Countdown to Halloween 2025 Day 2: Archie's Halloween Spectacular #1

Archie Comics continues to celebrate 80 years and the spooky season with Archie's Halloween Spectacular #1. This one-shot comes out today and the cover by Dan Parent features Archie as a vampire, Jughead as a mummy, Veronica as a witch, Betty as a prom queen and Medusa Doom (she doesn't appear in any of the stories inside this issue). There is an alternate cover featuring Archie along with Frankenstein's Monster, Dracula and the Mummy. The original story is "Trick or Treat" featuring the South Side Serpents (Toni, Weasel, Termite, Fangs and Daisy). Other stories include "One Prank Too Far" with the Archie gang and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Betty and Veronica in "That's the Spirit!", "Ruff Halloween", "It Ghost to Show You", "The Ghostest with the Mostest".  Here is the official summary:

"Archie’s Halloween Spectacular #1 (2025) : This ain’t no trick, we’re TREATing you with a Halloween spectacular that’s BIGGER than ever! Now packed with over 40 PAGES of content, including a BRAND NEW STORY! The South Side Serpents are trying to recruit new members — and what better time to start their initiation than Halloween? This story is filled to the brim with tricks! Featuring fan-favorite characters and returning new faces like MEDUSA DOOM!"

Cover of Archie's Halloween Spectacular #1 from Archie Comics

Cover Gallery for Archie's Halloween Spectacular #1 from Archie Comics

Countdown to Halloween 2025 Day 1: Vampirella Halloween Horror #1 Cover Gallery

Let's kick off our annual Countdown to Halloween with a post for Wednesday Women. This week we spotlight Vampirella Halloween Horror #1 from Dynamite Entertainment, which came out the last week of September. This one-shot issue is a must for all Vampi fans with good artwork and an interesting story with a great twist. Here's the official summary:

"Something sinister is stalking the streets of New York City — and that’s the Daughter of Drakulon’s job! When Vampirella learns of a paranormal serial killer targeting the city’s vulnerable youth, she takes it upon herself to confront the mysterious Aevum about the predator’s true identity — and finds herself wrestling once again with the question that has shadowed her entire life: When does a gift becomes a curse?"

Cover Gallery Page 1 of Vampirella Halloween Horror #1 from Dynamite Entertainment

Cover Gallery Page 2 of Vampirella Halloween Horror #1 from Dynamite Entertainment

Super Sunday: Superman #30

Booster Gold guest stars in Superman #30 from DC Comics. Here's the official summary:

"Superman has found the mysterious hero known as Booster Gold. Together, they must return to the present day to warn the Justice League, but Darkseid’s Legion stands in the way. The shocking events of this issue lead into next month’s massive next chapter in the all in saga!!"

Cover of Superman #30 from DC Comics

Science Fiction Saturday: Space Ghost #3 Cover Gallery

It's another Saturday and here I am writing about another Hanna-Barbera cartoon character. Dynamite Entertainment released Space Ghost #3 this past Wednesday. There are a few alternative covers but cover B has to be my favorite of them all. Here is the official summary:

"The ancient barbarian known as Tarko the Terrible was lost in a blood-soaked battle across the icy tundra. Now, millennia later, his frozen form has been discovered in a block of ice and once he thaws out, he’ll find a whole new galaxy ripe for conquest! Can Space Ghost and company stop this time-lost warrior from wreaking havoc upon the future? Or will our heroes find themselves on the wrong end of Tarko’s blade?"

Cover Gallery for Space Ghost #3 from Dynamite Comics

Ultimate Hawkeye #1

Marvel released Ultimate Hawkeye earlier this week. This one-shot features the Indigenous American Charli Ramsey as Hawkeye from the Ultimate Universe. Here's the official summary:

"ULTIMATE HAWKEYE TARGETS THE MAKER! Spinning out of THE ULTIMATES, breakout hit character HAWKEYE goes on a covert solo op that will have a massive impact on the future of the Ultimate Universe!"

