Batman/Superman: World’s Finest 2026 Annual #1 Review

 

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest 2026 Annual #1 Review

Writers: Mark Russell; Mark Waid & Tyrone Finch

Artists: Clayton Henry & Patrick Boutin

Colorists: Pedro Estouco & Romulo Fajardo Jr

Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover Artist: Dan Mora

Variant Cover Artists: Rahzzah; Clayton Henry & Arif Prianto

Editors: Chris Rosa & Paul Haminski

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $5.99 US/Variant $6.99 US (Card Stock)

Release Date: July 29, 2026

 

When Superman, Batman, and Robin searched for a missing Air Force pilot, they ended up on another world. Batman and Robin befriended Warlord and his savage and beautiful cadre. Then Batman disappeared amid his search for Superman. But no one anticipated that Air Force pilot Randall Kreitzer, transformed into Tyrant Rex, could drain Superman of his powers and bestow them on his trusted lieutenants.

 

Now, Superman, Batman, and Robin have returned from Skartaris. Warlord can live out his Edgar Rice Burroughs dreams without interference from Robin. Where will the World's Finest team travel next? And what trouble will they find? Let's leap into Batman/Superman: World's Finest 2026 Annual #1 and see what happens!

 

The Hero Trap: Story

Bruce and Clark wanted to honor their fathers with a celebratory meal. But Bruce worries that Alfred won't like Clark's choice. When Jonathan and Alfred arrive, Jonathan feels at home in the Middle Ages-themed restaurant. Yet Alfred is ill at ease.

 

When Clark and Bruce receive alerts before Jonathan and Alfred can peruse the menu, Bruce leaves to assess the situation. But while Jonathan remains buoyant in Clark's company, Alfred withdraws further.

 

As Mark Russell splits the narrative between Batman, Superman, and the men who raised them, he also focuses on their dilemmas. Batman and Superman seek to rescue their friend. Yet Jonathan and Alfred, who taught them how to be heroes, must wait to learn their fate. Both fathers wrestle with letting their children live their lives, while worrying about the dangerous road they set their sons upon in Batman/Superman: World's Finest 2026 Annual #1.

 

The Hero Trap: Art

A knight clad in plate armor guards a fortress with his spear. Inside, Bruce and Clark sit side by side. Yet both men look away, as if alert for danger. When the men who raised them arrive, Jonathan waves to his son, while Alfred leans away from the wooden tables where a squire takes dinner orders.

 

As Clayton Henry conveys the action and drama, Pedro Estouco lavishes a richly colored palette on Batman/Superman: World's Finest 2026 Annual #1. While red and blue dominate scenes as both sets of heroes seek to solve a mystery, Alfred's gray vest links him with Bruce Wayne's suit and the Batmobile. Jonathan's red flannel links with the hero in need of rescue, the SUV Bruce climbs into, and the Batmobile’s turbine exhaust. While the heroes play Detective Comics in a blue room, muted colors adorn the memories that flow through their elders’ minds.

 

Date Night: Story

In the Fifth Dimension, Bat-Mite and Mr Mxyzptlk yearn for entertainment. But when Bat-Mite reads a comic asserting that Batman is a better match for Lois Lane, Mr Mxyzptlk attempts to rewrite the story. As Mark Waid and Tyrone Finch switch the action to Earth, Superman has left Lois Lane in danger to address a global threat. But Clark Kent never suspected how Bruce Wayne would stick close to Lois Lane.

 

Both Batman and Superman have egos. Clark may know Bruce is just having fun at his expense. Still, Clark decides to show Bruce just how much fun he can have as Lois’ date. After Jonathan worked tirelessly to lighten Alfred’s spirits in The Hero Trap, Clark and Bruce’s antics further lighten the tone in Date Night.

