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Early Review: Dungeons & Dragons #1 is an accessible, action, and humor packed series

Posted on September 19, 2026 by Logan Dalton Leave a comment

Cover art for Dungeons & Dragons comic issue #1 featuring three adventurers battling a dragon, with vibrant flames and dramatic poses.

In the first issue of the new Dungeons and Dragons ongoing series for Dark Horse, Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Ibraim Roberson, Arabson Oliveira, and Dan Brown strike a balance similar to the role of their wizard protagonist Mordenkainen, who is basically the ultimate centrist of magic. (But in a more badass than spineless way.) They pepper this comic with dark prophecies, characters on serious missions, and of course, there’s a giant dragon on the first page. However, Dungeons and Dragons #1 has humor and sexual tension as well with Lanzing and Kelly writing fun banter between Mordenkainen and the grifter/bard/author Volo, who he runs into our favorite of first act settings: the local tavern. Dungeons and Dragons is full of deep lore, complex magic, gods, monsters, and more, but it has a wit and self-awareness that appeals to the more casual fans of franchise like yours truly.

In crafting these characters, Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, and Roberson create a sort of axis of seriousness on a scale of apocalypse to sexual innuendo. If there’s a lot of exposition, they season it with a well-timed quip or some kind of background gag to keep the yawns away and keep the story engaging. Mordenkainen and Volo have a classic comedy team dynamic, and this is amplified when other party members start to show up as the comic progresses. Also, kudos to Dungeons and Dragons’ creative team for taking time to flesh out the key players in the story instead of bombarding readers with names, abilities, places, and other various and sundry things that would have me scrambling around on Wikia instead of engaging in the story at hand. Because the comic takes place in one of the most richly developed fantasy worlds, there is a buzz of activity, but Lanzing and Kelly take an iceberg theory meets Chris Claremont subplots eventually become the main plot approach in Dungeons and Dragons #1. I’ve only read the first issue so I’m not 100% sure on the second part, but let’s just say I’m hoping for an old school 50-60 issue run or beyond on this series.

Visually, Dungeons and Dragons #1 goes for high fantasy shock and awe with a varied approach to page design depending on the tone of each story beat. Cover artist Esad Ribic sets the tone with a harried band of adventurers versus big ass dragon cover bringing the epic scope of his work on titles like Thor, Secret Wars, and Eternals to the world of D&D. Ibraim Roberson, Oliveira, and Brown match his approach in the interior art. Dan Brown’s palette show off the range of this book from the crackling warmth of a tavern to magic energy out the wazoo in the action bits. They succeed at splash or widescreen compositions that are a worthy game store poster or more screwball comedy scene that endear readers to the cast of characters and enhance Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly’s dialogue. Even Arabson Oliveira’s inks contribute to characterization with some folks having more of an aura than others.

Dungeons and Dragons #1 is an accessible, action, and humor packed series debut that reminded me a lot of the Forgotten Realms novels that I read when I was younger. However, Lanzing, Kelly, Roberson, and Oliveira don’t shy away from darker elements and moral ambiguity. And did I mention the dragons? In all seriousness, if you enjoy being immersed in a compelling fantasy world with peril and danger, order this one from your local comic shop even if you’re constantly Googling what a kobold is and should probably bookmark their Wiki page.

Story: Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly
Pencils: Ibraim Roberson Inks: Arabson Oliveira
Colors: Dan Brown Letters: Haley Rose Lyon
Story: 8.6 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.6 Recommendation: Buy

The FOC for Dungeons & Dragons #1 is September 21, and it will be released on November 4

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Pre-Order: Third Eye Comics – Kindle

Preview: Star Trek: The Last Starship #11

Posted on September 15, 2026 by Graphic Policy Team Leave a comment

Star Trek: The Last Starship #11

(W) Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly (A) Adrián Bonilla

The penultimate issue!

After decades of struggle, Sato, Kirk, Agnes, Zed, and Valqis have come back together—united to save the Federation from the trap that is the Emerald Chain closing in around them. The tension is high; trust is at an all-time low and has been broken before. They’ve been through hell, and not always on the same side. But Dr. Zed sees a path toward healing.

