New Comic Book Day • October 14, 2026

New York Comic Con has wrapped, and this Wednesday brings a different kind of fresh start: a new Venom series, a mission on Cybertron, and the opening of a Radiant Black story arc. You don’t always need a #1 to find your next read—but it helps to know whether you’re starting a series or joining a story already in motion.

Here’s what’s on our radar for the October 14 stack, plus one cover to identify carefully and a collecting habit worth keeping.

On our radar

Venom #1 — Marvel Comics

Eddie Brock and the Venom symbiote are reunited in this new series from writer Charles Soule and artist Tommaso Bianchi. The publisher’s setup puts Eddie’s determination to become a hero at the center of the story, with other superheroes potentially having their own opinions about his methods. The official distributor listing confirms an October 14 release.

If the relationship between host and symbiote is what draws you to Venom, this is a launch to investigate. A new #1 gives you a clear place to begin the new creative team’s run; it doesn’t erase the character’s earlier history. Look for the 2026 series when searching, because “Venom #1” by itself can lead to several different books.

Transformers #37 — Skybound / Image Comics

Writer Robert Kirkman, artist Karl Kerschl, and colorist Mike Spicer take readers to a conflict centered on Elita Prime and the war on Cybertron. Image’s October 14 release page frames the issue around how far she will go to win.

That makes this one to consider if the Transformers’ competing loyalties interest you as much as their battles. Returning readers have a specific character thread to follow this week. If you’re new to this ongoing series, take a look at the earlier issues or collected volumes before deciding where to join; the issue number is a useful reminder that this world already has a history.

Radiant Black #44 — Image Comics

Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark write, with art by Marcelo Costa. Image identifies issue #44, arriving October 14, as a new story arc leading toward #50. Its premise gives Marshall an urgent mission while a crisis in Chicago competes for his attention.

For readers who enjoy superheroes having to choose between responsibilities, that’s a promising setup to preview. The new arc also offers a place for lapsed readers to check back in. First-time readers may prefer to sample the publisher’s free first issue before jumping ahead.

Start here

  • A new creative team’s launch: Venom #1, specifically the 2026 series.
  • A new arc within an ongoing story: Radiant Black #44. Earlier reading can help with the characters and their relationships.
  • A first-issue sample: Image links a free Radiant Black #1 from its issue page—a useful way to decide whether the series suits your taste.

Cover spotlight: Transformers #37, Cover A

Image credits Cover A to Jason Howard and Annalisa Leoni. Those are the cover credits; Kerschl and Spicer are credited for the interior art. Matching those names to the right part of the book helps when you’re following a particular artist.

The same edition listing identifies several other covers, including Cover B by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer. Record “#37, Cover A, Howard/Leoni” rather than just “Transformers #37” on your want list, then compare the seller’s photos before choosing your copy.

Collector’s corner: put the series year on your want list

A familiar title restarting at #1 can make a quick search surprisingly confusing. Keep the title, series year, issue number, cover, and printing together in your collection notes. For this week’s Venom launch, “2026” helps distinguish the book from earlier first issues.

Before buying, compare the listing description with the actual copy’s photos. If the edition or printing isn’t identified, ask for clarification. Our guide to variants, reprints, and facsimiles gives you a checklist to keep nearby.

Around the comics world: a reunion to watch

At NYCC, Image announced Roam, a new ongoing series reuniting Paper Girls collaborators Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang. The publisher currently schedules its debut for February 24, 2027. Add it to your future-reading notes if you follow that team; this is an upcoming launch, separate from today’s releases. Read Image’s announcement for the details.

Back at the Haus

Browse Haus of Comics listings for your next collection addition, checking the edition and condition on each listing.

What’s calling you this Wednesday: a new #1, a returning favorite, or a cover by an artist you collect?

Featured cover art: Davide Paratore; Jason Howard and Annalisa Leoni; Daniel Bayliss.