Concrete: Stars Over Sand #1: Paul Chadwick Returns to Dark Horse
Concrete: Stars Over Sand marks the triumphant return of one of the most decorated and respected creations in the history of independent comics. Announced today by Dark Horse Comics, this five-part limited series represents the first all-new material featuring the stone-sheathed protagonist since 2012. Master storyteller Paul Chadwick, a multi-Eisner, Harvey, and Reuben Award-winning creator, is returning to his signature wilderness of suspense to tell a haunting tale of amnesia and survival.
The creative engine behind this project is a singular force:
- Writer & Artist: Paul Chadwick
- Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
- Format: Five-issue limited series
Paul Chadwick has spent more or less a decade developing this narrative, ensuring it captures the same intellectual depth and emotional resonance that made the original run a landmark in the medium. He describes the series as a culmination of his life experiences, noting that the settings are based on places he has camped and sketched. Furthermore, Chadwick admits to having lived, at least briefly, through the affliction of his character, promising that he has poured everything he knows about suspense into these pages.
A Descent into Chaos in Concrete: Stars Over Sand
What readers should prepare for in Concrete: Stars Over Sand is a narrative that begins with a terrifying disappearance. Concrete has entered the desert and has not returned, leaving his longtime companions Larry and Maureen in a state of frantic desperation. As reports begin to surface of a blood-covered giant wandering the arid mountains and attacking people, the search becomes a race against a looming deadline. The tension is palpable as the “friends” realize that the man they know might have been replaced by something far more primitive.
The perspective of the story is equally gripping. We see the world through Concrete’s confused eyes—a frightening landscape he no longer understands. Having been lightning-struck and stripped of his memories, he roams a world where “roars tear across the sky” and “a strange globe rises.” Because he is sheathed in stone and feels he is being hunted, Concrete views every human as a threat. Transitioning from a state of gentle philosophical inquiry to one of raw, instinctual fear makes this the most tense new comics release of the year.
The Search for a Stone Giant
Visually, Concrete: Stars Over Sand is set to be a masterpiece. Paul Chadwick is utilizing wraparound oil paintings for the covers, elevating the series to a fine-art status rarely seen in periodical comics. This aesthetic choice reflects the prestige of the character’s history while providing a visceral look at the desert environment. For fans who spend their time tracking comic book covers for their artistic value, these wraparound paintings will be a centerpiece of any collection.
Furthermore, the issue explores the psychological weight of amnesia. As Larry and Maureen navigate the treacherous terrain, they are forced to confront the fragility of the bond they share with Concrete. The story asks whether the “soul” of a person is tied to their memories or their actions. Transitioning between the frantic search in the real world and Concrete’s hallucinatory journey back to life creates a pacing that keeps the reader on edge. In addition, the five-issue structure ensures that every moment is calculated for maximum impact.
The return of this character is a mathematical certainty for success among longtime fans. Since his debut in the 1980s, Concrete has been a symbol of the “thinking person’s” superhero. Consequently, the arrival of issue #1 on June 17, 2026, is a major milestone for the industry. Whether you are a veteran collector who remembers the original series or a newcomer looking for a high-stakes mystery, this book is a mandatory addition to your pull list.
In conclusion, Concrete: Stars Over Sand is more than just a comeback; it is a statement of intent from a master of the craft. By pairing a decade of preparation with a hauntingly personal story, Paul Chadwick is ensuring that the stone giant remains as relevant as ever. Don’t miss this portal into the desert when it hits shops this June for $4.99.
📢 Join the Conversation
Are you ready for the return of Concrete? How do you think Larry and Maureen will handle a “blood-covered” version of their friend? Join the conversation on X and tag us @comicbookaddt to share your excitement for Paul Chadwick’s return!
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