Tag Archives: joseph p. illidge

Advent Comics Makes a Big Splash at Baltimore Comic-Con 2026

Don’t miss the 2026 Baltimore Comic-Con this September 25th-27th at the Inner Harbor’s Baltimore Convention Center. Advent Comics, while finishing up the history-making, 200-plus page Epiphany Engine graphic novel which brings together over 40 publishers in a single story told by nearly 50 All-Star Creators, comes to Baltimore Comic-Con to celebrate their 17th Anniversary with a powerful star-studded list of creators. Get your tickets online now!

Advent will also be conducting a panel entitled “Building Bridges: Creating A Pathway In Comics” that will take place on Saturday at noon (location details to be announced). Panelists will include Advent Comics EIC Tony Kittrell, Brandon Thomas, Rodney Barnes, Alitha E. Martinez, Joseph P. Illidge, Jiba Molei Anderson, Marcus H. Williams, and Greg Burnham.

Some of the 2026 Baltimore Comic-Con Exclusives will include:

EPOCHS OneShot is a 100-plus page book that celebrates the 17th Anniversary of Advent Comics and features work by Ron Marz (Green LanternSilver Surfer), Bart Sears (X-O ManowarJustice League Europe), José Luis (Marvel Comics Punisher), Greg Burnham (Tuskegee HeirsDC Power), Sean Damien Hill (Spirits of VengeanceX-Men Bishop: War College), Sebastian Cheng (Marvel Comics Wolverine: Patch), Allan Goldman (Superman/BatmanJustice League), Pow Rodrix (Star Wars: The High Republic), and amazing covers by Darryl Banks, Raymond Gay, Caanan White, John Royle and others.

TITAN THE ULTRA MAN #5 Caanan White Variant Cover

ADVENT UNIVERSE Trading Cards Boxed Set

Plus, don’t miss the following Advent Comics titles and Merchandise at Baltimore Comic-Con:

Titan the Ultra Man #5 which is the final issue drawn by superstar artist Netho Diaz (X-Men) before becoming exclusive to Marvel Comics. Introducing Black Vulture as the latest enemy of Advent Comics Man of Might. Created by an all-star team consisting of writer Tony Kittrell, pencils by Netho Diaz & Carlos Franco, inks by Lebeau Underwood (Star WarsWolverine: Patch), and colorist and letterer Ed Dukeshire (Hulk).

DOLL VALLEY ONESHOT is a throwback Grindhouse horror story for MATURE READERS that combines 80’s slasher flicks, 90s gore films, dark comedy and bad girl comics into one fun story. The Caanan White (Rippaverse) and Candice Han Bloody Variant and two distinct DOLL VALLEY Box Sets will be at the show.

COSMOS MaxiSeries including COSMOSWAR ONESHOT which has over 30 indie comics publishers and creators such as Erik Larsen (Savage DragonBig Bang Comics Megaton), Mike Baron/Steve Rude (Nexus), Jerry Ordway/Al Gordon (Wildstar), Dan Fraga (Black Flag), and more. COSMOS: WAR Box Sets will be at the show as well.

SOUTHSIDETHE SIDE POCKET trade paperback collects the ultra-popular, MATURE READERS Advent Comics title SOUTHSIDE that lit up comic shop shelves across the nation. Dalton Malone returns home to the mean streets of Washington D.C. to find the murderer of his friend…and get REVENGE! They will have a Softcover Edition and a limited number of Digest-Size Edition books.

Guests appearing courtesy of Advent Comics include:

Jiba Molei Anderson is the CEO and Creative Director for Griot Enterprises. An expert in print design, publishing, and branding, Anderson has worked as a graphic designer and art director for organizations such as Onyx Path Publishing, The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, and Rogue Matter.

Anderson is the creator of Griot Enterprises’ flagship title, the Afrofantastic saga The Horsemen, and curator of 4 Pages 16 Bars: A Visual Mixtape, the long-running anthology series celebrating the independent works from creators of color.

Through Griot Enterprises, Anderson has had numerous one-man and group shows, art directed, and published over 20 books including Canton Kid: The Definitive CollectionThe Dark KingdomDante: A Divine Comedy, and others. He has been invited to speak about his work and the representation of race and culture at various institutions, including the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Penn State Altoona, the Ohio State University, and Michigan State University.

Anderson has also made an impact in the world of role-playing games, contributing content to the World of Darkness franchise (Vampire: The MasqueradeWraith: The OblivionMage: The AscensionTales of Depravity, and They Came from [CLASSIFIED]) for Onyx Path Publishing.

