The AAL Football Championship is days away — and quarterback Max Dupree is cracking under the weight of it. The pressure to win, the whispers from the sidelines, the sense that something bigger than just the game is at stake… it’s starting to cost him more than his focus.
Across town, St. Augustine Tribune reporter Rita is chasing a lead no one else will touch — a string of suicides with a chilling connection to the AAL. The deeper she digs, the clearer it becomes: This isn’t coincidence. It’s a pattern. And each and every one of the deceased died smiling…
As Max spirals and Rita closes in, the truth behind the city’s gambling underworld threatens to surface. And it could cost them both everything.
The clock is ticking. The game is fixed. And someone is going to lose far more than the championship in issue #2 of Any Given Smile, based on the critically acclaimed film franchise.
Since her debut in All-Star Comics #8 in 1941, Wonder Woman has stood as a champion of truth, compassion, and equality throughout the DC Universe and beyond. Princess Diana of Themyscira has lived many lives, but her commitment to peace and justice has never wavered. On the anniversary of the Amazon Princess’s historic DC debut, DC looks toward her extraordinary future by declaring 2027 the Year of Wonder, an unforgettable year of stories from celebrated comic book creators.
Legendary writer Louise Simonson writes DC’s main Wonder Woman series for the first time beginning with Wonder Woman #41 on January 20, joining acclaimed artist Cian Tormey for a new four-issue story that establishes a bold new status quo for Diana and her world.
In Simonson and Tormey’s story, Wonder Woman is determined to abolish the Amazon Safety Act and clear the way for her sisters to return to the shores of Man’s World. But after everything they have endured, are the Amazons ready to return, or have they given up on saving humanity from itself?
Following Simonson and Tormey’s four-issue story, writer Stephanie Williams and artist Elena Casagrande take the reins for an all-new six-issue arc continuing the Year of Wonder through October 2027.
Williams returns to Diana’s world after contributing four issues to DC’s Wonder Woman series in 2026 and co-writing Wonder Woman 2026 Annual: Wonder War – The Matriarch Special #1. She currently writes the DC GO! webcomic series Warriors and a Wee Wonder, which will soon transition to Warriors and a ’Tween Wonder. Together with Casagrande on DC’s main Wonder Woman series, Williams will carry Wonder Woman into the next chapter of a year designed to celebrate the character’s enduring power, limitless potential, and place at the heart of the DC Universe.
More Wonder Woman stories and superstar creators will be revealed as DC’s Year of Wonder continues throughout 2027.
Wonder Woman #41, written by Louise Simonson with art by Cian Tormey, features a main cover by Ryan Sook and variant covers by Daniel Sampere, Walter Simonson, and Tormey. The issue also features a foil variant cover by David Nakayama and a Sweater Weather variant cover by Alexander Lozano. The 32-page issue arrives at participating comic book shops and digital retailers on January 20, 2027, for $4.99 US, with card stock variants available for $5.99 US.
CELEBRATE WONDER WOMAN WITH DC
Readers can celebrate Wonder Woman’s anniversary with a special selection of stories available through DC Universe Infinite. The Get to Know! Wonder Woman collection brings together defining adventures from across Diana’s remarkable history, with six comics available for fans to read for free on DC’s digital comics platform: Wonder Woman #1 (2023) by Tom King and Daniel Sampere, Wonder Woman #2 (2016) by Greg Rucka and Nicola Scott, Wonder Woman #226 (2006) by Greg Rucka and Cliff Richards, Wonder Woman: Steve Trevor Special #1 (2017) by Tim Seeley and Christian Duce, Wonder Woman #170 (2001) by Joe Kelly and Phil Jimenez, and Wonder Woman #51 (2018) by Steve Orlando and Laura Braga.
CITY OF BURBANK HONORS WONDER WOMAN
For fans in Burbank, the Wonder Woman celebration extends beyond the page. Fans can visit the larger-than-life bronze Wonder Woman statue located in front of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood entrance at 3400 Warner Blvd. The statue, inspired by original artwork from acclaimed Wonder Woman artist Jenny Frison, offers fans a chance to celebrate the Amazon Princess and capture a photo with an iconic tribute to her enduring legacy.
Visit Burbank will also celebrate Wonder Woman on October 21 with a special comic book giveaway. Five fans will have the chance to win a commemorative Wonder Woman comic book, written by Amanda Deibert with art by Aaron Lopresti. Fans can enter by following @visitburbank and @dccomics and sharing a photo with the Wonder Woman statue. Follow @visitburbank for complete rules and eligibility; winners will be contacted by direct message on October 28.
DC has announced the launch of “Runway to Ruin,” the first-ever crossover event for DC GO!, DC’s mobile-first webcomics imprint available on DC Universe Infinite.
Beginning October 1 with Runway to Ruin Alpha and concluding October 29 with Runway to Ruin Omega, both written by Patrick R. Young with art by Andrew Drilon, the month-long event brings together characters from five fan-favorite DC GO! original series in a connected adventure. All episodes will be available to read free with registration on DC Universe Infinite.
