Dynamite Entertainment has revealed new details and a release date for its upcoming Buffy the Vampire Slayer comic series. The publisher first teased the project at San Diego Comic-Con. Now, it confirms the debut issue will arrive July 22 in comic shops everywhere.
Writer Kelly Thompson and artist Stephen Byrne lead the new era.
A New Chapter in Sunnydale
“Into every generation, a slayer is born.”
Buffy Summers remains one of the most iconic heroes in modern fantasy. Set in Sunnydale, the series follows the slayer and her close-knit group of allies as they battle supernatural threats. Buffy has saved the world many times. This new comic builds on that legacy.
The story begins at a key moment in Buffy’s timeline. It launches an event storyline that brings together characters from both Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. A new villain emerges. Stakes rise quickly. Personal conflict and global danger collide, as they often do in Sunnydale.
Big Event, Major Twists
Plot details remain tightly under wraps. However, the oversized first issue promises a sweeping story that unites the full cast.
Fans can expect high emotion, a major twist, and the comic debut of a beloved Buffy character. The series aims to appeal to longtime fans while welcoming new readers with a large-scale entry point.
This event centers on the core themes that defined the original series. Friendship, sacrifice, and identity remain at the heart of the story.
Creative Team Brings Deep Fandom
Thompson continues a strong run that includes Absolute Wonder Woman, Birds of Prey, Captain Marvel, and Black Widow. She also plans to write a companion Angel title, with more details coming soon.
“Buffy Summers is, in my opinion, one of the best modern heroes of science-fiction/fantasy,” Thompson said. “The show was wildly inspirational for a young Kelly, and like so many things that feel very lucky in my life, I’m not sure I’m a writer today without encountering Buffy at the right moment. This idea for Buffy has been sitting with me for a long time – and so when the chance to grab both Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel came along, I couldn’t resist trying it. I hope you guys will enjoy the ride. It comes from a place of deep love for the franchise, and I’ll try my best to be worthy of it.”
Byrne brings experience from titles such as Justice League / Power Rangers, Wonder Twins, Green Arrow, and Mera: Tidebreaker. He is also a longtime fan of the Buffyverse.
“I’ve been a lifelong Buffyverse obsessive and I’ve got the VHS boxsets and DVDs to prove it,” Byrne said. “Working on this comic with such a phenomenal writer is a surreal dream come true, and I still can’t quite believe it. I can’t wait for fans to see what Kelly has planned.”
Expanded Creative Lineup
The series also features Eisner-nominated colorist Lee Loughridge and letterer Jeff Eckleberry. Editor and packager Nate Cosby oversees the project. Cosby previously worked on titles such as Gargoyles, Darkwing Duck, and ThunderCats.
Variant Covers and Collector Editions
To celebrate the launch, Dynamite has assembled a lineup of top cover artists. Contributors include David Nakayama, Amanda Conner, Joshua Swaby, and Juliet Nneka.
The publisher will also remaster the first-ever Buffy comic cover from 1998 by Arthur Adams.
Collectors can purchase a mystery blind bag edition. Each bag includes three premium variant covers selected at random. Options feature logo-free editions, line art versions, and exclusive artwork. Additional artists include Declan Shalvey and J. Scott Campbell.
A Major Moment for the Buffy Franchise
The new Buffy the Vampire Slayer series marks a significant return for the franchise in comics. With a high-profile creative team and an ambitious crossover event, Dynamite aims to deliver a story that honors the original while pushing it forward.
The first issue hits shelves July 22.