Anderson’s animated projects include the music video Start a Fight for rock band The Ex-Senators (with Mark Rizzo Design) and The Song of Lionogo: An Indian Ocean Mythological Remix for the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art (with Brightseed Collaborative). His work has also been featured in the Amazon Prime television series Utopia and the Apple+ film Swan Song starring Mahershala Ali.

In 2019, Anderson became the proud recipient of the Glyph Awards Lifetime Achievement/Pioneer Award for his work in the comic book industry through the East Coast of Black Age Comics Convention. In addition, The Horsemen: Book of Olorun was part of the long-running exhibition Heroes: Principles of African Greatness at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art and is a part of the museum’s permanent collection.

Anderson is a veteran of the creative industries, working as a visual communicator, writer, and educator teaching courses in multimedia at Chicago State University, Harper College, and the Computer Systems Institute – Skokie.

Rodney Barnes is an award-winning writer, producer, and comic book creator whose vibrant and emphatic creative voice has established him as a Hollywood mainstay.

Barnes was most recently an executive producer and writer for HBO’s Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, which chronicles the professional and personal lives of the 1980s Showtime Lakers during the team’s wild and fast-paced golden years.

Barnes has a number of projects in different stages of development, including writing an adaptation of Chris Leslie-Hynan’s novel Ride Around Shining in development with Jonah Hill’s Strong Baby with LaKeith Stanfield attached to star, writing a miniseries based on the life of golf great Tiger Woods, and writing and executive producing HBO’s Jack Johnson limited series, starring Mahershala Ali.

In addition to TV, Barnes is a veteran comic book creator who earned an Eisner Award nomination for his critically acclaimed graphic novel Killadelphia, which now has a television show in development at Levantine TV. Barnes recently launched his own comic studio and publishing imprint, Zombie Love Studios, a creative space dedicated to storytelling from BIPOC perspectives in unique formats, among which include the graphic novels Blacula—an adaptation of the cult horror classic, Monarch—an apocalyptic sci-fi adventure series following a group of Compton school kids, Nita Hawes’ Nightmare BlogElysium GardensJohnny Gatlin, and 20° Past Rigor. Barnes has also penned issues for existing series Army of DarknessJames Bond Himeros, Marvel/Lucasfilm’s Lando: Double or Nothing, Lion Forge’s Quincredible, and Marvel’s Falcon and Secret Empire.

Greg Burnham has been writing professionally for nearly a decade. His latest DC Comics work is on DC Power and DC’s Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun. With projects like The Search For SadiqahBroken Glass, and Grandpa’s Shoes under his belt, Greg is working on a bevy of projects, as well as his returning hit series Tuskegee Heirs.

Kevin Grevioux is a director, screenwriter, producer, actor, and graphic novel creator who has over 20 years of experience in the film industry. After graduating from Howard University with a degree in microbiology, Grevioux came to Hollywood, where he acted in several films. including Alien NationThe MaskCongoBatman Forever, Tim Burton’s Planet of the ApesThe Hulk, and Men In Black II. Kevin also co-created and wrote the original screenplay to the successful Underworld franchise, which was his first produced writing credit. He was also a co-producer on the film series and played the character, Raze. Grevioux has just completed production on his latest film from a screenplay he wrote, I, Frankenstein, produced by Lakeshore Entertainment. It was based on his original graphic novel.

In addition, Grevioux is a prolific writer in the comic book/graphic novel world. He has worked for both Marvel and DC Comics having written such characters as Spider-ManBladeIron ManBatmanSupermanThe Phantom, and the critically acclaimed Adam: Legend of the Blue Marvel for Marvel, which he created.

He has established an independent creator-owned comic book/graphic novel company called Darkstorm Comics & Media, as well as Astounding Comics, which produces all-ages content.

Grevioux’s animation credits include episodes of Ben 10: Ultimate AlienMega Man: Fully ChargedAvengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, and Young Justice.

Lastly, Grevioux’s directorial debut was the action film King of Killers, distributed by Lionsgate, a feature he wrote and produced through his production company, Channel 56 Films. His latest film is War Dawgz, directed for BET+.

The two-time Eisner-nominated, multi-Glyph Award winning comic book illustrator N. Steven Harris has had a career spanning over 30 years in the comic book industry. His highlights include DC Comic’s Aztek: The Ultimate Man, a character which he co-created, as well as Batman: Officer DownGeneration XX-Force, and Deadpool Annual ’98. In 2017, Mr. Harris worked on DC/Wildstorm’s Michael Cray and wrote and illustrated a story for Represent: In Defense of Free Speech, also published by DC Comics. He was a guest to the American Embassy in Algiers, Algeria, along with 15 other artists to participate in FIBDA (Festival International de la Bande Dessinée d’Alger) or The International Festival of Comics in the fall of 2019. In early 2020, he was on the stage of the World Famous Apollo Theater on a panel on being a freelance illustrator in the comic book industry, the very first of its kind at the Apollo Theater. Mr. Harris has been recently working on projects with DMC of the hip hop group Run DMC, David Crownson, creator of Harriet Tubman: Demon Slayer, and a hip hop artist/activist from the U.K., both due out in 2026.

