Groundbreaking Web Serial ‘Worm’ Is Becoming a Comic Book [Exclusive]

If you were a fan of John McCrae’s epic superhero web serial Worm during its 2011-2013 heyday, when it racked up a million views per month, this will be excellent news. But even if you’ve never heard of Worm before—or if you discovered it after the fact, contributing along the way to its 80 million total views—you will want to hear this. Worm is becoming a comic book! io9 is thrilled to share the news of Worm‘s first-ever physical release from IDW Publishing, with a creative team that includes writer Meghan Fitzmartin, artist Javier Ortiz, colorist David Vaquero, and letterer Andriy Lukin, as well as McCrae aboard as a consultant. It makes sense given Worm‘s comic book-ready subject matter, as McCrae explained in a statement provided to io9. “Worm came about as an attempt to bring superheroes and supervillains, designed as they are for the visual medium of comics, to the printed word. Here, we bring it full circle,” said McCrae. “In talking to IDW, it was refreshing that they knew the work, that they shared many of my thoughts and ideas for updating and revising the work, and that they saw the potential for Worm. I look forward to working with them and have high hopes as we bring Worm into the comics realm.” Here’s what the Worm comic is about: “After enduring a brutal and bloody bullying scandal, Taylor finally has the power to fight back: With her newly triggered ability to control insects, she could prove everyone wrong and become a hero… or kill anyone who stands in her way.” “In a world of superpowered gang members, fanatical cults, and ruthless serial killers, Taylor must navigate the dangerous politics and unwritten rules of the local ‘cape’ scene, where the line between hero and villain is anything but clear. For Taylor, perhaps, least of all. Will she risk everything to save others, or use her power to exact revenge on those who’ve wronged her?” Check out the Worm covers as well as character designs here: © Livio Baggio/IDW Publishing © Skylar Patridge/IDW Publishing © IDW Publishing “I’m so excited and honored to work on Worm with some of the best folks in comics. I came to Worm late in the game, but I was immediately enthralled by the amazing, vibrant world John has built,” Fitzmartin said. “A story about complicated women, people with powers, feminine rage, and folks trying to do the right thing… with varying results? Sign me the fuck up. Javier and David pack a powerhouse of a punch onto every page, giving Worm the brutal, tempestuous love Taylor, Armsmaster, and the Undersiders deserve.” Added IDW executive editor Heather Antos, “Worm is such a fresh and compelling take on the superhero genre, challenging what it means to be a hero or a villain, and whether right and wrong are always so black and white when you’re fighting for what you believe is good. Getting to collaborate with series creator John McCrae to bring this incredible world to comics with IDW is an absolute thrill, and it’s especially exciting that this project came to IDW through series editor and IDW associate editor Cassandra Jones, whose own personal connection to the story first introduced us to it, and the team has already done an excellent job bringing the characters to the comics page.” “We’re honored to give long-time fans of the web series the first-ever comic adaptation of the characters they’ve grown to love, while inviting new readers to discover Taylor’s journey and the complicated, messy line between good and evil.” You can get a first look at Worm on Comics Giveaway Day (March 1, 2027) with a prequel issue that includes a written piece by McCrae. Then, Worm #1 arrives in July; you can pre-order at a comic shop near you. Want more io9 news? Check out the best movies and TV shows to stream this month and all the upcoming sci-fi, fantasy, and horror books that should be on your radar.