Oni Press has announced – First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth – the graphic novel is coming to comic shop and bookstores in February of 2026, 46 years after Juneteenth was first recognized as a statewide holiday by the state of Texas, and five years since its formal establishment as a federal holiday.
Charting the incredible journey and relentless courage of activist Opal Lee—known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth—to bring recognition of American Emancipation from local advocacy to state capitols all the way to the White House, this biographical graphic novel pairs acclaimed journalist, producer, and author Angélique Roché with a trio of talented artists—including Alvin Epps, Bex Glendining, and rising star Millicent Monroe – who each chronicle a different interlocking chapter in Ms. Lee’s own arduous life alongside the true struggles and travails of the millions of Black Americans who lived the reality of the first Juneteenth celebrations at the close of the Civil War in 1865 and the aftermath that would follow their children for generations to come.
From the 1860s to Ms. Opal’s childhood home and onward through her years as a teacher to receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024, First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth seeks to give readers an insight into the history behind one of the most recognized figures in the creation of America’s newest federal holiday, Juneteenth.
Born in 1926, Opal Lee grew up in a racially divided America and dedicated her life to overcoming the obstacles presented therein. A lifelong educator, Ms. Opal has been a community activist all her life, and would join the movement to celebrate and commemorate Juneteenth not just as a holiday, but as a symbol of comprehensive freedom for all people.
Discover the life of an extraordinary woman’s path through contemporary American history and the rarely told true story of the Juneteenth holiday itself in First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth – coming in February 2026 from Oni Press.
Mad Cave Studios has revealed Bytchcraft: where modern witchcraft collides with biblical mythology in a world where queer joy and dark fantasy coexist.
Created by the late Aaron Reese, Bytchcraft is a love letter to queer friendship, Black Magick, and the found families that sustain us. A seasoned digital storyteller, Reese left an indelible mark on the industry, having worked with brands like Disney, Marvel, and DC Comics.
This exciting original is illustrated by Lema Carril, colored by Bex Glendining, lettered by Morgan Martinez, and features Cover A by A.L. Kaplan, Cover B by Luciano Vecchio, and a special Pride variant by Joshua “Sway” Swaby.
Bytchcraft blends dark fantasy, supernatural horror, and fierce LGBTQ+ representation into one thrilling narrative.
Bytchcraft #1 hits comic shops and online retailers on June 18th.
DC’s Eisner and Ringo award-winning Pride comic book anthology returns for 2024 in the form of a universe-spanning travelogue like you’ve never seen! DC’s comics are as vast, varied, and fantastic as the incredible and weird locations found across the DC cosmos, and DC’s LGBTQIA+ characters are everywhere, belong anywhere, and can do anything they set their hearts and minds to. How they get there is as important as where they’re going, so join them as they explore the farthest edges of the DC Multiverse, together! DC’s 2024 Pride collection of books and comics will be available at your local comic book shop, bookstore, library, and beyond, taking DC’s characters across the far reaches of the Phantom Zone, the Fourth World, and beyond!
DC Pride 2024 #1, DC’s annual anthology containing all-new stories spotlighting LGBTQIA+ fan favorites, will publish on May 28. The 104-page Prestige format comic will feature a main cover by Kevin Wada, an open-to-order wraparound variant cover by David Talaski, foil and card stock variants by Babs Tarr, and Wada’s main cover offered as a 1:25 card stock variant.
In DC Pride 2024, DC will host an unmissable autobiographical story written by industry legend Phil Jimenez about the fantastical worlds that shaped him, brought to life by Giulio Macaione. This heartwarming story is a can’t-miss highlight, plus Dreamer makes a first-time pilgrimage to her ancestral planet, Naltor, in a story by Nicole Maines and Jordan Gibson; Poison Ivy and Janet from HR go spore-hunting on Portworld in a story by Gretchen Felker-Martin and Claire Roe; Superman (Jon Kent) gets Jay, Bunker, and the Ray together for a boys’ night out in A-Town in a story by Jarrett Williams and D.J. Kirkland; Steel (Natasha Irons) works up the courage to face Traci 13 at the Oblivion Bar’s Pride party for the first time since they broke up in a story by Jamila Rowser and ONeillJones; Aquaman (Jackson Hyde) catches an unexpected ride to the Fourth World just in time for their annual Love Festival in a story by Ngozi Ukazu; Circuit Breaker’s unstable powers fritz him into the Phantom Zone in a story by Calvin Kasulke and Len Gogou; plus a Blue Starman story written by Al Ewing and character pinups, in a volume celebrating how the LGBTQIA+ community is everywhere and belongs anywhere—even the farthest reaches of the known and unknown worlds!