Sean Damien Hill is a comic book illustrator from Washington, DC, known for his bold, naturalistic style and narrative-driven storytelling. Trained in fine art, Sean blends classical technique with dynamic visual pacing to bring depth and energy to every page he draws.

His work spans across major publishers and indie powerhouses alike, with credits including Bishop: War CollegePredator vs. Black Panther, and Spirits of Vengeance for Marvel; Blood SyndicateCyborg, and DC Power for DC Comics; and indie titles such as Dark History of Okemus (Rae Comics) and The Hated (Solid Comix).

Whether he’s illustrating iconic heroes or original worlds, Sean brings a fierce dedication to storytelling and a love for the comic medium that shows in every panel.

Joseph P. Illidge is a writer, editor, producer, and IP strategist whose work spans comics, publishing, film, and multimedia development. His career includes leadership roles with DC Comics, Image Comics, Simon & Schuster, Todd McFarlane Productions, and Milestone Media. 

He is the founder of Illuminous, a production company focused on developing original intellectual property across publishing and entertainment. 

Joseph is the writer of The Shadow Cabinet and The New History of the DC Universe: The Dakota Incident (DC Comics), Bloodletter (Spawn Universe/Image Comics), the Eisner Award-nominated Noir Is the New Black for The Winterfields (FairSquare Graphics), Harriet Tubman (HarperCollins), and co-author of the Judge Kim and the Kids Court series (Simon & Schuster). His groundbreaking editorial work on DC’s Batman line and Lion Forge Animation’s Catalyst Prime helped shape a new generation of inclusive superhero storytelling. 

A recognized advocate for the medium, Joseph serves on the Board of Directors of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and is the recipient of the Inkpot Award and a Citation from the New York State Assembly. His work and commentary have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Hollywood Reporter, and the History Channel’s Superheroes Decoded.

Tony Kittrell is a rising indie comic publisher who has put in the work and has solid credentials in the Comic Industry:

– Publishing for 15 years with Advent Comics

– Created over 25 comic book titles in the Advent Universe line and publishes the creator-owned UNBOUND REALMS Imprint line

– Publishes nearly every genre of comic books

– Available globally on adventcomics.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Comixology/Comixology Unlimited, DriveThruComics.com, GlobalComix, IndyPlanet, Kindle, PREVIEWS (your local comics shops), and Walmart.

Advent Comics is an independent, small press publishing company located in Maryland that was founded in 2009 and has released several comic book and graphic novels such as Advent Comics Spotlight #1, COSMOS maxi-series, Pandemonium: Evil Incarnate graphic novel, and Titan the Ultra Man #1.

As a life-long comic book fan, Tony is focused on providing high-quality comics with ultimate fan satisfaction being the result. With a variety of truly imaginative and provocative offerings of everything from superheroes, science fiction, fantasy, action/adventure, romance, horror, religion, crime noir thrillers, humor, and more, Tony and Advent Comics will do everything possible to exceed your expectations and bring fans what they want — great comics. Tony operates on the belief that the needs of the comic industry’s fans and readers are of the utmost importance. The entire Advent Comics team is committed to meeting those needs and, as a result, welcomes the chance to deliver to you the best entertainment in the industry.

Tony worked by day as a career firefighter and paramedic for nearly 30 years, helping to keep his community safe before retiring in April to do comics full-time. In his spare time, Tony enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Some of his other hobbies include sports, movies, and travel. His favorite vacation remains his trip to Waikiki on the beautiful Hawaiian island of O’ahu where he experienced firsthand the indigenous culture while also able to enjoy bucket list items such as swimming with the dolphins.

Alitha Evelyn Martinez is the Eisner Award and GLAAD Award-winning artist of the Black Panther: World of Wakanda series. Her professional career began in 1999, penciling Iron Man for Marvel Entertainment. Since then, it’s been a great ride getting to work on titles like X-Men: Black SunMarvel Age Fantastic FourBlack PantherBlack Panther: World of WakandaX-Men Gold AnnualMoon GirlMark Morales Spider-ManFearlessVoltron, NBC’s HeroesNew 52 Bat Girl, Archie Comics’ New Crusaders and RiverdaleOmni for Humanoids, and WWE SuperstarWWE Slam City, and Barbie for Papercutz. She has worked on It’s a BirdSensational Wonder WomanNubia and the Amazons, and Amanda Waller’s Absolute Power origin story for DC Comics. The list goes on, thankfully.

