Freshly Pressed! New Comic Book Day 25th February 2026

New week, new comics! Whether you' looking for gritty noir, cosmic horror, or high-stakes superhero drama, we've got you covered. This week sees the return of Frank Castle aka Punisher, as well as a Spider-Man/Venom crossover! In other news, the highly-anticipated relaunch of the DC Vertigo line continues.

For this and more, read our below guide to all the #1 issues and one-shots arriving this new comic book day. Why not add them to your pull list so you never miss a beat?

The New #1s and One-Shots

The Rocketeer: The Island #1 The Rocketeer returns to save Amelia Earhart in a brand-new story by creator Dave Stevens! The year is 1938, and Cliff Secord (aka the Rocketeer) is recruited to lead a search and rescue mission. The mission? Find Amelia Earhart! Considering a year has passed since the famous pilot went missing, the Rocketeer is hesitant at first — that is, until he learns the expedition is to the same island Betty ran off to with the scummy photographer Marco! The Rocketeer will have to uncover the secret of the century’s greatest mystery while trying to win back his girlfriend. But what else awaits him on the island?

Amazing Spider-Man / Venom: Death Spiral #1 The next epic Spider-Man and Venom crossover kicks off here. Peter Parker returns to Earth just in time to face a Carnage that has discovered his secret identity. As Spider-Man and the all-new Venom (Mary Jane Watson) are forced into a begrudging alliance with Eddie Brock, they find themselves hunted by Torment—a terrifying new super-powered serial killer with a deeply personal connection to Peter.

New History of the DC Universe: The Dakota Incident #1 Spinning out of the New History of the DC Universe limited series, this one-shot focuses on a pivotal, untold moment in DC history. The story explores how a single murder in Dakota City sparked an all-out war between Milestone heroes like Static and Rocket and the U.S. government, while revealing Lex Luthor’s secret role in the incident that reshaped the Milestone characters' origins.

The Peril of the Brutal Dark: An Ezra Cain Mystery #1 The DC Vertigo line continues its relaunch with this 1941-set noir thriller. Ezra Cain is a private investigator and former archaeology student tasked with finding a missing artefact from the Museum of Natural History: an ancient anvil said to hold the power of the Greek god Hephaestus. His investigation pits him against a shadowy sect known as the Brutal Dark, who wield logic-defying resources in a plot to overthrow America.

Predator: Bloodshed #1 In the near future, Earth's fiercest fighters gather for an underground martial arts tournament. The stakes for the grand prize turn lethal when an unexpected combatant enters the ring: an alien Predator. Now, the champions must fight for their lives as the tournament becomes a hunt.

Punisher #1 Writer Benjamin Percy and artist José Luis Soares Pinto launch a new ongoing series for Marvel’s most uncompromising vigilante. Frank Castle is back, but his memory has been damaged. As he hunts for the truth about his past, he remains the criminal underworld's worst nightmare, hunting down lawbreakers with his signature brand of unflinching justice.

Universal Monsters: The Phantom of the Opera #1 The creative team of Tyler Boss and Martin Simmonds delivers a horrifying new vision of the classic tale. After a series of violent crimes leaves the Paris Opera House in terror and Christine Dubois' career in chaos, she discovers that there is no escaping the mysterious voice whispering from the eaves. This series promises a shocking twist for fans of the horror icon.