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Flash Gordon Classic Collection Vol. 7 collects Dan Barry’s strips from 1967 to 1971

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Flash Gordon’s legacy continues with the Flash Gordon Collection Vol. 7, the latest hardcover release from Mad Cave Studios in partnership with King Features, marking a pivotal stretch of the iconic Sunday strip under the stewardship of legendary cartoonist Dan Barry.

A must-have for Flash Gordon fans, collectors, and readers interested in the foundations of science fiction storytelling in comics, this Classic Collection highlights Barry at his most confident and expansive, pushing the series into strange new worlds while grounding it in the enduring heroism that defines Flash Gordon.

Strap yourself in for another rip-roaring romp through the many worlds of Flash Gordon. From the icy cold surface of Pluto, to the Death Planet, to a dimension populated by living machines… These are the continuing adventures of Flash Gordon, science fiction’s most enduring and heroic icon.

The Death Planet reprints the first four years of Dan Barry’s Flash Gordon Sunday strips from July 30, 1967, to July 18, 1971, starting with Mac Raboy’s last strip, Captured on Pluto, which Dan completed. This volume also includes an interview with Dan Barry’s long-time art assistant Bob Fujitani and a feature on Dan Barry and Harry Harrison written by comic strip expert Rick Norwood.

Flash Gordon is one of the defining pillars of science fiction adventure, originating in 1934 and shaping the visual language of the genre across comics, film, and television. Carried forward by artists like Alex Raymond, Mac Raboy, and Dan Barry, the strip remains a lasting symbol of heroism and exploration—one that Flash Gordon Classic Collection Vol. 7 continues while offering a snapshot of a creator’s craft.

This thrilling new collection arrives June 23, 2026 (FOC June 6), in hardcover (ISBN: 9781545827055 | $49.99). 

Flash Gordon Classic Collection Vol. 7

It’s The Phantom vs. The Red Dragons this June from Ray Fawkes, Lynne Yoshii, JUANCHO!, and Taylor Esposito

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Mad Cave Studios and King Features Syndicate have announced another thrilling installment in Ray Fawkes’ action-packed adventure, The Phantom vs. The Red Dragons—an oversized 40-page one-shot that moves headfirst into a brutal clash on the high seas!

Serving as a soft follow-up to The Phantom #1-5 and the previous one-shot The Phantom vs. the Sky Band, the new issue can be read as a stand-alone story while continuing the revenge plot set in motion in the earlier chapters.

This oversized issue features interior art by Lynne Yoshii, colors by JUANCHO!, and lettering by Taylor Esposito. The release also includes Cover A by Alessio Zonno and a variant Cover B by Freddie Williams II with Andrew Dalhouse.

THE PHANTOM MUST DIE!

But how do you kill a Ghost? The Red Dragons are gonna try – and anyone who gets in the way is just collateral damage! When someone in The Phantom’s familiar cowl starts sinking the Dragons’ pirate operations, Princess Sin goes on the warpath. The South China Sea belongs to the Red Dragons – and they’re not afraid of one man in a mask. Not yet. 

The Phantom vs. The Red Dragons One-Shot soars into comic shops June 17, 2026, with Final Order Cut-off on May 25.

It’s The Phantom vs. The Sky Band in April

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In a tight, 40-page one-shot, altitude, money, and machines won’t save you in Bangalla! Mad Cave Studios and King Features Syndicate has announced The Phantom vs. The Sky Band, a 40-page one-shot that drops readers into a relentless showdown where justice is swift, inescapable, and eternal.

Written by Ray Fawkes with art by Federico Sabbatini, colors by JUANCHO!, and letters by the award-winning Taylor Esposito, this one-shot follows the trail laid in The Phantom #1-5 with a new story perfect for fans of the series and brand-new readers. The Phantom vs. The Sky Band pits The Ghost Who Walks against a ruthless band of mercenaries who believed technology and altitude made them untouchable. They were wrong.

The Sky Band entered the Phantom’s domain when they took blood money to carry the Singh Brotherhood into Bangalla. They thought their helicopters would make them untraceable, immune. Now the mercenaries-for-hire will face the Phantom’s wrath. Those who survive…will be irreparably MARKED. 

