Heavy Metal Magazine Revives with Bold Relaunch Strategy

Few anthology magazines have left a cultural impact quite like *Heavy Metal*. Known for its bold art, daring storytelling, and groundbreaking fusion of science fiction, fantasy, and adult-oriented narratives, it has become a cornerstone of the comic book world. Now, after much anticipation, *Heavy Metal* is officially returning to comic book shops in a brand-new volume. Following a highly successful crowdfunding campaign that demonstrated overwhelming fan support, this iconic series is set to make its triumphant comeback on Wednesday, April 30.

In celebration of this milestone relaunch, IGN is proud to present an exclusive preview of *Heavy Metal #1*. Dive into the slideshow gallery below to explore sneak peek pages from several stories featured in the debut issue, along with all previously unveiled cover artwork:

What’s Inside Heavy Metal #1?

This new volume brings together a powerful lineup of both legendary contributors and fresh voices in the comics industry. Among the many highlights is the return of Taarna—the magazine’s most recognizable and enduring character—now reimagined in a new story titled *Taarna: Rebirth*, written by Leah Moore and John Reppion, with stunning visuals by Anna Morozova.

The first issue features an impressive array of stories from a diverse group of creators, including:

• BUG – Enki Bilal
• Burton & Cyb – Antonio Segura & José Ortiz
• The Mercenary – Vicente Segrelles
• Valentina – Sergio Gerasi
• Sixella: The Last Roots – Janevsky
• Taarna: Rebirth – Leah Moore, John Reppion, Anna Morozova
• Cold Dead War: The Aftermath – Craig Wilson
• Grimaldi – Keron Grant, Josh Sky, Frank Forte
• Legends of Taarna: "Autophonomania" – Matt and Shawn Fillbach, Joseph Michael Linsner
• Gladiatrix – John Stanisci
• Evil Sex Bitch – Steve Mannion
• Lester, That Old Feeling – Fernando Dagnino
• The Bus – Paul Kirchner
• June 2050 – John Workman
• Millstone – Michael Conrad, Ilias Kyriazis
• Transcendestiny – David Quinn, Tim Vigil
• Cobot – Jonathan Wayshak
• All American – Jason Spell, JoK
• Kecksburg UFO – Jim Rugg
• They Dug Too Deep – Dwayne Harris
• Floyd the Giant Killer – Michael L. Peters
• GUNK – Curt Merlo
• Harry Canyon – Josh Sky, Frank Forte
• Zeke & Edsel – Frank Forte
• The Devil's Teeth – Lia Bozonelis, Agustin Alessio

A Major Launch

With a print run of 73,000 copies, *Heavy Metal #1* marks the largest printing of the series in decades—an impressive testament to renewed interest and strong market demand. Priced at $14.99 and spanning 232 full-color pages, this issue delivers exceptional value and variety for fans of mature, imaginative, and visually striking comics.

Release Schedule

*Heavy Metal #1* will be available in comic shops starting April 30, followed by a newsstand release on May 13. Going forward, issues are scheduled to arrive quarterly, though the publisher has indicated flexibility for increasing frequency depending on reader enthusiasm and sales performance.

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Stay tuned for more updates as *Heavy Metal* continues its revival, bringing back the magic of one of the most celebrated anthologies in comic history.