New Licensing Deals: Marvel's Indiana Jones, Dark Horse's Barbie, Clover Press' Marvel Masterworks, IDW's Event Horizon, Mad Cave's Rip Kirby, Legendary Comics' SDCC Slate, Titan's Kull, Mad Cave's Victoria Jaguar, Marvel/Star Wars Crossover

Marvel returns to Indiana Jones comics with a five-issue miniseries by Jason Aaron and Aaron Kuder, a direct sequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark. Dark Horse lands the Barbie license from Mattel, first Barbie comics since the 1990s, expanding their all-ages IP portfolio. Clover Press has licensed the Marvel Masterworks line from Marvel for a crowdfunded revival after Marvel killed the line after 39 years. IDW announced Event Horizon: Pandemonium, the final chapter of the comic trilogy, reuniting Christian Ward and Hernán González, expanding the cult horror IP under license from Paramount. Mad Cave Studios licensed Rip Kirby from King Features, continuing their classic strip revival trend, with Christopher Sebela and Antonio Tango attached. Legendary Comics unveiled a full SDCC 2026 slate including a Street Fighter movie graphic novel written by David Dastmalchian, new Pacific Rim volumes from Stephanie Williams and EJ Su, and a Trick 'r Treat anthology. Titan Comics announced a new Kull series for 2027 by John Arcudi, Mark Buckingham, and Dave Stewart. Mad Cave unveiled 'Victoria Jaguar' from Underworld creator Mark London, with Marco Rudy on art. New: Marvel and Star Wars characters will meet for the first time in a 5-issue series for Star Wars' 50th anniversary, written by Kevin Smith with art by David Marquez – a major Disney IP crossover. All deals signal aggressive IP acquisition by major and small publishers, leveraging mainstream entertainment brands and alternative funding models.