Jumping On: New Story Arcs Kicking Off On July 19, 2023

One of the hardest and most frustrating things about finding new comics to read and enjoy is finding a good jumping on point. It can be confusing and disheartening to pick up a single issue from the middle of an arc without having the context of the previous chapters.

With that in mind, here are some New Story Arcs, Notable #1s, and One-Shots premiering this upcoming New Comic Book Day, Wednesday, July 19, 2023. 

New Story Arcs:

Radiant Black #25, Image

NEW STORY ARC! The Radiants were stolen. An empire, vaster than space, has come to claim them. The end of the world is here. THE CATALYST WAR begins. And amidst the chaos, Nathan and Marshall will make the biggest decision of their lives: who will be Radiant Black?

Time Before Time #25, Image

NEW STORY ARC

While a masked vigilante stalks The Syndicate, Marston finds himself on the verge of achieving his ultimate goal.

The final arc of the hit time-travel series begins with art by GEOFFO (BURNOUTS, Future State: Gotham).

Notable #1s and One-Shots:

Knight Terrors: Superman #1, DC

What does the Man of Steel have nightmares about? Clark Kent knows why he’s been pulled into the Nightmare Realm and goes in search of his family and friends, but that journey takes him to the haunted Nightly Planet, where he is confronted by the Super-Reaper!

In the waking world, Superman was midflight when he was hit by the nightmare wave. Where he crash-lands will surprise you!

Knight Terrors: Nightwing #1, DC

Pigs, pigs, pygs…and clowns! Dick Grayson wakes up in jail to realize a nightmare has come to life: he murdered someone he loves! And the only thing making it worse is his past coming to haunt him in the form of humanoid pigs playing the characters of his childhood at Haly’s Circus, scene by scene, leading up to the night of his parents’ death. The Batgirls try to help Nightwing figure out who framed him (or why he killed someone!), but it’s his cellmate and other unlikely villains in jail who will help him solve the mystery…but are they actually helping him?

Blade #1, Marvel

Marvel’s slickest vampire hunter returns in a brand new ongoing by Bryan Hill (KILLMONGER) and Elena Casagrande (BLACK WIDOW)! True evil is patient. And a dark, ancient power has been simmering quietly for centuries…and when Blade himself is the one to unknowingly unleash it, Marvel’s entire supernatural underworld will come out of hiding to demand he handle it. Or pay a pound of flesh for his mistakes. Bloodbaths, blackmail and Blade—you won’t want to miss the explosive first issue of this new volume!

Hawkgirl #1, DC

SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS AND BATTLING NEW FOES! Kendra Saunders, the winged warrior better known as Hawkgirl, has been one of the DCU’s greatest heroes for a long time, serving as a member of both the Justice League and the Justice Society. But with the Justice League disbanded, Kendra decides she needs a fresh start and heads to Metropolis to begin a new life. That life is quickly interrupted by a mysterious villain with a powerful connection to the Nth metal that makes up Hawkgirl’s wings and weapons. A brand-new adventure with sky-high action, adventure, and intrigue begins here by Jadzia Axelrod (GALAXY: THE PRETTIEST STAR) and Amancay Nahuelpan (WONDER WOMAN, DETECTIVE COMICS, THE FLASH).

Knight Terrors: Wonder Woman #1, DC

THE JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK AGAINST NIGHTMARES COME TO LIFE!

After investigating an alarming intrusion at the now-defunct Hall of Justice, Wonder Woman and her unexpected new ally, Detective Chimp, suddenly find themselves in a world where their worst nightmares come to life. Who could possibly defeat these things that go bump in the night? The Justice League Dark! The Amazon Princess reunites with her old team to save the world from a sweet dream turned into a beautiful nightmare! Plus, Queen Nubia finds herself trapped in the Well of Souls!

Moon Knight: City of the Dead #1, Marvel

THE DEBUT OF THE NEW SCARLET SCARAB! When a young runaway is attacked by a gang of death cultists, he is left barely alive outside the Midnight Mission. But Marc Spector made a vow long ago to defend the travelers of the night…and as long as a spark of life remains, his mission isn’t over yet. Follow Moon Knight on his most harrowing adventure yet, as the Fist of Khonshu journeys far beyond the land of the living—and battles across the mind-bending underworld known as the City of the Dead!

