Horror Highlights: DEEPEST CATACOMBS, IF WE SURVIVE THE NIGHT, CHAINSAW MAN

Cullen Bunn Returns to the Depths with New Arc of DEEPEST CATACOMBS: “In 2020, acclaimed horror writer Cullen Bunn descended into the strange and perilous world of DEEPEST CATACOMBS, a serialized comic inspired by vintage advertisements for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. Told across 25 single-page installments—each illustrated by a different artist—the original run was released for free, offering readers a sprawling, collaborative fantasy-horror experience steeped in nostalgia, magic, and monsters.

Now, Bunn returns to that world with an all-new arc, continuing the adventures of the original cast in a story that promises deeper dangers, darker corridors, and even deadlier creatures.

“When I finished releasing the initial run of DEEPEST CATACOMBS,” said Bunn, “I knew I would return. I just loved the characters and the world. I loved how it made me feel like a kid again. And I loved working with so many talented artists! This was, of course, a labor of love, so it has taken me a bit of time to get the ball rolling again, but the story is going to be a ton of fun!”

The new arc reunites readers with Randall, Annalynn, Kezira, Chops, and Fingerbones as they venture into a frozen, haunted castle crawling with wyverns, draugr, ghosts, dragons, and vampires. Picking up directly from the final moments of the original series.

“At the end of the last series, we saw a strange reptilian wyvern and undead rider in the sky,” Bunn said. “This story picks up where we left off. Our heroes will be adventuring into a dark, icy fortress. The setting is absolutely inspired by my love of old D&D modules like Ravenloft and Castle Amber.”

Continuing the spirit of the original run, the new series will feature a wide array of artistic talent, including Danny Luckert, AC Zamudio, Nick Zamudio, Andres Cruz, Rich Woodall, and many more—each bringing their own visual interpretation to the unfolding descent. This arc will feature 22 installments.

“Twenty-two, at least,” said Bunn.

The comic will once again be released in a serialized format. Supporters of Cullen Bunn’s Patreon will receive early access to each installment, along with behind-the-scenes material, scripts, and additional RPG content. Pages will then be made available for free to subscribers to Bunn’s newsletter, Nightmare Fuel.

To subscribe to the Patreon, visit – https://www.patreon.com/cullenbunn

To subscribe to Nightmare Fuel, visit – https://cullenbunn.substack.com/

Readers who want to revisit the original 2020 arc can begin their descent here –  https://cullenbunn.com/deepest-catacombs-part-i-the-basic-set“

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Be gay, kill zombies: IF WE SURVIVE THE NIGHT by Jo Salazar: “Sixteen-year-old Quinn is used to being told that what she feels inside isn’t quite right. After getting kicked out of multiple foster homes and narrowly escaping juvenile detention, she’s undergoing therapy at a residential treatment center for “troubled” girls. Looking for a night of freedom, Quinn sneaks onto the roof with her best friend Keisha, and what she sees changes everything…

She witnesses the start of the zombie apocalypse.

As zombies, or “carriers” as the news calls them, infiltrate the treatment center, escape becomes crucial. Quinn and Keisha make a pact to leave together, but several unexpected complications screw up their plans.

While the girls battle the carriers and wrestle with their doubts about each other, Quinn realizes she has never felt more alive. Maybe this is exactly the kind of world she was built for. And part of thriving in this cutthroat environment means cutting off the dead weight – even if that means putting other lives at risk…But even if she’s willing to sacrifice everything, can anyone really outlive the apocalypse?”

Available August 25th from Sourcebooks Fire

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CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: ANI-MAY – A GLOBAL CELEBRATION OF ANIME ACROSS DIGITAL, RETAIL, EVENTS, GAMING, AND MORE: “It’s an anime party – and everyone is invited! Crunchyroll, the global brand serving anime fandom, today announced its biggest Ani-May yet—a month-long, worldwide celebration filled with experiences across screens, games, and real-world moments, giving fans everywhere more ways to come together, celebrate, and show all the ways they love and live anime.

This year, Ani-May goes beyond watching. It’s about living anime — transforming May into an inescapable cultural moment where fans everywhere can discover new series, unlock rewards, shop exclusive drops, and connect with the community like never before. Expect moments across fan-favorite franchises including JUJUTSU KAISEN, Hell’s Paradise, My Hero Academia, Black Clover, Solo Leveling, and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.

“Anime is something we celebrate every day, but Ani-May is our chance to deepen that connection with fans even further. It’s a moment to come together, revisit old favorites, discover something new, and shop, play, and watch in ways that feel meaningful,” said Gita Rebbapragada, Chief Operating Officer, Crunchyroll. “Throughout the month, we’re creating new ways to engage and celebrate as a community, all leading up to the Anime Awards, where we honor the creators behind the stories that inspire audiences around the world.”

“It’s been incredible to see how many partners around the world are leaning into Ani-May and wanting to celebrate anime alongside us,” said Scott Donaton, SVP, Global Brand and Community, Crunchyroll. “They recognize anime as a powerful cultural connector, and together we’re creating moments that bring fans and communities closer across every touchpoint.”

Kicking off the celebration, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc streams exclusively on Crunchyroll beginning April 30. Ahead of the celebration, fans can also tune into a special Ani-May Instagram livestream, where host Tim Lyu and guest actor Adam McArthur (JUJUTSU KAISEN) give fans a first look at everything the month has in store.

And for the first time ever, Ani-May introduces a lineup of ambassadors — including REI AMI, Big Sean, Noah Lyles, and more — joining Crunchyroll’s beloved character Hime to bring the celebration to life through cosplay, curated Spotify playlists, dubbing moments, and exclusive anime-inspired content.

That’s just the beginning. Around the world, fans can experience Ani-May through local activations—and use Ani-May Central to find what’s happening near them.”

SPECIAL EVENTS IN THE

• US/Canada – Retail takeovers with Hot Topic, Bandai’s Tamashii Nation, and others, plus giveaways, local fan experiences, and the theatrical release of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Tears of the Azure Sea
• EMEA – Immersive anime experiences at The Tottenham Court Road Outernet in London, special in-store and online promotions across the UK and Ireland, plus presence at live events with partners, like MCM Comic Con London
• LATAM – Major cultural crossovers include retail partnerships with Mexico’s largest department store, Liverpool, and specialty retailer Suburbia, where an original collaboration will be available for sale. In Brazil, an immersive activation at the Fradique Coutinho metro station in São Paulo will feature Ani-May giveaways for fans, and across the region, fans can experience Ani-May branded street takeovers in major cities throughout the month.
• APAC – Australian specialty retailer EB Games is offering a variety of anime products, from apparel to home goods, and a limited number of Crunchyroll free trial membership codes! Don’t miss Crunchyroll (and special offers) at Anime Festival Asia (Thailand) and Mumbai Comic Con.