Marvel and DC Comics have long been the leading publishing juggernauts in the industry, both tapping into ‘shared universes.’ However, they still face competition from other IPs such as Dynamite, Dark Horse Comics, Valiant, and more. Now, it appears that they will face even more competition, as a brand-new independent company, Summit Comics, is set to join the list of superhero shared universes in 2026.
As a quick refresher, a shared universe refers to a fictional world where multiple characters and stories coexist, enabling them to interact with one another. This concept originated in 1940, when MLJ Comics (later Archie Comics) revolutionized comic book history by teaming up two of its heroes, the Shield and the Wizard, for a crossover event.
It was the first time readers saw heroes collide in a shared universe. The idea was soon adopted by other publishers, including Marvel, DC Comics, and Image, and has since become standard practice in the comic book industry.
Summit Comics Launches New Superhero Shared Universe to Rival Marvel & DC
All-Star Creative Team and $500K in Crowdfunding Power the Summit Universe
Summit Comics will join DC Comics, Marvel, Dark Horse Comics, and other publishers next year as the newest company to launch a superhero shared universe. The ambitious project is fueled by over half a million dollars in crowdfunding raised over the years by its all-star team of creators, who are now working together to bring the Summit Universe to life.
Familiar names leading Summit Comics include Travis Gibb (Upheaval, Cthulhu Invades) as Publisher, Devin Arscott (Noir, Magni the Mighty) as Editor-in-Chief, and Adam Barnhardt (SHTSHOW, Moonspawn*) as Chief Creative Officer. Other creators helping launch the universe include CJ Hudson (Granite, Interstellar Dust) and Marcus Jimenez (Techoknights, Knight From Hell), forming a strong foundation for Summit’s upcoming debut.
Fans can also look forward to the work of Benjamin Morse (We Are Scarlet Twilight), Cam Kerkau (Gilgamesh), Daniel Kalban (American Dreams, Knightwrath), Brian Wolf (Upheaval), Eric Palicki (Guardians of Infinity, Black’s Myth), Brayden Viloria (Haven), Nate Schachter (The CloakRoom), J. Michael Miller (Kid Crustaceous), and letterer Jerome Gagnon, each bringing their unique creative vision to Summit Comics’ shared universe.
Summit Comics Kicks Off with Anthology, Ongoing Series, and Solo Titles
A Rare Chance for Readers to Join a Shared Universe from Day One
The Summit Universe will officially debut with Summit: Pinnacle, an annual anthology featuring different creators telling stories across the shared universe. These tales will continue in the bi-monthly series Summit Jump. From there, select characters will spin off into solo limited series, with Travis Gibb’s Upheaval and CJ Hudson’s Granite already confirmed as part of the first wave of titles.
What makes Summit Comics’ launch so exciting is that it gives readers a rare chance to jump in at the very beginning of a brand-new universe, without the overwhelming decades of history, lore, and baggage often tied to DC or Marvel. Summit offers fans a true zero-year experience, allowing them to be part of the publisher’s foundation and witness the hype unfold in real time.
