Category: News

GRASS VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, January 28, 2026 /budsartbooks.com/ – Longtime comics industry icon Bill Schanes, who entered the comics field at the age of 13 selling at local Southern California comic shows, has concluded his bid to purchase the online mail order business, Bud’s Art Books, the long-serving purveyor of comic strip, comic book, fantasy, horror, and sci-fi illustrated books and graphic novels, originally launched by legendary retailer, distributor, publisher, collector and historian, Bud Plant.

The deal, which was officially completed on January 15, 2026, gives Schanes ownership and control of Bud’s Art Books (a.k.a. Bud Plant Comic Art), the online mail order business that sells new and rare books related to comic books, fantasy art, illustration, and related subjects. This is a purchase of the overall assets of Bud’s Art Books. 

Schanes and Plant began their storied careers in comics in the early ‘70s and the late ‘60s, respectively, each transitioning from retailer to publisher to distributor in Northern and Southern California. Over the years, their paths have intersected on both personal and business levels, with Plant purchasing the assets of Schanes’ Pacific Comics distribution company in 1985. Now, over 40 years later, Schanes has purchased Bud’s Art Books, completing a comic book industry loop worthy of a special issue.

Schanes is joined in this new endeavor by his business partner, Sasha Fera-Schanes. Fera-Schanes is the President and CEO of POP-KING, Inc., a longtime player in the comic book and pop culture industry. Both PopKing and Bud Plant will operate as separate business entities, but cooperation and mutual support between the companies are planned going forward.

Schanes, who retired in 2013 from his role as Vice President of Purchasing at Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc., where he had served since 1985, has spent the years since his exit from Diamond travelling the world and visiting comic, game, and collectibles stores wherever he found himself. He chronicled his travels via Facebook posts, visiting shops in over 160 countries and experiencing our world as few have ever done. In regard to his acquisition of Bud’s Art Books, Schanes stated, “After travelling around the world for over a decade, I returned to the United States and my children. I missed seeing them while I was away, and I also missed the industry. Acquiring Bud’s Art Books, a company with a long history of serving comics and fantasy art fans was, to me, the perfect way to get back into the business I love, while also providing a solid future for my family.” 

Plant, who announced in 2011 plans to sell his mail-order business and retire, continued the business when no potential buyers emerged after a year. Since then, Bud’s Art Books has continued to serve fans of comics and illustration with its curated catalog of new and rare books. When he was approached by Schanes about acquiring Bud’s Art Books, Plant knew he had found his buyer.

The deal was completed surprisingly quickly, as both parties shared a similar vision and mutual trust formed over 50 years of interaction and cooperation, on January 15, 2026. Following the sale, Plant will remain available onsite during the transition period in an advisory capacity as the new team (including Marty Grosser, most recently Diamond PREVIEWS Editor, and former Comics & Comix/Bud Plant staffer) familiarizes themselves with the Bud Plant business model. Schanes and his team officially take control of the operation as of February 1, 2026.

With the sale of his company completed, Plant reflected on his long history in the industry and the end of an era for him: “I’ve been privileged to share my passion for all things comics as well as illustration and art history… for an amazing run of 55 years. I’m so lucky to have had the support of wonderful customers as well as comic book creators, many of my good friends. I’ve loved picking catalog covers featuring my favorite artists, creating cool signed bookplates (thanks to all you artists and writers!!), and last but not least, helping deserving books get to people who appreciate them. As if that’s not enough, I’ve been told I’m being inducted into the Will Eisner Hall of Fame at Comic-Con this July. Life is good! I’m super pleased Bud Plant Comic Art will carry on with our present great staff and also new people like Marty Grosser and Bill Schanes to keep up the good work and add new dimensions to what I’ve achieved.”

In his new role as Owner and President of Bud’s Art Books, Schanes has long-range plans to expand the company’s reach into new online forums and to also expand the company’s already comprehensive pool of titles. “My vision for this company is comprehensive, and I have mapped out our future plans to take it into new markets, new audiences, and offering even more books and products than ever. The demand for comics and fantasy art has never been stronger, with comics currently in a strong period of sales. We will strive to be an important facet of that market, and look forward to serving their comic art needs.”

