Ben Percy & Stephen King’s The End Times Expands Into Full-Length Novel

When a project sells out and starts popping up in Forbes, Fangoria, and across the horror press, you don’t fade away — you level up.

After a completely sold-out print run and major media buzz, Ben Percy and Stephen King’s post-apocalyptic newspaper epic The End Times is officially evolving into a full-length novel. The book, published by Bad Hand Books, drops in early 2027 — and pre-orders are live right now.

The End Times: Volume One collects the complete text of the original serial project and expands it into a novel-length experience. The story unfolds in a future America clawing its way back from a devastating pandemic. At the center is Mary Poole, a writer who finds purpose by resurrecting an old printing press and launching a small-town newspaper in North End, Minnesota. But rebuilding truth in a broken world isn’t simple. As new contributors join the paper — including the ominous Claudia Inez Bachman — darker forces begin shaping the town’s fragile recovery.

And here’s the upgrade: this isn’t just a reprint. The novel arrives in a bold 8.5” × 11” trim size and will feature exclusive material not included in the original serial format. Bigger scope. Deeper immersion. Expanded impact.

Bad Hand Books publisher Doug Murano calls it “a deeply dystopian story with concerning similarities to the threats America faces today,” emphasizing its focus on misinformation and the importance of media acting in good faith when society is at its most vulnerable. In other words — timely doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Set in post-apocalyptic Minnesota — where the physical newspaper editions are currently printed — the story carries real-world weight. Percy, a Minnesota native, is also tying impact to action: $1 from every book sold directly through the publisher will go toward mutual aid efforts in Minneapolis as the community continues recovering from the effects of ICE saturation.

The hardcover edition is available for pre-order now and is scheduled to ship in early 2027. A sold-out serial. A dystopian warning shot. A full novel expansion from two powerhouse storytellers.

The press lives on.

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!