FIRST LOOK: The Legendary Detective Returns to Comics This November

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

AUG. 26, 2026 (PORTLAND, OR) — The case is almost open. Mad Cave Studios, in partnership with King Features Syndicate, reveals a first look at RIP KIRBY #1, the all-new series bringing one of comics’ most influential detectives back to the page this November.

Written by two-time Eisner Award nominee Christopher Sebela (High Crimes, Dead Letters), illustrated by Tango (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Archie Horror), colored by KJ Diaz, and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry, Rip Kirbydelivers a fresh mystery built on one of comics’ most enduring foundations.

War hero. Star athlete. Brilliant scientist. Savvy private investigator. Rip Kirby’s reputation is long secured, and these days he’s enjoying the post-war boom of New York City. With gorgeous and quick-witted Honey Dorian at his side and reformed criminal valet Desmond running the show, it’s a perfect life and perfectly balanced. It’s been perfect for what seems like forever… But Rip’s world is about to get complicated, and his unflappably decent ways are newly tested. Up against a world that seems to be growing too fast, can an upstanding man of morals and fair play like Rip remain himself, or will he be swallowed up by the ugliness?

“Getting to write Rip Kirby has been a real dream. Not only am I writing detective stories — one of my favorite genres — I also get to write comedies, romances and thrillers at the same time. All starring the most upstanding private eye who ever solved a murder or went ten rounds with a bad guy. Rip’s a fella who’s loyal to his best girl, an intellectual who fights crime for the change of pace, and a soft tough guy who daydreams of leaving the world a better place than he found it. Hiding out from real life’s insanity inside Rip’s vision of a world where crime never pays, and the bad guys always lose, has been a real gift on a personal level. And with the gorgeous pages Tango, KJ and Jeff have created, I feel like we’re bringing Rip Kirby back to comics in the kind of style a guy this decent deserves.” —Christopher Sebela

In 1946, co-creators Alex Raymond and Ward Greene introduced Rip Kirby, a detective who stood apart from the era’s hard-boiled heroes. Solving cases through intelligence, scientific reasoning, and careful observation rather than brute force, Kirby helped redefine crime fiction and left an enduring mark on newspaper strips for generations to come.

The debut issue by Sebela and Tango goes on sale November 4, 2026, with a Final Order Cutoff of October 12, 2026. Rip Kirby #1 will be available with Cover A by Annie Wu, plus a Cover B, Cover C, Cover D, a foil edition, and a blank sketch cover—with more details on the way soon.