In DC’s “Runway to Ruin,” characters from the DC GO! universe are drawn into an intergalactic fashion showcase where a mysterious new villain is weaponizing their most embarrassing memories. To stop the powerful new threat known as King Cringe, Harley Quinn, Nightwing, Jon Kent, Billy Batson and more must confront the moments they’d rather forget before they lose everything.
Participating series in DC’s “Runway to Ruin” crossover include:
Nothing Butt Nightwing— series by Patrick R. Young, Moy R. Marco
Harley Quinn in Paradise — series by CRC Payne, Siobhan Chiffon, Cathy Le
Warriors and a Wee Wonder — series by Stephanie Williams, Jane Pica, Emily Pearson, and Dominic Bustamante
Jon Kent: This Internship Is My Kryptonite — series by Sam Camp, Daimon Hampton, Seraji
The Magical Mysteries of Shazam! — series by Steve Orlando, Giopota
Following the crossover event, DC GO! will expand with three all-new original series:
Supergirl: Accidental Chef, where Kara Zor-El sets out to find herself and discovers the healing power of cooking as an apprentice aboard a floating food truck
Green Lanterns: Bad Boys for Light, where Hal Jordan and John Stewart discover that some of the coldest cases in the universe may be connected
Finding My GCPD Dad a Girlfriend, where Barbara Gordon takes it upon herself to help her perpetually single father find love
Several existing DC GO! series will continue after the event with new seasons and status quo changes, including:
Poison Ivy in Briarwood by writer CRC Payne and artist Bailie Rosenlund, continuing the story that began in Harley Quinn in Paradise
Warriors and a ‘Tween Wonder by writer Stephanie Williams and artist Dominic Bustamante, continuing the adventures of Diana of Themyscira following Warriors and a Wee Wonder
Additional new chapters of Jon Kent: This Internship Is My Kryptonite, The Magical Mysteries of Shazam!, and Nothing Butt Nightwing
The new titles launch in November, expanding the DC GO! lineup with new comedy, romance and adventure stories. Original DC GO! series consist of 26 episodes per season and are released on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule.
October will also mark a major milestone for DC GO! beyond “Runway to Ruin.” Beginning October 6, readers can pick up the first print collections of select DC GO! originals, including Nothing Butt Nightwing Vol. 1, Harley Quinn in Paradise Vol. 1, and Renaissance of Raven. Available wherever books are sold, these collections bring some of DC GO!’s most popular and award-winning webcomics to print for the first time.
Readers can catch up on participating series and follow the complete “Runway to Ruin” event on DC Universe Infinite beginning October 1. DC GO! features original stories and classic DC adventures presented in an easy-to-read vertical scrolling format designed for mobile devices. With a focus on comedy, romance, adventure and character-driven storytelling, DC GO! brings the DC Universe to readers wherever they are.
Wonder Woman 2026 Annual: Wonder War – The Matriarch Special #1
(W) Leah Williams, Stephanie Williams (A) Belén Ortega, Eduardo Pansica
MATRIARCH’S INFERNO! After the shocking events of Wonder Woman #34, the Matriarch must crawl her way through Hell and back to the land of the living to stop Steve Trevor and Trinity from changing the past. The only thing that stands in her way is a river filled with the souls of heroes and villains alike that perished by her hand. Retribution is coming for the Matriarch. Will she survive it, or is she doomed to fate?
January 1995. All eyes are on the American Arena League football championship game in St. Augustine, Florida. The Sharks gear up for the most significant event in the AAL’s 20-year history, and Maximillian Dupree—their sudden-star backup quarterback—is feeling the pressure from his teammates, his fans, and his debts to the city’s gambling underworld. A string of suicides hits the community hard, drawing a desperate sports journalist to examine their connection to the big game. No one can trust anything they see as a mind-bending entity and its frightful visions threaten their payouts, their sanity, and their lives… Any Given Smile #1 mixes the horror franchise with “Sunday’s game” bringing even more horror to football.
I’ve never seen any of the Smile movies or read the previous comic the spun off from it. So coming into Any Given Smile #1, I was a blank slate as far as knowledge and expectations. And after reading the first issue, I want to find out more. Written by Stephanie Williams, the comic mixes horror and football as the issue builds towards the big game.
The debut issue is an interesting one, teasing out what’s going on for new readers while fans of the franchise likely have a better idea of what’s going on. Individuals dealing with sports betting are all dying and all have had a contorted smile on their face. Like a virus spread around, the comic feels like it could deliver solid commentary on the proliferation of online sports betting and the damage it causes to far too many individuals.
While the original film focuses on horror through trauma, this series feels like a spin on that, the horror of virality and addiction. Everyone who dies, or is likely to die, feeds off of the addiction of gambling whether they themselves caught in it or serving others who do. It’s an interesting metaphor through horror, something the genre can excel in.
