Published Jun 18, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT
An experienced Editor representing Canada via ScreenRant’s Team Anime, J.R. has been reading manga since the first printing of Shonen Jump in North America. This passion drove him to write about anime, manga, and manhwa since 2022, having recently served as Lead Anime Editor for ComicBook.com.
His favorite moments in media coverage include reviewing the series premieres of Zom 100 and* Bleach: TYBW *Part 2 back-to-back and briefly meeting Junji Ito at a VIZ gallery event in 2023.
PlaidHat Games introduced a killer hit in 2009 with ***Summoner Wars, ***bringing with it an impressive fantasy franchise spawning mobile and online games, and an acclaimed Second Edition release in 2021. It brought along a solid playable premise: players control a powerful summoner in control of a unique army, battling over the war-torn world of Itharia and its sought-after Summoning Stones. It’s become a well-regarded and approachable gaming experience, but now its world has become more enthralling than ever with its upcoming Summoner Wars comic series by Battle Quest Comics, set for its release on September 16, 2026.
Accompanied by a gorgeous trailer available on YouTube HERE showcasing the warring factions vying for the Summoning Stones, Summoner Wars introduces its key premise, with ScreenRant providing the exclusive preview of the events setting up its main conflict. Against the backdrop of the rise of the Rotten King, the comic, co-written by Paul Cornell (Doctor Who) and Justin Zimmerman (The 27 Run) features a story plotted by Battle Quest and Plaid Hat Games in which Ret-Talus, amid splintering opposing factions, comes to claim his kingdom.
Featuring artwork by *Summoner Wars *and Captain Canuck veteran Patrick Macchi and colors by Morry Hollowell *(Civil War), *Summoner Wars details Ret-Talus’ particularly dangerous rising. It showcases him finding the first Summoning Stone, before setting out to conquer his enemies, raise the dead as his legion, and stage a 1000-year reign of terror. But, soon enough, Dane and the Vanguards would find the Second Summoning Stone, bringing an end to Ret-Talus’ dominance. This wouldn’t last long, however, especially as factions like the Night Elves, Eternal Council, and Guild Dwarves would soon covet a Summoning Stone of their own.
“Battle Quest is focused on finding new ways to immerse people in adventures they are passionate about, and signing with Universal represents a major step forward in doing just that.
The next big IP could very well come out of the tabletop and RPG space, and we want to help champion those stories as well as enhance the gamers’ experience in their favorite spaces.”
Summoner Wars is set to be published by Battle Quest Comics, which has also announced it’s newly-acquired membership among Universal Publishing’s list of partners, alongside DC Comics, Image Comics, and Dynamite Entertainment. With Summoner Wars in particular, Battle Quest is poised to expand as the leading publisher of independent fantasy comics and graphic novels, keeping its eye on hobby and specialty markets, a particular home for Summoner Wars fans and newcomers alike.
“We’re thrilled to add Battle Quest to our growing list of publishing partners. Their commitment to producing content for both the comic and specialty gaming markets is a natural fit for Universal’s accounts. We look forward to introducing their line into new stores across channels.”
-Tim Lenaghan, Vice President of Purchasing and Publisher Relations, Universal Publishing
But as if the new release, and its stunning artwork isn’t enough, the Summoner Wars comic release has an exciting, limited opportunity for eager fans looking to expand their collection with a unique addition.
For those ready to expand their arsenal in the Summoner Wars game, an exclusive playable card, “Elien in Exile”, will be included with the special variant cover release illustrated by Patrick Macchi. For now, the press release by Battle Quest Comics confirms this is the only way to get the card.
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