New Horror Series From IDW Dark Announced, Including ‘Smile’ And ‘A Quiet Place’ Comics
by Olly MacNamee
That’s right, horror fans. IDW Dark are producing four new comic book series. Two are based on popular horror franchises, Smile, and A Quiet Place, with one sequel and an all-original title joining them.
We have plots and covers to share with you today. After all, it is the Spooky Season, so what better time than now?
First up, we have Smile: For The Camera, by writer Hannah Rose May, artist Miriana Puglia:
“(T)he frightening tale brings readers back to the year 2005 to follow a group of international models as they kick off Fashion Month in New York. They’re dying to smile for the camera, but paranoia quickly creeps in as the mysterious Smile Entity begins to stalk the group.”
A “huge fan” of Smile, May said:
“I’m honored to be entrusted with expanding Parker Finn’s terrifying universe into comics. I’ve had a disgustingly good time writing this and I can’t wait for fans to experience the nightmare in a whole new medium. Like how Smile 2 took us inside the world of a present day pop star, our series throws it back to the early 2000s and drops the Entity right into the ruthless world of the modeling industry.”
As for working with Puglia, Dearbhla Kelly (colours) Heather Antos (editor), May added:
“Miriana’s poppy art paired with Dearbhla’s evocative colors has created a visual language that’s as seductive as it is sinister. I’m thrilled to be working alongside this excellent team that Paramount, IDW, and editor Heather Antos have assembled. IDW Dark is setting the stage for a new era of horror comics and they’re just getting started!”
Dearbhla added:
“It’s really a pleasure – and especially an honor for me – to work on this project,. Hannah’s ability to take us into the context of the early 2000s fashion world is unique. I love the scenes relating to the hectic life of those working in this field, the behind the scenes of a fashion show and the constant need to be aesthetically top notch at all times (even when you are infected by the Entity). I am having a lot of fun imagining each scene, especially the tension and fear of turning the page!”
Smile: For The Camera #1 is out in February 2026
Next up is A Quiet Place; Storm Warning by writer and layout artist Phil Hester (Gotham City: Year One, Swamp Thing) and artist Ryan Kelly (Lucifer, Stranger Things).
“As spine-chilling creatures create chaos around the globe and slaughter anything that makes a sound, a small island town in the midwest will struggle to survive in silence as the ferocious and seemingly unstoppable extraterrestrial terrors lurk all around them.”
Hester discussed his and Kelly’s take on capturing the feel of the film on the printed page:
“As a franchise, I think A Quiet Place stands out for two reasons. Each movie is a relentless torrent of suspenseful action, but with a genuinely moving drama at its core. Secondly, it’s an innovative formal exercise in visual storytelling without dialogue. A Quiet Place; Storm Warning, I feel Ryan Kelly and I have replicated those qualities, but in an entirely different medium. We’re both midwesterners living along the Mississippi, so the tiny, creature-besieged island town of Pearl, Iowa in this series is in our blood. Also, as creators, the challenge of largely silent storytelling has inspired us to stretch our skills in new and exciting ways, resulting in a horror series unlike any other book on the stands. Just remember to flip those pages quietly. Something unwanted might be listening.”
A Quiet Place; Storm Warning #1 is out in March 2026.
There’s also The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace by writer Hannah Rose May returns to craft a new demonic saga and is joined by renowned artist Kelsey Ramsay (Godzilla: Heist, Dark Spaces: Good Deeds), a sequel to The Exorcism at 1600 Penn.
Speaking of the series, May said:
“I’ve been truly humbled by the response to The Exorcism at 1600 Penn. Returning to this world with the team at IDW Dark has been an absolute thrill. The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace expands the universe with a brand-new setting, cast and mythology. It’s a fresh entry point for new readers, while rewarding the fans who’ve been with us since the beginning. I’m delighted to have Kelsey Ramsay on board for art and we can’t wait to welcome everyone into the next chilling chapter of The Exorcism at universe.”
The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace #1 is out in March 2026.
Lastly, we have Operation: Iron Coffin from writer Kenny Porter (Superboy: The Man of Tomorrow, Batman: Urban Legends) and artist Tyrell Cannon (Fantastic Four Fanfare, The Schlub).
“Based on Dracula by Bram Stoker, this action-packed thriller transports readers to World War II as a British bomber drops an iron coffin onto a heavily fortified Nazi train full of superweapons. Dracula emerges, ready to tear through hordes of enemies and stop Hitler from creating an army of vampires to win the war.”
Porter
“I can’t wait to share this bold new take on Dracula with the world. Working with Tyrell is always a dream, and we’ve got a really unique, horror/action take on the character that fans of Castlevania, Metal Gear, and Hellboy are going to love.”
Cannon added:
“I’m so excited to collaborate with Kenny again for this wild take on Dracula. As a lifelong horror fan, drawing Dracula verses the ultimate evil is a dream (nightmare?) come true. Get on board for this bloody train ride!”
Operation: Iron Coffin #1 is out in July 2026.
And we give, fittingly I think, the final word to Group Editor of IDW Dark, Heather Antos:
“At IDW, we love nothing more than keeping readers up at night — and with these new titles, we’re about to unleash a quadruple shot of terror to kick off 2026. From royal hauntings to apocalyptic silence to fashion-week frights, this lineup proves horror can be elegant, inventive, and downright terrifying. Buckle up… because the nightmares are only getting started.“
