En Garde! Fence Returns with Breakthrough: Game Changer This Summer!
Get ready to return to the intense world of competitive fencing! Fans of sharp rivalries, complex characters, and high-stakes bouts have reason to celebrate. BOOM! Studios just announced the return of the beloved series Fence with a brand new, double-sized one-shot this summer. Mark your calendars for Fence Breakthrough: Game Changer #1, hitting comic shops on July 30, 2025. Here at Comic Book Addicts, we know many readers have eagerly awaited more from Kings Row. Let’s dive into what creators C.S. Pacat and Johanna the Mad have in store for us!
What’s Coming in Fence Breakthrough: Game Changer?
This isn’t just a small return; Fence Breakthrough: Game Changer #1 is a double-sized special, promising plenty of piste action and character drama. The story picks up with the Kings Row team having successfully battled their way into the final sixteen of the championships. However, their ultimate goal – facing the legendary Exton fencing academy – is still a long way off. Both Nicholas Coste and Seiji Katayama have personal scores to settle there, adding another layer of intensity to the competition. This new chapter promises significant developments for our favorite fencers.
High Stakes on the Piste
Before Kings Row can even dream of Exton, immediate challenges arise. The press release from BOOM! Studios highlights a crucial face-off for Nicholas. He must compete against Kyle, a fencer who remains unaware of Nicholas’s complicated connection to the elite Coste fencing family. Furthermore, Kyle doubts Nicholas’s right to be on the Kings Row team, especially as Seiji’s teammate. This forces Nicholas into a position where he must prove his skill under immense pressure. Can he secure a victory, keep Kings Row in the running for gold, and navigate the treacherous waters of his hidden heritage?
Series creator C.S. Pacat added fuel to the fire with a tantalizing quote: “Rivalries and romances intensify, and Nicholas has his first real face off with his family. I’m so excited for you all to read this one–get ready for the whole game to change!” That “game changer” title isn’t just for show, it seems! Expect major shifts in dynamics and plot progression.
Meet the Acclaimed Creative Team
The return wouldn’t be complete without the original driving forces. Fence Breakthrough: Game Changer reunites the fan-favorite team of writer C.S. Pacat and artist Johanna the Mad. Pacat, the New York Times bestselling author known for the Captive Prince trilogy and Dark Rise, brings her signature talent for intricate character relationships and compelling narratives back to the world of Fence. Her deep understanding of rivalry and ambition shines through in every script.
Johanna the Mad provides the series’ distinct visual identity. Her expressive art style perfectly captures both the dynamic energy of fencing and the subtle emotions of the characters. Hailing from Mexico, Johanna built a following through social media before bringing her talents to publishers like BOOM! Studios. Her main cover for this issue is sure to be a highlight, alongside a variant cover by the talented DJ Kirkland (Save Yourself!). Discussing these eye-catching covers is always a hot topic among collectors!
Fence and the BOOM! Box Imprint
Fence finds its home within BOOM! Studios’ award-winning BOOM! Box imprint. This imprint is known for publishing groundbreaking and often slice-of-life original series that resonate with diverse audiences. Think Lumberjanes, Giant Days, Juliet Takes a Breath, and The Avant-Guards. Fence fits perfectly, blending the thrill of sports manga with nuanced character studies and meaningful LGBTQ+ representation. Its focus on dedication, rivalry, found family, and personal growth has earned it a dedicated following among fellow readers who appreciate stories with heart and substance. The return of Fence, even in a one-shot format for now, is a welcome addition back into the BOOM! Box lineup.
Conclusion: Prepare for the Breakthrough!
The announcement of Fence Breakthrough: Game Changer #1 is exciting news for fans who have followed Nicholas, Seiji, and the rest of the Kings Row team. Releasing July 30, 2025, this double-sized one-shot from C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad, and BOOM! Studios promises to deliver intense fencing action, heightened rivalries, developing romances, and potentially game-changing revelations about Nicholas’s past. Make sure to pre-order at your local comic shop or look for it on digital platforms like Kindle, iBooks, and Google Play this summer.Are you excited for the return of Fence? What are your predictions for Nicholas’s face-off with Kyle and his family? Let us know your thoughts over on our Twitter page!
