Comics in 2020: 15 Exciting Things To Look Out For!

by Troy-Jeffrey Allen

Happy New Year, PREVIEWSworld! And welcome to a new decade of action, adventure, thrills, suspense, and wonder. How can I be so sure that 2020 has so many emotions in store? Because that is what comic books have provided fans for decades, and I promise you that that tradition will continue throughout the roaring ‘20s and beyond.

Need proof? Well, it just so happens that I have direct insight into what the upcoming year has in store (sorry, my precognitive abilities can see only twelve months ahead). Here are fifteen unbelievably enticing comics, creative teams, and events coming to your local comic shop in the new year.

Transformers vs. Terminator (March)

In case you haven’t noticed, for quite some time, the 1980s have been back in a big way. From Guardians of the Galaxy to Stranger Things - the time between 1980 and 1990 remains fertile ground for new and nostalgic creative endeavors. Now, IDW is here with not one but two properties that most definitely defined that era: James Cameron’s The Terminator and Hasbro’s Transformers.

The mere notion of a Transformers vs. Terminator (JAN200696) action extravaganza instantly conjures up thoughts of metal on metal chaos and titanium crunching insanity. But even better, this is a time-travel story that starts off in 1984. So not only will you be seeing the classic G1 Transformers, but you’ll also be getting the o.g. T-800 model!

Angel & Spike (February)

Are you Team Angel or Team Spike? Well, no matter where you fall on the vampire blondes vs. vampire brunettes debate, you’re going to get double the trouble and quadruple the fangs with Angel & Spike from BOOM! Studios.

After the fallout of 2019’s Hellmouth event, the Angel comic gets a new title and a new leader with Angel and Spike #9 (JAN201331). The re-branded series kicks off with the “Ring of Fire” storyline, which sees Spike leading the charge to fight evil in the city of Angels...but without Angel? Where has Angelus gone? And is he in this ring of fire also?

DC Comics’s 5G Timeline (TBA)

The speculation around DC’s “5G” plan really kicked into high gear at 2019’s New York Comic Con. There, DC Comics editor and co-publisher Dan Didio gave readers a glimpse at five generations (“5G”) of characters that make up a new DC timeline. But the biggest indicator that the DCU had something major planned came in the form of December’s Doomsday Clock #12 (OCT190524).

Doomsday Clock was touted early on as the book that would officially bring the DC heroes into direct conflict with the characters of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ The Watchmen. By issue #12, Superman was duking it out with Dr. Manhattan - fulfilling the series' goal in a major way. But Manhattan also provided readers with a look at the DCU’s past and future. What we saw were smatterings of different key points in the publisher’s history and major events yet to come - everything from Dr. Manhattan's involvement in the 2011 Flashpoint crossover to a “Secret Crisis” in the year 2030.

The speculation continues. Stay tuned.

Giant-Size X-Men (February)

2019’s biggest comic book comeback happened in the form of the X-Franchise. Under the deft-hand of writer Jonathan Hickman, the on-again, off-again X-Men line was revitalized and the fanbase took notice. Readers returned to the series in droves as the book topped Diamond’s top-sellers list month after month.

Now that the twists and turns of the initial X-Men relaunch have established a new status quo, it seems like Hickman wants readers to live in the new world that he’s setup for the mutants. Enter: Giant-Size X-Men (DEC190780), a string of over-sized one shot comics that allows the writer to explore how the X-Men have reshaped the Marvel U. If you enjoyed Hickman’s House of X and Powers of X mini-series (which it seems plenty of you did) then Giant-Size X-Men is ideal given the insane ramifications that fell out of those titles.

Mercy (March)

For Image Comics, Mirka Andolfo’s Unnatural (JAN200135) was the breakout hit of 2018. With the series concluded in 2019, everyone was eagerly anticipating what the Italian writer-artist had up her sleeve for American audiences next.

It just so happens that that book is called Mercy (JAN200129), and it promises to be a supernatural drama in the vein of Dark Shadows and Penny Dreadful. Similar to Unnatural, it explores inclusion and self-discovery. Unlike Unnatural, Mercy will unpack these ideas with a gothic perspective. Which makes its Victorian backdrop all the more appropriate.

Bloodshot (February)

After much anticipation, 2020 promises to be Bloodshot’s year. Created in 1992 by Valiant Comics, this nanite-injected super soldier will be the first character from the publisher to make it to the big screen. To compliment his film debut, Bloodshot will be receiving an all-new Bloodshot #0 issue (DEC191952, which is also the 150th issue that the character will headline) for new fans, in addition to the current series by fan-favorite writer Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash) and Brett Booth (Flash Forward).

In addition, Valiant wants to make sure everyone is properly primed for the Vin Diesel vehicle with a string of collected editions covering the character’s 28 years, Not to mention an upcoming action figure release from McFarlane Toys (SEP198371).

Demon Slayer (May)

The manga giant known as Viz Media have recognized the demand for Demon Slayer and are rising to the occasion. Starting in May, the publisher will do something slightly unprecedented and release a new volume of the Demon Slayer manga every month!

Focusing on the revenge-seeking Tanjiro, Demon Slayer follows the character as he tries to convert his sister back into a human after their family was slaughtered by a vile spirit. Unfortunately for Tanjiro, despite more installments on the horizon, he shouldn’t assume his path of revenge will come to a conclusion in 2020. Expect more demonic possessions and for the opposition to get even deadlier before Demon Slayer concludes.

Canto And The Clockwork Fairies (TBA)

Canto (NOV190711), another surprise hit from 2019 makes a come back in 2020. This time with a new one-shot titled Canto and the Clockwork Fairies.