Alitha has done larger projects that required more than just penciling and inking in graphic novels, like Vampire: My Boyfriend BitesKung Fu MastersQuest for Dragon Mountain for Lerner Publications, and also political cartooning for the New York Post. In her spare time, Alitha works on her creator-owned titles Yume and Ever, and Foreign, which she publishes through her company, Ariotstorm Productions, LLC. She is also a professor at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Finally, it’s official! She’s a writer, too — her longest, deepest-held dream. She has two stories for Epic under her belt, and A DC Powers Nubia story, HIZZAH!

The most rewarding part of her career is participating in the US State Department’s World Speaker Program. She travels to parts unknown to teach comic book workshops and bring the art of storytelling to people who would have no other way of getting such information. She was once in the same position, practicing a craft that she didn’t know was a profession. She loves representing her country and her industry.

Kristopher Mosby is a Baltimore-born artist raised in nearby Columbia, Maryland, and a graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where he earned a BFA in Visual Arts. A former graphic designer with Diamond Comic Distributors and Senior Designer with Voice of America in Washington, D.C., he has created cover art for several independent publishers and illustrated the graphic novel The Blood Seekers, adapted from a story by author Milton Davis. Mosby is also an amateur comic book historian with a deep appreciation for the medium and its legacy.

Ryan Sands is an actor, illustrator, and filmmaker based in Washington, DC. He’s best known for playing Geoffrey Wilder on Marvel’s Runaways, and brings over two decades of experience as a published illustrator to his work, including a Marvel Comics cover. Beyond the screen and the page, Ryan is a screenwriter, an acting teacher, and the founder of Sands Acting Studio, where he trains the next generation of performers. He continues to develop original projects spanning film, animation, and genre storytelling.

Charles Stewart is a featured artist for Marvel and DC, most recently on Marvel’s Storm: Lifedream and Avengers Academy, DC’s Power Company: Recharged and Static Team-Up: Anansi.

Brandon Thomas is the writer of Marvel’s Legend Has It with Sanford Greene and Mass Appeal, and DC’s Batman: Black and WhiteBlack Lightning, and Future State.

He is the co-creator/author of Excellence (Skybound/Image), Horizon (Skybound/Image) and The Many Adventures of Miranda Mercury from BOOM! Studios.