They’ve all been wrong. They’ve all made mistakes. Now, and only now, does the crew of the U.S.S. Omega have the chance to make it all worth it.

Despite Solara and her demented protégé Osyraa circling ever closer aboard the Emerald Chain flagship, the crew of the Omega are going to build T’Galatheon Gate—and save what little is left of Starfleet..for those who will follow in their footsteps.

Cover art of 'Star Trek: The Last Starship' comic issue 11, featuring an expressive character against a cosmic backdrop, highlighted in vibrant purples and blues.

Cover of the Star Trek comic titled 'The Last Starship', featuring a dynamic design and text summarizing the storyline about the state of the Federation and characters Admiral Sato and James Kirk.

A comic book panel featuring two characters in a tense conversation at a table. One character, with a cybernetic eye and facial marking, expresses the high stakes of a situation. The other character listens intently, highlighting the theme of critical choices and consequences.

Preview: Star Trek: The Last Starship Vol. 1

Posted on September 7, 2026 by Graphic Policy Team Leave a comment

Star Trek: The Last Starship Vol. 1

Authors: Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing
Art: Adrián Bonilla
September 8, 2026

A Galaxy Shattered. A Legend Reborn. A New Frontier Begins. After the cataclysmic Burn brings warp travel to a standstill and shatters centuries of unity, the dream of the United Federation of Planets collapses almost overnight. Worlds are cut off. Civilizations tumble. Chaos fills the void where hope once thrived.

Out of this cosmic wreckage rises an unlikely beacon: the U.S.S. Omega a lone vessel crewed by survivors navigating a lawless, uncharted Galaxy nearly 300 years after the fall. With no Federation to guide them, they must carve out a path through the ruins—facing warlords, scavengers, and the raw unknown.

Star Trek: The Last Starship #10 Skips Ahead 25 Years Kicking Off the Next Arc

Posted on August 19, 2026 by Brett

Kirk’s war against the Emerald Chain brings him face-to-face with his most dangerous enemy yet: Admiral Sato. When the Borg-augmented U.S.S. Omega liberates Tellar, Starfleet’s U.S.S. Challenger arrives armed with anti-Borg technology, ordering Kirk to stop at any cost. But as Emerald Chain reinforcements descend, an unexpected proposal could force these old allies to choose between destroying each other…and saving the Federation once and for all. Star Trek: The Last Starship #10 begins the final chapter in what has shaped up to be an amazing Star Trek series.

When last we saw Sato and his crew, Kirk and the Borg had teamed up for a more aggressive stance against the Emerald Chain, leaving Sato stranded. Star Trek: The Last Starship #10 skips ahead 25 years and we get to see the ramifications of multiple decisions that were made since this series began. Worlds that sided with the Emerald Chain have begun to regret it, looking to be liberated from what’s left of the Federation or by Kirk and the U.S.S. Omega. The Emerald Chain are taking things out on the Federation for the actions of Kirk and his crew. Sato wants revenge against Kirk. It’s a hell of a triangle that puts pressure on Sato and delivers a whole new set of issues to deal with.

Written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, Star Trek: The Last Starship #10 is a fantastic opening chapter of the final arc of the series. You can feel the anger and pressure Sato is feeling as he not only is after his whale but also sees how things have crumbled over the years. He’s presented with tough choices. Kirk and the Omega are doing serious damage to the Emerald Chain, but they’re also waging war, a hammer for all answers.

But, Lanzing and Kelly deliver those tough choices and do so in a way that gets the reader to debate what they’d do. You can see the obsession of Sato, you get a feeling of the righteousness of Kirk. Neither or aright and neither are wrong and they’re both right and both wrong.

What Lanzing and Kelly also do is show that while the Federation has many flaws, it overall was doing good. We get the desperation of the planets and people who have signed up for protection from intergalactic gangsters. You feel the regret of their decision. It also delivers the first real hope we might see the return and rise of the Federation by the issue’s end.

