Welcome back to The Beat Digest, a twice-weekly round-up of the biggest comics-related news stories we’ve missed every Tuesday and Friday. Is there a story out there you think we should cover? Be sure to let us know in the comments.
The Toxic Avenger vs the Noxious Offender #1 cover by Matt Bors
§ Via ScreenRant, AHOY revealed The Toxic Avenger vs the Noxious Offender, a five-issue series by Matt Bors and Felipe Sobreiro that’ll pit Toxie against his evil universe counterpart (who first appeared in 2000’s Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV). Along with this, the comics version of the mutant hero will have contend with his girlfriend Yvonne’s pregnancy. It’ll mark AHOY’s sixth title based on the films since 2024, all of which have been worked on by Bors. Issue #1 will be released in October.
Zero Instance #1 cover by Vic Malhotra
§ Via IGN, comiXology revealed Zero Instance, a five-issue MMO-themed series, written by Frank Barbiere (The Author Immortal) and Stephen Rhodes (EA’s upcoming Iron Man game), with art by Vic Malhotra (for the first two issues) and Eoin Marron. The book, which marks the first comic by video game writer Rhodes (besides Call of Duty: Vanguard), follows a jaded gamer, who must save our world when an experimental AI causes a boss enemy to become real. Issue #1 will be released on Tuesday, July 14.
§ Dark Horse announced an Expanded Edition of Did You Hear What Eddie Gein Done?, Harold Schechter and Eric Powell‘s 2021 graphic novel about the serial killer who was active during the 1950s. The paperback release will include new bonus content, such as creator commentary, research photos, and historical information, as well as more eerie, new cover art by Powell, depicting Gein carrying a victim into his home. It will be released on February 2.
§ ComicBookClub shares Skybound will release Universal Monsters: Frankenstein Black & White Special, a retro two-part edition of Michael Walsh‘s take on the 1931 film (originally published over four issues in 2024). Issue #1 will be released on October 14, and issue #2 will follow on November 11. The news comes shortly after Skybound revealed The Bride of Frankenstein Lives, which will begin between both issues on October 28.
§ NetEase unveiled Marvel Rivals season 9, The Mystery of Thebes, which involves a murder with Apocalypse as the victim. The free update launches today with Jubilee as a new playable character, as well as Thebes, Egypt, itself as a new map. The Hood/Parker Robbins will be the season’s second new playable character, and be added at a later date.
§ Via AIPT, Oni revealed they will publish Cult of the Lamb: Pilgrim, an oversized hardcover graphic novel that was previously only available with the Pilgrim Pack edition of the game from 2025. Written by JoJo Zhou, the game’s Head of Narrative, with interiors by game concept artist Carles Dalmau, the book follows the terrifying adventures of Jalala and Rinor, two travelers searching for a place to call home in the Land of the Old Faith. It will be released on December 15.
§ Popverse reports Rocketship Entertainment has entered a partnership with France’s Moulin Rouge for comics and tabletop games inspired by the legendary music hall. CEO/publisher Tom Akel states Moulin Rouge is “a cultural touchstone immersed in glamour, spectacle, and the intoxicating magic of beauty and artistry. That kind of iconic allure is exactly what makes for extraordinary storytelling and gameplay.” More details will be announced in the future.
§ Finally, the live-action Naruto movie looks set to be director Destin Daniel Cretton‘s next movie after Spider-Man: Brand New Day, with Variety reporting a worldwide casting call has been launched for the lead roles of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. Cretton said in a statement, “I’m thrilled to kick off this worldwide casting search for our Team 7 and to bring the incredible universe of Naruto to life!” The film, based on the fantasy ninja manga by Masashi Kishimoto, has been in development at Lionsgate with Cretton at the helm since 2024. Brand New Day will be released in the meantime on July 31.