This year’s confirmed guests for the show include: Jason Aaron (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Arthur Adams (Longshot), Joel Adams (Ms. Mystic), Zeea Adams (Deadman), Rafael Albuquerque (Absolute Green Arrow), Marty Baumann (Pixar artist), Brett Bean (D’Orc), Josh Blaylock (Mercy Sparx, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Carolyn Belefski (Curls), Russ Braun (The Boys), Jeffrey Brown (Hulk Teach, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Jeffrey Burandt (Gonad the Ballbarian), Jim Calafiore (NED, Lord of the Pit), Eric Canete (Absolute Superman), Joe Carabeo (The Legettes), Richard Case (Doom Patrol), Keith Champagne (Stranger Things), Howard Chaykin (Time Squared), Jo Chen (Runaways), Cliff Chiang (Paper Girls), Frank Cho (Harley Quinn), Chris Claremont (Uncanny X-Men), Taurin Clarke (Star Wars: Jedi Knights), Becky Cloonan (War), Michael W. Conrad (In Bloom), Steve Conley (The Middle Age), Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn), Denys Cowan (The Question), Olivia Cuartero-Briggs (The College Try), Paris Cullins (Blue Devil), Mike Decarlo (The Simpsons), Vito Delsante (Stray), Todd Dezago (The Perhapanauts), Colleen Doran (The Sandman), Scott Dunbier (DC Silver Age Covers and Stories Artist’s Edition), Steve Englehart (Captain America), Garth Ennis (The Boys), Victor Farro (Invincible Universe: Battle Beast), Trish Forstner (Feral), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (DC Nation), David Gerrold (Star Trek), Chris Giarrusso (Mini Marvels), Randy Green (Witchblade), Che Grayson (Absolute Catwoman), Gene Ha (Mae), Bob Hall (West Coast Avengers), Cully Hamner (Blue Beetle), Scott Hanna (Amazing Spider-Man), Tony Harris (The Whistling Skull), Dean Haspiel (Chest Face), Glenn Hauman (They Keep Killing Glenn), Mike Hawthorne (Deadpool), Marc Hempel (Sandman), Jamal Igle (Superman), Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Infernal Hulk), Klaus Janson (Daredevil), JG Jones (Wanted), Joëlle Jones (Lady Killer), Dan Jurgens (Action Comics), Chris Kemple (Red Vengeance), Tom King (Wonder Woman), Peter Krause (The Power of Shazam, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Mike Kunkel (Herobear and the Kid), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Creees Lee (Sorcerer Supreme), Jae Lee (Inhumans), Jim Lee (Batman: H2SH), Rick Leonardi (Spider-Man 2099), Tula Lotay (Bloodland), Nate Lovett (Commander Tomorrow), Kevin Maguire (Justice League), Anthony Marques (Superman Unlimited), Laura Martin (Nubia: Queen of the Amazons, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Shawn Martinbrough (Red Hood: The Hill), Ron Marz (Green Lantern), Jose Marzen Jr. (Y: The Last Man), Mike McKone (Teen Titans), Bob McLeod (New Mutants), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), Adriana Melo (Fantastic Four), Pop Mhan (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe), Joshua Middleton (Aquaman), Al Milgrom (Spectacular Spider-Man), Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise), Mark Morales (Thor), Bill Morrison (The Simpsons), Drew Moss (Thundercats), Trevor Mueller (Bat Pat), Sarah Myer (TMNT Saturday Morning Adventures), Phil Noto (Fantastic Four: First Foes), Kevin Nowlan (Batman: Sword of Azrael), Patrick Olliffe (Untold Tales of Spider-Man), Jerome Opena (Uncanny X-Force), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jimmy Palmiotti (The Punisher), Dan Parent (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), Margeaux Pepoy (Simone & Ajax), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Pornsak Pichetshote (Absolute Green Arrow), Stephen Platt (Moon Knight), Andy Price (My Little Pony), Joe Pruett (Savage Sword of Conan), Tom Raney (Incredible Hulk), Afua Richardson (Kahhori: Reshaper of Worlds), James Robinson (Starman), Tone Rodriguez (Feral, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (The Perhapanauts), Stephane Roux (Void Rivals), Andy Runton (Owly), Ethan Sacks (Old Man Hawkeye), Stuart Sayger (Red Sonja), Joe Schmalke (We Don’t Kill Spiders), Erica Schultz (Rogue), Louise Simonson (The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special), Walter Simonson (Thor), Don Simpson (Megaton Man), Matthew Dow Smith (DC’s Misfits of Magic), Scott Snyder (Friday and Sunday only, DC K.O.), John K. Snyder III (Suicide Squad), Mark Sparacio (Liberty Girl Deluxe), Cat Staggs (David Dastmachian’s Through), Jim Starlin (Dreadstar), Joe Staton (Dick Tracy), Brian Stelfreeze (Black Panther), Karl Story (Batman & Robin), Martha Thomases (Dakota North), Frank Tieri (Absolute Batman: Ark-M), Peter J. Tomasi (The Rocketfellers), Billy Tucci (Shi), Jonathan Uribe (Spawn, courtesy of Comics and Collectibles R Us), Gus Vazquez (Sunfire and the Big Hero Six), Wade Von Grawbadger (Justice League), Dave Wachter (Godzilla), Steve Walker (Pay the Devil), Lee Weeks (Batman/Catwoman Special), Mark Wheatley (Breathtaker), Bob Wiacek (All-New Wolverine, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Matt Wieringo (Stargate Atlantis: Gateways), Keith Williams (Web of Spider-Man), Ron Wilson (Marvel Two-In-One), Chuck Wojtkiewicz (Justice League, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Rich Woodall (Sgt. Werewolf), Kelly Yates (Doctor Who), and Thom Zahler (Long Distance).

SDCC 2026: Joseph P. Illidge’s Illuminous teams with Danny Potter, Charlie Brafman, and Marco Turini for Centaur Riders: Cataphract Legacy

Ahead of San Diego Comic-Con International, Illuminous has announced its first client acquisition, marking the beginning of a new collaboration with entrepreneur Danny Potter and acclaimed artist Marco Turini, as Centaur Riders: Cataphract Legacy moves toward its inaugural Kickstarter campaign with a 64-page debut comic.

Drawing on decades of experience developing stories and shaping iconic properties—including editorial leadership on DC Comics’ Batman line and creative work with Heavy Metal’s legendary Taarna franchise—Joseph P. Illidge, founder of Illuminous, works closely with creators to refine narrative foundations, strengthen worldbuilding, and position projects for long-term growth across publishing and entertainment. The company’s approach is rooted in helping creators identify what makes their ideas unique and developing intellectual property with lasting cultural and commercial value.

