John McCrae’s Worm is the biggest prose web serial of all time. Running from 2011-2013, the compelling superhero journey – featuring kids unlocking their powers through extreme trauma and facing seemingly impossible odds and complicated moral dilemmas – earned more than 1M views a month during its peak and has generated a staggering 80M views in total. Now, the online sensation is making an epic return with its first physical release ever as McCrae partners with IDW Publishing to adapt Worm for the world of comics.
With McCrae consulting, the ongoing comic book series is being crafted by writer Meghan Fitzmartin, artist Javier Ortiz, colourist David Vaquero, and letterer Andriy Lukin.“Worm came about as an attempt to bring superheroes and supervillains, designed as they are for the visual medium of comics, to the printed word. Here, we bring it full circle,” said McCrae. “In talking to IDW, it was refreshing that they knew the work, that they shared many of my thoughts and ideas for updating and revising the work, and that they saw the potential for WORM. I look forward to working with them and have high hopes as we bring WORM into the comics realm.”
After enduring a brutal and bloody bullying scandal, Taylor finally has the power to fight back: With her newly triggered ability to control insects, she could prove everyone wrong and become a hero… or kill anyone who stands in her way.
In a world of superpowered gang members, fanatical cults, and ruthless serial killers, Taylor must navigate the dangerous politics and unwritten rules of the local “cape” scene, where the line between hero and villain is anything but clear. For Taylor, perhaps, least of all. Will she risk everything to save others, or use her power exact revenge on those who’ve wronged her?
“I’m so excited and honored to work on WORM with some of the best folks in comics. I came to Worm late in the game, but I was immediately enthralled by the amazing, vibrant world John has built,” stated Fitzmartin. “A story about complicated women, people with powers, feminine rage, and folks trying to do the right thing…with varying results? Sign me the f*ck up. Javier and David pack a powerhouse of a punch onto every page, giving Worm the brutal, tempestuous love Taylor, Armsmaster, and the Undersiders deserve.”
“Worm is such a fresh and compelling take on the superhero genre, challenging what it means to be a hero or a villain, and whether right and wrong are always so black and white when you’re fighting for what you believe is good,” commented IDW Executive Editor Heather Antos. “Getting to collaborate with series creator John McCrae to bring this incredible world to comics with IDW is an absolute thrill, and it’s especially exciting that this project came to IDW through series editor and IDW Associate Editor Cassandra Jones, whose own personal connection to the story first introduced us to it, and the team has already done an excellent job bringing the characters to the comics page. We’re honored to give long-time fans of the web series the first-ever comic adaptation of the characters they’ve grown to love, while inviting new readers to discover Taylor’s journey and the complicated, messy line between good and evil.”
Fans will get their first look at WORM on Comics Giveaway Day (May 1, 2027) with a special prequel issue, featuring a written piece by McCrae. WORM #1 goes on sale next July. Contact a comic shop near you to pre-order and guarantee your copies.