The Phantom vs. The Sky Band Cover A is by Federico Sabbatini, and Cover B by Freddie Williams II and Andrew Dalhouse.

On sale April 22, 2026, The Phantom vs. The Sky Band is a 40-page one-shot that delivers a complete, high-stakes story rooted in the Phantom’s enduring legacy. Designed as an accessible entry point for new readers and a must-have chapter for longtime fans, this special issue will be available at comic shops everywhere, with Final Order Cutoff set for March 30.

Flash Gordon #0 kicks off a new era, new status quo, new arc, and new creative team

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Mad Cave Studios and King Features have announced Flash Gordon #0, a special prelude issue marking the start of an all-new era for the iconic sci-fi hero!

Written by New York Times bestselling author Dan Abnett, with art by Manuel Garcia, colors by Ceci de la Cruz, and letters by Taylor Esposito, Flash Gordon #0 sets the stage for Abnett and Garcia’s upcoming run—officially launching the following month with Flash Gordon #16, a new arc positioned as a bold new #1 for readers. Issue #0 features a main cover by Joe Quinones and a variant cover by Miguel Mercado.

This oversized issue reveals what comes next: a grounded Flash Gordon, a world once again reaching for the stars, and a looming cosmic threat that refuses to stay distant.

A NEW ERA OF FLASH!

Flash Gordon has always been a maverick, on the football field and in the stars. But when he’s offered a job training the next generation of explorers, he’ll end up fighting for top gun! A “quick trip” around Neptune’s moons with Flash’s cadets turns into a deadly alien hunt – and one of the new recruits thinks they can save the day without the dusty instructor.

Introducing a new supporting cast—enemies and allies alike—and setting the stage for a swashbuckling new story, Flash Gordon #0 is a can’t-miss!

Flash Gordon #0 arrives in comic shops on April 8, 2026, and serves as the official prelude to the new ongoing arc beginning with Flash Gordon #16, where the final order cutoff is April 9.

Phantom 2040: A New Shadow Launches from Alex Segura and Michael Moreci, Only on Comics Kingdom

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A legacy reborn, a new Phantom rises in the year 2040. King Features Syndicate has debuted Phantom 2040: A New Shadow, an all-new webcomic series that reimagines the iconic “Ghost Who Walks” for a new generation. In a fractured 2040 ravaged by climate collapse, aimless ex-soccer star Carlos Osorio takes up the mantle of The Phantom to stand up against an ambitious corporate villain— forcing him to become The Ghost Who Walks and fight to save humanity. 

Season one of Phantom 2040: A New Shadow includes 20 chapters, releasing in weekly installments in a vertical scroll format, as popularized on platforms like Webtoons, exclusively on Comics Kingdom. The series reunites powerhouse duo Alex Segura and Michael Moreci as co-writers, with art by John Amor and edited by King Features’ Alex Garcia. Phantom 2040 is based on the iconic character and first costumed hero, who was introduced in 1936 by Lee Falk in the classic comic strip, The Phantom.

In 2040, Earth’s climate has collapsed, nations have splintered, and York’s megacorp ZERO shelters the elite behind Bot‑guarded steel walls. During a hyped press event at Walker’s Table, The Phantom’s legendary refuge, billionaire Charles Tyrus displays The Phantom costume, declaring himself humanity’s savior, but instead, Carlos Osorio, a Mexican American ex-pro soccer phenom, steps into the role of The Phantom. Hunted by ZERO, guided by a battle-scarred Kit Walker II, and drawn toward the vast Ghost Jungle, Earth’s last living rainforest straddling the U.S.–Mexican border, Carlos must embrace the myth of The Ghost Who Walks to defend the planet’s final green spark and topple Tyrus’s ruthless techno‑empire. 

New chapters of Phantom 2040: A New Shadow will be released on Wednesdays at ComicsKingdom.com. Fans can read up to four chapters for free, with full access to Phantom 2040: A New Shadow available exclusively to Comics Kingdom subscribers.

