Tag Archives: federico mele

Preview: The X-O Manowar #6

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The X-O Manowar #6

Script: Steve Orlando
Art: Diego Giribaldi
Main Cover: Colm Griffin (A – Reg)
Variant Covers: Federico Mele (B – Icon), Colm Griffin (C – Full Art), Federico Mele (D – Icon Full Art)
On Sale Date: 02/18/2026
Rated Mature
32-page, full color comic
$4.99 U.S.

THE HUNT FOR SHANHARA’S HEAD BEGINS!

After the attack from the Earthborns, Aric has joined the PunX! For thousands of years, it had been just him and Shanhara but now the quest for honor has led him to a community. But with numbers comes needs, so Aric and Careless Whisper venture into the Steppe to hunt for food. The hunters become the hunted as Banelus End hunts Aric and Shanhara! Will they escape the god hunter or will Shanhara’s head end up on End’s wall with the others?

Steve Orlando continues Aric’s quest for glory, honor, and community with artist Diego Giribaldi.

The X-O Manowar #6

Tarzan Beyond swings into comic shops in 2026

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Alien Books has announced that Tarzan will be joining its growing library of licenses with all-new series and specials planned for release in 2026.

The all-new Tarzan comics will be produced in collaboration with the team at Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. and sold into direct market comic shops through Alien’s sub-distribution partnership with IDW Publishing, beginning with Tarzan Beyond by writer Steve Orlando and artist Renato Guedes. Covers by Agustin Alessio, Dustin Nguyen, Noobovich, Federico Mele, and Juan José Ryp have been revealed.

Tarzan Beyond, set in a new alternative universe, will showcase a wiser and older Tarzan and Jane, who have aged over many years of adventures but retain their youthful appearance thanks to the Waters of Kavuru. Together, they use their resources and knowledge to protect the world’s flora and fauna from destruction. Tarzan and Jane’s peaceful existence will be threatened when the nefarious Blackbeard the Pirate and his crew lay siege to his homeland in search of the secrets of immortality!

Additional details on Tarzan Beyond will be shared in the months to come.

Future plans for Tarzan include special crossover one-shots and more as the Alien Books team seeks to leverage creative partnerships across the industry and deliver exciting and never-before-seen moments for readers and fans.

A returning Michael LeRoi is pitted against current Shadowman Jack Boniface in a battle for the Deadside

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An icon from an acclaimed era of Valiant history returns to challenge for Shadowman’s throne this March in Tales of the Shadowman #7: Legacy of Leroi #1 by Alien Books and Valiant Comics. Spearheaded by the fan-favorite team of rising star AJ Ampadu and artist Sergio Monjes, this new story arc introduces a new version of Michael LeRoi, originally created by writer Garth Ennis and artist Ashley Wood, and best known for his starring role in the Shadowman video game series released by Acclaim in the 1990s.

The Valiant Beyond universe, a new-reader friendly iteration of the classic comics franchise, launched earlier this year and features short story-arcs allowing for readers to jump easily into the ongoing series every few months. Legacy of Leroi will kick off the third arc of Tales of the Shadowman this March and is designed to bring readers up to speed while rewarding long-time fans for their dedication.

Shadowman is stretched thin as the protector of New Orleans and the Deadside. Now, a pair of mambos come to him for help in recovering the remains of a loved one from the Blood Desert. This quest will shake Shadowman to his core as one of the most beloved characters from Valiant history makes their long-awaited return to comics in the first chapter of “Legacy of LeRoi!” AJ Ampadu and Sergio Monjes continue their ACCLAIMED run on Shadowman and you’re just in time to jump on board!

Valiant Beyond: Tales of the Shadowman #7: Legacy of Leroi #1 goes on sale April 1, 2026 and features covers by Aaron Lopresti and Federico Mele. 

Knights vs. Samurai gets a Todd McFarlane Variant Cover

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Image and Todd McFarlane Productions is pleased to reveal an exciting, highly collectible Todd McFarlane variant cover for the upcoming Knights vs. Samurai by fan-favorite actor David Dastmalchian, with art by Federico Mele, and colors by Ulises Arreola. 

There will also be a 1:50 incentive copy version of the McFarlane variant that will feature McFarlane’s signature.

Knights vs. Samurai follows the journey of Sir Charles Ward (known as ‘The Dragon Butcher’), who is a knight grappling with self-doubt and grief while leading a legion of royal warriors on a noble mission. Celebrated for his knighthood and leadership, The Dragon Butcher embarks on a quest to a mysterious island in the Far East. Accompanied by a diverse group of fighters—including a giant and two clerics—he seeks vengeance against the savage monsters responsible for ambushing a group of English missionaries. However, upon arrival, Sir Charles discovers a startling truth—the so-called “savage monsters” are a regiment of highly skilled warriors unlike any he has ever encountered.

Knights vs. Samurai #1 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, September 25 with the retail price of $2.99. The Final Order Cutoff deadline for comic shop retailers is Monday:

  • Cover A by Francesco Mattina – Lunar Code 0724IM270
  • Cover B by McFarlane (signed) 1:50 copy incentive – Lunar Code 0724IM996
  • Cover C by McFarlane – Lunar Code 0724IM997

David Dastmalchian and Federico Mele launch Knights vs. Samurai this September with Todd McFarlane Productions

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Todd McFarlane Productions has announced Knights vs. Samurai, a captivating new series written by fan-favorite actor David Dastmalchian, with art by Federico Mele, and colors by Ulises Arreola. This thrilling, new ongoing series will be published by Image Comics and launch this September 25.

Knights vs. Samurai follows the journey of Sir Charles Ward (known as ‘The Dragon Butcher’), who is a knight grappling with self-doubt and grief while leading a legion of royal warriors on a noble mission. Celebrated for his knighthood and leadership, The Dragon Butcher embarks on a quest to a mysterious island in the Far East. Accompanied by a diverse group of fighters—including a giant and two clerics—he seeks vengeance against the savage monsters responsible for ambushing a group of English missionaries. However, upon arrival, Sir Charles discovers a startling truth—the so-called “savage monsters” are a regiment of highly skilled warriors unlike any he has ever encountered.

Knights vs. Samurai #1 Cover A by Francesco Mattina (Lunar Code 0724IM270) will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, September 25 with the retail price of $2.99. The Final Order Cutoff deadline for comic shop retailers is Monday, September 2.

Creepshow Vol. 2 #1 Sells Out and Will Return To Comic Shops For Halloween

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Skybound has announced that Creepshow Vol. 2 #1 has sold out at comic book shops. Based on Greg Nicotero’s hit Shudder TV series produced and licensed by Cartel Entertainment, Creepshow Vol. 2 #1 will return with a second printing on October 25, 2023, just in time for Halloween. Season 4 of the series premieres October 13 on AMC and AMC+. 

The debut issue of the second volume features stories by comic legends Garth Ennis, Becky Cloonan and Phil Hester. Ennis and Cloonan team up for the very first time to deliver a disturbing tale of the unborn. Then, Hester tells the story of a grieving son who bends the laws of nature to see his mother one last time…this can’t end well!  

Creepshow Vol. 2 #1’s second printing will feature an all-new variant cover drawn by illustrator Federico Mele.  

Creepshow Volume 2 #1 (of 5) Second Printing (Lunar Code 0923IM831| SRP $3.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Tuesday, October 25, 2023.  

Creepshow Volume 2 #1 (of 5) Second Printing