Cover of Ultimate Hawkeye #1 from Marvel

The Phantom #1 Covers

Mad Cave Studios, in cooperation with King Features Syndicate, released The Phantom #1 yesterday. This new series is a modern-day update on the classic jungle hero. Here's the official summary:

"THE GHOST WALKS AGAIN! The Phantom returns! Created by Lee Falks in 1936, the Phantom is one of the first costumed super heroes in history, with untold influence on pop culture. Now, critically-acclaimed creators Ray Fawkes and Russell Olson revive the character for fans old and new. When a violent gang of smugglers stubbles on an idyllic Bandar village, the peace that the Phantom has brought to the African nation of Bangalla will suddenly shatter. It will take all of the Phantom’s many skills — and allies — to restore it. The most exciting series of the year starts here!"

Cover A of The Phantom from Mad Cave Studios

Cover B of The Phantom from Mad Cave Studios

Women Wednesday: Catwoman #79

Catwoman #79 hits the newsstands today from DC Comics. Here's the official summary:

"Selina Kyle is on the hunt for a precious item from her childhood connected to her mother. But when she tracks down its whereabouts, it leads her to… a mysterious auction in Venice being held by a dangerous secret society! Will Catwoman successfully steal a piece of her history, or has the feline fatale finally bitten off more than she can chew?"

Cover of Catwoman #79 from DC Comics

Blue Falcon and Dynomutt #1 Cover Gallery

Nothing can be better than posting about The Blue Falcon and Dynomutt #1 on a Saturday. I used to watch the Hanna-Barbera cartoon back in the mid-1970s when I was a kid (yes, I'm that old). Dynamite Entertainment released the first issue of a new series on September 10, 2025, and puts a very modern-day spin on the classic cartoon characters. Here's the official summary:

"Secure in their luxurious penthouse high above the downtown streets, wealthy inventor and art collector Radley Crown and his faithful canine companion enjoyed a charmed existence — until the fateful day a vicious gang of thugs shattered his complacency. In the aftermath of the vicious attack, Crown focused his incredible technical skills to rebuild both himself and his four-legged companion into the ultimate instruments of retribution: The Blue Falcon and Dynomutt, Dog Wonder!"

Check out these awesome covers for the first issue:

Cover Gallery Page 1 of Blue Falcon and Dynomutt #1 from Dynamite Entertainment

Cover Gallery Page 2 of Blue Falcon and Dynomutt #1 from Dynamite Entertainment

Marvel/DC: Deadpool/Batman #1

The next generation of Marvel/DC Comics crossover is now on the newsstands. Deadpool/Batman #1 was released this past Wednesday. There are at least four different covers but I'm only showing the most common one below. Here is the official summary:

"The crossover you’ve pined for but never thought possible: DEADPOOL and BATMAN cross swords and batarangs as MARVEL and DC unite for the first time in decades! WADE WILSON has been hired for a job in GOTHAM CITY, but will the WORLD’S GREATEST DETECTIVE help him or destroy him? The main story starring Deadpool and Batman will be written by Zeb Wells and drawn by industry superstar Greg Capullo. The one-shot will also feature additional backup stories spotlighting other exciting Marvel and DC team-ups from a lineup of all-star talent, including Daredevil and GREEN ARROW by Kevin Smith and Adam Kubert, Captain America and Wonder Woman by Chip Zdarsky and Terry Dodson, and Jeff the Land Shark and Krypto by Kelly Thompson and Gurihiru."

Cover of Deadpool/Batman from Marvel/DC Comics

 

Coming Soon: Countdown to Halloween 2025

We will be partaking in the annual Countdown to Halloween starting October 1, 2025. This will be my seventeenth year in doing a whole month of posts dedicated to horror and Halloween. Back then, I called my my special posts Halloween Countdown.

Join the Party at Countdown to Halloween 2025

Women Wednesday: Happy 74th Birthday Cassandra Peterson aka Elvira

Today is the 74th birthday of Cassandra Peterson, who is better known as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.

