Fans of Bug Wars have something big to look forward to this January. Jason Aaron and Mahmud Asrar are expanding their brutal insect fantasy world with a brand-new one-shot called Spyder Wytch Special. This oversized issue offers a darker detour into the Bug Wars universe, setting the stage for the return of the main series later in 2026.
The special focuses on the mysterious Spider Sect and introduces Wysta the Wayward Wytch—an exiled warrior and sorceress whose story adds a chilling layer to the growing mythology of the Yard. Artist Baldemar Rivas joins the team for this issue, bringing his dynamic and gritty style to the world of Bug Wars. If his previous work on Two-Face and Godzilla vs. Kansas City is any indication, readers are in for a wild, visually intense ride.
Aaron and Asrar have hinted that this one-shot is much more than a side story. It’s a critical bridge between arcs, revealing new corners of the insect realm and building momentum for the next major chapter. Book Two of Bug Wars will return to the Slaymaker family and continue the saga with more tiny warriors, oversized insect beasts, and all-out bug carnage.
For anyone just discovering the series, Bug Wars is set around the Slaymaker House—a place so creepy, even exterminators won’t go near it. Brothers Slade and Sydney grew up surrounded by their late father’s insect research. Slade was fascinated. Sydney was terrified. But when Slade is mysteriously shrunken down to bug-size, he’s thrown into a hidden world of beetle-riding barbarians, ant armies, and spider-wielding witches. Imagine Honey, I Shrunk the Kids crashed into Conan the Barbarian, and you’re getting close.
The hype for Bug Wars has been building steadily since its limited preview debuted at New York Comic Con. The ashcan release sold out fast, the first issues followed suit, and the book landed on IGN’s “Most Anticipated Comics of 2025” list. It’s clear this series has struck a nerve with fans and critics alike.
Spyder Wytch Special hits comic shops in January 2026. And if you’re looking to catch up before then, the Book One trade paperback will be available October 8 in comic shops, and October 21 in bookstores and online.
Whether you’ve been following Bug Wars since the beginning or you’re just now jumping in, this special one-shot looks like a can’t-miss chapter in one of the most imaginative series on the stands.
Beam Me Up Scotty
Born and raised in the city of Miami. Lifelong pro wrestling fan. Been deep in the 'zine scene since ’84, interviewing locals, Hardcore, Punk, and Metal bands. Spent 26 years in the comic book biz and still obsessed with all things pop culture—Mego, Micronauts, Shogun Warriors, Die-Cast Metal Super Robots, you name it. I can go on about comic books and bad movies all day.