Centaur Riders: Cataphract Legacy is a dark fantasy epic created by Danny Potter, written by award-winning filmmaker and storyteller Charlie Brafman, and illustrated by artist and concept designer Marco Turini. Set in Ashvaren, a richly imagined world of centaurs, minotaurs, druids, prophecy, and ancient empires, the story follows Artemis—the last centaur—as he embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth about his origins and the fate of a people believed lost to history. 

The upcoming Kickstarter campaign for Centaur Riders: Cataphract Legacy Volume 1 marks the next major milestone for the project, inviting readers into the world of Ashvaren for the very first time. The upcoming Kickstarter campaign for Centaur Riders: Cataphract Legacy marks the next major milestone for the project, inviting readers into the world of Ashvaren for the very first time. As Illuminous’ first client acquisition, the campaign represents a significant step forward for both the project and the company’s creator-focused approach to developing original intellectual property.

New History of the DC Universe: The Dakota Incident Gets a New Printing. Returns in April

Nothing alleged about it, following strong demand at comic shops, New History of the DC Universe: The Dakota Incident is returning to shelves on April 22. Dan Mora leads the second printing with a brand-new Second Printing variant cover, while Diego Olortegui’s second Printing main cover will feature a recolored logo.

The issue is led by writers Joseph P. IllidgeStephanie WilliamsMorgan Hampton, and Nikolas Draper-Ivey, with art by Carlo PagulayanValentine De LandroEdwin Galmon, and others. Covers for the issue include work by Diego OlorteguiDenys CowanDan JurgensYasmine PutriCarlo Pagulayan, and Sway. The story reframes Dakota City as a pivotal battleground whose consequences continue to ripple throughout the DC Universe. 

Spinning out of the pages of New History of the DC Universe, uncover an untold moment in DC history, where a murder leads to an all-out war between the heroes of Dakota City and the U.S. government led by Lex Luthor. As their home becomes a battlefield, what must Static, Rocket, and the others sacrifice to keep their loved ones safe? But as heroes fall in the past, the stage is set for their return in the present…

Originally released February 25, New History of the DC Universe: The Dakota Incident quickly generated significant attention among retailers and readers, with the first printing selling through at distribution shortly after release. The story dives deep into the events that shaped the Milestone Universe while placing them within the evolving historical framework of DC’s larger mythology.

With demand for the issue continuing to grow, the second printing ensures that readers and collectors will have another opportunity to experience this important chapter in the evolving history of Dakota City and the DC Universe. 

Check out our review of New History of the DC Universe: The Dakota Incident and the new covers below.

New History of the DC Universe: The Dakota Incident Lays Out the Past, Present, and Future

Spinning out of the pages of New History of the DC Universe, uncover an untold moment in DC history, where a murder leads to an all-out war between the heroes of Dakota City and U.S. government! As their home becomes a battlefield, what must Static, Rocket, and the others sacrifice to keep their loved ones safe? But as heroes fall in the past, the stage is set for their return in the present…

Story: Joseph P. Illidge, Stephanie Williams, Morgan Hampton, Nikolas Draper-Ivey
Art: Valentine De Landro, Carlo Pagulayan, Stephen Segovia, Fico Ossio, Edwin Galmon
Ink: Jason Paz
Color: Marissa Louise, John Kalisz, Andrew Dalhouse
Letterer: Andworld Design

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.

Zeus Comics
Kindle

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

MegaKat City Has Fallen in the First-Ever Swat Kats Comic

It’s been over three decades since Swat Kats first launched missiles (and hearts) across television screens worldwide. Now, the cult-favorite cartoon is back—and it’s getting its very first comic book series. On the project, co-writer Frank J. Barbiere teams up with Kevin Roditeli, the founder of Roditeli Productions and former co-founder of Massive Publishing. And fresh off his Golden Issue Award-winning run on Transformers, the series also marks the return of acclaimed artist Jorge Corona.

Joining the team is veteran editor Joseph P. Illidge, whose work at DC Comics on Batman and Milestone helped shape modern superhero storytelling. The upcoming comic will debut on Kickstarter this fall with exclusive content and surprises for fans old and new.

Created by Christian and Yvon TremblaySwat Kats originally aired in 1993, produced by the legendary Hanna-Barbera. The show has been broadcast in over 76 countries and remains one of the most iconic cartoons of the ’90s, thanks to its slick jet-fueled action, gritty art style, and cult fan following.

Titled MegaKat City Has Fallen, the story picks up with the city in ruins and the Radical Squadron facing their greatest threat yet. It’s the launch point for a bold new era of Swat Kats, with more stories planned across multiple mediums.

