Devastating news for Buffy The Vampire Slayer fans this morning. After multiple delays following its original July release, Dynamite Comics has pulled the plug on its new Buffy, Angel and Firefly series. But there’s some hope as the publisher later released a statement suggesting all three books will return at some point in the future.
As first reported by Bleeding Cool, the news broke as comic store owners were informed that all their orders for the upcoming #1’s were being cancelled. The news spread quickly with many feeling the cancellation was calling-time on each of the series. Buffy #1 was initially solicited in April 2026 for release on July 22 with subsequent delays pushing the book to August, early September and eventually September 16. That issue and all subsequent issues for Joss Whedon-created IP are now simply listed as TBC.
Nick Barrucci, owner, publisher and CEO of Dynamite was quick to counter the news with a brief statement:
“We wanted to update everyone on why the current Buffy and Angelsolicitations – the current orders are cancelled, and the book will be resolicited. Writer Kelly Thompson’s story for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel evolved and became more ambitious, so we felt we needed to take a step back and up the page count to meet the story and deliver the best possible product for fans. Buffy #1 and Angel #1 will have significant story page increases from average issues — at no additional cost to readers or retailers. It’s important to Kelly and Dynamite that this is done right and not rushed, so we decided resoliciting both titles is the best way to fully convey these updates across the board. We have also decided to push Firefly back and will resolicit. X-Files is still launching in February.”
All this begs the question: why delay Firefly alongside Buffy and Angel when it’s from a different creative team and not set in the same universe?
Current listings on the Lunar Distribution system have all three books listed for release in 1901, a surefire sign that – for now – Dynamite doesn’t have a release date in mind:
- BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #1
(W) Kelly Thompson (A) Stephen Byrne (CA) David Nakayama
Eisner-winning writer KELLY THOMPSON (Absolute Wonder Woman, Black Widow) and superstar artist STEPHEN BYRNE (Wonder Twins) present a vision of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER you’ve got to read to believe! Featuring the comics debut of a beloved Buffy fan-favorite character! Into every generation, a slayer is born. And Buffy Summers may have broken the mold. Though Buffy’s powers were varied and great, it was the love and devotion she inspired that was perhaps her greatest power. And when she gave her life to save the world, the people who loved her couldn’t live with that. This is that story. $4.99 1/1/1901
- ANGEL #1
(W) Kelly Thompson (A) Giulia Giacomino (CA) David Nakayama
Following the July debut of the extra-sized Buffy the Vampire Slayer #1, Angel #1 kicks off with an extra-sized 48-page premiere issue featuring extra pages of story and art plus a special sketchbook section, specially priced at just $4.99! Featuring the first appearance of Angel and Buffy’s new big bad, LEVIATHAN! Once the terrifying vampire Angelus, Angel was cursed for his crimes with the return of his soul. That soul eventually led him to Sunnydale and a tragic star-crossed affair with Buffy, his vampire-slaying true love. Once the tragedy had run its course, Angel built himself a new life in Los Angeles as a supernatural detective, helping the helpless. But things don’t always go according to plan. And sometimes, you do have to go home again. This is that story. Eisner-winning writer KELLY THOMPSON (Absolute Wonder Woman, Black Widow) and artist GIULIA GIACOMINO (Lilo & Stitch) present a stunning new vision of ANGEL. $4.99 1/1/1901
- FIREFLY #1
(W) Mark Russell (A) Lorenzo Re (CA) Robert Quinn
Eisner Award-winning writer MARK RUSSELL (Superman: Space Age, Batman: Dark Age) and rising star artist LORENZO RE (The Terminator) invite you aboard the Firefly-class spaceship Serenity for all new renegade adventures! As this all-new adventure begins, Mal Reynolds is desperate for cash to keep Serenity flying, while Simon and Kaylee must pose as a married couple to pull off a heist, but end up with more than they bargained for when an old caper comes back to haunt them. This issue features a PREMIUM MYSTERY BLIND BAG which contains three limited editions of the issue selected randomly from a range of variant covers exclusive to this offering. Please Note: The number of Blind Bags is limited. Allocations may occur. $4.99 1/1/1901
With the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series turning 30 years old in 2027 many fans are hoping this is a sign that 20th Century Studios and owners Disney are getting their house in order for a big anniversary announcement. But following the decision not to pick up the Buffy: New Sunnydale pilot we’re just not sure what’s going behind-the-scenes right now.
Stay tuned for more on this story as it unfolds…
