IDW Publishing is heading into ComicsPRO with a packed slate of exclusives, retailer freebies, and major announcements, and AIPT can share the first details on several limited preview comics and cover reveals debuting at the show.
The publisher already kicked off the week with the announcement of its new IDW Crime imprint, and the company has confirmed that additional reveals will roll out daily leading up to ComicsPRO. IDW is also planning a surprise announcement during its official presentation. While details remain under wraps, the publisher teased that fans of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Godzilla, and Star Trek should pay close attention next week.
Alongside those announcements, IDW is bringing an exclusive ashcan flipbook preview featuring two upcoming titles, plus limited ComicsPRO variant covers for two major releases.
Exclusive ashcan preview spotlights two IDW Dark titles
Retailers attending ComicsPRO can get their hands on an exclusive flipbook ashcan showcasing first looks at two upcoming IDW Dark releases, including a debut preview for a brand new series.
OPERATION: IRON COFFIN #1
Writer: Kenny Porter
Artist: Tyrell Cannon
Letterer: Alex Ray
On sale July | Pre-orders due June
Operation: Iron Coffin delivers a genre-blending action horror story set during World War II. The series follows a high-risk mission where a British bomber drops an iron coffin containing Dracula onto a heavily fortified Nazi train. The ashcan features ten pages of interior art, marking the first time readers can see the project.
The tone draws inspiration from properties such as Castlevania, Metal Gear, and Hellboy, combining military thriller elements with supernatural horror.
Check out the Ashcan below (note we’ve split the flip book in two; if you pick up the hard copy, it’ll be combined).
THE EXORCISM AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE #1
Creator and writer: Hannah Rose May
Artist: Kelsey Ramsay
Colorist: Heather Breckel
Letterer: Jodie Troutman
On sale March 11
The other half of the ashcan spotlights The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace, which expands Hannah Rose May’s supernatural political horror series. The story follows British Prime Minister Kelly Doyle as she struggles to balance family life, global diplomacy, and an escalating demonic threat within one of the world’s most recognizable institutions.
The series arrives as May’s earlier work, The Exorcism at 1600, is currently being adapted for film by Blumhouse. The new installment continues exploring political power through a horror lens, with creative influences compared to The Nice House on the Lake and The Haunting of Hill House.
Limited ComicsPRO variant covers revealed
In addition to the ashcan previews, IDW will distribute two exclusive ComicsPRO variant covers, each limited to 500 copies.
Courtesy IDW
SMILE: FOR THE CAMERA #1 (advance review)
ComicsPRO Exclusive Cover by Siobhan Keenan
The exclusive variant pays tribute to classic Wizard Magazine covers, leaning into nostalgic design elements while spotlighting IDW’s upcoming horror photography series.
Courtesy IDW
THE ROCKETEER: THE ISLAND #1
ComicsPRO Exclusive Cover based on original artwork by Dave Stevens
The variant presents a new interpretation of franchise creator Dave Stevens’ iconic Rocketeer imagery, celebrating the legacy of one of IDW’s longest-running adventure properties.
More announcements expected from IDW at ComicsPRO
The ComicsPRO exclusives represent only part of IDW’s planned presence at the event. The company has confirmed it will unveil a new announcement every day leading into the convention, culminating in a major surprise reveal during its presentation.
While IDW remains tight-lipped on specifics, the publisher’s teaser strongly hints that several flagship franchises could be part of next week’s reveals.
Retailers attending ComicsPRO will be able to pick up the ashcan preview and limited variant covers during the show. Fans can expect additional details on these projects and IDW’s broader publishing plans in the coming days.
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