As an additional DC Pride teaser, this year’s anthology features a special preview of DC’s upcoming YA OGN The Strange Case of Harleen and Harley by New York Times bestselling author of Wicked LovelyMelissa Marr, teamed up with celebrated artist Jenn St-Onge.
When Harleen signs up to participate in a clinical research trial with her girlfriend, Pamela, her only goals are extra cash and a chance to control her anxiety. But what she gets instead are increasingly larger gaps in her memory and stolen mementos from some guy named Jack. Soon Harleen discovers she’s sharing her life with Harley—a take-no-prisoners, who-cares-about-attendance, maybe-we-oughta-save-the-bunnies kind of girl. She is the opposite of Harleen in every way. And although she’s throwing Harleen’s life completely off track, maybe she ain’t so bad either…
New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr and celebrated artist Jenn St-Onge, with color by Jeremy Lawson and lettering by Lucas Gattoni, explore the twisted transformation from Harleen to Harley in this compelling new YA original graphic novel on sale beginning September 3!
In the 1990s, writer Rachel Pollack did the impossible: she raised the bar for surprise and strangeness in her beloved run following Grant Morrison’s career-making Doom Patrol! To celebrate her life and works, DC will publish a spotlight issue,DC Pride: A Celebration of Rachel Pollack, hitting shelves on June 6. This 96-page one-shot comic book reprints the debut of the iconic Coagula, DC’s first transgender Super Hero, from Doom Patrol #70, penciled by Scot Eaton, along with the long-unavailable one-shot Vertigo Visions: The Geek (with superstar artist Michael Allred)!
And in a final, original short story, Rachel’s most beloved creation, Kate Godwin, a.k.a. Coagula, returns to the spotlight in a tale of triumph over death itself written by Joe Corallo, Rachel’s longtime friend and collaborator, and drawn by Rye Hickman!
Bad Dream: A Dreamer Story is the untold origin story of Dreamer, the first trans Super Hero ever to appear on TV! DC’s newest YA graphic novel publishes on April 2, written by Nicole Maines and drawn by Rye Hickman with color by Bex Glendining and lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.
Nia’s spent her whole life taking a back seat to her older sister, Maeve, who was expected to inherit their mother’s Seer powers: the ability to see the future through dreams, passed down to one woman in each generation. But when Nia, a trans girl, starts having visions of the future, she must suppress her powers to protect her relationship with her sister.
Soon Nia’s dreams become impossible to ignore, and she has no choice but to distance herself as she navigates her new reality. Taking off for Metropolis, Nia is quickly swept up in the bustling city and, guided by her dreams, connects with a group of queer girls who feel more like sisters than her own. As Nia starts to discover her powers may be more than just a burden, she’s given a choice: accept her new responsibility as a Seer or give it all up for a chance at normalcy.
From Nicole Maines, the actress, activist, and writer who originated the fan-favorite role of Dreamer on the groundbreaking Supergirl TV show, and with art by Rye Hickman, who captures Nia’s depth and humor, comes this joyful and gut-wrenching graphic novel featuring characters from Galaxy: The Prettiest Star in DC’s first YA crossover!
Throughout its line of monthly comic books, DC will highlight Pride-themed variant covers on series that feature queer characters in regular and lead roles. This year, look for DC Pride covers on Action Comics #1066 (Betsy Cola),Batman #148 (Skylar Patridge),Green Arrow #13 (A.L. Kaplan), Poison Ivy #23 andHarley Quinn #41 (W. Scott Forbes), Nightwing #115 (Bruka Jones), Outsiders #8 (Don Aguillo), Suicide Squad: Dream Team #4 (Fatima Wajid), Superman #15 (Angel Solorzano), The Flash #10 (Nick Robles), and Wonder Woman #10 (Phil Jimenez and Arif Prianto).
