The News, It Is Fast

(But is it furious? Sorry, couldn't resist)

Jul 25, 2025

Quick post today to make sure you guys are seeing all the cool stuff coming out of SDCC… or I suppose the cool Kelly Thompson and Kelly Thompson-adjacent stuff is more accurate.

There was a DC Panel at SDCC earlier today that included lots of juicy Absolute stuff, but obviously making the rounds in a big way is Hayden and Jordie’s cover for ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #15, which includes ABSOLUTE BATMAN.

Here’s a higher res look at that cover:

This will be out on 12/24… so HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I don’t know how much I’m allowed to say at this time without getting in trouble… so I’ll just be quiet, but expect some more news soon!

Also, look how adorable Hayden is at SDCC with our giant Absolute Wonder Woman banner! Surreal and very cool:

Unrelated to SDCC, but this Diana fanart by Lenkia is sending me:

Oh. Also THIS happened yesterday.

Yeah, I’m writing both the new BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and ANGEL comics for Dynamite Comics, with editor Nate Cosby (who edited my NANCY DREW series at Dynamite). The great David Nakayama will be doing some gorgeous covers for the run. I’ve been working on these books for a while now (you should see the series bible!) and if you’ve listened to an interview with me in the last year, this was probably the “big thing” you heard me teasing.

I’m relieved the news is finally out there, but fair warning, this is going to be a tough one to talk about. I am very protective of the pitch, and the reading experience of that first issue. Fans are going to have a lot of very specific questions and most of them I’m just not going to be able to answer to anyone’s satisfaction. But for now I’ll say this…

It is neither a rebooted “origin story,” nor a reboot with the characters older (like the new TV show reboot appears to be). I’ll also tell you that for the first arc, the Buffy and Angel books will be pretty integrated — after that first arc they will become more their own things.

You don’t need to have ever read any of the other previous Buffy comics to understand this book. And we’ve made it as new reader friendly as possible in case you aren’t already a fan of the show (but it’s pretty obvious that any pre-existing show fans will get the most bang for their buck).

I will say that BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and ANGEL are both available streaming on Hulu… so if you’re not already a fan, maybe time to become one? I was actually thinking of doing a re-watch and maybe making that a thing here on the Substack… but I’m not sure on interest level? Sound off in the comments if you think that seems interesting to you.

Anyway. I’m very excited. Buffy Summers is, in my opinion, one of the greatest fictional heroines of all time. I’m not entirely sure I become a writer without Buffy. I am definitely not sure Tessa Battle (STORYKILLER or Bonnie Braverman and Lola Lafever (THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING) exist without her. And I hope I can do her and her world justice for all the fans.

A lot of nice comics folks wrote nice things about the announcement. I’m not going to link to all of them because they’re mostly repeating the same info but here are a couple: AIPT and Comicbook.com.

Also, in case anyone was worried about my qualifications*… with very little studying I absolutely nailed this Buffy episodes quiz.** Look at that — 10:57 left on my 20 minute clock! Amazing. lol

*this is obviously a joke and does not make me qualified in the least, but I still thought it was fun. If you also would like to play the quiz is here.

**Please don’t ask me to do this with the Angel series as it will not go well… but I promise I love him. You guys KNOW I love supernatural detectives… they’re like… maybe my favorite thing? He’s in good hands, even if I don’t know all his episodes, I swear! Wow, really opened a can of worms here for myself!

Available for iOS and Android

More news from SDCC…I can’t validate that this is real, and I feel like usually when this happens, I see more news about it, which leaves me slightly skeptical? But these Marvel Rivals Jeff Funkos do look legit and since we knew they were teased, seems like they’re real?

The images came from this Funko account and this Funko account.

Would I have rather had comic accurate Jeff (like the one below of Jeff in a business suit - imagine!) yes, of course. But Marvel Rivals Jeff is a behemoth and I think we just have to be grateful that it’s finally helped moved the needled so we’re getting some fun merch that’s not too rare/con exclusive for regular folks to get their hands on.

The delightful Meagan Damore posted this, which speaks for itself. If you’re AT SDCC… well, you’re probably not reading this, but just in case, stop by and say hi!

Also, they’re apparently switching Jeff’s outfit/cut outs everyday? Which is a genius marketing move, I must say:

Also, among all the SDCC chaos, October Marvel Solicits came out this week and these JEFF THE LAND SHARK #5 by Gurihiru and Tokitokoro covers that are too delightful not to share debuted:

Okay. I have to get back to work as I have lots to do before my parents arrive in town for a visit tomorrow. Hope you all are staying cool and enjoying the comics news distractions. Take care of each other out there. <3

Kelly