Phantom 2040: A New Shadow

Dan DiDio and Jim Calafiore team up for Defenders of the Earth from Mad Cave Studios

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Iconic heroes pass the torch to the next generation! Embark on the return of Defenders of the Earth, an exhilarating reimagining of the beloved adventure series, coming soon from Mad Cave Studios. Inspired by the classic Defenders of the Earth cartoon series, writer Dan DiDio and artist Jim Calafiore join forces in this groundbreaking comic, sure to shake up the universe.

The newly-minted Defenders of the Earth comic is not just about superheroes; it’s about the human struggles and triumphs behind the masks—drawing inspiration from contemporary issues and timeless themes, while tackling relevant topics of gender, familial expectations, and the ethical dilemmas of modern heroism. With society at a crossroads and betrayal lurking in the shadows, the fate of Earth hangs in the balance. Each character grapples with their own demons, forging their own path while honoring the legacy of those who came before them.

Flash Gordon, The Phantom, Mandrake the Magician and Lothar are united again in this reimagining of the classic animated series, Defenders of the Earth. Picking up with characters and storylines from the original series, Flash confronts Ming in a final battle, only to find that even greater threats await him and his teammates as they each must confront ghosts of their past to protect their families and future.

The first action-packed issue in an eight-part series!

Defenders of the Earth is an epic journey of courage, sacrifice, and redemption, reminding us all that the greatest battles are fought not with fists, but with heart. Fans of the original series will find plenty to love while blazing a trail for the next generation of heroes.

Cover A by Jim Calafiore, cover B “action figure variant” by Djordje Djokovic, and cover C by Andy Clarke (2000 AD). Letters by Carlos M. Mangual.

Defenders of the Earth #1 from Mad Cave Studios in partnership with brand owner, King Features, hits shops August 14th. 

Dark Horse reveals more Art of Cuphead

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King Features Syndicate has announced a feast-worthy lineup of upcoming book releases for Cuphead fans from Dark Horse Books, including the new graphic novel, Cuphead Volume 3: Colorful Crack-Ups & Chaos, and two art books titled The Art of The Cuphead Show and The Art of Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course. The announcement includes the official cover reveals for both The Art of The Cuphead Show and The Art of Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course.

Cuphead Volume 3: Colorful Crack-Ups & Chaos, Cuphead, Mugman, and Ms. Chalice return in this brand-new collection of chaos and capers! The gang gets themselves into some close calls and hilarious hiccups featuring ice cream enterprises, literally jumping into board games, and more! This original graphic novel features exciting all-new adventures drawn in the magnificent, magical, award-winning vintage style of Cuphead. The graphic novel spans 72 pages and measures at 6”x9”. It will be available August 20, 2024 in bookstores and August 21, 2024 in comic shops and will retail for $10.99. Pre-order links for all these books can be found below.

Cuphead Volume 3: Colorful Crack-Ups & Chaos

The Art of The Cuphead Show explores the creation story of the acclaimed Netflix animated series, The Cuphead Show! The series’ producers, writers, graphic artists, and more take readers on a deep dive into the development and production of this beloved series. Never-before-seen production art, character designs, and more await inside this hardcover art book collection. The book contains 248 pages and measures at 8.5”x11”. It will be available September 3, 2024 in bookstores and September 4, 2024 in comic shops for $49.99.

The Art of The Cuphead Show

And finally, following the highly successful The Art of Cuphead book released in 2020, The Art of Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course again transports readers back to the classic rubber hose cartoon style of 1930s animation with an art book celebrating the extension pack to the acclaimed platformer, Cuphead…The Delicious Last Course! Take a gander at the celebrated expansion’s traditional hand-drawn frame-by-frame animation and peek at the early concepts, production work, and unused ideas that went into the making of The Delicious Last Course’s new characters, bosses, and stages! Relive the most cherished and challenging moments of Cuphead and Mugman’s adventure with their new pal Ms. Chalice, all in a way you’ve never seen before! The book contains 272 pages and measures at 8.5”x11”. The art book will be available October 8, 2024 in bookstores and October 9, 2024 in comic shops  and will retail for $39.99 for the standard edition and $99.99 for the deluxe edition.

The Art of Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course

FCBD 2024: Eye Lie Popeye is an anime-inspired reimagining of the classic character. Get a first look this Free Comic Book Day!