Details are still slim on Clockwork Fairies, but writer David M. Booher and artist Drew Zucker will return. In addition to an ominously named new foe  called the “Shrouded Man.” 

Archie “Blue Ribbon” line-up (TBA)

Archie’s upcoming “Blue Ribbon” line might make most adults immediately think of PBR, but the imprint is exclusively focused on the young adult and middle-grade audience. Given the recent success of TV shows Riverdale and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, the “Blue Ribbon” line seems to be targeting that viewership with the intention of turning them into a comic book readership.

Already announced before “Blue Ribbon” launches in 2020: Riverdale: The Ties That Bind and Betty & Veronica: The Bond of Friendship.

Best of 2000 AD (April)

If you're in the know then it's no secret that some of comics' biggest and boldest talents cut their teeth at 2000 AD. We're talking Grant Morrison, Alan Davis, Garth Ennis, Steve Dillon, Peter Milligan, Brian Bolland, Mark Millar, Alan Moore...the list is seemingly endless.

So why is it that so many American readers are painfully unaware of the UK publisher? Well, no more excuses in 2020. You can discover all the pivotal pieces of the “galaxy’s greatest comics” with The Best of 2000 AD (JAN201942), a new monthly anthology series that will highlight some of the best works from not just the above mentioned creators, but a promises/warns that these tales are “precision-engineered to thrill.”

Fire Power (May)

From Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead) and Chris Samnee (Daredevil) comes a lil’ kung fu fighting!

In Fire Power, orphan Owen Johnson is in pursuit of his birth parents. His journey brings him to the Shaolin Temple, where he discovers that humanity’s last hope is a clan of students who are trying to master the art of throwing fireballs. Yeah!

Bonus: You can read a portion of Fire Power (JAN201942)on Free Comic Book Day before issue #1 hits shelves in its entirety in May.

Marvels (January and March)

Marvel Comics’ 80th anniversary may be over in 2019, but the house of ideas is still celebrating their storied history with two noteworthy follow-ups to two critically-acclaimed works by Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross. 

First up is January’s Marvels X (NOV190806), Alex Ross and Jim Kreuger’s prequel to the far-flung future depicted in Earth X (NOV190956). While the original Earth X depicted a Marvel Universe already dilapidated by super-powered struggles, this story seems to be bridging the gap between Marvel as we currently know it and the one originally depicted in the 1999 maxi-series.

Then there is March’s Marvels Snapshot (JAN200873), a sequel to the 1994 mini-series Marvels by writer Kurt Busiek and artist Ross. This one will be the inverse of Marvels X. Focusing on everything from the golden age to today. Similar to the original series, Marvels Snapshot will be told from the perspective of the humans caught in the middle of your favorite universe’s grand epics.

Uzumaki (January)

Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim line-up is getting a new addition: Uzumaki by horror master and manga creator Junji Ito. Ito’s Uzumaki tells the story of a small town haunted by not a person but a "spiral" - a hypnotic, whirling manifestation that pulls anyone it encounters into madness.

With the 2020 release of Uzumaki coming to the screen, Dark Horse Comics (known for publishing Ito’s works) will be re-releasing the manga (AUG131498) that the upcoming animated show is based on. If you want to get in on the inevitable insanity that Uzumaki will cause for the uninitiated, then be sure to pick up the reprinting in January, ahead of its TV debut.

Thor (January)

Literally dropping at the top of the year, Thor (AUG199016) by Donny Cates and Nic Klein has some tough shoes to fill. The previous Thor creative team was fan-favorite writer Jason Aaron and celebrated artist Esad Ribic. But if anyone is up for the task it’s Cates and Klein. Cates in particular has been playing in Marvel’s cosmic pool with books such as Thanos Wins, Cosmic Ghost Rider, Venom, and Guardians of the Galaxy. All incredibly well-received by new and long-term fans.

Wonder Woman #750, Robin 80th Anniversary Spectacular, and Flash #750 (January, February, March)

Three of the DC Comics’ most beloved heroes are celebrating their anniversaries in 2020.

First up is Wonder Woman, who not only gets a film sequel in the new year but also gets a landmark 750th issue in January (NOV190399). Then there is Robin a.k.a Dick Grayson, Batman’s sidekick turned protector of Bludhaven turned secret agent. Believe it or not, the “boy wonder” is turning 80 in 2020, and he’s inviting you to his birthday with a 100-page spectacular (JAN200496) in March. Lastly, (which is not a position you’ll typically find him in), The Flash celebrates his 750th issue (DEC190400) in February.

Between these three milestones, you can expect a star-studded list of creators to arrive to the party. Everyone from Marv Wolfman to Marguerite Bennett to J. Scott Campbell will be contributing to these oversized anniversary issues. The only person missing...is you. So head to your local comic shop and pay tribute to three icons from your favorite medium.

And that’s just scratching the surface, PREVIEWSworld. We didn’t even touch on the possible return of Saga, Fantastic Four vs. X-Men, The Hellboy “Crooked Man” sequel, or the Savage Dragon anniversary.

As you can tell, a lot can happen in just twelve months. The only way you’ll remain on top of it all is by picking up a copy of PREVIEWS catalog from your local comic shop or frequently keeping an eye on PREVIEWSworld.com/catalog. It's the safest way to travel in 2020.

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Troy-Jeffrey Allen is the producer and co-host of PREVIEWSworld Weekly. His comics work includes BAMN, Fight of the Century, the Harvey Award-nominated District Comics, and the Ringo Awards-nominated Magic Bullet.