New York, NY— January 16, 2026 — OnApril 29, Marvel Comics will shine a special spotlight on the X-Men’s Jubilee in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! The iconic mutant firecracker, currently starring in Gail Simone, Dave Marquez, and Luciano Vecchio’s Uncanny X-Men, will strike out on her own in JUBILEE: DEADLY REUNION #1, a Marvel’s Voices one-shot written by Eisner Award-winning writer Gene Luen Yang (Shang-Chi) and acclaimed rising star artist Michael YG (Iron Fist). The saga kicks off when Jubilee’s long-lost cousin shows up at the X-Men’s doorstep—with mutant powers of his own and a mission that will force Jubilee to explore her Chinese heritage and family history in a profound way!

JUBILEE’S X-CELLENT ADVENTURE!

Jubilation Lee always puts her life on the line for those in need – but for family? She’ll do anything! When the cousin she never knew is suddenly in need of help, Jubilee tracks him down to save him! But Jubilee may find that her familial bonds aren’t as strong as she hoped! What secrets does her cousin hold? And what dangerous mutant power does he wield?! Join Jubilee as she embarks on a bombastic and life-altering journey of family, heart and heartbreak!

“I’ve been a big fan of Jubilee since high school, when I was reading the Chris Claremont and Jim Lee X-Men run,” Yang shared. “She just felt like someone I would’ve been friends with at school, except she’s an X-Man. She’s also an American Born Chinese like me, so I’ve always wanted to tell a story about her uneasy relationship with her roots. I’m thrilled to finally get the chance.”

“I’m greatly honored to collaborate with Gene Luen Yang once again,” Michael YG shared. “This project is truly a celebratory highlight for me, just like a jubilee itself!”

Throughout the year, Marvel’s Voices delivers super-powered storytelling that spotlights characters and creators, including renowned and emerging talent, exploring the multitude of unique backgrounds, journeys and identities found in the Marvel Universe.

New York, NY— January 15, 2026 — All your favorite webheads will band together in a brand-new way this April in THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: SPIDER-VERSITY! Announced at IGN, the five-issue limited series will be written by Jordan Morris (Predator: Bloodshed) and Joe Kelly (Amazing Spider-Man) and drawn by artist Pere Perez (Amazing Spider-Man: Torn).

Spinning directly out of Kelly’s hit run of Amazing Spider-Man, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: SPIDER-VERSITY sees Norman Osborn take various Spider-heroes under his wing to train them against a deadly incoming threat—himself! Following up on Norman’s heroic turn as Spider-Man—as well as his looming descent back to madness—and bringing the entire Spider-family together as a united front, the series is an essential chapter in the lead-up to AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1000, the mega milestone issue coming later this year.

LEARNING TO CRAWL!

Miles Morales, Spider-Gwen, Silk, Araña, Spider-Boy and Spider-Girl have one thing in common – THEY AREN’T READY. According to former Resolute Spider-Man Norman Osborn. So he and Spider-Woman are going to train them to meet the next threat – the only way the Green Goblin knows how. Because the next threat might well BE the Green Goblin!

On how the Spider-heroes react to their new mentor, Morris told IGN, “The younger Spiders all have their own take. Some of them are stoked, some are more wary (specifically the ones Norman has killed before). To a certain extent, they’re all students of Pete. Even the ones who haven’t trained with him specifically see him as a role-model. Since Pete has forgiven Norman, the other Spiders are willing to give him a chance. Even though certain members of the team are more prickly, they all share the try-and-see-the-best-in-people ethos that is so important to Pete.”

“Spider-Versity spins directly out of the events of Amazing Spider-Man,” Kelly added. “Norman has a definitive threat in mind that he’s trying to protect the young Spiders against. One he knows intimately. But even for a master planner like Norman, things may perhaps go awry, and the kids will face some unexpected threats. Nothing like learning on the job!”

New York, NY— January 15, 2026 — The roadto ARMAGEDDON, an upcoming Marvel Comics event written by Chip Zdarsky, officially begins this month in CAPTAIN AMERICA #6, the start of an all-new arc in Zdarsky’s acclaimed run. Zdarsky will also set the stage for the event in WOLVERINE: WEAPONS OF ARMAGEDDON, a four-issue prelude series kicking off next month. Both series team Zdarsky up with top artists including Valerio Schiti, Delio Diaz & Frank Alpizar and Jan Bazaldua on CAPTAIN AMERICA and Luca Maresca on WOLVERINE: WEAPONS OF ARMAGEDDON. Today, fans can peek ahead at what’s to come in April with the reveal of CAPTAIN AMERICA #9-10, new parts of the ARMAGEDDON lead-in arc, and WOLVERINE: WEAPONS OF ARMAGEDDON #3.

