Heavy Metal, one of the most iconic and influential anthology magazines in comic book history, is set to make a triumphant return to comic book shops. Following a highly successful crowdfunding campaign, the eagerly awaited new volume of Heavy Metal will hit the shelves on Wednesday, April 30. In anticipation of this much-anticipated release, IGN is thrilled to offer an exclusive sneak peek at Heavy Metal #1. Dive into the slideshow gallery below to explore pages from the diverse array of stories included in the first issue, alongside the previously unveiled covers:
The latest volume of Heavy Metal brings together a blend of seasoned, returning creators and fresh talent making their debut in the Heavy Metal universe. Among the highlights is the return of the beloved character Taarna, featured in new stories. Here's a comprehensive rundown of the stories and creators showcased in the inaugural issue:
- BUG - Enki Bilal
- Burton & Cyb - Antonio Segura & José Ortiz
- The Mercenary - Vicente Segrelles
- Valentina - Sergio Gerasi
- Sixella: The Last Roots - Janevsky
- Taarna: Rebirth - Leah Moore, John Reppion, Anna Morozova
- Cold Dead War: The Aftermath - Craig Wilson
- Grimaldi - Keron Grant, Josh Sky, Frank Forte
- Legends of Taarna: "Autophonomania" - Matt and Shawn Fillbach, Joseph Michael Linsner
- Gladiatrix - John Stanisci
- Evil Sex Bitch - Steve Mannion
- Lester, That Old Feeling - Fernando Dagnino
- The Bus - Paul Kirchner
- June 2050 - John Workman
- Millstone - Michael Conrad, Ilias Kyriazis
- Transcendestiny - David Quinn, Tim Vigil
- Cobot - Jonathan Wayshak
- All American - Jason Spell, Jok
- Kecksburg UFO - Jim Rugg
- They Dug Too Deep - Dwayne Harris
- Floyd the Giant Killer - Michael L. Peters
- GUNK - Curt Merlo
- Harry Canyon - Josh Sky, Frank Forte
- Zeke & Edsel - Frank Forte
- The Devil's Teeth - Lia Bozonelis, Agustin Alessio
Heavy Metal #1 is set to be a landmark issue, with a print run of 73,000 copies, marking it as the most extensively printed issue of the series in several decades. Priced at $14.99, this 232-page anthology is a must-have for fans and collectors alike.
Mark your calendars: Heavy Metal #1 will be available in comic shops starting April 30 and on newsstands from May 13. The series is planned for quarterly releases, though the publisher has indicated a willingness to increase the frequency if demand warrants it.
In other comic book news, Mike Mignola is set to return to the Hellboy universe this summer, and we've had the opportunity to discuss the latest developments with the creative team behind Spider-Man & Wolverine.