Knight Terrors: Catwoman #1, DC

CATWOMAN’S NIGHTMARISH ROAD TO REDEMPTION!

Forgive me, sister, for I have sinned. I murdered Valmont, the man I love, in order to save the man I loved…Batman…who will never forgive me for breaking his one rule. But please forgive me, Sister Zero, for this Nightmare Realm you’ve put me in as penance–from which I can’t seem to wake up–is my Catholic guilt come to life in the form of your rotting disciples taking my soul. Sister Maggie, if you’re still somewhere in there, forgive me, and let me save us in the Nightmare Realm in order to save us in real life! That is…unless we should die before we wake.

Tales of The Titans #1, DC

The Titans have stepped up to become the DCU’s premier superhero team, and all eyes are on them! Who are Starfire, Raven, Donna Troy, and Beast Boy? Where do they come from, and what do they stand for? All will be revealed in Tales of the Titans, an all-new series of spotlight issues in the spirit of the beloved 1980s classic Tales of the New Teen Titans!

First up is alien princess and warrior Starfire, whose huge heart, huger hair, and fiery fists have made her a fan-favorite member of the team! When a spaceship bearing Tamaranean markings crash-lands on Earth, Starfire goes on a solo mission to uncover its origins. But what awaits her on that journey will bring her back to the earliest days of her youth, to memories of two sisters eternally at war…and perhaps the chance to keep history from repeating itself.

Knight Terrors: Punchline #1, DC

Alexis Kaye, a.k.a. Punchline, has no fears…or so she’d have you believe! They will be pried out of her in the nightmare world where she’s being hunted, and she’ll be forced to face her deepest, darkest nightmare in true horror-movie fashion!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin – Lost Day Special #1, IDW

A special one-shot set in the Ronin-verse! After the Last Ronin defeated Oroku Hiroto, Master of the Foot Clan, New York City was free for the first time in more than a decade. But along with the newfound freedom comes a dangerous power vacuum waiting to be filled, and without a common enemy in the Foot Clan, various factions are vying to take control. Longtime resistance leader April O’Neil finds herself and her loved ones-including four small mutant turtles she and her daughter, Casey Marie Jones, are raising and training together-once again caught up in the battle for the soul of the city. When April takes the young mutant turtles with her on a supply run into the city, they become lost and must find their way back to the sewer lair or risk becoming collateral damage in the newest power struggle overtaking the streets. Old memories mix with new realities as April and her four small charges race to get back home before it’s too late. This title will be standard trim size, not the oversized format of The Last Ronin series. 

Big Game #1, Millarworld

MINISERIES PREMIERE

The comics event of the summer is here!

Okay, this is so top secret we can’t even show you the main cover because it spoils something MASSIVE. Just trust us when we say that this is going to be the comic book event of 2023-and it’s NOT what you’re expecting. 

Does the crossover really go that wide? Yes, it does. BIG GAME pulls together KICK-ASS, KINGSMAN, NEMESIS, THE MAGIC ORDER, and ALL the Millarworld franchises in one special event. This must be ordered like CRAZY!

Nocterra: Nemesis Special #1, Image

As Sundog Convoy fights to prevent the end of everything, a Ferryman is shown the beautiful, terrifying origin of light and darkness across all of space and time. This special one-shot will lead directly into the stunning conclusion of the “No Brakes” storyline!

Harley Quinn: Black + White + Redder #1, DC

The bloody brilliance of 2020’s Harvey-nominated Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red deserved an encore—this time in print periodical! In this all-new miniseries, 18 short tales of Gotham’s most unpredictable antihero unspool in black, white, and red ink (because she’s never seen the world in just black and white). In this issue: Comedic legends (they made us say that) Chip Zdarsky and Kevin Maguire team up to send Harley and Ivy deep into the heart of the Fortress of Solitude! Leah Williams and Natacha Bustos reveal Harley’s teenage past as a high-flying gymnast with vengeance on her mind! And actor Paul Scheer joins co-writer Nick Giovannetti and artist Tom Reilly to send former Joker sidekicks Harley and Gaggy Gagsworthy on a heist that’s worth the risk…but can the pair walk out on their vendetta in 30 seconds flat when they feel the heat around the corner?