ARMAGEDDON picks up in the aftermath of One World Under Doom. With global tensions rising to determine the fate of Latveria, it’s up to Captain America and the all-new S.H.I.E.L.D. to prevent various groups from erupting into all-out war, including one with a startling connection to Doom’s legacy. Meanwhile, Wolverine investigates a mysterious new super soldier program, but is too late to stop them from creating a deadly new Weapon X. All this while origin boxes, brought over to the 616 from the new Ultimate Universe, begin to surface, giving rise to new heroes and ushering in the next era of Avengers…

Read on to learn more!

CAPTAIN AMERICA #9
Written by CHIP ZDARSKY
Art by JAN BAZALDUA
A CAPTAIN CORNERED ON THE ROAD TO ARMAGEDDON!

After discovering how far Salvation’s True Latveria insurgency is willing to go for power, Captain America goes rogue, throwing in with the Latverian Liberators to take down Salvation before he can become the next Doctor Doom. But Salvation is prepared for Steve’s next attack, and his new ploy has heartbreaking consequences for the team…

CAPTAIN AMERICA #10
Written by CHIP ZDARSKY
Art by VALERIO SCHITI
UNITED THEY FALL ON THE ROAD TO ARMAGEDDON!

A shocking betrayal leaves Captain America’s S.H.I.E.L.D. team at odds – just in time for Doom’s ultimate weapon to be dragged into the light. But it’s not what anyone thought it was, and as an all-out feeding frenzy ignites between Salvation, Red Hulk, and S.H.I.E.L.D., it’s up to Steve to get his hands on the weapon before it’s too late!

WOLVERINE: WEAPONS OF ARMAGEDDON #3 (OF 4)
Written by CHIP ZDARSKY
Art by LUCA MARESCA
THE PENULTIMATE CHAPTER ON THE ROAD TO ARMAGEDDON ENDS WITH A BANG!

The shadows of David Colton’s past are collapsing over Wolverine. The high-risk hunt for the newest WEAPON comes to a head as all the players are on a crash course with each other!

ARMAGEDDON is coming…and no one is ready. In the words of Nuke: GIVE ME A RED! Check out the main covers for CAPTAIN AMERICA #9-10 and WOLVERINE: WEAPONS OF ARMAGEDDON #3, along with a CAPTAIN AMERICA #10 variant cover by Paco Diaz and a WOLVERINE: WEAPONS OF ARMAGEDDON #3 variant cover by Phil Noto, and preorder both series at your local comic shop today. Stay tuned for more soon on this June’s ARMAGEDDON and how it’ll change the face of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes!

New York, NY— January 14, 2026 — Following the massive success of last year’s Deadpool/Batman and celebrating the 50th anniversary of Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man, the first-ever Marvel/DC crossover, Marvel Comics and DC Comics unite this April again in Marvel’s SPIDER-MAN/SUPERMAN #1! Like last year’s crossover, fans can look forward to a double-dose of history-making comic book storytelling with DC publishing a separate one-shot, Superman/Spider-Man, in March.

The lead story, where Spider-Man and Superman join forces, will be written by New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer in his first full-length Marvel Comics story, and drawn by one of Marvel’s most acclaimed artists, Pepe Larraz. In addition, the one-shot will feature various bonus stories by a monumental lineup of industry talent, each co-starring Marvel and DC characters, including a few surprises readers will be talking about for the next fifty years!

Here’s what to expect:

• THWIP, THWIP AND AWAY! Brad Meltzer and Pepe Larraz pit SPIDER-MAN and SUPERMAN against LEX LUTHOR and NORMAN OSBORN as their greatest villains exploit some of their greatest weaknesses!
• In the shadow-laden 1930s, SPIDER-MAN NOIR encounters the original GOLDEN AGE SUPERMAN as told by Dan Slott and Marcos Martin!
• Industry powerhouse Geoff Johns delivers his first Marvel story in over 20 years, teaming up with frequent collaborator and fellow superstar Gary Frank! A crisis ensues as the hit creative team bring the Super- and Spider-families against each together at the summons of MYSTERIO…but is their true foe an ally out of control?!
• SYMBIOTE hordes invade Metropolis as a new War of the Realms ignites in Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman’s epic reunion starring Jane Foster as the Mighty Thor, Wonder Woman and more!
• Co-creator of STEEL Louise Simonson and artist Todd Nauck hammer out the tale of John Henry Irons’ clash with the HOBGOBLIN.
• Current Amazing Spider-Man scribe Joe Kelly and artist Humberto Ramos deliver a campus crossover between GWEN STACY and LANA LANG!
• SPIDER-MAN (MILES MORALES) teams up with SUPERMAN in a tale by Miles’ legendary co-creators, Brian Michael Bendis, who recently made his grand return to Marvel, and Sara Pichelli!
• And more!