And if you missed picking up previous years’ variant covers, DC has you covered with DC Pride: Uncovered #1! DC’s most iconic LGBTQIA+ artists put the party in Pride with their fabulous array of variant covers spotlighting LGBTQIA+ characters across the DCU year after year, and this art book collects a robust selection of fan favorites in one place for the very first time! Don’t miss out on a gallery of gorgeous art as imaginative and colorful as the characters themselves.
DC Pride: Uncovered #1, on sale June 11, is a gallery comic of gorgeous covers from Jen Bartel, Phil Jimenez, Jim Lee, Joshua “Sway” Swaby, David Talaski, Babs Tarr, Kris Anka, and more! DC Pride: Uncovered will have a main cover by Jen Bartel, with variant covers by Oscar Vega; Luciano Vecchio; Mateus Manhanini; and Jim Lee, Scott Williams, and Tamra Bonvillain. DC Pride: Uncovered #1 will be scripted by DC editor Andrea Shea.
It’s 1930s Mississippi. Magic is permitted only in certain circumstances, and by certain people. Unsanctioned broom racing is banned. But for those who need the money, or the thrills…it’s there to be found.
Meet Billie Mae, captain of the Night Storms racing team, and Loretta, her best friend and second-in-command. They’re determined to make enough money to move out west to a state that allows Black folks to legally use magic and take part in national races.
Cheng-Kwan – doing her best to handle the delicate and dangerous double act of being the perfect “son” to her parents, and being true to herself while racing.
Mattie and Emma – Choctaw and Black – the youngest of the group and trying to dodge government officials who want to send them and their newly-surfaced powers away to boarding school.
And Luella, in love with Billie Mae. Her powers were sealed away years ago after she fought back against the government. She’ll do anything to prevent the same fate for her cousins.
Brooms is a queer, witchy adventure that shines light on history not often told – it’s everything you’d ever want to read in a graphic novel.
Jasmine Walls is a writer, artist, and editor with former lives in professional baking and teaching martial arts. She still bakes (though she’s pretty rusty at martial arts) and has a deep love for storytelling, creating worlds, and building tales about the characters who inhabit them. Along with Levine Querido, she has works published with Boom! Studios, Capstone, Oni Press, The Atlantic, and The Nib. She lives in California with two dogs and a large stash of quality hot chocolate.
Teo DuVall is a queer Chicanx comic artist and illustrator based in Seattle, WA. They graduated in 2015 with a BFA in Cartooning from the School of Visual Arts and have had the immense pleasure of working with Levine Querido, HarperCollins, Dark Horse, Chronicle Books, Scholastic and more. He has a passion for fantasy, aesthetic ghost stories, and witches of color, and loves being able to create stories for a living. Teo lives with his partner, their two pets – a giant, cuddly pit-bull, and a tiny, ferocious cat – and a small horde of houseplants.
DC Pride is back again with a brave and bold and all-new collection of stories starring DC’s fan-favorite stable of LGBTQIA+ characters–many of whom will find themselves in thrilling team-ups the likes of which you’ve never seen before!