 

Date Night: Art

When Mr Mxyzptlk spies Bat-Mite eating a sandwich while reading a copy of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest 2026 Annual #1, he zooms over to grab the comic. As it floats between them, opposing waves of energy rush toward the empty pages. Then, the first page of Date Night appears. Superman rises to the forefront while Earth orbits beneath him. But when he returns to Metropolis, Superman flies past the iconic Daily Planet building toward another destination.

 

Romulo Fajardo Jr adorns Patrick Boutin’s manga-style art with a vibrant palette. As Superman hovers above them, red shadows tinge Lois and Bruce's features. When Superman interferes with their evening, Bruce exchanges his black suit for red, yellow, and blue clothes. Yet red proves Bruce's nemesis, even as Lois pulls him close and smiles at him with her red lips.

 

Lettering

Steve Wands fills white balloons and boxes with black uppercase lettering. The words shrink for lowered voices and grow bold with intonation. Large white letters in blue fields locate readers in time and space while Superman’s thoughts appear as white uppercase letters in blue boxes. Sound effects enhance vehicles, gunfire, surprise attacks, and rescue attempts. And after Batman realizes a name on a door spells death, sound effects accompany his attempt to impress the woman Superman adores. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Jonathan and Alfred defended their country. After they left the military, the men advised their sons on their future campaigns. Jonathan and Alfred may not give their sons orders when Superman and Batman leave on their missions. Yet neither man has any intention of gracefully retiring from Fatherhood in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest 2026 Annual #1.

 

Rating: 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest 2026 Annual #1.

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #53. 

 

For what happened before that, see my preview of Batman/Superman: World's Finest #52. 

For how this story arc started, see my preview of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #51.

For what happened even before that, see my preview of the oversize anniversary issue Batman/Superman: World's Finest #50. 

 

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest 2026 Annual #1 Preview

 

When Superman, Batman, and Robin searched for a missing Air Force pilot, they ended up on another world. Batman and Robin befriended Warlord and his savage and beautiful cadre. Then Batman disappeared amid his search for Superman. But no one anticipated that Air Force pilot Randall Kreitzer, transformed into Tyrant Rex, could drain Superman of his powers, and bestow them on his trusted lieutenants. 

Now, Superman, Batman, and Robin have returned from Skartaris. Warlord can fight his battles the way he sees fit, without interference from Robin. Where will the World's Finest team travel next? And what trouble will they find?

Here's all the info from DC Connect:

 

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest 2026 Annual #1 Preview

Writers: Mark Waid, Mark Russell & Tyrone Finch.

Artists: Clayton Henry & Patrick Boutin

Cover Artist: Dan Mora

Variant Cover Artists: Rahzzah & Clayton Henry

Publisher: DC Comics

Issue Length: 48 Pages

Price: $5.99 US/Variant $6.99 US (Card Stock)

Release Date: July 29, 2026

 

 

An Oversized Summer Special!

 

 

The World’s Finest attempt to have a relaxing night out with Jonathan Kent and Alfred. But after an emergency leads Batman and Superman into a trap, it’s up to the father figures to jump into the fray! Also, with Lois Lane’s current investigation putting her in Intergang’s crosshairs, Batman steps in to provide Lois backup—but as Bruce Wayne and accompanying Lois on a date!

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #53. 

For what happened before that, see my preview of Batman/Superman: World's Finest #52. 

For how this story arc started, see my preview of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #51.

For the story before that, see my preview of the oversize anniversary issue Batman/Superman: World's Finest #50. 

 

The Forgotten Divine Review

 

The Forgotten Divine Review

Writer: Mark Russell

Artist: Russ Braun

Colorist: Paul Little

Letterer: Rob Steen

Publisher: Ahoy Comics

Price: See the Kickstarter Page

Release Date: June 9, 2026

 

Rodney Coleman had a good life. Then his marriage fell apart. Still, the military trained him to be an army of one. So, homeless and unemployed, Rodney pitches a tent in the desert and contemplates his life. Where will he find inspiration? And how will he get a new start in life? Let's leap into The Forgotten Divine and see!