“I’ve been waiting fifty years to write this book,” Meltzer shared. “Superman and Spider-Man have affected me more than most real people. I carry them with me everywhere — and our story cuts to the core of what it means to be a good person. I’m honored that Nick Lowe and everyone at Marvel even asked. Just wait until you see Pepe’s work. Get your capes and web-shooters ready…”

“Everyone here at Marvel is excited to be re-teaming with our friends at DC for another colossal crossover, this time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our two icons, Spider-Man and Superman, first teaming up!” Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski added. “I can’t wait for fans of every generation to read these spectacular stories that our titanic talent are telling, featuring all-new, easily accessible stories about the ever-growing Spider-Man and Superman families meeting for the first time.” SPIDER-MAN/SUPERMAN will include a main cover by Pepe Larraz and an assortment of stunning variant covers by top artists, some of which reflect the one-shot’s bonus stories. Today, fans can check out variant covers by Sara Pichelli, Walter Simonson, Greg Capullo, Marcos Martin, Ryan Stegman, Peach Momoko, Erik Larsen, Jerome Opeña, and Russell Dauterman along with a wraparound cover by Kaare Andrews and a Foil Cover by Mark Bagley. A Logo Mash-Up Variant Cover will also be available. Stay tuned for more news, including additional story and cover reveals, and preorder the SPIDER-MAN/SUPERMAN #1 at your local comic shop today!

MARVEL/DC: SPIDER-MAN/SUPERMAN #1

Written by BRAD MELTZER, GEOFF JOHNS, DAN SLOTT, LOUISE SIMONSON, BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS, JASON AARON, JOE KELLY & MORE!

Art by PEPE LARRAZ, GARY FRANK, MARCOS MARTIN, TODD NAUCK, SARA PICHELLI, RUSSELL DAUTERMAN, HUMBERTO RAMOS & MORE!

Cover by PEPE LARRAZ

Foil Variant Cover by MARK BAGLEY
Variant Cover by GREG CAPULLO
Virgin Sketch Variant Cover by GREG CAPULLO
Variant Cover by RYAN STEGMAN
Variant Cover by PEACH MOMOKO
Variant Cover by IVAN TALAVERA
Virgin Variant Cover by IVAN TALAVERA
Variant Cover by E.M. GIST
Variant Cover by JEROME OPEÑA
Variant Cover by MARCOS MARTIN
Variant Cover by ADAM HUGHES
Variant Cover by RUSSELL DAUTERMAN
Variant Cover by SKOTTIE YOUNG
Variant Cover by ERIK LARSEN
Variant Cover by FRANK MILLER
Variant Cover by SARA PICHELLI
Variant Cover by GARY FRANK
Variant Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS
Variant Cover by WALTER SIMONSON
Wraparound Variant Cover by KAARE ANDREWS
Homage Variant Cover by DAVID MARQUEZ
Homage Variant Cover by SANFORD GREENE
Homage Variant Cover by TBA
Blank Variant Cover
Logo Mashup Variant Cover

On Sale 4/15

BURBANK, CA (December 30, 2025) – A bold new chapter in the legendary Predator franchise arrives January 6 when Predator: Badlands unleashes its pulse-pounding sci-fi action on Digital, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. The hunt continues in the new year with the film’s arrival on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD February 17.
 
Director Dan Trachtenberg steers the Predator franchise into bold new territory, with audiences enthusiastically embracing his vision. Predator: Badlands has emerged as the highest-grossing entry in the franchise’s 38-year history, earning $183 million worldwide and surpassing the previous record holder, 2004’s Alien vs. Predator ($177.4M). The film’s success is matched by strong audience and critical response, boasting a 95% Rotten Tomatoes® Verified Hot Popcornmeter score and an 86% Certified Fresh Tomatometer critics rating.
 
