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ComicsPRO 2026: M.A.S.K. by Dan Watters and Pye Parr joins the Energon Universe in June

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As announced today in Robert Kirkman’s keynote address at ComicsPro, Skybound, Image Comics, and Hasbro, will deliver an all-new addition to the Energon Universe, M.A.S.K., by writer Dan Watters, artist Pye Parr, colorist Pierluigi Casolino, and letterer Rus Wooton. Together, they’re launching the most anticipated new series of the year, where anyone–and everyone–in the Energon Universe must join the fight for humanity’s survival. The historic first issue of this explosive new ongoing series hits comic book shelves June 3, 2026. 

The world is becoming a terrifying place. Matt Trakker needs your help saving it. Enter M.A.S.K. — a network of specialists ready to respond to the next global emergency. At a moment’s notice, Trakker and his agents can deploy bleeding-edge technology that converts their vehicles–and their drivers–into the ultimate weapon. But Miles Mayhem and V.E.N.O.M. are one step ahead in a secret arms race, scouring the globe for deadly weapons from this planet and beyond, ready to sell out the entire human race. Only M.A.S.K. can stop them… but will Trakker’s own secrets jeopardize their entire mission?   

In addition to the main cover by Pye Parr, the lineup of variant covers for M.A.S.K. #1 includes open-to-order covers by J. Scott Campbell, Cedric Poulat, and Mark Spears, Energon Universe Third Anniversary connecting covers by Tom Reilly and Adriano Lucas, incentive variant covers by Kael Ngu, E.J. Su, Jonboy Meyers, Joshua Cassara and Romulo Fajardo Jr., and Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer, blank sketch covers featuring M.A.S.K. and V.E.N.O.M., foil covers by Pye Parr and J. Scott Campbell, and die-cut foil mask covers by Pye Parr, Luke Preece and Andres Juarez. 

M.A.S.K. #1 also features a first-ever Energon Universe blind bag program that allows fans a chance to get ANY of the solicited covers from A through K, intermixed at varying degrees of rarity. However, there are rare SURPRISE variant covers related to the Energon Universe that can be found in these blind bags. Those SURPRISE comics will not be publicly announced in advance of the issue release. 

In celebration of M.A.S.K.’s arrival in the Energon Universe, Skybound and Hasbro will feature an exclusive first look at M.A.S.K. in the Energon Universe Special 2026, a Free Comic Book Day issue releasing Saturday, May 2, 2026. The special issue will include four all-new stories from TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE, and Void Rivals and will serve as the first official glimpse into Dan Watters and Pye Parr’s M.A.S.K. 

Originally launched in 1985, M.A.S.K. (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand) became a pop-culture phenomenon with its mix of spy intrigue and sci-fi action. Brought to life through an animated series and bestselling toy line, M.A.S.K. followed Matt Trakker and his elite civilian task force as they battled Miles Mayhem and the criminal organization V.E.N.O.M. using advanced masks and transforming vehicles enhanced with extraordinary abilities. Now, M.A.S.K. enters the Energon Universe for a revolutionary new era. 

The full list of variant covers is below: 

  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover A by Pye Parr 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover B by J. Scott Campbell & Sabine Rich 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover C by Cedric Poulat 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover D by Mark Spears  
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover E Energon Universe Third Anniversary (Connecting) by Tom Reilly & Adriano Lucas 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover F Energon Universe Third Anniversary (Connecting) by Tom Reilly 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover G (1:25 Copy Incentive) by Kael Ngu 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover H (1:50 Copy Incentive) by E.J. Su 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover I (Foil) (1:100 Copy Incentive) by Jonboy Meyers ($5.99) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover J (1:250 Copy Incentive) by Joshua Cassara & Romulo Fajardo Jr. 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover K (1:500 Copy Incentive) by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover L Blank Sketch Cover (M.A.S.K.) ($5.99) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover M Blank Sketch Cover (V.E.N.O.M.) ($5.99) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover N (Foil) by Pye Parr ($5.99) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover O Foil) by J. Scott Campbell & Sabine Rich ($5.99) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover P (Die Cut Foil Mask Cover) by Pye Parr & Luke Preece & Andres Juarez ($5.99) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover Q (Die Cut Foil Mask Cover) by Pye Parr & Luke Preece & Andres Juarez ($5.99) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover R Blind Bag by Andres Juarez ($5.99)

Review: DC vs. Vampires #12

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DC vs. Vampires #12

DC vs. Vampires has been one of DC’s best miniseries in quite some time. The premise at first seemed a bit silly but what makes it stand out is its ability to keep you guessing. Every issue featured surprises and shocks as characters died and so many were revealed to be vampires waiting to strike. The series kept the readers paranoid as to what would happen next. So, could it’s ending live up to that? Thankfully, yes. DC vs. Vampires #12 delivers a punch of an ending that hopefully will deliver more in the future.

Written by James Tynion IV and Matthew Rosenberg, DC vs. Vampires #12 delivers a satisfying conclusion to all three of its threads. Each delivering some hope and continued desperation. Supergirl and Mary Marvel continue to fight while Green Arrow and Grifter attempt to liberate the camp. But, it’s the confrontation between Batgirl and Nightwing that’s the center of the issue.