 

Story

Each time he visits Doc, the VA counselor offers Rodney guidance. But Doc doesn’t have it all together either. He has also seen his dreams dashed. So, Doc shares stories that his father told him. He speaks about a man who impressed his father during his tour of Vietnam. Yet the question remains for both men: what is the secret of happiness?

 

In The Forgotten Divine, Rodney can't forget his years in Afghanistan. Not only did it mark him physically. But coming back proved a difficult adjustment. Missing out on those early years of his marriage also took a toll. Still, Rodney frames every problem he encounters through the lens of his training as a Master EOD. When his subordinates struggled to defuse explosive ordnance, they came to him. Now, no longer a leader and lacking people who need him, Rodney’s future looks bleak.

 

As Mark Russell ponders the plight of soldiers struggling to adjust to civilian life, he also questions how we define our roles in society. Rodney’s dreams make him wonder if he doesn’t belong for a reason. The visions he sees while asleep make his hours awake feel like a hallucination from which he cannot escape. Yet as Rodney shares his dreams with others, he discovers that when they sleep, they also partake in the same dreams. And like Rodney, these people also believe they receive these special insights for some greater purpose in The Forgotten Divine.

 

Art

Outside a worn strip mall, helium balloons anchored by a sandwich board on a terminal island, and a window sticker alert visitors to a Veterans Administration mental health center. Rodney sits on a folding chair in jeans, a hoodie, and a camouflage jacket. Doc sits behind his desk, enjoying a corndog. As Doc shares his dad's experiences in Saigon, monks sit, clasped hands and crossed legs. Yet as Rodney stares at Doc, his unkempt beard failing to disguise the scar crossing his cheek, Rodney looks anything but Zen.

 

As Paul Little applies bright colors to Russ Braun's art, the browns, yellows, and reds of Earth's desert contrast with a vision of pink, purple, and red foliage outside a domed city. Greens and blues dominate a glimpse inside a secret world, where white-gray aliens behold a giant pink-purple eye. Unlike Rodney, the aliens evoke the monks in Vietnam, as they act in concert, each at one with their community.

 

Rob Steen fills white balloons with black uppercase dialogue, while blue boxes reveal Rodney's thoughts and narration. Other people's off-camera dialogue appears in white narrative boxes, as they give him everything he fears, and yet everything Rodney needs. Thanks to Ahoy Comics and Superfan Promotions for providing a review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

Once, Rodney felt like he belonged. But over time, everything society promised him became a lie. Still, no one wants to be alone. Mark Russell ponders what gives our lives meaning and how far we will go to defend our beliefs in the sociological science fiction story The Forgotten Divine.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

For a look inside, see my preview of The Forgotten Divine.

 

To support this project, see the Kickstarter page for The Forgotten Divine. 

The Forgotten Divine Preview

 

Rodney Coleman had a good life. Then his marriage fell apart. Still, the military trained him to be an army of one. So, homeless and unemployed, Rodney pitches a tent in the desert and contemplates his life. Where will he find inspiration? And how will he get a new start in life?

Here's all the info from Ahoy Comics:

 

The Forgotten Divine Preview
Writer: Mark Russell
Artist: Russ Braun
Colorist: Paul Little
Letterer: Rob Steen
Publisher: Ahoy Comics
Price: See Kickstarter Page
Release Date: June 9, 2026

 

AHOY Comics Launches its Debut Kickstarter For

THE FORGOTTEN DIVINE

A Satirical Sci-Fi Drama from Writer Mark Russell and Artist Russ Braun

Featuring Righteous Variant Covers by Mark Russell, Russ Braun, and Matt Bors

And A Slew of Unforgettable Campaign-Exclusive Extras

“I never miss a Mark Russell book, ever.”