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi – The Rebellion #1, Marvel

MON MOTHMA MUST DIE! ADMIRAL ACKBAR is the only one with the knowledge of THE EMPIRE’s plans to kill Mon Mothma. Enter POE DAMERON’s parents, SHARA BEY and KES DAMERON, to thwart the threat! But do they have what it takes to take down the unknown assassin in time?

Red Sonja #1, Dynamite

THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF RED SONJA BEGINS HERE!

Following directly from the pages of Red Sonja #0, the She-Devil finds herself on the run, framed for murder, and with an unseen force tugging at the back of her mind. Join Sonja as she races to unravel the mystery of “His Master’s Voice!” Written By Torunn Grønbekk and featuring art by Red Sonja superstar Walter Geovani (with colors by Omi Remalante, Jr.), this brand-new series dives deep into Sonja’s world, exploring the darkness of Hyboria like never before. And all this is wrapped up in an amazing series of covers: Shannon Maer, Jimmy Cheung, Alan Quah, Bryan Hitch, Joanie Brosas (Cosplay), Jenny Frison, and MANY more — including the Dynamite Debut of Björn Barends!

Power Rangers Unlimited: Hyperforce #1, BOOM!

Celebrate the Rangers’ 30th Anniversary as prolific Power Rangers storyteller Melissa Flores and acclaimed writer, media personality and voice of the HyperForce Pink Ranger in the HyperForce RPG, Meghan Camarena (Radiant Pink), bring the fan-favorite HyperForce Rangers from the screen to the page-for their first dedicated full-length story since their morphinominal first season!

Mistress Vile, formerly known as Rita Repulsa, and Dark Specter have invaded the Morphin Grid, but it will take far more than just the Mighty Morphin and Omega Rangers to stop them!

As the dark contagion spreads and puts the Rangers in their most vulnerable state yet, the HyperForce Rangers will have to scour the multiverse for as many unexpected allies as they can, while they’re pushed to their limits…

Star Trek: Day of Blood #1, IDW

Immortal emperor of the Klingon Empire, Kahless II has consolidated power, raided ancient tombs and secret bunkers, taken the power of gods for himself, stolen the Bajoran Orb of Destruction, and commenced a slaughter across the stars. But this genocide of gods was just the beginning. For with the power he has stolen, Kahless is about to declare war on all those who do not follow the Red Path. To prevent genocide unlike any since the ancient days of Qo’noS, the crew of icons led by the emissary known as Benjamin Sisko (Star Trek) and the renegades who follow a desperate and violent Worf (Star Trek: Defiant) must unite for a common cause. Only they can hope to stop the Day of Blood.

Scrapper #1, Image

MINISERIES PREMIERE

Game design genius CLIFF BLESZINSKI (Gears of War, Fortnite) makes his comics debut with critically acclaimed writer ALEX DE CAMPI (DRACULA, MOTHERF**KER!, PARASOCIAL) and fan-favorite artist SANDY JARRELL (Bombshells, Lynx)!

Blade Runner-style action mixes with big emotions as stray dog Scrapper and his buddy Tank fight for justice against the totalitarian forces of a post-apocalyptic domed city. But when the fight comes to his home, Scrapper will face losing what’s most important to him-and gain a terrifying truth in the process. (Don’t worry, Mom. The dog doesn’t die.)

Street Fighter Swimsuit Special #2023, UDON

The World Warriors return for another fun-filled summer swimwear spectacular! Fan favorites like Chun-Li, Cammy, and Juri are joined by Street Fighter 6 newcomers including supermodel judoka Manon, graffiti ninja Kimberly, and wrestling behemoth Marisa!

