UNIVERSALS INITIATIVE Arrives This July – The Biggest Indie Comic Event of the Year!

The countdown has begun.

This July, Haunted Pizza LLC proudly launches the Fund My Comic campaign for UNIVERSALS INITIATIVE, an epic new superhero book series that combines cosmic adventure, ancient mythology, and blockbuster action into what may be the biggest independent comic book release of the year.

Created by the award-winning father and son writing team of Mark and Chase Poulton, UNIVERSALS INITIATIVE is an ambitious new saga that introduces readers to a world where Earth's greatest champions must unite against a threat capable of destroying entire galaxies. Featuring larger-than-life heroes, unforgettable villains, and a story years in the making, UNIVERSALS INITIATIVE is designed to be the foundation of an exciting new graphic novel series.

To bring this epic vision to life, the Poultons have assembled an all-star roster of comic book talent.

Interior artwork is provided by legendary comic artist Jon Malin (Cable, Thunderbolts) alongside rising superstar Dan Dahl (Rippaverse), delivering a visual experience packed with explosive action, breathtaking cosmic landscapes, and larger-than-life heroes.

UNIVERSALS INITIATIVE also marks a historic reunion between Mark Poulton and Jon Malin, the creative team behind the indie comic phenomenon Graveyard Shift. Fans who followed their previous collaboration know the magic these two creators can produce together, making this reunion one of the most exciting aspects of the project.

The covers are equally impressive, featuring stunning artwork from some of the industry's biggest names. Fans can choose from incredible covers by Joe Bennett (The Immortal Hulk), Debora Carita (Rippaverse), and Jon Malin, along with an oversized deluxe edition featuring an exclusive cover by comic book legend Rob Liefeld (Deadpool, X-Force, Youngblood).

UNIVERSALS INITIATIVE tells the story of Earth's greatest champions as they prepare for the arrival of Stardoom and Starcross, immortal brothers whose search for a mysterious cosmic artifact has left countless worlds in ruins. As galaxies burn and civilizations fall, a new generation of heroes must rise to defend Earth from annihilation. Packed with action, mythology, science fiction, and larger-than-life personalities, UNIVERSALS INITIATIVE is the kind of epic superhero storytelling that built the comic book industry. It's a bold new series filled with heroes, villains, cosmic mysteries, and world-shaking stakes that will keep readers coming back for more.

With unforgettable characters, world-building on a cosmic scale, and a creative team stacked with industry veterans and fan-favorite talent, UNIVERSALS INITIATIVE is poised to become one of the most talked-about independent comic releases of 2026.

Between the reunion of the Graveyard Shift creative team, a powerhouse lineup of superstar artists, and a universe-spanning story years in the making, UNIVERSALS INITIATIVE is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated independent comic launches of the year.

Whether you're a longtime superhero fan, a supporter of independent comics, or someone looking to discover the next great comic book series from the ground floor, UNIVERSALS INITIATIVE is a project you won't want to miss.

UNIVERSALS INITIATIVE will be available for pre-order this July through Fund My Comic, giving fans the opportunity to secure their copies, exclusive covers, and special editions before the book's official release.

The universe is watching.

Galaxies Burn. Heroes Unite. Legends Begin.