October 28 Comic Releases: Absolute Milestones and a New Bride of Frankenstein

New Comic Book Day — October 28, 2026. This week has an unusually strong mix of landmark superhero issues and seasonal horror. DC’s Absolute line reaches issue #25 on two major books, while Skybound and Image launch a new Universal Monsters miniseries just before Halloween.

Here are three releases worth understanding, whether you’re following every chapter, choosing a first issue, or building a pull list.

Absolute Batman #25: a milestone, not a starting guarantee

Absolute Batman #25 arrives October 28 as a 25th-issue milestone. DC’s Absolute Universe takes familiar characters in strikingly different directions, which has attracted both existing DC readers and people who haven’t followed every main-continuity crossover.

Issue #25 is the sort of release that naturally draws attention from collectors, but a milestone issue isn’t automatically a rare investment. Check the issue details, cover printing, and actual sales before deciding that any particular variant deserves a premium.

For readers who are curious about the story rather than a specific cover, the more important question is whether they want to start with earlier issues or a collected edition. A cover number is not a substitute for reading order.

Absolute Wonder Woman #25: another major chapter

Absolute Wonder Woman #25 shares the October 28 release date. The series has been an important part of DC’s broader Absolute line, and its milestone arrives during a busy publishing week.

As with Batman, distinguish reading interest from variant-cover speculation. Readers may prefer a standard cover or a collected volume; cover-focused collectors should verify the exact artist, edition, condition, and whether it is a qualifying retailer variant before making a purchase.

One thing we never recommend is treating a publisher’s anniversary or issue number as proof that a book will appreciate. Buy the stories and art you actually want; let any future collectible value be a bonus.

Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives #1

For Halloween week, Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives #1 is an especially timely new entry. Kelly Thompson writes the four-issue series, with Mattia De Iulis on art. Publisher Image Comics lists its first issue for October 28, 2026.

The project also has multiple cover options, including a Luana Vecchio connecting-cover series that forms one continuous image across the four issues. That’s a fun collecting format, but completing the image requires planning for more than the debut issue. If you want a matching set, note exactly which cover you need for each issue.

A short, four-issue series can be a manageable entry point for readers who want a complete horror story without signing up for a long-running superhero title. Just remember that availability and the issue schedule can change, and collectors should not assume that every variant will be easy to find later.

Other October 28 releases to watch

Release calendars also list DC All In Saga: Darkseid vs. the World #1 and Star Wars: Rogue One – Darth Vader #1 this week. Those are different propositions from a mid-series milestone: one-shots and new #1 releases may appeal to readers looking for a discrete entry point, but it’s still worth checking whether a particular issue assumes earlier story knowledge.

How to avoid missing the next issue

Pick the series first. Decide whether you’re buying to read or collecting a particular artist or cover treatment.
Track the exact issue and cover. A standard cover and a special variant can have very different availability.
Ask before assuming stock. A scheduled publication date does not confirm that any particular retailer has received copies.
Set up future issues. A pull list can make it easier to follow ongoing titles or short miniseries after their debut. Existing preorder and final-order cutoffs may already have passed.

Follow comics with Nexus

Nexus PC Works & Games offers online comic subscriptions and pull lists. You can also start or manage a pull list for the series you want to follow. Ask about specific covers and availability rather than assuming every new release is on the shelf.