Big Rig For FCBD, Flash Gordon, Pantomime, The Smurfs & Gatchaman Ryu: Survivors
From Vault Comics, Papercutz, Maverick & Mad Cave Studios
The latest comics news and previews including:
A new Free Comic Book Day offering from Vault Comics.
The first volume of Flash Gordon: The Girl From Infinity.
A new young adult adaptation from Maverick.
The Smurfs return in a new collection.
And a new Gatchaman one-shot.
Post Malone’s Big Rig Graphic Novel Debuts At Free Comic Book Day 2025
An interesting new comic from a team-up between Post Malone, Vault Comics, and Platinum Dunes. Big Rig looks to be an interesting read.
9x diamond-certified GRAMMY® Award-nominated Post Malone, Vault Comics, and Platinum Dunes team up to bring Post Malone’s Big Rig to Free Comic Book Day 2025. An original story created by the global superstar, Big Rig is written by Post Malone and Adrian Wassel, and drawn by Nathan Gooden (Barbaric, Brandon Sanderson’s Dark One, Dark Knights of Steel). The first chapter will be released exclusively at local comic shops on Free Comic Book Day 2025.






Evil Dead meets Mad Max: Fury Road in this story set in medieval Europe, where the only thing standing in the way of the horde of demons infesting the continent is a mysterious armored 18-wheeler seemingly sent from the heavens.
Alongside the graphic novel, Post Malone, Platinum Dunes, and Vault are developing a feature film adaptation together with director Michael Bay.
“This is going to kick ass. It’s amazing working with Vault and Michael Bay,” said Post Malone. “Turning this idea into what we have is unbelievable. The team has been crushing it and I can’t believe we get to be a part of Free Comic Book Day. Enjoy Chapter 1. There’s so much more to come.”
“I love the art, attitude and characters,” said Michael Bay. “Also I am excited to work with Post Malone and have our creative worlds collide.”
Free Comic Book Day, founded by Joe Field, proprietor of Flying Colors Comics in Concord, California, is the largest independent retail marketing event in North America, with millions of
“Free Comic Book Day is the world’s largest comic book related event, so it only makes sense that our 2025 event will feature one of the world’s biggest rock stars, the inimitable Post Malone,” said Joe Field. “Post Fans, welcome to comics’ biggest party happening at your local comic shop on May 3, 2025!”
“It doesn’t get more epic than this. We get to share an incredible comic from one of the world’s most iconic stars with millions of fans as part of the world’s biggest comic book event,” said Vault CEO, Damian Wassel. “I can’t wait for you all to get a glimpse of Big Rig. It’s gonna blow you away. Mark your calendars for May 3, 2025.”
Big Rig continues a hot streak for Post Malone, who released his record-breaking album, F-1 Trillion in 2024, which landed at #1 on the Billboard 200. His album, and collaborations last year earned him 8 2025 GRAMMY nominations. This spring he will headline Coachella before hitting the road on his The Big Ass Stadium Tour.
Fans everywhere can pick up their exclusive Big Rig Free Comic Book Day Special on Saturday May 3rd, 2025. The complete graphic novel will be available later in 2025, with a release date to be announced. The full synopsis can be read below:
THEY PRAYED FOR A MIRACLE. THEY GOT 25 TONS AND 18 WHEELS OF HOLY WEAPON.
BIG RIG, created by Post Malone.
The Dark Ages…Demon hordes plague Europe as Hell invades Earth. The Six Petals, a secret sect of The Knights Templar, are in desperate need of a means to drive back the scourge and turn the tide of the onslaught. What crashes to earth is The Rig, a fully loaded tractor trailer. In the aftermath of its arrival, the only man left standing is an enigmatic former priest excommunicated from The Six Petals. He will become Trucker and lead the fight against Hell behind the wheel of a demon-slaying machine.
Written by Post Malone and Adrian Wassel. Drawn by Barbaric co-creator and Dark Knights of Steel artist Nathan Gooden.
Drive easy.
Find out more at: https://www.bigrigcomic.com
Flash Gordon: The Girl From Infinity - Volume 1
Upcoming from Papercutz is a new all-ages look at Flash Gordon in the first volume of The Girl From Infinity.
Sci fi and fantasy merge in this reimagining of Flash Gordon! Focusing on teamwork, adventures, cute critters, heroes, monsters, and the journey of leadership!
In the distant future, voyager Dale Arden discovers a shooting star -- containing a girl named FLASH GORDON, Savior of the Universe! But Flash has no memory of who she is, and together, she and Dale must uncover her past, save Dale's family, and rescue the alien planet of Omnia from the clutches of the cruel Emperor Azimuth! Join the adventure of a lifetime in this gorgeous reimagining of FLASH GORDON, written by NYT-bestseller Marguerite Bennett and illustrated by Bev Johnson!
Bev Johnson expressed her excitement for the publication of the book. “Flash Gordon: The Girl from Infinity is a colorful, epic space adventure with intriguing worlds and heartfelt characters. Flash is a lovable ball of energy and determination and I loved capturing her joie de vivre,” she said.
The project’s editor, Stephanie Brooks, noted, "Flash Gordon: The Girl from Infinity has intelligent twists on the original characters and character designs that make it an accessible book for new and long-time fans of Flash. The heart of the characters remain, but it's a fresh take with an empowered team of characters. Our Flash Gordon is a girl without memories, growing in a complicated space landscape with so much at stake– humanity's survival, politics and sovereignty, etc. There is so much passion behind this project, and it was developed by a lot of women with stakes in the representation we see here. It's been a real pleasure to be a part of this book's development."
