Dark Horse Comics has announced Skate Ali, a new five-issue series from Kelly Sue DeConnick, Sam Humphries, and artist Natacha Bustos. Blending sci-fi energy with skatepunk attitude, the series explores friendship, rebellion, and identity in a world that would rather see its heroes fall flat.
Written by DeConnick (FML, Bitch Planet) and Humphries (Harley Quinn, Guardians of the Galaxy), illustrated by Bustos (Moon Girl, Miles Morales), and lettered by Josh Reed (Knight City, Christmas 365), Skate Ali #1 arrives in June 2026. The debut issue features covers by Bustos, Joe Quinones, Sweeney Boo, Emma Ríos, and Jamie McKelvie.
Set in a near-future Los Angeles where skateboarding has been outlawed, the story follows Ali, a student by day and an underground skater by night. On the streets, she pushes back against a system determined to control every move.
Her world opens up when she collides with the LA Skull Clan, a crew of rebellious skaters led by the masked Skull Queen 9. Powered by a mysterious force known as the Rush, the clan pulls off gravity-defying feats and public acts of defiance that challenge the city’s authority.
Ali sees a chance to sharpen her skills and find her place among them. She also fears stepping fully into the spotlight. As the stakes rise, she must decide whether to keep her head down or ride straight into something bigger than herself.
“Kelly Sue and I first came up with Skate Ali over ten years ago,” said Humphries. “She’s been living in our heads ever since, demanding to come out, skating the inside of our skulls like they were empty swimming pools. It’s noisy and we needed the relief, but there’s also something about her heart, smartass vibes, and banged up ankles that has made her impossible to ignore. Getting Natacha to join us as artist and co-creator was the perfect fit to make Ali finally come alive. We can’t wait for everyone to meet the best and worst skater in the history of Los Angeles.”
“Working on this project has been fun from the very beginning,” added Bustos. “I was immediately captivated by the scripts and the spokon spirit at the heart of the story, with its peculiar and incredibly smartly written characters. Of course, Ali is the soul of everything, and Sam and Kelly’s description of her made me fall in love with the character at first sight. Designing her was a joy, just like bringing to life all the characters who orbit around her. I hope readers enjoy a comic that’s fun, clever, and full of heart.”
Skate Ali #1 lands in comic shops on June 10, 2026 for $4.99.
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