Terminal #1 Press Release: Skybound/Image Comics – Robert Kirkman Returns
Terminal #1 is officially the most anticipated superhero event of 2026, marking the long-awaited return of Robert Kirkman to the genre that defined his career. Announced during Kirkman’s high-profile keynote address at the ComicsPro industry meeting, this series represents an unprecedented collaboration between five of the biggest megastars in comic book history. Published by Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics, the debut issue is set to explode onto shelves on July 22, 2026, bringing an unpredictable level of intensity to the medium.
The “murderers’ row” of talent for this project includes:
- Writers: Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead) & Joe Casey (Uncanny X-Men, Wildcats)
- Artists: Andy Kubert (X-Men, Batman), David Finch (Ultimate X-Men), and Arthur Adams (X-Men)
- Colorist: Dave McCaig (The Walking Dead Deluxe)
- Letterer: Rus Wooton (TRANSFORMERS)
Robert Kirkman has described the project as the “coolest creative team ever assembled,” challenging readers to find a more stunning array of artistic talent. For fans who track new comics for their industry-shaking potential, this is more than just a new book—it is the birth of a vast, original superhero universe. Consequently, the scale of this launch is intended to rival the heights of the early Image era and the definitive runs of the 1990s.
The Secret War and Genetic Stakes of Terminal #1
What readers should prepare for in Terminal #1 is a superhuman conflict that blurs the lines between morality and survival. The story centers on a secret war being waged globally by two violent forces, each possessing abilities that defy modern physics. At the heart of this storm is Marilyn Howe, a woman whose search for her missing sister, Alessandra, inadvertently places her at the center of a geopolitical and genetic nightmare.
The narrative suggests that the power to save the world is buried within the human genetic code, but unlocking it requires giving up everything one thought they knew about themselves. This theme of personal sacrifice and evolution is a hallmark of Kirkman’s writing, promising a story where characters must “survive the experience” both physically and psychologically. Transitioning from street-level mystery to high-concept craziness ensures that Terminal #1 will keep readers constantly off-balance.
The Secret War of Marilyn Howe
The visual presentation of the series is a “shot of adrenaline” for the industry. Having Andy Kubert and Arthur Adams working on interiors for a single title is a milestone that David Finch describes as “coming home.” This project marks Kubert’s first major work outside of “the big two” since the late 80s, allowing him total creative freedom to build characters and environments from the ground up. For fans who spend their time tracking comic book covers, the artistic synergy between these legends is a mathematical certainty for success.
Furthermore, Terminal #1 will debut with a radical blind bag program. This innovative marketing strategy allows fans to collect nearly all orderable covers at varying degrees of rarity. However, the program also includes three exclusive surprise items that offer a distinctive sneak peek into the world of the series. These items are designed in a way that is unlike anything ever seen in a comic book blind bag before, further emphasizing the “unpredictable” nature of the Skybound launch.
Joe Casey, who has spent years planning this epic alongside Kirkman, notes that the level of talent involved is “completely off the charts.” The series aims to recapture the visceral, high-action energy of the classic era of X-Men while pushing the boundaries of scale and ambition. With Dave McCaig’s vibrant colors and Rus Wooton’s industry-leading lettering, the final product is expected to be a masterpiece of visual authority.
In conclusion, Terminal #1 is a must-buy for any reader who values powerful storytelling and over-the-top visuals. By pairing a legendary writing duo with three of the most influential artists in the history of the medium, Skybound and Image Comics have guaranteed that 2026 will be defined by this secret war. Don’t miss this portal into a new universe when it hits comic shops this July!
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Are you ready for Robert Kirkman’s return to superheroes? Which artist are you most excited to see: Kubert, Finch, or Adams? Join the conversation on X and tag us @comicbookaddt to share your excitement for the biggest launch of 2026!
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