over 50 terms used (and no I won’t release them). We stick to specific terms for the industry such as “board games” and “collectible card games” as well as publishers and leave out broad terms.

Other things to know…

This data is important in that it shows who the potential audience could be. These are not purchasers, these are people who have shown an affinity for tabletop games, are potential purchasers, and those with a clear interest.

Also, with this being online/technology, due to laws and restrictions, those under the age of 13 are underrepresented.

The data that is presented as a wide range. I’ve taken the average of the range. So, if it’s presented as somewhere between 500 and 1,000 people, the number would be 750.

So, let’s kick off the first entry with the big question…

Facebook “Tabletop Gamer” Population: Around 600.8 million worldwide

While there’s been a boost in “comic fans” and “video game fans” for the demographics, “tabletop gamers” has decreased from the previous month by 4.8 million. Facebook during that time period shed 7.2 million accounts. What’s interesting is this is the segment that sees loss over the past month while “comic fans” and from what we can tell video game players, both saw increase even though the overall population saw a loss.

Gender

Men saw a decrease for percent of the population over the past month coming in at 56.18% compared to last month’s 56.59%. Women increased to 42.02% from 41.91% and those that don’t report either increased to 1.81% from 1.5%.

Age

The overall population of tabletop gamers decrease by 4.8 million individuals and that loss came completely from those age 19 to 39. 18 and under as well as 40 and up all saw increases in their group size compared to the previous month.

Worldwide age breakdown for tabletop games in August 2026

Relationship Status

This status saw some bizarre returns, the same thing is happening with our monthly “comic fan” reporting and this is the third month this has happened. Both “engaged” and “unspecified” dropped to less than 1,000.

More Stats!

Spanish Speakers: 99.45 million are reported as speaking Spanish, and increase of 3.15 million from July.

Education: 118.2 million have at least a college degree, that’s a slight increase from the previous month of 50,000.

Parents: 107.7 million, 17.93%, are parents! That’s an increase of 300,000 from the previous month.

And finally, what’s the crossover with fans of board games and video games?

Comic Book fans: 351.8 million (58.56%)
Video Game fans: 358.5 million (59.67%)
Comic Book and Video Game fans: 220 million (36.62%)
Comic Book or Video Game fans: 500.8 million (83.36%)