One of the best-selling comics recently was actually the return of an animated show that has appeared in several forms over the past few decades—Ben 10!
WHAT HAPPENED WITH ‘BEN 10’ #1?
Ben 10 #1 is the first issue of the modern, definitive Ben 10 comic series from Dynamite Entertainment, and it was written by Joe Casey and illustrated by Robert Carey, with covers by Carey, Duncan Rouleau, Dustin Nguyen, and Sebastian Piriz. It debuted on May 6, 2026 (with an Ashcan Edition released on March 18, 2026) and contains 32 pages of story in full color.
It sells at a cover price of $4.99 ($10 for the blind bag). There were so many variant covers that it’s hard to get a complete number, but there are at least 20 of them that I can find!
When I called my local comics shop, they told me they had already run out of copies, which was a little frustrating since I had put in my request for a copy months ago when the series was first announced! I understand, however, that this was not an unusual occurrence—many stores apparently seriously underordered this book, so it may take a while before everyone who wants one finally gets their copy!
It is actually one of the three top selling books out this week. The other two are Batman #9 and Dungeon Crawler Carl #0.
WHAT IS ‘BEN 10’ ALL ABOUT, ANYWAY?
Ben 10 is a story based on a young boy character named Benjamin Tennyson (which shortens to Ben 10), but the “10” also refers to the number of alien forms his sci-fi watch can transform him into.
Ben 10 is an American science fiction superhero media franchise originally conceived by Man of Action and owned by The Cartoon Network, Inc. division of Warner Bros. Discovery. The franchise, mainly consisting of animated series produced by Cartoon Network Studios, revolves around a young boy who discovers the Omnitrix—a high-tech, extraterrestrial device shaped like a wristwatch. This remarkable gadget contains the DNA of various alien species, allowing Ben to transform into them at will. Initially, the Omnitrix features ten alien transformations, but over time, Ben gains the ability to unlock additional species.
The franchise began with an animated series named Ben 10 (2005–2008), which was followed by its sequels Ben 10: Alien Force (2008–2010), Ben 10: Ultimate Alien (2010–2012), and Ben 10: Omniverse (2012–2014), all sharing the same continuity.
The reboot series, also titled Ben 10, was released from 2016 till 2021, set on a new continuity, with a 44-minute finale special serving as a crossover with the first four series. The franchise also includes five films (three animated and two live-action), numerous video games, and crossovers with other two Cartoon Network series, Generator Rex (2010–2013) and The Secret Saturdays (2008–2010).
It has garnered considerable critical acclaim, securing three Emmy Awards, and ranks as Cartoon Network’s second-longest existing franchise. Furthermore, Ben 10 has inspired a line of toys produced initially by Bandai for the franchise’s first four series and later by Playmates Toys for the reboot.
Ben 10 is one of Cartoon Network’s most commercially successful franchises, and it has garnered all kinds of related merchandise, including comic books (of course), board games, card games, toys, video games, coloring books, and watches (that resemble the Ominitrix or the Ultimatrix).
THE APPEAL CROSSES GENERATIONS
Ben 10 happens to be a franchise that appeals to several generations, including younger viewers and older fans of animation (such as myself).
Ben’s character also has a lot going for him in that he spends much of his time learning how to use the Omnitrix and discovering what each alien can do. Kids relate to it because they are growing up and learning just what they and their bodies can do, and adults enjoy it because, well, we were all kids at one time.
The show appeared after the Transformers/GI Joe phase of cartoons, which meant I was able to get in on the ground floor and watch the various incarnations and periods of Ben 10. It also happened after the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles period, so again, I was able to appreciate and enjoy it.
Also, the supporting cast are fun characters as well, including Ben’s sister Gwen, who gains magical abilities over the series, and their Grandfather Max, who we discover has a lot of secrets of his own. Kevin Levin (shortened to Kevin 11) goes from an adversary to Gwen’s boyfriend over time, Vilgax is the main opponent and alien conqueror, and Ben faces a variety of baddies including Aggregor, Doctor Animo (the silliest of the bunch), Eon, Hex, and Khyber.
The Tennyson parents, however, are seen few and far between in the various shows. I understand that Max helps the plot move along at times, but I personally always wanted to see Mom and Dad more.
Of course, a comic based on a cartoon is often underestimated by the industry. Ben 10 co-creator and writer of the comic, Joe Casey, stated online, “I don’t think it’s an understatement to say there’s been a certain level of anticipation for this first issue. The dedicated Ben 10 fanbase seems to have rallied behind the book, and we’re extremely grateful for it. I also think there might’ve been certain people along the food chain that had more… modest expectations as to how well this first issue debut would go, in terms of pre-orders in the Direct Market. But we cleared 82,000 units ordered and, these days, that’s nothing to sneeze at.”
It’s important to note that the artist and main cover illustrator, Robert Carey, is another co-creator, so that initial issue is very true to earlier versions of Ben 10.
That gives me a lot of courage as the book proceeds, that it will maintain the tone and “fun” of the animated shows. I’ll likely find myself standing in line with fans and readers much younger than I am, but that’s a good thing, right?
About Author