Predator: Badlands deepens Yautja lore by introducing new characters, Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) and Thia (Elle Fanning), following them on an underdog hero’s journey shaped by an unlikely alliance. Blending themes of survival and self-discovery with intense combat, striking visual effects, and moments of humor, the film delivers a high-stakes action adventure on both a visceral and emotional level. Fans can explore the world of Predator even further with exclusive bonus features, including behind-the-scenes featurettes that spotlight the film’s bold production design and visual effects, along with deleted scenes and additional insider content.
 
For the ultimate collectors within the Predator storyscape, a limited edition 4K SteelBook® dramatically captures the scale and intensity of battle with the Kalisk, while highlighting the unexpected alliance between Dek and Thia.

Film Synopsis
Set in the future on a deadly remote planet, Predator: Badlands follows Dek, a young Predator outcast from his clan, who finds an unlikely ally in Thia and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary.

Bonus Features*
• Deleted & Pre-Visualization Scenes with Optional Audio Commentary:
o Sand Trap – An early animatic version of Dek’s very different first encounter with Thia.
• Squirt Canyon – The full version of Dek and Thia traversing the water-filled trench while trying to survive Genna…and each other.
• Tessa vs. Abe – Tessa faces off against a superior synth in this deleted scene and storyline.
• Razor Grass – The original previsualization of Dek, Thia, and Bud’s first hunt together…sort of.
• The Outpost – Thia takes Dek to a small Weyland-Yutani field facility where they experience a few things that ended up being used elsewhere in the final film.
• Super Power Loader Extended – Special additional moments during Dek’s climactic final battle with the Super Power Loader and the Kalisk.
• Featurettes:
o Embodying the Predator – Meet the talented team of designers, performers, and effects artists responsible for bringing one of cinema’s most terrifying creatures to life on screen in ways we’ve never seen before!
• Authentic Synthetics – Get up close and personal with synths Thia and Tessa as star Elle Fanning walks us through the process of crafting two characters who may look the same but have evolved in surprisingly unique ways.
• Building the Badlands – With razor-sharp grass, killer trees, and terrifying animals, never has a planet been more deadly than Genna. Uncover how a team of artisans built this threatening landscape, transforming real locations into the dangerous environments seen on screen.
• Dek of the Yautja – For the first time, director Dan Trachtenberg has given audiences an extended peek at Predator culture. Follow the evolution as filmmakers reveal the process behind developing the Yautja’s home world, spacecraft, and family dynamics.
• Audio Commentary: Watch the film with audio commentary by Director Dan Trachtenberg, Producer Ben Rosenblatt, Director of Photography Jeff Cutter, and Stunt Coordinator Jacob Tomuri.
*Bonus features may vary by product and retailer

New York, NY— December 23, 2025 — Superstar writer Jed MacKay closes out his time with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes this March in AVENGERS #36. Three years of dark mysteries, epic quests, and cosmos-shattering battles come to a head in a giant-sized, can’t-miss final issue, featuring artwork by current series artist Farid Karami. To celebrate this pivotal moment in Avengers history, original series artist C.F. Villa returns with a special farewell variant cover that mirrors Stuart Immonen’s cover for the debut issue of MacKay’s run.

From the introduction of the Twilight Court and the Ashen Combine to Kang’s temporal machinations and Blood Hunt, it’s been an era of dramatic triumphs and epic stakes. Now, everything Jed MacKay has built comes crashing down in this startling finale that will redefine the Avengers’ future!

On leaving the title, MacKay said, “It’s sad to say goodbye to the Avengers after the last few years of chronicling their adventures, but we certainly had some fun- introducing them to the Impossible City, putting them against their old nemesis, Kang, and even putting them through their paces in the blood-soaked first-ever Red Band event! I got to work with some of the best artists working today on some of the biggest characters Marvel has, and I’ll always remember my time with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes fondly!”

AVENGERS #36 will also set up the next era of Avengers. Fans curious about what’s next should look no further than this summer’s ARMAGEDDON, including upcoming lead-in stories to the event like Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon; Captain America #6, the start of the next arc of Chip Zdarsky and Valerio Schiti’s Captain America run; and the recently announced Comics Giveaway Day™ title, Armageddon/X-Men #1 CGD 2026.