More contributors and variant covers will be revealed leading up to the Kickstarter launch, which is expected to feature exclusive editions, collectibles, and fan-first bonuses.

This fall, MegaKat City returns—louder, sharper, and more radical than ever. To learn more, check out the Kickstarter for Swat Kats, launching on Kickstarter in Fall 2025. 

MegaKat City Has Fallen

Preview: Bloodletter #2

Bloodletter #2

(W) Joseph P. Illidge, Tim Seeley (A/CA) Christian Rosado (C) DC Alonso (L) AndWorld Design (CB) Raymond Gay

Since getting burned all those years ago, Tasha has lived the life of a mercenary. But one chance encounter with someone from her past sends the Bloodletter down a path she may soon regret.

Bloodletter #2

Preview: Bloodletter #1 (of 5)

Bloodletter #1 (of 5)

(W) Joseph P. Illidge, Tim Seeley (A) Christian Rosado
In Shops: Jun 18, 2025
SRP: $3.99

MINISERIES PREMIERE Tasha Thornwall is THE BLOODLETTER, mystical mercenary of the world’s secret underground. A former CIA operative forced to live in the shadows after being outed by Al Simmons 10 years ago, Tasha is now out for revenge when she learns Al Simmons is alive as Spawn. The mission to hunt down and kill Spawn begins in this debut miniseries by JOSEPH P. ILLIDGE (DC Comics’ The Shadow Cabinet) and TIM SEELEY (HACK/SLASH, LOCAL MAN, Nightwing), along with the incredible art talents of CHRISTIAN ROSADO.

Bloodletter #1 (of 5)

A Vengeful Sorceress Stalks the Spawn Universe in Bloodletter #1

The Spawn Universe expands once again with Bloodletter, the latest addition to the ever-expanding world, and coming from Image Comics!

Helmed by celebrated former editor, Illuminous founder, and writer, Joseph P. Illidge alongside Tim Seeley and Christian RosadoBloodletter takes readers deep into the unspoken lore of Spawn’s world, uncovering a secret history stitched together with horror, espionage, and sorcery.

Illidge—known for his industry-defining work across the comics platform—brings a commanding vision to the title’s lead, crafting a protagonist as powerful as she is haunted. Working in lockstep with Seeley, Rosado, colorist DC Alonso, and letterers AndWorld Design, the creative team paints a portrait of a woman waging war against human and infernal forces.

Tasha Thornwall is THE BLOODLETTER, mystical mercenary of the world’s secret underground. A former CIA operative forced to live in the shadows after being outed by Al Simmons 10 years ago, Tasha is now out for revenge when she learns Al Simmons is alive as Spawn. The mission to hunt down and kill Spawn begins in this debut miniseries.

While Bloodletter carves its own path, the series remains grounded in the legacy of Spawn—a character and universe created by Todd McFarlane that redefined creator-owned comics. With Tasha now stepping into the shadows left behind, the series builds a bridge between the foundational myths and the next era of supernatural storytelling.

Bloodletter #1 hits shops June 18, 2025, and is now available for preorder, with Bloodletter #2 arriving July 23.

Bloodletter #1

Preview: Milestone Universe: The Shadow Cabinet #1 (of 4)

Milestone Universe: The Shadow Cabinet #1 (of 4)

(W) Joseph P. Illidge (A) Darryl Banks, Atagun Ilhan
In Shops: Nov 20, 2024
SRP: $4.99

In the six months since Brainiac’s incursion into the Milestone Universe, the nefarious Dr. Edwin Alva has gone missing, Icon’s embarked on a deep space voyage, and Rocket has stepped up to fill the role of Earth’s protector–but it sure does feel lonely at the top. That is, until Rocket finds herself recruited by the Shadow Cabinet, a mysterious cabal of powered individuals who’ve been saving the world in secret for decades! In Dr. Alva’s absence, his estranged half-sister Angela has led a hostile takeover of S.Y.S.T.E.M.–the evil organization of world superpowers he left behind. Angela’s dead set on proving herself even more ruthless than her brother, and nothing and no one will stand in her way…unless the Shadow Cabinet steps back into the light. They want to bring Rocket into the fold to take S.Y.S.T.E.M. down. But after a few too many rocky partnerships, is she willing to hear them out? With original Milestone Media contributor Joseph P. Illidge at the helm, the world-spanning story that began in Milestone Returns will reach its fever-pitch climax–and no one in the Dakotaverse is safe!

Milestone Universe: The Shadow Cabinet #1 (of 4)

Crowdfunding Corner: Epiphany Engine brings together over 70 Black creators and over 40 publishers

Backer Beware: Crowdfunding projects are not guaranteed to be delivered and/or delivered when promised. We always recommend to do your research before backing.

