Image’s Summer of Youngblood kicks off with issue #100

A sensation in superhero comics back in the 90s. Rob Liefeld’s Youngblood is back at Image Comics, and heating up for summer ’26.

Youngblood is back

We’ve talked about Youngblood a few times in the last few years. It still seems like something of a mirage. The title was so absolutely massive back in the 90s after all, a time that BG remembers fondly in terms of comics. And to see it back once again, let alone at Image, is pretty awesome. Of course 1990s nostalgia seems to be running pretty hot as of late, so we suppose we’re not alone. If you’re in the same boat as us though, get ready, because Youngblood is about to kick off a summer celebration.

Dubbed the Summer of Youngblood, Image Comics and creator Rob Liefeld have quite a bit on tap. That starts with Youngblood #100 though, a book that sees the long-lived superhero title hit the century mark. The title will star a cavalcade of covers as well, with a slew of variants landing from major talent.

The likes of Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, Erik Larsen, Jim Valentino, Whilce Portacio, and Robert Kirkman will all be included there. And yes, we mean that Robert Kirkman. His is a name that you don’t hear much in artistic circles as of late, we get it. But nonetheless, he’ll be onboard for Youngblood.

In the case of Silvestri too, an Image stalwart, issue #100 of the book somehow marks the first time that he’s penciled this group of heroes. Naturally, Liefeld is pumped for it.

“Marc’s cover is special; it’s an absolute stunner. I’ve literally waited 34 years for this,” said Liefeld. “Silvestri has never illustrated these characters, which makes it a real event for the fans as well me. I told him that I have to retire now. I’ll never, ever do better than this. It’s one in a million. Marc is my favorite artist, and this cover is monumental.”

Image Comics press release

“Having Robert Kirkman join the Youngblood #100 cover party? I had high hopes, and he just blew me away,” continued Liefeld. “I can’t stop smiling. Each of these covers, crafted by these comic book legends, is just so humbling. It shows that the energy surrounding Youngblood is surging. This isn’t just a milestone, it’s a powerful union that celebrates a Golden Age that launched the company 34 years back.”

Kirkman added: “Youngblood is one of the most important independent comics ever published. It started the Image revolution and paved the way for everything that followed. As a corporate superteam that uses media manipulation and treats its heroes as celebrities you can find its DNA in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Boys, Invincible, and dozens of other modern superhero takes. The influence of Rob Liefeld’s creation reaches far and wide into all aspects of the entertainment industry. I was honored Rob allowed me to be some small part of his epic and historic 100th issue celebration.”

Image Comics press release

Watch for Youngblood #100, complete with variants, to hit stores on June 10th, 2026.

A long hot (Youngblood) summer

Now, as mentioned, Youngblood #100 isn’t all that’s coming up this summertime. Sure, it might be the biggest happening, but there’s more heading to fans under the name. That includes a spinoff too, one that’s been a long time coming.

None other than Badrock will be getting his very own monthly. According to the press release too, it’ll be a book that both has wide-reaching and personal implications. Not only will it “shake the foundations of the Extreme Universe”, but it’ll also explore the hero’s family. When you have profile as high as the big guy does, that might be set to cause some problems for them.

As for the creative team, the title will have Liefeld onboard, but as writer. Seth Damoose will be providing the visuals. While Damoose’s is a name that you might not be overly familiar with, it sounds like he’s been hand-picked by Liefeld for the project.

“I’ve been following Seth’s work for years; he was the only artist I envisioned for a Badrock series. He’s an incredible storyteller and illustrator. Fans are in for a huge treat.”

“Badrock is the heart of Youngblood,” continued Liefeld. “Giving him his own title allows us to go deeper into his character, his humor, and his sheer power. If you’re a fan of high-stakes, high-octane action that is loaded with laughs, this is the book you’ve been waiting for.”

Image Comics press release

Look for Badrock #1 to land in stores about a month after Youngblood #100. It’s set to arrive on July 10th, 2026.