The art by Pablo Collar creates an unease throughout the issue. With color by Triona Farrell and lettering by Ariana Maher, the comic’s visuals and lettering build the general vibe of the comic with visuals teasing the madness going on. This isn’t horror with gore and violence as the draw, instead it’s visuals you can’t trust of formless beings haunting their prey. It’s a comic that builds its tension throughout leaving readers to guess what’s going on and what images they can trust. The lettering by Maher especially stands out not only emphasizing the haunting sounds individuals hear but also very cool visuals with it as well with dialogue featuring scratches out at points.
Any Given Smile #1 is a solid debut that has me intrigued and wanting to learn more, and see and read, what has previously come out. It’s a horror story that feels like it has something to say, a commentary on the current tech push of online gambling and all of the ills that it can lead to. Overall, one that’s well worth checking out if you want horror with some depth to it.
Story: Stephanie Williams Art: Pablo Collar Color: Triona Farrell Letters: Ariana Maher Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy
IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
January 1995. All eyes are on the American Arena League football championship game in St. Augustine, Florida. The Sharks gear up for the most significant event in the AAL’s 20-year history, and Maximillian Dupree — their sudden-star backup quarterback — is feeling the pressure from his teammates, his fans, and his debts to the city’s gambling underworld. A string of suicides hits the community hard, drawing a desperate sports journalist to examine their connection to the big game. No one can trust anything they see as a mind-bending entity and its frightful visions threaten their payouts, their sanity, and their lives…
Based on the critically acclaimed Smile film franchise, writer Stephanie Williams (Nubia, Roots of Madness) and GLAAD Media Award–winning artist Pablo Collar (Avengers Academy) are sure to run fear across the goal line. Time to place your bets. Kickoff approaches for a Sunday ritual that will have you ready to win… or die smiling.
The first Street Sharks comic in more than 20 years brings you extreme stories and a fintastic time! But don’t call it a comeback—they’ve been waiting for everyone else to get ready for more jawsome adventures!
The four Bolton Brothers were happy playing sports and meeting babes. But when a run-in with a mad scientist turned them into giant sharks…they only got cooler!
Kick some serious fin with Ripster, the great white head of the pack; Streex, the rollerblading ladies’ man (er, ladies’ shark); Jab, the hammerhead who loooves using his noggin; and Big Slammu, the whale shark with the whale-sized muscles, on their newest adventure! They’ll need all the help they can get to stop their archnemesis, Dr. Paradigm, from developing…the perfect predator! Little do they know, it’s already too late to stop the grossest monster they’ve ever fought from being born!
CHAMPION OF THE AMAZONS! The tale of Diana’s origin continues as she enters the Contest, where only one Amazon emerges victorious and is granted passage to Man’s World as Wonder Woman. The fate of Themyscira hangs in the balance as their princess finds herself at a crossroads, much like her own daughter, as she prepares to take down the Matriarch once and for all.
THE FATES DEFIED! After a tragic sacrifice to the Fates, Steve Trevor and Trinity race through time to reach the Matriarch before she starts her bloody campaign. Although the journey is a long and arduous one, there’s always time for a story. Witness the origin of Wonder Woman as you’ve never seen it before, told through the eyes of the man who loved her! Could Diana’s past hold the key to saving the future?
A Wave Blue World has launched their latest crowdfunding campaign, this time for the anthology Civil Disobedience: Stories of Resistance. The 150+ page anthology not only collects 16 inspiring stories or resistance, but provides useful resources and practical guides for getting involved, staying safe, and making a difference!
The stories themselves range from historical accounts of protest movements, to tales from the current political climate, to allegories set in the near and distant future. And all along the way, “guide” characters like Mayne and Henry the Antifascist Honey Badger are there to demonstrate the practical applications to the lessons found in each story.
The campaign runs to July 4. Rewards include the anthology in both digital and and print, a Kickstarter Exclusive digital “Inside Look,” as well as button, pins, and a signed book plate.
Civil Disobedience is edited by Vita Ayala, Jarred Luján & Tyler Chin-Tanner. The cover art is by Chris Shehan, with a logo by Tim Daniel. The full list of creators include: DB Andry, Vita Ayala, Henry Barajas, Angel Baron, Corinna Bechko, Chase Bluestone, Mark Bouchard, Jordan Clark, Terence F. & Jayne Ellen Clark, Tim Daniel, Noah Dao, Lucas Gattoni, Matt Harding, Jonathan Hedrick, Miguel Hernandez, Maya Houston, Jamie Jones, Liana Kangas, John Konrad, Danny Lore, Jarred Luján, Ryan Oakley, Leonie O’Moore, Micah Myers, Greg Pak, Chas! Pangburn, David Precht, Mark Russell, Seth Smith, Valentine M. Smith, Morgan Tellie, Leah Williams, Stephanie Williams, and Hana Yaacob.
We have an exclusive look at 6 pages from Mark Russell and Noah Dao‘s story. Lettered by Lucas Gattoni. The story is about the “Pink Ban” in Australia, where Macquarie University tried to evict a student from housing because he was gay, and the local building users shut down all construction on campus until he was reinstated.
