Marvel and DC Comics Unleash Explosive New Storylines, Anniversary Specials, and Fan-Favorite Character Relaunches

It’s a bustling week in comics, filled with fresh releases, major announcements, and bold new directions for several beloved characters. As August winds through its days, the industry’s two giants, Marvel and DC, are neck and neck with headline-grabbing updates. Marvel, in particular, continues its stronghold on sales, having dominated June’s charts with seven of the top ten bestsellers—Spider-Man and Captain America leading the return wave, while Absolute Batman kept DC in the running by clinching the top spot. Readers can expect those storylines back on shelves this August, with plenty of excitement around Marvel’s other hits, such as the one-shot Imperial War: Black Panther.

But it’s not just the bestsellers drawing fans’ eyes. Marvel is set to publish a 50-page anniversary epic, Marvel All-On-One #1, hitting stands August 20. This adventure puts Ben Grimm—the Thing—at the center, pitting him against the entire Marvel Universe in nonstop splash-page action. After a harrowing mission, Grimm returns to find even his closest allies turned against him, leading to an explosive, world-spanning mystery that promises to be as bold and clobbering as the ever-lovin’ idol of millions would want.

Speaking of high-stakes battles, August 20 also sees Godzilla Destroys The Marvel Universe #2 and All-New Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #1. The former unleashes the king of monsters on Marvel’s pantheon once more, while the latter proves Spider-Gwen’s enduring popularity with a relaunch that’s sure to make waves among both seasoned fans and newcomers. Those hungering for dynamic heroines won’t want to miss Black Cat #1—a fresh start for Felicia Hardy—nor the variant-covered Psylocke #10.

DC, meanwhile, isn’t resting on its laurels. Absolute Batman #11 steers the iconic hero into darker territory, finally unwrapping Bane’s origin and diving deep into his motivations and pivotal arrival in Gotham. Detective Comics #1100 is notable for a convergence of top creative talent and stories exploring both Batman’s legacy and Gotham’s evolution, from heartfelt rescues to philosophical questions about the necessity of its dark knight.

The momentum carries on with Nightwing #129, plunging readers into a rescue mission that will test Nightwing and change the Titans forever. Catwoman #78 is another anticipated issue, bringing Selina Kyle head-to-head with chaos in Gotham, while Exquisite Corpses #4 at Image Comics continues to push boundaries with inventive storytelling and striking visual design.

Image is also making waves with the acclaimed Assorted Crisis Events series, which returns for a sixth issue in November. Fans and critics alike are praising its blend of science fiction and real-world themes, particularly its new exploration of time-shattering maladies that force characters to vacillate between ages and perspectives in truly surreal ways.

These vibrant lineups are joined by a parade of solicitations for November, signaling that the creative energy across Image, Marvel, DC, Dynamite, and more is showing no signs of slowing down. Expect more superhero turns, cosmic calamities, and creative risks that remind us why comics are such a vital, ever-evolving medium.