Full Breakdown
Expansion of Horror Franchises into Comics: Smile and A Quiet Place
10/8/2025, 2:59:32 PM
New Comic Series Announced
IDW Dark, the horror imprint of IDW Publishing, is set to expand two successful horror franchises, *Smile* and *A Quiet Place*, into the comic book realm. The new series, *Smile: For the Camera* and *A Quiet Place: Storm Warning*, will debut in February and March 2026, respectively. Additionally, IDW Dark will introduce original titles, including *The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace* and *Operation: Iron Coffin*.
*Smile: For the Camera*
*Smile: For the Camera*, written by Hannah Rose May and illustrated by Miriana Puglia, is set in 2005 and follows a group of international models during Fashion Week in New York City. The narrative centers around the models being stalked by the Smile Entity. May expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I’ve had a disgustingly good time writing this and I can’t wait for fans to experience the nightmare in a whole new medium.” Puglia highlighted the tension and fear inherent in the modeling industry, emphasizing the unique blend of aesthetics and horror.
*A Quiet Place: Storm Warning*
*A Quiet Place: Storm Warning*, crafted by writer Phil Hester and artist Ryan Kelly, transports the story to a small island town in Pearl, Iowa. Hester noted that the franchise stands out for its suspenseful action and emotional depth, stating, “Each movie is a relentless torrent of suspenseful action, but with a genuinely moving drama at its core.” He believes that the comic adaptation successfully replicates these qualities, offering a fresh take on the *A Quiet Place* universe.
Original Titles: *The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace* and *Operation: Iron Coffin*
*The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace*, a sequel to *The Exorcism at 1600 Penn*, will also be released in March 2026. May returns as the writer, collaborating with artist Kelsey Ramsay to explore new horror narratives set in London. May remarked on the positive reception of the previous series, expressing excitement about expanding the universe with new characters and mythology.
*Operation: Iron Coffin*, set for July 2026, presents a unique twist on the Dracula legend, featuring the vampire battling Nazis during World War II. Writer Kenny Porter described the premise as “a bold new take on Dracula,” where a British bomber drops an iron coffin onto a Nazi train, leading to a confrontation with Dracula.
Broader Implications
The expansion of these horror franchises into comics reflects a growing trend in the entertainment industry, where successful film properties are adapted into graphic novels. Heather Antos, Group Editor of IDW Dark, stated, “With these new titles, we’re about to unleash a quadruple shot of terror to kick off 2026.” This initiative not only aims to attract existing fans but also seeks to engage new readers through innovative storytelling.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ve had a disgustingly good time writing this and I can’t wait for fans to experience the nightmare in a whole new medium.” — Hannah Rose May, Writer of *Smile: For the Camera*
- “Each movie is a relentless torrent of suspenseful action, but with a genuinely moving drama at its core.” — Phil Hester, Writer of *A Quiet Place: Storm Warning*
- “I can’t wait to share this bold new take on Dracula with the world,” — Kenny Porter, Writer of *Operation: Iron Coffin*
The upcoming releases from IDW Dark promise to deliver a diverse range of horror narratives, blending established franchises with original concepts, thereby enriching the horror genre in comic form.