Story: Grant Morrison, Jeremy Holt, Leah Williams, Mildred Louis, Rex Ogle, A.L. Kaplan, Josh Trujillo, Nicole Maines, Christopher Cantwell, Nadia Shammas Art: Hayden Sherman, Andrew Drilon, Paulina Ganucheau, Stephen Sadowski, Skylar Patridge, Mildred Louis, Bruka Jones, A.L. Kaplan, Don Aguillo, Rye Hickman, Claire Roe, Triona Farrell, Babs Tarr, Angel Solorzano, Travis Moore, Tamra Bonvillain, Noah Dao, Maria Llovet, Brandt & Stein Letterer: Aditya Bidikar, Lucas Gattoni, Frank Cvetkovic, Ariana Maher, Morgan Martinez, Rusty Gladd Color: Marissa Louise, Enrica Erin Angiolini, Tamra Bonvillain, Dearbhla Kelly, Bex Glendining
Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site
Under the militant rule of The Tiger’s People, empowered by their animal familiars, the Claw is on the brink of war. At the precipice of adulthood, twin princesses Kelindi and Aridani hold the future of the Claw in their hands. Kelindi would sue for peace with The River’s People, those who were subjugated “to bring order,” while Aridani has never aspired to rule. But an ancient prophecy is revealed that’ll force fate’s hand for the sisters…
(W) Rio Youers (A) Alison Sampson (CA) Bex Glendining In Shops: Oct 20, 2021 SRP: $3.99
Based on the horror novel by Stephen King and Owen King and adapted by Rio Youers (The Forgotten Girl) and Alison Sampson ( Hit Girl, Winnebago Graveyard)!
A strange sleeping sickness, known as Aurora, has fallen over the world, and strangest of all, it only affects women. In the small town of Dooling, a mysterious woman has walked out of the woods; she calls herself Eve and leaves a trail of carnage behind her. More mysterious: she’s the only woman not falling asleep.
Mad Cave Studios has announced their 2022 titles! From the traditional catalog all the way to the latest additions to the YA Maverick line, fans are invited to lurk around the cave once more and see what’s coming in 2022.
Speed Republic
(W) Ryan K Lindsay (A) Emanuele Parascandolo (C) Michele Monte (L) Joamette Gil February 2022
In the future, Europe has come united under one man, The Autocrat. He rules the apocalyptic landscape from corporate monopolies with a vision of unity that is gospel to some, but hollow to others. To distract the 99% from their poor and empty lives, the Grand Race is created. A marathon street race through Europe where only one driver can make it to the end and win a life of luxury. Sebastian Valencia enters with the hope that winning a future can make up for his wasted past, but along the way he starts to question what kind of future he is actually buying into.
Obsidian Tomb
(W) Anthony Cleveland (A) Daniel Jimeno (C) Allison Hu (L) Justin Birch April 2022
After a violent incident at a global supermax prison (Obsidian), Daniel Bracken, a governmental “cleaner” in hiding, is forced into becoming an inmate. Once inside, the prison hierarchy learns they made a mistake by bringing Bracken there– He no longer has any connection to the outside world and is now only focused on tearing the prison apart from the inside.
Potions Inc.
(W) Erik Burnham (A) Stelladia (CA) Natasha Alterici (L) Micah Myers June 2022
In order to save their parents and home world of Primaterra from the dangerous curse of the Fordstone, three siblings travel to Earth…Seattle circa 1992 to be exact. With the help of FBI Special Agent Genevieve Garcia, the young Primaterrans; Ran, Asteria, and Astreus Jones track down the evil Kanavin Goras and attempt to save the world…both of them.
Tiger’s Tongue
(W) Olivia Stephens (A) Diansakhu Banton-Perry (CA) Odera Igbokwe (C) Bex Glendining (L) Joamette Gil August 2022
HEED THE TIGER’S TONGUE, AND YOU WILL NOT BE LED ASTRAY. Under the militant rule of The Tiger’s People, empowered by their animal familiars, the Claw is on the brink of war. As twin Princesses Kelindi and Aridani come of age, their father King Oleandra reveals a secret prophecy foretold by the first Grand Tiger: should twins ever be born to the royal line, they would battle in a series of three trials to determine the fate of the crown. But as The River’s People, those who were subjugated “to bring order,” grow bolder, Kelindi realizes her dream of uniting the kingdom and her love for Aridani couldn’t be further apart.
Nottingham: A King’s Ransom #1
(W) David Hazan (A) Shane Connery Volk (C) Luca Romano (L) Joamette Gil November 2022
When Richard the Lionheart is kidnapped and ransomed by Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI, Everard Blackthorne, the Sheriff of Nottingham is strongarmed into delivering the ransom and bringing the King home, on pain of death. The treacherous Prince John and his ally, King Phillip of France will stop at nothing to ensure Richard remains in captivity, so the Sheriff finds the unlikeliest of allies in none other than Robin Hood and the Merry Men. With Robin and the Sheriff away, Marian hatches her own devious plan to take back Nottingham.