The art by Adrián Bonilla is excellent. The time jump forward delivers us a haggard Sato, hair grown out and also a Borg modified Omega. Each tells such a story as to what has happened in the past 25 years and gives us everything we need to know. Sato’s hair alone tells us he’s gone from the idealist who believes in the Federation to a man obsessed and singularly focused on bringing pain to Kirk for what he did. The art has a gritty style to it, reminding us the idealistic days of the Federation are over and this is a whole new, slightly darker, world. That’s helped by the color of Lee Loughridge whose palette still feels futuristic and bright, even with the art tone of Bonilla, and also gives us a slightly sickly feel at times when focused on Kirk and his crew. Clayton Cowles‘ lettering delivers emotion and punch to the dramatic moments.

Star Trek: The Last Starship #10 continues what is one hell of a series that delivers the action and excitement of Star Trek but also a story where readers have no idea where it’ll go. But, more importantly, even through all of the darkness, it has delivered hope and focused on the idea that the Federation brings societies together for the better.

Story: Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly Art: Adrián Bonilla
Color: Lee Loughridge Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 8.45 Art: 8.65 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Preview: Star Trek: The Last Starship #10

Posted on August 18, 2026 by Graphic Policy Team

Star Trek: The Last Starship #10

(W) Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly (A) Adrián Bonilla

Kirk’s war against the Emerald Chain brings him face-to-face with his most dangerous enemy yet: Admiral Sato. When the Borg-augmented U.S.S. Omega liberates Tellar, Starfleet’s U.S.S. Challenger arrives armed with anti-Borg technology, ordering Kirk to stop at any cost. But as Emerald Chain reinforcements descend, an unexpected proposal could force these old allies to choose between destroying each other… and saving the Federation once and for all. The explosive opening chapter of a Galaxy-shaking new arc starts here!

Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, and Ibrahim Roberson shake up the world of Dungeons & Dragons in an Epic Ongoing Comic Series

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Graphic Policy Team

Dark Horse Comics and Hasbro’s Wizards of the Coast have announced Dungeon & Dragons, a new ongoing series following Mad Mage Mordenkainen as he assembles Faerûn’s most legendary heroes, including Volo, Tasha, and more fan-favorite adventurers, for a high-fantasy epic that spans the Forgotten Realms! The series will be written by Eisner-nominated creators Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, penciled by Ibraim Roberson, inked by Arabson Oliveira, colored by Dan Brown, and lettered by Haley-Rose Lyon. Each issue will feature essays from RPG personalities or Dungeon & Dragons campaign assets that will be exclusive to the single issues.

Issue #1 debuts November 2026 and will feature cover art by Esad Ribić, D&D 5e Key Art Artist Tyler Jacobson, Antonio José Manzanedo (foil variant), Karen Darboe, Mateus Manhanini, and Eric Canete (1:25 ratio variant). Erika Ishii, voice actor and live play talent on Dimension 20, will write an essay for the backmatter.

A draconic apocalypse approaches the Forgotten Realms, and it has one name on its lips: MORDENKAINEN. Now, stripped of his magic but never out of the fight, the most powerful wizard in all reality will need the help of Faerûn’s most legendary heroes to restore the balance.

Dungeon & Dragons #1 will be available in comic shops on November 4, 2026. It is now available for preorder from your local comic shop for $4.99.

Comics

Preview: Star Trek: The Last Starship #9

Posted on July 14, 2026 by Graphic Policy Team

Star Trek: The Last Starship #9

(W) Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly (A) Hernan Gonzalez

The U.S.S. Omega breaks apart.

Captain Sato returns to his bridge to find Kirk—and the Borg—already in command. What follows is a phaser-point standoff over the ship’s future: surrender and survival…or war to save a dying galaxy. As arguments turn into action, Valqis is forced to choose a side—and a captain.

In Sickbay, Zed makes an impossible call to save Vi from assimilation, uncovering a terrifying truth about the psychic singularity at Deep Space Hope. It proves hope may still exist… at a devastating cost.

The Federation and the crew are divided. Two visions for the future emerge. One will rebuild. One will fight back. The line is drawn.

The Galaxy will never be the same.

Preview: Star Trek: Aliens – IDW Classic Collections

Posted on July 8, 2026 by Graphic Policy Team

Star Trek: Aliens – IDW Classic Collections

Scott Tipton, John Byrne, Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly
July 7, 2026

The aliens of Star Trek get their due in this collection of comics featuring Orions, Vulcans, Tribbles, Klingons, and more! Presented in a convenient-to-read pocket-sized (6 x 9) format!