—Patton Oswalt, co-creator and co-writer of Minor Threats

Since 2018, Syracuse-based indie publisher AHOY Comics has made its reputation on witty satires, acclaimed creators, and a commitment to bold and risk-taking storytelling. Now the funnybook publisher behind The Toxic Avenger, Second Coming, Justice Warriors, The Wrong Earth and more is launching its debut Kickstarter for THE FORGOTTEN DIVINE, a satirical science fiction drama from writer Mark Russell (SECOND COMING) and artist Russ Braun (The Boys). THE FORGOTTEN DIVINE will be the first of AHOY’s new AHOY Select line, their pop-up imprint for direct to consumer releases. The inaugural campaign from the publisher that asks its readers to Expect More will offer exclusive campaign-only covers, unique AHOY goodies, and more tantalizing perks yet to be announced. Sign up here to be notified when the campaign goes live.

“THE FORGOTTEN DIVINE is about why people join cults, assign meaning to mysteries, and find comfort in their own persecution,” said writer Mark Russell. “I feel like we can all either relate to these characters or see someone we know in them. We’re all looking for our Forgotten Divine.”

Meet Rodney Coleman, an unhoused veteran whose sleep is haunted by dreams of a faraway planet. (At least, he thinks they’re dreams.) Soon Coleman connects with others plagued by dreams of the same world and finds himself at the head of a UFO cult. The group's shared effort to understand their visions is heartfelt at first—but over time it descends into unreality, conspiracy, paranoia, violence, and conceivably… revelation. 

“THE FORGOTTEN DIVINE is a challenging story, both to read and to draw,” said artist Russ Braun. “The subtleties involved in the storytelling required a lot of thought; the slow evolution, ramp up, and ultimate impact is a testament to Mark's writing. Visually, we got to put some stuff out there that hasn't been seen before and that's always a blast for me. We took some risks, but I think AHOY, Mark, and I are known for that and it definitely paid off.”

The campaign includes a slew of unique tiers and exclusive extras that only the “Expect More-igans” at AHOY could dream up, including a paperback edition signed by writer Mark Russell; exclusive hardcover editions featuring variant covers by Russ Braun, Matt Bors, and Mark Russell; enamel pins featuring AHOY fan-favorite characters; prints; bathrobes; hour-long Zoom calls with Mark Russell, Russ Braun, and Editor-in-Chief Tom Peyer; and (most crucially) a virtual lock of Tom Peyer’s hair. More extras and add-ons will be announced during the campaign.

"Mark thinks deeply, and his ideas are often challenging and original. But for me it's his command of character that really puts his stories over the top,” said Editor-in-Chief Tom Peyer. “He's interested in people—and you can say the same about Russ. You won't see better 'acting' in a comic; the emotions he portrays are nuanced and completely on-target. If we read stories to be less alone, Mark and Russ consistently crush the assignment."

Not convinced yet? Well, tough cookie, we asked one of the world's funniest men to read the book, and he said this entirely of his own free will…

“Russell and company have produced yet another poignant, hilarious, and so-true-it-stings look at the times we’re living in — and what might be in store. I never miss a Mark Russell book, ever.

 —Patton Oswalt (Minor Threats)

Visit the campaign for THE FORGOTTEN DIVINE here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/comicsahoy/the-forgotten-divine-by-mark-russell-and-russ-braun?ref=ch2gds 

For more updates on AHOY Comics, visit them on X, Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

Here is another cover option:

 

 

Thanks to Ahoy Comics and Superfan Promotions for sharing this preview with us. 

 

About AHOY Comics

AHOY Comics debuted in the fall of 2018 with the bold promise for readers to expect more from its line of comic book magazines, featuring comic book stories, poetry, prose fiction, and cartoons. Brainchild of publisher Hart Seely, editor-in-chief Tom Peyer, CCO Frank Cammuso, and Ops guy Stuart Moore, the Syracuse-based indie publisher has made its reputation on witty satires, acclaimed creators, and commitment to bold and risk-taking storytelling — with critically acclaimed titles such as THE TOXIC AVENGER by Matt Bors and Fred Harper, SECOND COMING by Mark Russell and Richard Pace, BABS by Garth Ennis and Jacen Burrows, HOWL by Alisa Kwitney and Mauricet, THE WRONG EARTH by Tom Peyer and Jamal Igle, JUSTICE WARRIORS by Matt Bors and Ben Clarkson, the quirky monster anthology PROJECT: CRYPTID, and many more.

