Eric Powell’s Thor and Steve Darnall’s Marvels Novelization Coming May 2026

Abrams ComicArts, in collaboration with Marvel, is excited to announce two new publishing projects set for release in May 2026: Thor: Behemoth of the Black Moon, an original graphic novel by Eric Powell, and Marvels: The Novelization by Steve Darnall, with new illustrations by Alex Ross.

Thor: Behemoth of the Black Moon is part of the Marvel Arts line, a publishing initiative curated by Alex Ross and edited by Charles Kochman, editor-in-chief of Abrams ComicArts. Each title is a self-contained work shaped by the voice and style of the creator behind it.

Eric Powell, creator of the Eisner Award–winning series The Goon, brings his distinct blend of myth, mood, and grit to the world of Asgard. In this new story, the God of Thunder must confront the dark legacy of his father, Odin, and face the consequences of a past that refuses to stay buried. Powell’s work has been celebrated for its emotional depth, striking visuals, and storytelling that bridges genre fiction and mythology, making this an ideal entry in the Marvel Arts line.

Marvels: The Novelization is a collaboration between Marvel and Abrams ComicArts. It is the first-ever prose adaptation of the ground breaking, award-winning 1994 comic book series by Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross. Written by Steve Darnall and featuring a new cover, an afterword, and full-color and black-and-white illustrations by Ross, the novelization revisits the story of photojournalist Phil Sheldon as he witnesses the rise of super humans in the Marvel Universe from the streets of New York. This literary adaptation expands on one of Marvel’s most seminal works and offers readers a new way to engage with this iconic, original story.

“Years ago, I had the immense privilege of working with Alex Ross on the story that helped to inspire Marvels—and, like a lot of people, I became a big fan of the story that Alex and Kurt Busiek told in their terrific series,” says Steve Darnall. “It’s been a real pleasure working with the team at Abrams ComicArts as we take Kurt and Alex’s story and present it in a way that hasn’t been done before.”

“Marvels: The Novelization fulfills along-held ambition I’ve had to see an even greater expansion of the original work,” comments Alex Ross. “I’m thrilled with what Steve has written and look forward to sharing what he’s done with the world. Having Eric Powell join us at Marvel Arts is a big get. He honors us with his incredible skill as a storytelling master, and having him finally do a Thor story is a match made in Asgard. The endless possibilities of Abrams ComicArts and Marvel Arts are something I am creatively fulfilled by to help books into being and through my own graphic novel ambitions.”

“Growing up a Marvel kid as I did, getting free rein to tell a story with a premier character like Thor is a dream come true,” explains Eric Powell. “I didn’t want to waste this opportunity, so I’m doing exactly what I want—a big cosmic adventure with giant Kirby style monsters. Yeah, this book is absolutely my love letter to Jack Kirby and Walt Simons on, and I think their influences will be clear. Did I mention cosmic monsters? Cosmic . . . MONSTERS. The kid in me is giddy. I’m so appreciative of Alex Ross, Marvel, and Abrams ComicArts for offering me this project and allowing me to do my thing in this universe.”

“With each new Marvel title, we hope to take readers into unexpected places,” explains Charles Kochman. “The variety of stories and creators and formats shows the range of what is possible with this medium, and we are grateful to Marvel for their support and collaboration.”

Thor: Behemoth of the Black Moon and Marvels: The Novelization highlight the creative strength of the collaboration between Marvel and Abrams ComicArts. One book brings readers deep into Asgard’s past through Eric Powell’s sweeping visual storytelling. And the other reintroduces a landmark story in prose by Steve Darnall, with illustrations by Alex Ross. These works show the range and impact of Marvel’s characters through two very different but equally powerful formats. Both titles will be available wherever books and comics are sold in May 2026.

Thor: Behemoth of the Black Moon
By Eric Powell
Abrams ComicArts | May 2026
U.S. $25.99 | CAN $32.99 | U.K.£18.99
Hardcover with Jacket | 80 Pages
8.5 x 11 | Full-color illustrationsthroughout
ISBN: 9781419786525
https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/thor-behemoth-of-the-black-moon_9781419786525/

Marvels: The Novelization
By Steve Darnall
Illustrated by Alex Ross
Abrams ComicArts | May 2026
U.S. $26.99 | CAN $33.99 | U.K.£18.99
Hardcover with Jacket | 352 Pages
6 x 9 Inches | 4 full-color and 4 black-and-whiteillustrations
ISBN: 9781419766411
https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/marvels-the-novelization_9781419766411/

Author Profile

Al Mega

I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!