Tynion and Rosenberg have no issue using the relationship of these two to keep readers guessing as to what might happen next. They also make the case that maybe it’s best if Barbara gives in to Dick and help guide the future of humanity. Grayson admits he has gone too far and things have spiraled further than he’s wanted. He needs Barbara’s guiding hand to correct things and find the balance. But, is this the truth or just a seductive lie to get her to fall into his control? I won’t spoil the ending but where things goes is both shocking and surprising, delivering the final unexpected punch this series has been known for.

The art by Otto Schmidt, Francesco Mortarino, and Pierluigi Casolino with lettering by Tom Napolitano continues to shine. Its art has been excellent from the start balancing the superhero aspects of the series with its horror elements. It’s a tricky one but the series has nailed it down. It could easily have gone over the top in the deaths and surprises but it instead keeps things on the right side of the line with some fantastic action sequences and emotional punches. This issue continues that to the very end with each visual delivering the extra punch the story dictates.

DC vs. Vampires #12 is a fantastic ending to the series. Hopefully, we get more. What’s presented and hinted at leaves so much more to be done and so much more to explore. Easily one of the best “Elseworlds” type event in some time, one that deserves an encore.

Story: James Tynion IV, Matthew Rosenberg
Art and color: Otto Schmidt, Francesco Mortarino, Pierluigi Casolino Letterer: Tom Napolitano
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.4 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: DC vs. Vampires #8

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DC vs. Vampires #8

I say it with every review of this series but, it might sound silly but DC vs. Vampires is so good. The short version, the vampire nation has had enough. With a new leader, they have slowly turned Earth’s heroes and villains and attacked. Now, they’ve taken over the world and all that’s left is a small group of heroes and villains to stop them. DC vs. Vampires #8 is that moment where the heroes that are left say their good-byes in what is sure to be various missions that some will die. And death is part of what makes this series so good.

Written by James Tynion IV and Matthew Rosenberg, DC vs. Vampires #8 is an issue of desperation and getting things rolling. It’s clear the odds are high. The resistance that remains is fractured in what to do next. There’s multiple missions and each is likely filled with doom and ending in death. But, even bigger, one character gets a beat down and an avenue is closed off.

DC vs. Vampires #8 focuses on Constantine, Green Arrow, Black Canary, Batgirl, and Supergirl. Each has a major role to play in what’s to come and each has very differing opinions in priority. Do they free the humans being used as a blood bank? Do they go after the Vampire King (Nightwing for those not paying attention)? Or do they get their heavy hitter back on the table? How about all of the above? But what’s interesting is Tynion and Rosenberg tease that the arrogance and “I’m right” show by the various groups may lead to their doom. One individual who has been doing his own thing suffers horribly as a major shoe drops. And that’s part of what’s fun with the series. You never know who may turn, who may die, what might happen. This is a series where anything and everything is on the table.

The art by Otto Schmidt and Daniele Di Nicuolo is fantastic as always. There’s a great style to it all and in this case there’s some moments that are brutal. But, through all of the despair and desperation there’s tender moments too. We get a touching moment between two individuals about expectations which another is a sexy night before both go off to war. Colors are handed by Schmidt and Pierluigi Casolino and lettering by Tom Napolitano. It’s fantastic as always and as fun as the story is, the art is right there with it. The visuals do a great job of keeping things dark, gritty, and desperate without being overwhelming.

DC vs. Vampires #8 is another fantastic issue. If you haven’t been reading the series, go out and start from the beginning. For those that have been reading, looks like it’s game on and things are about to get wild.

Story: James Tynion IV, Matthew Rosenberg Art: Otto Schmidt, Daniele Di Nicuolo
Color: Otto Schmidt, Pierluigi Casolino Letterer: Tom Napolitano
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Shocking Secrets on Dominaria in Your First Look at Magic #5

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BOOM! Studios has revealed today a first look at Magic #5, the latest issue of the original comic book series from acclaimed writer Jed MacKay, artist Ig Guara, colorist Arianna Consonni, and letterer Ed Dukeshire, perfect for new readers and long time fans, available on August 4, 2021.

Who will Ral, Kaya, and Vraska encounter on Dominaria? The answer will scatter the Planeswalkers across the multiverse as the race to find out who is behind the attacks on Ravnica continues! The answer may lie with one of the oldest living Planeswalkers… 

Magic #5 features main cover art by acclaimed artist Qistina Khalidah as well as variant cover art by Ig Guara, illustrator Andrew Thompson, Nimit Malavia, Ornella Savarese and Pierluigi Casolino, Christian Ward, and Ario Anindito and Nicola Righi.

Magic #5

Uneasy Truths in Your First Look at EVE #3

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BOOM! Studios has revealed a first look at EVE #3, the next issue in the five-issue original series from award-winning author Victor LaValle and rising star artist Jo Mi-Gyeong, with colorist Brittany Peer and letterer AndWorld Design, about a dangerous journey across a future dystopian America to save the world, available on July 14, 2021.

Who can you trust when you’ve always been alone? Eve finally reaches dry land, but soon discovers she has company. When she encounters a mysterious group of children, she will have to grapple with the fact that not everything Wexler has told her is true. And if that’s the case, what else about her reality is a lie?

EVE #3 features main cover art by artist Ario Anindito with colors by Pierluigi Casolino, and variant covers by famed illustrator Dani Pendergast and acclaimed artist Jahnoy Lindsay.

EVE #3