About the creators

Mark Russell is an author, comic book writer, and cartoonist living and toiling in Portland, Oregon. The works he is known for include God Is Disappointed in You, a modern re-telling of the Bible, The Flintstones, Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles (Winner of the 2019 GLAAD Award for Outstanding Comic), Not All Robots (Winner of the 2022 Eisner Award for Best Humor Comic), and Superman: Space Age, which tells the story of Superman and his loved ones, living against the backdrop of Cold War America. As far as he knows, all his books are still in print.

Russ Braun has been drawing comics for over 30 years, with time out for a 7-year stint with Walt Disney Feature Animation. Known for his expressive characters and storytelling on everything from Batman, Swamp Thing, Fables, and Jack of Fables, Russ is best known for his frequent collaborations with Garth Ennis, including The Boys, Night Witches, their creator-owned book, Jimmy’s Bastards, and its new sequel Jimmy’s Little Bastards.

 

Toxic Avenger Team-Up Vol 1 Review

 

Writers: Mark Russell, Stuart Moore, Bryce Ingman, Tom Peyer, Matt Bors & Ben Clarkson 

Artists: Richard Pace, Ryan Kelly, Sandy Jarrell, Jamal Ingle, Matt Bors & Ben Clarkson

Colorists: Richard Pace, Casbri Studios,Lee Loughridge & Sandy Jarrell 

Letterer: Rob Steen

Logos: Rob Steen & Todd Klein

Cover Artist: Fred Harper

Editor: Sarah Litt & Tom Peyer

Publisher: Ahoy Comics

Price: $17.99

Release Date: January 27, 2026

 

When an itinerant minister quarrels with a Tromaville megachurch, he ends up in court. Despite suffering from a toxic chemical spill, the railroad once again transports hazardous materials through this New Jersey town. Still, a benevolent industrialist has rebuilt the local stadium, thanks to his investment in the town’s future.

 

Outside of town, a magical diner materializes when Tromaville’s citizens need it. While in the nation's capital, the President of the United States grows concerned with the side effects of Artificial Intelligence. Can a hero arise to meet the dangers threatening Tromaville and the United States? And who must he partner with to prevent others from becoming mutants like himself? Let’s grab our mops, leap into Toxic Avenger Team-Up Vol 1, and see!

 

Story

As he did in Biblical times, Jesus Christ walks the Earth today. He still cares about social justice. Yet people who claim to honor him co-opt his principles. When the judge assigns Jesus community service, Jesus ends up working in a soup kitchen. Although Toxie reminds him of the lepers that his fellow Jews expelled from their communities, Jesus finds in Toxie a kindred soul. In Mark Russell’s story, his challenge is to help Toxie discern the difference between the law and justice.

 

In Stuart Moore’s story “Like Roaches to Sugar,” Toxie has fallen from an airplane. He awakens in the snow to spy a diner glowing like the sun. As Toxie struggles to remember what brought him to this remote location, he recognizes The Roach Diner. Yet as he battles the Jersey Devil in this “creepy but comfortable” setting, he confronts disturbing memories and sees how people get trapped in bad situations in Toxic Avenger Team-Up Vol 1.

 

Since he took up rat catching to help his community, Toxie's relationship with Yvonne has progressed. But lately, he hasn't needed to rescue the frightened critters from his neighbors' homes. While Yvonne objects to Roger Leeling bringing the fracking industry to Tromaville, Toxie sees the recent absence of rat infestations as a plus in Bryce Ingman's story. But while enjoying his favorite hip hop band with his new pal Acid Chimp in the newly renamed "Roger Leel's Awesome Fracking Dome, Toxie finds clues to the rats' sudden disappearance.