Happy 74th Birthday Cassandra Peterson aka Elvira

Red Hood #1

DC Comics released Red Hood #1 yesterday with the cover featuring Jason Todd aka Red Hood and Helena Bertinelli aka the Huntress. Here is the official summary:

"ERUPTING FROM THE EVENTS OF H2SH COMES DC’S FIRST-EVER IN-CONTINUITY, MATURE READERS, ONGOING RED HOOD SERIES! Jason Todd has left Gotham and Batman behind him. All he’s taking with him is his costume, his bike, and a metal briefcase containing two handguns (and lots of bullets). New Angelique seems like the perfect place for Red Hood to put down roots. There’s crime, vice, and corruption everywhere. When Jason discovers a superpowered serial killer who is targeting the city’s police, he finds himself sucked into a terrible and bleak conspiracy with seemingly no end in sight. But Jason isn’t the only person on the scene. Following his trail is Helena Bertinelli a.k.a. Huntress. Is she here to stop him or help him? What will happen when the two black sheep of the Bat-Family start working together? Get ready for Red Hood like you’ve always wanted to see him."

Cover of Red Hood #1 from DC Comics

Unfortunately, DC Comics Cancels Gretchen Felker-Martin’s Red Hood After One Issue Following Charlie Kirk Comments. I'm turning off comments for this post because I don't want any hateful comments.

Dollar Tree Superman Playing Cards Part Three

Today is the final look at the deck of Superman Playing Cards that I recently picked up at the local Dollar Tree. I was really expecting to see Lois Lane appear on at least one of the Hearts playing cards but she is not shown on any of the playing cards in this deck.

Dollar Tree Superman Playing Cards Hearts #1

Batman appears on the Ten of Hearts playing cards while Superman and Wonder Woman share a kiss on the Queen of Hearts playing cards.

Dollar Tree Superman Playing Cards Hearts #2

Superman battles Batman on the Seven of Spades playing card.

Dollar Tree Superman Playing Cards Spades #1

Superman is shown with kisses all of his face from Wonder Woman on the Queen of Spades playing cards.

Dollar Tree Superman Playing Cards Spades #2

Overall, this is a great deck of playing cards featuring Superman. However, I would have liked to see more of his supporting cast like Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen and Perry White. Also, a few playing cards featuring Clark Kent would have been nice too.

Dollar Tree Superman Playing Cards Part Two

Today we continue to look at the deck of Superman Playing Cards that I recently picked up at the local Dollar Tree. The Three of Clubs playing card features Superman battling Lex Luthor in his battlesuit.

Dollar Tree Superman Playing Cards Clubs #1

Wonder Woman guest stars with Superman on the Queen of Clubs playing card:

Dollar Tree Superman Playing Cards Clubs #2

Aquaman guest stars on the Four of Diamonds playing card while Batman appears on the Five of Diamonds. The Trinity (Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman) appears on the Seven of Diamonds playing card. Green Lantern (Jessica Cruz) and Wonder Woman guest star on the Nine of Diamonds playing card.

Dollar Tree Superman Playing Cards Diamonds #1

Superman battles Wonder Woman on the Queen of Diamonds playing card.

Dollar Tree Superman Playing Cards Diamonds #2

Dollar Tree Superman Playing Cards Part One

The local Dollar Tree has replaced their Casino Playing Cards with character playing cards. I picked up this deck of Superman playing cards a couple of weeks ago for $1.25. I would have posted about them earlier but I've been down with the flu the past week. Unlike the Casino Playing Cards, this deck has two jokers. The box has no date, but it does state that it was distributed by Aquarius Entertainment.

Front of Dollar Tree Superman Playing Cards Box

Back of Dollar Tree Superman Playing Cards Box

Both joker cards feature Superman and Wonder Woman being romantic:

Two Jokers and Back of Dollar Tree Superman Playing Cards

Batman #1 (2025)

Yes, DC Comics has released a new Batman #1 yesterday. Here's the summary:

"A BOLD NEW ERA OF BATMAN STARTS HERE! A new day dawns for the Dark Knight Detective as Eisner Award-winning writer Matt Fraction (Hawkeye, Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen) joins forces with superstar artist Jorge Jiménez (Batman, Summer of Superman Special) for an unforgettable new era of Batman! The best superhero in comics gets a brand-new first issue to kick off this new era that will test Batman and Bruce Wayne like never before!"

Cover of Batman #1 (2025) from DC Comics