Dynamite Entertainment and Coffin Comics are reopening the Chaos! vault. The publishers have launched a Kickstarter campaign to restore and re-release the complete Evil Ernie archives from the original Chaos! Comics era.
The campaign features three oversized omnibus volumes. Each book collects and restores the full run of Evil Ernie and Smiley: The Psychotic Button stories from 1991 to 2002. The project is live now for a limited time with special launch pricing.
A Cult Classic Reemerges
For more than 20 years, these stories have remained out of print. Fans have relied on back issues and collector markets to track them down. That changes with this release.
Chaos! Comics made its mark in the early 1990s with a mix of superhero storytelling and horror themes. Evil Erniestood at the center of that movement. The character captured rage, pain, and dark humor, all filtered through a rebellious tone that defined the era.
Creator Brian Pulido, along with artist Steven Hughes and other contributors, built a dedicated fanbase that continues to follow the property today.
Inside the Omnibus Collection
The Evil Ernie Omnibus Set spans three volumes, each measuring 9 by 12 inches and running about 500 pages. The books present the material in restored format and chronological order, with each volume expanding the scope of the story.
Pulido also contributes new commentary and behind-the-scenes insights drawn from his personal archives.
The first volume includes the original Evil Ernie miniseries, later titled Youth Gone Wild, along with The Resurrection, Revenge, Straight to Hell, and the zero issue featuring a cover by Greg Capullo.
The second volume continues with Destroyer, Evil Ernie #1/2, and the ongoing series arcs Vampire Vengeance, Fear Itself, Christmas Evil, and Trauma.
The final volume completes the saga with Depraved, War of the Dead, Pieces of Me, Returns, Relentless, and Alien Evil. It also includes crossover specials, a “What If” style story, and all five Smiley specials.
Collector Editions and Exclusive Features
The set is available in three editions. The standard hardcover includes all 1,500 pages in a deluxe format with black trim.
A signed edition, limited to 666 copies, features green design elements and signatures from Brian Pulido. A Super Deluxe edition, limited to 333 copies, adds red accents, gilded pages, a ribbon bookmark, and upgraded cover finishes.
All editions fit into a matching slipcase, which is exclusive to Kickstarter backers who select full set tiers.
Expanded Campaign and New Artwork
The campaign also includes stretch goals and additional collectibles. Backers can access exclusive items such as facsimile reprints, prints, posters, patches, coins, and apparel inspired by the original Chaos! aesthetic.
Artist Simon Bisley contributes a new Evil Ernie illustration. The piece is available as a limited Youth Gone Wild #1edition and as an 11 by 17 print.
A Relaunch With Future Plans
This project marks the first co-publishing effort between Dynamite and Coffin Comics. It also sets the stage for future releases featuring other Chaos! characters, including Lady Death, Purgatori, and Chastity.
The Evil Ernie Kickstarter campaign is live now, offering fans a chance to revisit a defining era of horror-driven comics and secure a comprehensive edition of the series.