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Popeye the Sailor Man, one of the most recognizable figures in comic book and animation with a rich 95-year history, makes his triumphant return to comic shops this Saturday, May 4th with a special 24-page preview of the upcoming Eye Lie Popeye #1. The Eye Lie Popeye series is being developed by Massive Publishing and King Features Syndicate. The introduction to the anime-influenced reimagining of Popeye’s world will be available at the annual Free Comic Book Day.

Massive will be following up their promotional Free Comic Book Day release with a mega-sized 40-page debut issue which can be preordered now at comic fans’ favorite local or online comic book retailers. The 5-issue miniseries will launch later this Summer and be offered monthly through the Deluxe Publisher’s exclusive partner for periodical comics, Diamond Comics Distributors, and on their webstore.

In this brand-new series, the classic comic strip and cartoon character has been reimagined for the modern age by Writer/Artist Marcus Williams. Eye Lie Popeye updates the pop-culture icon in a high-energy, manga-inspired take that channels the action of top-selling manga staples like One Piece and Dragon Ball. This new incarnation of the classic cast will appeal to both traditional comic fans and younger manga readers alike as it explores Popeye’s past and finally reveals the century-long mystery of how he lost his eye! Was it an epic battle or some nautical accident? The truth finally comes out as an old enemy from the sea returns to face off against the Sailor Man himself.

Popeye fans are invited to celebrate his 95th anniversary by jumping into this new original adventure, Eye Lie Popeye!

Mad Cave Studios partners with King Features Syndicate for a New Official Flash Gordon Publishing Line

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Flash Gordon logo

King Features Syndicate has announced a master publishing partnership with Mad Cave Studios to develop a full line of new narratives, comics reprints and graphic novels starring its iconic hero Flash Gordon. The initial Flash Gordon stories are slated to be released in 2024.

Flash Gordon, an iconic American comic strip created and originally drawn by Alex Raymond, has become a timeless symbol of thrilling space adventures and heroic exploits. Since its debut in 1934, Flash Gordon has captured the imagination of readers worldwide with its dynamic storytelling, captivating artwork, and memorable characters.

Under this partnership, expect thrilling escapades, imaginative worlds, and epic storytelling as Flash Gordon once again takes center stage in the world of comics and graphic novels.

King Features and Mad Cave Studios will not only bring new and original Flash Gordon content to eager fans but will also ensure the preservation and availability of timeless classics. 

Additionally, Mad Cave Studios, through their middle-grade imprint, Papercutz, will look to introduce Flash Gordon to the next generation through a young readers program. This collaboration presents a unique opportunity to unite fans of all ages in their love for Flash Gordon.

Dark Horse Books dives into the visual journey of the creation of The Cuphead Show

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Dark Horse Books and King Features Syndicate presents The Art of The Cuphead Show! Lead writer of the popular Netflix series, Deeki Deke, guides fans on a behind-the scenes tour through The Cuphead Show!’s creation including never before seen graphics and insights directly from the crew.

Immerse yourself in the creation story of the acclaimed Netflix animated series, The Cuphead Show! as series’ producers, writers, graphic artists, and more take you on a deep dive into the development and production of one of the hottest animated series around! Never-before-seen production art, character designs, and more await in The Art of The Cuphead Show!.

Since The Cuphead Show! first debuted in February 2022, the animated adaptation of the award-winning video game has received high praise for its stunning designs and classic animation art style. The Cuphead Show! is executive produced by Dave Wasson, Chad Moldenhauer, Jared Moldenhauer, and CJ Kettler, with Cosmo Segurson serving as co-executive producer. Due to the massive success and popularity of the first drop of The Cuphead Show!, Cuphead, Mugman and the Inkwell Isles crew returned to Netflix with new episodes and in August, and more misadventures are planned to hit the streamer on November 18.

The Art of The Cuphead Show! hardcover volume will be available for purchase in Summer 2023 — in bookstores June 27 followed by comic stores on June 28. It is now available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at your local comic shop and bookstore. The Art of The Cuphead Show! will retail for $49.99.

The Art of The Cuphead Show! 
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