In the vast Star Trek universe, many aliens abound! Read issues featuring the Gorn, Vulcans, Andorians, Orions, Borg, Romulans, Cardassians, Klingons, Q, Tribbles, Ferengi, and Tril! These one-off stories give fans an inside look at the many characters that make Star Trek so beloved by a wide array of talent!

Star Trek: Aliens - IDW Classic Collections

Haunting Mystery You’ll Never Leave This Place Alive Arrives October from IDW Dark

Posted on June 27, 2026 by Graphic Policy Team

Five friends. Four houses. One seemingly perfect life… But no one who discovers the truth will leave it alive.

IDW Publishing’s hit horror imprint IDW Dark presents readers with an all-new nightmare on October 14: You’ll Never Leave This Place Alive, wickedly crafted by the Eisner-nominated co-writers Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing and rising horror artist Heather Vaughan.

Phoebe Joplin has never questioned the world her parents built: a secluded community where she and her friends were raised to be smarter, stronger, and better than anyone else. No distractions. No dangers. No secrets. Until the night of their graduation…

When one of them dies under impossible circumstances, Phee starts to pull at the edges of her perfect life — and finds something far more terrifying than she ever imagined. Because this place isn’t a sanctuary. It’s a cage. And no one who finds out survives.

The paranoia-laced, socially conscious horror mystery will leave readers questioning reality… and reveal this crafted world is more of a nightmare than the idealistic dream its residents were expecting.

Comics

Star Trek: The Last Starship #8 Reveals The Borg’s Big Plan Delivering a Surprising Ending

Posted on June 17, 2026 by Brett

Seeing a solution to the tragedy of the Burn within the singularity on Deep Space Hope, Borg Queen Agnes Jurati leaves the crew of the U.S.S. Omega behind and attempts to assimilate its power. But she’s not alone; Kirk has followed her aboard, determined to ferret out why she and the Borg brought him back to life. Was it to be the galaxy’s savior? Or its demise? The standoff that follows is one for the ages—resistance is futile, after all… …unless you’re Captain James T. Kirk. Star Trek: The Last Starship #8 delivers a horror and action infused issue the Borg Queen’s plan is revealed.

Written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, Star Trek: The Last Starship has delivered a vision of Star Trek where hope and the ideals of the Federation are at their lowest point. The alliances that once were have been shattered and all that remains in an attempt to rebuild the peace and order is the crew of the Omega and it’s leader Sato. The previous issue had the crew heading to Deep Space Hope with a mission to hopefully reveal a solution to the Burn but have instead come across a cult-like horror.

Star Trek: The Last Starship #8 delivers an even bigger picture than a simple mission as the Borg’s greater vision is revealed and it’s one that twists their traditional motives presenting an offer that’s in no way acceptable.

But, where Star Trek: The Last Starship #8 gets most interesting is it’s cutting down of Sato and the Omega’s mission. Though it hasn’t been long, it has failed at each step. The Federation’s alliances have fallen apart. A criminal enterprise has risen up to take its place. Is it even possible to recreate what the Federation once was? Or, does a different approach need to be had with a slightly different vision to create a similar lasting peach and order?

The art by Hernan Gonzalez is interesting in that it captures the chaos of the situation. With colors by Lee Loughridge and lettering by Clayton Cowles, the comic has a grainy look that feels like what you might remember from a nightmare you had. The characters’ interactions and reactions evoke the slightly over the top cheesy emotions of classic Trek, in a good way. The reveals and how they’re presented each bring shock with the visuals emphasizing each moment in ways that’ll leave you slowly turning the page to see what happens next.

Star Trek: The Last Starship #8 is a solid issue packed with reveals, action, and surprises. There’s so much within that moves the series forward in unexpected ways while revealing things that have been teased for a while. It’s a Star Trek series that might seem rather dark, ominous, and hopeless, but with each issue, it has delivered just enough to make readers believe there’s a better way and better days to come.

Story: Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly Art: Hernan Gonzalez
Color: Lee Loughridge Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

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