 

When freight rail service resumes in his town, Toxie doesn’t have to look far before he discovers that companies are transporting toxic chemicals through Tromaville. But as in “Like Roaches to Sugar,” Toxie gets attacked and awakens elsewhere. In Fortune City, he meets Dragonflyman, who is tackling crime alone in his sidekick's absence. In Tom Peyer’s story, Toxie discovers that hazardous materials can transform people in unexpected ways when he assists the costumed hero.

 

Pollution and chemical contamination don’t just afflict Tromaville and Fortune City. While Senator Greene investigates the effects of pollution in the United States, the President grows concerned about how the AI industry is polluting the planet. As Toxie represents the environmental problems afflicting her nation, she entrusts him with the task of transporting it off-world. But after an accident threatens the mission, Toxie must confront the Justice Warriors in Matt Bors and Ben Clarkson’s story “Inhale The Future.”

 

Art

After employing a bird's-eye view to show Jesus gazing up at his likeness adorning a billboard, he sits at a table before a judge. Richard Pace’s sketches reveal Jesus' disappointment with those who take advantage of others, and his happiness with those who help people without expecting a reward. Richard Pace and Casbri Studios’ colors provide shading and depth as gentle Toxie grows angry with those who prey on the less fortunate.

 

Lee Loughridge lavishes a vibrant palette on Ryan Kelly's detailed art as Toxie awakens in the snow-covered hillside surrounded by evergreens in “Like Roaches to Sugar.” Toxie’s sepia-colored memories contrast with the rich tapestry of life outside the roaming diner in Toxic Avenger Team-Up Vol 1. But a limited palette and subdued tones reveal that life inside the diner isn’t as bright and inviting as its outward appearance suggests.

 

Yvonne turns away from Toxie and crosses her arms over her chest as he pleads with her. When Yvonne faces him, her hands fall to her hips. Yet despite his appealing expression and upraised hands, Yvonne’s frown never relents as Toxie picks up his mob and heads out to see the Mix Bros. Sandy Jarrell applies bright colors to the cartoony art in "Fracking Awesome." Yvonne's white dress contrasts with Mayor Seiple's white jacket and hat. While his shirt links him with the rich industrialist, the liquid in Acid Chimp's vials links him with Toxie.

 

Lee Loughridge adorns Toxie with fern green skin as he tosses his cracked phone to his mother. Jamal Ingle shows Toxie racing across the railyard, leaping onto a freight car, and tearing open the steel siding. Like outside the glowing diner, the yellow light surprises Toxie inside the train car. While Dragonflyman sports a vibrant green, yellow, and purple suit, his sidekick’s fern green outfit links him with Toxie.

 

Matt Bors and Ben Clarkson open “Inhale The Future” with a montage showing the President, workers in hazmat suits, Toxie saluting while clutching a helmet, and a spaceship orbiting the Earth. As he floats in zero G, Toxie interacts with an AI “face” on a monitor that evokes a 3-prong electrical plug. Yet when Toxie returns to Earth, he discovers Humans displaying animal traits. Then Toxie meets the more alien-looking Justice Warriors in Toxic Avenger Team-Up Vol 1.

 

Lettering & Extras

Rob Steen places black uppercase letters in white dialogue balloons and narrative boxes. The letters grow bold for intonation and swell for raised voices. Toxie’s thoughts appear as lowercase black letters in melting green boxes, Jesus’s uppercase thoughts in yellow parchment, and Dragonflyman’s in yellow boxes with a green border. Caspr, the AI assistant piloting Toxie's spaceship, speaks into yellow rectangular balloons with lightning bolt arrows.