Night of the Living Dead: Kin #1, American Mythology

Purgatory Hill, West Virginia, April 1968. Something is bringing the dead back to life..Something New – Something Evil – And Something Unspeakably Terrifying! They’re coming to get you…again! All 14-year-old Melba Mae ever knew was her small close-knit mountain community who have helped each other to survive, to live off the land, and to keep the outside world at bay for generations. But after the unexpected death and funeral for her favorite uncle, Melba Mae sets out into the hills alone to prove her worth to her family and friends. What she ends up in is a far more deadly game of survival, pitted against the last person she ever imagined would want to harm her! There are fates worse than death!

Van Helsing: Hell to Pay #1, Zenescope

Liesel Van Helsing and Julie Jeckyll are back from Neverland but very far from home as they find themselves embroiled in a new, and very bloody, conflict with a hidden sect of ancient and powerful vampires bent on destroying the renowned vampire hunter. Guest starring Hellchild!

Destiny, NY: Mystic Mafia #1, Black Mask

Lilith Aberdine is the last surviving daughter of a mystical crime family. She has spent her whole life running from her past, but now those old demons are finally catching up to her. She thought she was meant to be with former prophecy girl Logan McBride, but life has pulled them apart. Now, with Lilith in New York and Logan in California, will destiny reunite them or drive them further apart?

Ranger Stranger Summer Special #1, Scout

It’s summer! Another hot, scorching, fireball of fun. At least the bluegill are biting. And the ticks. And the African hornets! And the slithering, bloodthirsty rattlesn–where were we? Oh right, summer. Fear not, because your favorite deranged wilderness guide, Ranger Garland Woodburn, has cooked up a real humdinger of a Summer Special full of camping tips, water safety, and other questionable gems of nature knowledge to learn and enjoy while the world burns all around.

Unnatural Order #1, Vault

Chris Yost, co-creator of X-23, writer of hundreds of X-men issues and films and shows like Thor: Ragnarok and The Mandalorian, returns to comic books with Val Rodrigues to weave together Dark Fantasy and action-packed SciFi in UNNATURAL ORDER!

After the fall of the Britons and the Roman invasion of Hibernia, the captive known only as the Druid is released, sending a darkness across the world…an age of horrors, of fire and entrails. As the innocent burn in the Wicker fields, those who would resist learn of the existence of a man who even the Druid fears. For it is this prisoner, a soldier from a different time, who alone knows the Druid’s secret: this is not how the world is supposed to be.

Children of the Comet #1, Sumerian

A new series set in the world of You Promised Me Darkness and Follow Me Into The Darkness! Ten years after the events of Follow, Sage and the children of the comet live prosperously in New Kolosimo. But one day before the birthday of Miracle, the daughter of Sage and Daversa, new threats appear and the children of the comet must go into action again. Satanists, psychedelic dimensions, chihuahuas that shoot laser beams from their eyes, a deadly villain who wakes up after many years of being asleep and many other oddities. Welcome back to Kolosimo, where everything is weird.

TMNT: Best of – Karai #1, IDW

She is heir to the throne of the Foot Clan. She is a master of the art of ninjutsu. A loyal soldier, a fearsome warrior, a visionary leader. These are tales of her glory-stories of her unyielding perseverance-collected to honor her name. She is Oroku Karai.

Hack/Slash Vs Seance Room #1, Source Point Press

Cassie Hack and Vlad guest star in this issue where Harry puts his true and tried style of mental torment up against Cassie’s good old fashioned cut-off-heads-first-and-ask-questions-later style. The world of horror will never be the same, perhaps even Cassie and Vlad will come out of the Séance Room changed?

Wanted #1 Special Collector’s Edition, Top Cow

SPECIAL 20th ANNIVERSARY EDITION!

Celebrate 20 years of Millarworld this month with this special gold-logo edition of the comic that started it all, featuring the reprinted first issue of WANTED itself alongside exclusive interviews, sketches, and behind-the-scenes material! Learn how WANTED went from the page to the screen in record time and set a course for not only the Angelina Jolie movie, but the Netflix empire that came after.

