Comics and Graphic Novels: BD, Marvel and Memoirs — 2026-09-18
DC Comics has released its December 2026 solicitations, highlighting the return of Garth Ennis and John McCrea to *Hitman* and the conclusion of Tom King’s *Wonder Woman* run. In France, the legal battle over the future of the Angoulême Festival intensified with a court hearing on September 16, while an original *Asterix* cover set a new auction record at €1.5 million. Meanwhile, Marvel confirmed Miracleman’s inclusion in the *Avengers* lineup for its November relaunch.
Comics and Graphic Novels: BD, Marvel and Memoirs — 2026-09-18
Top developments
DC December Solicits: Hitman Returns, Wonder Woman Ends
On September 18, DC Comics released full solicitations for December 2026, marking a significant shift in its publishing slate. The list confirms the return of Garth Ennis and John McCrea to Hitman, a major event for mature readers. Additionally, the solicits reveal that Tom King’s acclaimed run on Wonder Woman will conclude, with the Trinity characters facing narrative trials. The absence of Absolute Batman from the December list has also drawn attention, suggesting a pause or shift in that flagship line.
Angoulême Festival Future Decided by Court
The legal crisis surrounding the Angoulême International Comics Festival (FIBD) reached a critical juncture this week. On September 16, former organizers and the new management appeared before a tribunal in Angoulême to settle ownership disputes over the festival's brand and assets. Former organizers are claiming they were "dispossessed" of the event they built, demanding €300,000 in damages, while the new entity prepares for a potential 2027 edition without the traditional February slot. The judge’s decision is expected on October 14, a date that will determine if the festival survives in its current form.
Asterix Original Cover Sets Auction Record
In a stark contrast to the struggling festival news, the French market saw a historic high in the collector segment. On September 13, an original color cover for Asterix chez les Bretons (Asterix Among the Britons), signed by Goscinny and Uderzo, sold for €1.474 million (including fees) at BD Enchères in Liège. This sale shatters previous records for Asterix memorabilia and highlights the enduring financial power of Franco-Belgian heritage IP, even as general sales volumes face pressure.
Marvel Relaunch: Miracleman Joins Avengers
Marvel Comics officially announced on September 17 that Miracleman will be part of the Avengers #1 lineup for its November 2026 relaunch, written by Chip Zdarsky and illustrated by Marco Checchetto. This integration of the Alan Moore-Neil Gaiman legacy character into the main Earth-616 continuity is a major strategic move, aiming to recapture the prestige and shock value associated with the character’s history. The release of classified covers further fuels pre-release hype for the November initiative.
Local view
French media outlets are closely monitoring the judicial proceedings in Angoulême. Sud Ouest reports that the courtroom atmosphere was "complex and stormy," with former organizers accusing the new management of "sinking the event" through mismanagement. The local press emphasizes that the 53-year-old festival’s identity is at stake, with authors expressing uncertainty about whether a 2027 edition will even take place under the current brand name.
Meanwhile, La Dépêche du Midi highlighted the diversity of the current "rentrée" (back-to-school) BD releases, noting a strong national production despite the broader market slump. Local critics are pointing to a variety of genres—from historical fiction to futuristic satire—as key drivers for September sales.
Context & numbers
- Market Share: Recent data indicates DC Comics held nearly twice the market share of Marvel Comics in direct market comic shops in the week leading up to mid-September, driven by the strength of the Absolute line and recent event titles.
- Sales Trends: Absolute Batman #1 remained the top-selling graphic novel in August according to ICv2 rankings, reinforcing DC's dominance in the US direct market.
- French Market Slump: Despite the Asterix auction record, the broader French BD market contracted by 5.5% in 2025, a trend continuing into late 2026 as publishers grapple with rising paper costs and shifting reader habits.
On the radar
- NYCC 2026: DC Comics is expanding its presence at New York Comic Con (October 9–12) with a larger booth and exclusive merchandise, signaling a push to capitalize on its current market dominance.
- Angoulême Verdict: The court’s decision on the FIBD ownership dispute is scheduled for October 14, a date that could define the future of the European comics industry’s most prestigious award ceremony.
- November Marvel Relaunch: The Avengers #1 relaunch featuring Miracleman drops in November, serving as a key test for Marvel’s strategy to integrate Vertigo-style mature content into its core superhero universe.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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