 

Amid all the colorful and inventive sound effects, the most eyecatching is the multicolored rumbling that provokes Yvonne’s ire. Extras include a script excerpt, a cover gallery, and the fronts and backs of the trading cards that accompanied each issue. Thanks to Ahoy Comics and Superfan Promotions for providing a review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

Despite his fearsome appearance, Toxie is a gentle soul who enjoys having fun and yearns to help others. Yet as he teams up with heroes and antiheroes, Toxie discovers new facets of himself. Toxie grows as he combats rule-breakers, confronts his painful past, makes friends, and embraces his girlfriend’s causes. By the time he rises to serve his nation and defend his world, Toxie demonstrates that the student of social justice has become the teacher in Toxic Avenger Team-Up Vol 1.

 

Rating 9.2/10

 

To look inside:

 

For Toxie's Adventure with Jesus, see my preview of Toxie Team-Up #1.

 

For Toxie's Adventure with the Jersey Devil, see my preview of Toxie Team-Up #2. 

 

For Toxie's Adventure with Acid Chimp, see my preview of Toxie Team-Up #3. 

 

For Toxie's Adventure with Dragonflyman, see my preview of Toxie Team-Up #4. 

 

For Toxie's Adventure with the Justice Warriors, see my preview of Toxie Team-Up #5. 

 

 

Toxie Team-Up TPB Preview

 

 

Poverty has always plagued civilization. Yet despite our best efforts to improve the Human condition, and all the great things Humanity has achieved, we have yet to conquer Homelessness. So perhaps it's fitting as this volume opens that Toxie attempts to succeed where society has failed. How will Toxie tackle Homelessness? And who will give him a helping hand?

Here's all the info from Ahoy Comics: 

TOXIE TEAM-UP TPB

Writers: Mark Russell, Matt Bors, various

Artists: Richard Pace, Ben Clarkson, various

Cover Artist: Fred Harper

Publication Date: January 28, 2026

Price: $17.99 / $24.99 CAN

 

With a new film in 2025 and a long-awaited video game coming in 2026, the Toxic Avenger is hot! AHOY’s first TOXIE graphic novel hit stores like a rocket in 2025, and this companion volume sees the “hero from New Jersey” meet up with a surprise lineup of comic stars. First up: Jesus Christ from the hit series SECOND COMING, by that series’ creative team, Mark Russell and Richard Pace! Other clashes include the dystopian cops called JUSTICE WARRIORS, by Toxie mastermind Matt Bors and Ben Clarkson; the Garden State’s other monster, the Jersey Devil; Dragonfly, from THE WRONG EARTH; and that homicidal simian, Acid Chimp.

Now, let's take a look inside:

Thanks to Ahoy Comics and Superfan Promotions for sharing this preview with us.

Thanksgiving #1 Preview

 

 

The opening of Mark Russell's story reminds me of Stephanie Plum visiting her parents for dinner. No matter how conventional the setting, things can get a little crazy. Like Janet Evanovich, Mark Russell leavens his stories with humor. Yet he also weaves a strain of thought-provoking social commentary into his terrific tales. 

At this year's San Diego Comic-Con, Mark Russell asked, "What happens if you learn more about your family and realize you no longer like them?" He also viewed his story as a metaphor for contemporary life in the United States. How will his new story relate to your forthcoming holiday reunions?

Here's all the info from Ahoy Comics:

 

THANKSGIVING #1 (one-shot - 48 pages)

Writer: Mark Russell

Artist & Cover Artist: Mauricet

Release Date: October 22, 2025

Cover A: $7.99 

Cover B: Blood for Dinner variant: $7.99 1:3 unlock

Cover C: Turkey Death variant $7.99 1:5 unlock

Publisher: Ahoy Comics 

 

 

An intense, timely one-shot from Mark Russell (X-Factor, SECOND COMING) and Mauricet (HOWL). Thanksgiving—a day when American families come together, until the strain inevitably tears them apart. But for one family, the cruel and deadly secret of the Turkeyneck Killer binds them together in the saddest, most shameful way possible.