The Wild Cosmos #1, Scout

Captain Cooper and his crew struggle to stay afloat in The Wild Cosmos. But after finding a derelict space station they have a chance at a big score. The Captain makes the call, they’re going after the dangerous loot… And he’ll have to live with the consequences of that choice.

Charm City #1, Scout

The Baltimore police are baffled when a Ravens cheerleader is found floating in the Inner Harbor with an arcane symbol carved onto her corpse. And only Alyssia Singer, music blogger at the Baltimore Sun, knows what it means: that a serial killer is targeting Baltimore’s underground witching community. Alyssia-an excommunicated witch who no longer uses magic-must decide: take the case and confront her estranged family and long buried demons… or risk more bodies piling up…

Talyn: Seed of Darkness #1, Scout

Nonstop. Rulers Vlad Vorden & Amelia are bent on exterminating the witches whom they blame for spreading the bubonic plague known as The Black Death. They pursue the witch queen, Aradia, the last survivor. While seeking refuge, Aradia buries a bloody Seed of Darkness, a seed harnessing the power of the first true magic, the Ars Magica. Meanwhile… Talyn mourns the mysterious abduction of her sister at the hands of an unknown ghostly dark entity.

Gunbreed #1, Blood Moon

“A grudge is a terrible thing to die for… But a hell of a reason to come back from the dead.” Gunbreed is a supernatural western anthology about Powder Cain, a Sheriff who witnesses the killing of his son and the people of his town at the hands of a criminal gang that practices black magic. After coming back from the dead himself, Powder Cain protects his ghost town from demons and monsters creeping from Hell. This issue features the stories “Soul Search,” “Night of the Breaker Boys,” “Wagon!,” and “A Full House of Gods.”

Toxx #1, Blood Moon

In a dystopian wasteland where humanity has long since been sterilized by radiation, a woman miraculously becomes pregnant and must find a way to stay alive as multiple groups vie for control of her and her unborn child’s future.

Cover of Darkness: Revelations #1, Source Point Press

Legendary artist Rags Morales (Identity Crisis, Action Comics) joins the Cover of Darkness universe. Uncover the secret origins of the first Viking Werewolf illustrated by, Source Point Press E-I-C, Joshua Werner. Classic Horror meets Greek Mythology in this anthology collecting 3 gruesome tales, featuring the twisted, reimagined, beginnings of the Minotaur, Medusa, and Werewolves.

Phazer Universe #1, Apex Comics Group

Phazer, a superpowered hero lost in time, returns home to take on two of his greatest enemies – and alongside allies and friends, try to save the world! Action, Adventure, Dinosaurs, Aliens, Super Science, Androids… this one’s got it all! From the mind of award-winning writer, illustrator and executive producer Mariano Nicieza comes a sci-fi action-adventure opus for comic-book lovers everywhere… PHAZER UNIVERSE.

Immortal Ascension #1, Fair Square

What if an Elektra type of character was thrown in an arcade game fighting style adventure? She’d be the GodKiller! Gear up for an epic tale of redemption and combat!

Meet Rose, once known as the GodKiller, a fierce warrior who’s seen it all – from brutal beatdowns to painful punishments. Now seeking peace and solitude, she’s about to face her biggest challenge yet! As a master of the art of combat, she’ll need to level up and rescue her students from the monstrous Hell Ghouls gang.

The comic debut of American writer, cinematographer and musician David Chisa, with art and color by Argentine storyteller Kristian Rossi (IDW, Marvel, DC Comics), Immortal Ascension will take readers on a wild ride, with action-packed scenes that will have them button mashing for more! This the ultimate beat them up for comic book collectors!

With covers by Kristian Rossi and fan favorite artist Bella Rachlin (over 146K followers on Instagram!)

Mega-City Max #1, Rebellion

Mega-City Max is the brand new 48-page one-shot comic set in the dystopian world of Mega-City One, home of Judge Dredd.

This is a stand-alone science fiction anthology – with no continuity knowledge required – aimed at teenagers, with fast-paced, action-packed and hilarious stories featuring updated versions of 2000 AD characters like Harlem Heroes, De Marco P.I., Devlin Waugh and Walter the Wobot – as well as brand new characters!