“With Flash Gordon: The Girl from Infinity, Marguerite Bennett and Bev Johnson lead an exceptional team, with a strong creative vision shaped by talented women. Their work brings fresh energy and perspective to this timeless universe, while staying true to the adventurous spirit of Flash Gordon that resonates with fans of all backgrounds,” said Mad Cave’s Director of Marketing, Allison Pond.
Creators: Marguerite Bennett and Bev Johnson
On-sale Date: May 20, 2025
The return of Christopher Sebela and Dave Stoll's Pantomime
Maverick has a new young adult graphic novel out now with Pantomime.
Maverick is pleased to announce the upcoming release of a young adult adaptation of Christopher Sebela and Dave Stoll's acclaimed Pantomime (on-sale January 21, 2025), originally published through Mad Cave in 2020.
In the YA return of Pantomime, Haley and her brother, Max, are alone after their mother’s death and are sent to Wayfair Academy, a special needs boarding school. Eventually, they find family amongst other deaf children. One night the group decides to dip their toes into crime… the thrill is too much to leave behind. They soon find out that stealing from the wrong person, has its consequences. With no one to turn to but each other, they must make a choice, one where no one comes out the same.
Writer Christopher Sebela said of the project, "Pantomime is a book I was scared of getting wrong because so much of it was way outside my experience, and I’m even prouder that with David and Mad Cave, we managed to get it right. Now I’m even prouder that it’s getting a new life with a new audience. I can only hope they have as much fun with the thrills and chills of the heists and the dynamics between our criminal kids and their crooked father figure as we did making it."
Illustrator David Stoll said, “It was thrilling to learn about Maverick reprinting Pantomime for a young adult audience, because that's who this story is for. If you're into found-family heist books with a strong female lead and are as excited as we are to include the deaf community in this absolutely killer story, welcome to the table!””
The project’s editor, Lauren Hitzhusen, said that the book was a natural match for Maverick’s list. “We're delighted to have Pantomime as part of the Maverick family! Pantomime's diverse cast of deaf/Deaf/Hard of Hearing teens embarking on the heist of a century is the perfect crime-thriller addition. While the original story remains the same, we worked with the Pantomime team to make small updates making it more accessible for young adult readers. We are thrilled to bring Pantomime to the family and cannot wait to share it with everyone!”
PANTOMIME (9781545816264; 152pp; Trade Paperback; $14.99); is available for preorder now, and on-sale wherever books are sold on January 21, 2024.
The Smurfs Tales Vol. 12: Smurfs and the Dragon of the Lake
Papercutz has announced the upcoming release of the latest volume of The Smurfs in The Smurfs Tales Vol. 12: Smurfs and the Dragon of the Lake.
For fans who love humor, adventure, mystery and dragons. Featuring a series of Smurf gag cartoons, an action packed adventure with a dragon and a story featuring Vikings.
On-sale April 29, 2025
In this smurftastic volume, the Smurfs meet the dragon, Fafnir, and attempt to rescue the Baron of Jolival Castle. Will our smurfy blue friends save the day? Smurf on to find out!
Also: Over 40 short comic strips with hilarious smurfy gags featuring all you favorite Smurfs!
Plus: The Smurf creator Peyo’s comedy/adventure series, Johan and Peewit: The Vikings'; Oath!, featuring the young squire and the mischievous court jester, that helped launch the Smurfs to stardom.
We hope you’ll join us in announcing this exciting new addition to the Smurfs legacy! The book is available for preorder now wherever books are sold, including Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Bookshop
GATCHAMAN: RYU rises to defend his harbor!
Mad Cave Studios and Tatsunoko Production have teamed up again to produce a new Gatchaman one-shot comic, which will be released in April 2025.
Courage, ingenuity, and redemption on the high seas!
Mad Cave Studios
Building on the momentum of Gatchaman—Ken: Deathmatch and Gatchaman—Jun: Apex Heart,and
Tatsunoko Production are proud to present the continuation of the exciting one-shot series with,
GATCHAMAN RYU: SCAVENGERS!Join Eisner Award-winning writer Steve Orlando (Love is Love, Outlaw Territory) who delivers another exciting sci-fi action-packed adventure, with vivid illustrations and Cover A artwork by Riccardo Robaldo (Radiant Black) and letters by Frank Cvetkovic, plus a wild cover variant by Nuno Plati (Gatchaman: Only One Earth).
When modernized scavenger pirates—the ruthless Sea Vultures—launch a surprise attack on his harbor, Ryu, the steadfast pilot of the Science Ninja Team, steps out of the cockpit and into the spotlight! Determined to protect his community and prove he’s more than just a pilot, Ryu embarks on a high-stakes oceanic adventure, piloting his amphibious tank to outwit the pirates and uncover the mystery behind their deadly ship. The tides turn in this explosive solo mission of courage, ingenuity, and redemption on the high seas!
“He's just the pilot...or is he? Gatchaman Ryu: Scavengers stars perhaps the most underestimated member of the Science Ninja Team, but we're here to say that Ryu is much more than the pilot!” said Steve Orlando. “When Ryu's harbor home comes under attack from the newly-debuting Sea Locust, Ryu must risk everything to defend the place and people he loves! Along the way, he'll get to test out some of his brand-new designs as he rides out alone to challenge not just a band of marauding pirates, but the massive, shipwreck-eating deity that they worship! Riccardo Robaldo's incredible art brings Ryu's struggle to life in ways that have blown my mind time and time again—I couldn't be luckier to be part of this tale! It's an underdog story, it's a hero's journey, and it's a harrowing mission in the dark unknown of the ocean's depths!
Prepare for the next thrilling chapter in
Mad Cave Studios’ bold expansion of the Gatchaman saga!
Gatchaman Ryu: Scavengers soars into shops on April 23rd and is now available for preorder.