 

Thanksgiving: a day for American families, when the alienated, the estranged, and the politically antagonistic come together to perform unity—until the strain inevitably tears them apart. But for one family, the addition of a cruel and deadly secret—involving the continuing rampage of the mysterious Turkeyneck Killer—solidly binds them together in the saddest, most shameful way.

This fall, pull up a chair at your own risk at THANKSGIVING, a gory and timely new horror-comedy one-shot from writer Mark Russell (X-Factor, Second Coming), artist Mauricet (Howl), letterer Rob Steen and publisher AHOY Comics. The oversized 48-page issue about a family dinner gone horribly wrong will feature three grisly covers by Mauricet—a main cover, a “Blood for Dinner” variant, and a “Turkey Death” variant—and land in stores on October 22, 2025… just in time to ruin your holiday.

“Thanksgiving is a black comedy using the most American of holidays as a metaphor for what our nation is in danger of becoming,” said writer Mark Russell. “t tells the story of a nuclear family with many of the same divisions you find within our nation and how deep the rifts between people become while we aren’t paying attention. About how a monster lurks in plain sight, but we choose not to see it.”

“Welcome to the Grandts family's Thanksgiving dinner,” said artist Mauricet. “Please take a seat at the table. We are about to start serving the meal. For the appetizer, you will have a bit of dysfunctional America wrapped in cynical humor. For the main course, we offer you one of the most original serial killers the country has known. Still hungry? Expect a rather surprising dessert…”

"Mark got mad about something big and wrote this story—I think to help process it,” said AHOY Comics Editor-in-Chief Tom Peyer. “I think it'll help us all process it. Whenever he gets mad, I hope he brings it to AHOY. Mauricet, meanwhile, is doing the best work of his career, but then he always seems to be."

The darkly funny one-shot THANKSGIVING #1 will land in comic shops on October 22, 2025.

For more updates on AHOY Comics, visit them on X, Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. 

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

Here are more cover options:

 

 

 

Thanks to Ahoy Comics and Superfan Promotions for sharing this preview with us.

 

 

About AHOY Comics

AHOY Comics debuted in the fall of 2018 with the bold promise for readers to expect more from its line of comic book magazines, featuring comic book stories, poetry, prose fiction, and cartoons. Brainchild of publisher Hart Seely, editor-in-chief Tom Peyer, CCO Frank Cammuso, and Ops guy Stuart Moore, the Syracuse-based indie publisher has made its reputation on witty satires, acclaimed creators, and commitment to bold and risk-taking storytelling — with critically acclaimed titles such as THE TOXIC AVENGER by Matt Bors and Fred Harper, SECOND COMING by Mark Russell and Richard Pace, BABS by Garth Ennis and Jacen Burrows, HOWL by Alisa Kwitney and Mauricet, THE WRONG EARTH by Tom Peyer and Jamal Igle, JUSTICE WARRIORS by Matt Bors and Ben Clarkson, the quirky monster anthology PROJECT: CRYPTID, and many more.

About the creators

Mark Russell is the author of not one, but two, books about the Bible: God Is Disappointed in You and Apocrypha Now. In addition, he is the writer behind various DC comic books such as Prez, The Flintstones, and Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles. He lives in obscurity with his family in Portland, Oregon.

Mauricet is a Belgian comic book artist. He has been drawing since he could hold a pencil in his right hand. His career started 36 years ago in Belgium and France working for some of the big publishers in Europe. For the American market, he has worked on such titles as Tellos, The Crossovers, Harley Quinn, The Gang of Harleys, Dastardly & Muttley, Future Quest, Star Wars adventures, Swine and Creepshow. More recently he has been steadily collaborating with AHOY Comics drawing stories for Edgar Allan Poe's Snifter of Terror and Project: Cryptid as well as the miniseries G.I.L.T. and Howl, both co-created and written by Alisa Kwitney.