Announced last fall, Maverick, Mad Cave Studios’ young adult imprint, offers engaging and authentic stories for those who think differently, are not afraid to be independent, and fight for who they truly are. With titles that range from slice-of-life stories to urban fantasy and horror, each Maverick graphic novel will be an authentic and inspiring universal story of personal struggle where anyone can find themselves within the pages.
World Class
(W) Jay Sandlin (A) Patrick Mulholland (C) Rebecca Nalty (L) Justin Birch February 2022
Colombian teen, Adrian Molina, steps into the world of international football as he joins the prestigious English preparatory school, Regents United. Along the way he has to deal with bullies, hormones, and his own anxiety.
Good Game, Well Played
(W) Rachael Smith (A) Katherine Lobo (L) Justin Birch May 2022
A group of misfit high-schoolers must save the failing video game shop they work at from being torn down by a greedy landlord.
In the Shadow of the Throne
(W) Kate Sheridan (A) Gaia Cardinali (L) Micah Myers July 2022
When his younger siblings and parents become too much to bear while on vacation, Jordan tries to get some space. But instead of wandering around the local museum, Jason finds himself dropped into a fantasy world where he can finally have fun! Except in this Elven Kingdom, there’s a sinister secret kept hidden by the queen that’ll thrust Jordan, the rebellious Prince Astel, and the brave knight Sir Griffith in the middle of a magical battle they never could have anticipated.
Follow the story of four New Jersey teens who, after breaking into a cemetery on Halloween, get transported to a strange and fantastical world by a mysterious automaton named Tom. When Tom sends them on a quest to gain him entry to a party at the end of the world, our unlikely (and mostly unwilling) heroes will have to navigate murderous frogs, an insect orchestra, and the cracks in their own friendships.
Lupinais a two-volume captivating saga about a young girl on a journey of revenge with her wolf companion. In the coastal town of Kote, recently brought under the yoke of the Addalian Empire, four-year-old Lupa spends her days getting bullied by her older sister and hiding behind her mother’s skirts. But when tragedy strikes, Lupa finds herself alone in a new world… alone until she’s found by the she-wolf, Coras, and sets off on a journey of discovery… and revenge. The first volume of the two-piece collection will be available in bookstores and online retailers on September 14, 2021. Both volumes contain three phases, continuing the adventure of Lupa and Coras.
Lupina is from writer James F. Wright, art by Li Buszka, color by Bex Glendining, and lettering by Ariana Maher. The graphic novel is available for pre-order.
For decades, Jean-Luc Picard of Star Trek: The Next Generation has represented an ideal of greatness to science fiction fandom, a character of intelligence, authority, and empathy. Beginning on “Star Trek Day” (September 8th), readers can witness what the galaxy could be like at the mercy of a Captain Picard whose greatness is measured in cunning and cruelty, courtesy of an all-new event, Star Trek: The Mirror War.
Celebrated Star Trekcomic writers Scott and David Tipton delve deep into the lore of the Mirror Universe, a perennial favorite concept amongst fans, in August’s Star Trek: The Mirror War #0, illustrated by Carlos Nieto. This zero issue features a new story of “Mirror Picard” as he’s summoned to Earth to face the wrath of his emperor, deftly weaving threads from past Mirror Universe tales in a way entertaining to newcomers and the initiated alike.
Following September’s #0 launch, the series will continue to build year-long tension with issues #1-8 and four interspersed tie-in specials, each highlighting a different member of the Next Generation cast. The first spin-off one-shot, slated for December, will focus on Data. Once complete, the 13-part saga will chart Mirror Picard’s path of conquest across all of the Mirror Universe, stoking the wrath of the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance along the way.
Star Trek: The Mirror War #0 will be available with multiple cover variants for retailers and fans to enjoy, including Cover A by series artist Carlos Nieto, Cover B by Ejiwa “Edge” Ebenebe, and a Retailer Incentive edition by Bex Glendining. Starting with issue #1, J.K. Woodward will be providing cover artwork for every issue.