Over 70 Black creators are teaming up with Advent Comics and over 40 comic book and graphic novel publishers for the cosmic crossover project Epiphany Engine, a 192-page graphic novel. The project which launches with a Kickstarter campaign is led by publishing legend Tony Kittrell and acclaimed editor and creator Joseph P. Illidge, who serves as Editorial Director, with editor Marcus H. Roberts and Assistant Editor Brian J. HawkinsEpiphany Engine will feature an epic multiverse story, assembling iconic Black heroes and villains and original characters in an adventure that spans several chapters. Each chapter will showcase the work of a different creative team, giving Black creators from across the publishing world the opportunity to combine their powers. Readers and fans can back Epiphany Engine on the Kickstarter campaign, which features a variety of exciting reward options.

Superstar scribe Brandon Thomas will be launching the book by writing the first chapter; the book will also feature the work of popular creators such as Rodney Barnes, Chuck Patton, John Jennings, Jamal Igle, Colleen Douglas, and many more. Publishers involved in the project include 4th Wall Productions, Griot Enterprises, Konkret Comics, and Second Sight Publishing, among many others.

Covers for Epiphany Engine are from a superstar group of artists including Chriscross, Keron Grant, Alitha E. Martinez, Jamal Igle, Sean Damien Hill, Canaan White, Marcus Williams, Kris Mosby, Michael Watson, Stanley Weaver, Jr., and Eric Battle.

The afterword will be written by Marcus H. Roberts of Second Sight Publishing, most known for their series of SHOOK! horror anthology graphic novels co-published by Dark Horse and Mississippi Zombie anthology series co-published by Caliber.

Inspired by seminal dimensional crossover stories such as DC’s Crisis on Infinite Earths and the family drama of Fantastic FourEpiphany Engine follows the McKalis, a family of brilliant scientists who have been scattered across the dangerous multiverse after a fight with the mysterious adversary, Abzylom. The fabric of the multiverse has ruptured, causing universes to bleed into each other and sending most of the Mackali family into scattered destinations, leaving the youngest member Todd McKali without his family in a cosmic and frightening variation on Home Alone. Abzylom wants to collapse the existing multiverse and mold a new universe while destroying the McKalis. In order to save the multiverse and defeat their cosmic foe, the family must find each other and build an army of fighters from across the multiverse of Black superheroes.

The McKali family is led by Prof. Dwayne McKali, an incredibly brilliant explorer and father, but often myopic and overcontrolling, and Dr. Jackie McKali, a world renowned physicist and mother who is the balanced yang to Dwayne’s ying. In order to save the multiverse, the parents team up with their gifted kids, 19-year old Jett McKali, an impulsive tech genius who is unafraid to jump into the fray, and 17-year-old Octavia McKali, a chemist and theorist who keeps the family together and on task. The family is inspired by historical real-life and fictional figures: iconic writer Dwayne McDuffie, legendary comics creator Jackie Ormes, Disney’s “The Famous Jett Jackson”, award-winning science fiction author Octavia Butler, and legendary actor Tony Todd of the seminal horror film “Candyman”.

Dwayne and Jackie’s youngest son, 10-year-old Todd McKali, is a child prodigy who incorporates all of the specialties of his famous family. The family is hunted by the villainous Abzylom. Unhinged, psychopathic and incredibly brilliant, Abzylom has been traversing the multiverse and his body has become infused with the chaotic energies that bind and separate universes.

Along with these original characters, Epiphany Engine will share the stage with legendary Black characters such as Andre Batts & Urban Style Comics’ mystical protector Dreadlocks, Roosevelt Pitt & Amara Entertainment’s Purge character, Jiba Molei Anderson & Griot Enterprises’ African deities superteam The Horsemen, Danny J. Quick ‘s 4th Wall Productions’ MMA ninja Aceblade, Lonzo Starr & Konkret Comics’ cosmic hero Akolyte, Dorphise Jean & Spirits Destiny Studios Haitian heroine Spirit Destiny, Bradley Golden & Second Sight Publishing’s character Victoria Black, Michael Watson’s Freestyle Komics’ powerful Hotshot, Anansi the trickster god of stories, Ray-Anthony Height & Studio Skye-Tiger’s heroic vigilante Midnight Tiger, Quinn McGowan & Legends Press’ highflyer Wildfire and Tony Kittrell/Advent Comics’ powerhouse Titan the Ultra Man. These fan-favorite heroes and heroines are just the tip of the iceberg of the characters that will be appearing within the pages of the Epiphany Engine Graphic Novel.

« Older Entries