Iffa Jayyana
AWA Studios has officially pulled back the curtain on its highly anticipated publishing slate for September 2026. True to the publisher’s reputation for blending gritty, grounded storytelling with high-concept genre fiction, this month’s offerings are headlined by two massive projects: the Blaxploitation-inspired graphic novel Beast Mode 510, starring NFL icon Marshawn Lynch, and The Rising, a tense, supernatural thriller from Highlander creator Greg Widen.
As the comic book industry continues to evolve, AWA (Artists, Writers & Artisans) remains a significant player, leveraging the creative pedigree of industry veterans like Axel Alonso to curate books that bridge the gap between pop culture, sports, and dark fantasy.
Main Facts: The September 2026 Highlights
The September solicitations focus on two distinct pillars of AWA’s editorial strategy: the integration of celebrity culture into narrative-driven graphic novels and the cultivation of veteran genre-fiction writers to create standalone, high-stakes one-shots.
Beast Mode 510: A Cultural Phenomenon
Beast Mode 510 stands as the month’s flagship release. Written by Sheldon Allen with a story conceived by AWA Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso, the graphic novel features the likeness and persona of former NFL star Marshawn Lynch. The project is bolstered by the legendary artistic team of Denys Cowan (pencils) and Dexter Vines (inks), with colors by Chris Sotomayor and a striking cover by Rahzzah.
The story follows a fictionalized version of Lynch, Oakland’s most notorious "fixer." Set in the vibrant, sometimes dangerous streets of the 510, the narrative blends action-packed comedy with the classic tropes of 1970s Blaxploitation cinema. The plot—which involves a simple, well-intentioned attempt to throw a surprise birthday party for his mother—quickly devolves into a sprawling, global conspiracy involving Silicon Valley corruption, Yakuza syndicates, and, curiously, reptilian billionaires.
The Rising: Horror in the Badlands
Contrasting the urban chaos of Beast Mode 510 is The Rising, a one-shot penned by the visionary Greg Widen. Known best for his work on the cult classic Highlander, Widen brings a somber, cinematic tone to this story. The book features interior art by Laci, colors by Miroslav Mrva, and a cover by the iconic Tim Bradstreet.
The narrative is set in an abandoned industrial town in the Badlands, once a hub for intercontinental ballistic missile manufacturing. As the base shutters, the discovery of six individuals who have been in a mysterious, decades-long coma following an "accident" triggers a terrifying realization. With evidence of spectral activity and systemic technological glitches, the protagonists, Ray and his daughter Atty, find themselves at the center of a threat that could potentially end the world.
Chronology of Development
The path to these September 2026 releases reflects AWA’s deliberate, long-term approach to editorial development.
- Q1 2025 – The Partnership: The initial framework for Beast Mode 510 was established as AWA looked to expand its "AWA-verse" by tapping into figures with strong regional identities. Marshawn Lynch’s connection to the Oakland community provided the perfect anchor for a crime-thriller series.
- Q4 2025 – Editorial Direction: Axel Alonso took a hands-on approach to the script development, ensuring that the tone hit the specific "21st-century Blaxploitation" mark. The recruitment of Denys Cowan was a strategic move to bring a classic, kinetic energy to the page that aligns with the genre’s visual history.
- Q2 2026 – The Widen Factor: Simultaneously, AWA reached out to Greg Widen. Widen, who had been focused on film and television projects, found the short-form, high-impact nature of a "one-shot" format appealing for the specific story of The Rising.
- August 2026 – Finalization: With the art teams completing their work, the final solicitations were prepared for retailers, setting the stage for a September release window.
Supporting Data and Creative Credits
The success of these titles rests heavily on the caliber of the talent involved. AWA has carefully paired legendary inkers and artists with modern narrative voices.
Beast Mode 510 (Release: Oct 7, 2026)
- Writer: Sheldon Allen
- Penciller: Denys Cowan
- Inker: Dexter Vines
- Colorist: Chris Sotomayor
- Cover Artist: Rahzzah
- MSRP: $19.99
The Rising (Release: Sept 23, 2026)
- Writer: Greg Widen
- Artist: Laci
- Colorist: Miroslav Mrva
- Cover Artist: Tim Bradstreet
- MSRP: $9.99
Official Responses and Editorial Philosophy
Axel Alonso, AWA’s EIC, has frequently noted that the publisher’s mission is to provide a platform for creators to tell stories that are "unapologetically bold." By placing Marshawn Lynch in a narrative that touches on social issues—albeit through an action-comedy lens—AWA is signaling that it is not afraid to take risks with non-traditional comic book protagonists.
"We aren’t just looking for comic book readers," an internal AWA source noted. "We are looking for readers who appreciate the narrative weight of a good crime novel and the visual flair of high-end graphic fiction. When you combine the legacy of a creator like Denys Cowan with a pop-culture icon like Marshawn, you create an entry point for people who haven’t stepped into a comic shop in years."
Regarding The Rising, the publisher emphasized that the "one-shot" format is a critical component of their growth. By providing self-contained, high-quality horror, they cater to a market that is increasingly fatigued by endless, multi-part event series, preferring the "prestige film" experience of a single, complete story.
Implications: What This Means for the Industry
The September 2026 lineup from AWA highlights several shifting trends within the medium of comics:
1. The Celebrity-Graphic Novel Hybrid
The success of Beast Mode 510 will likely set a benchmark for future collaborations between sports icons and comic publishers. Unlike previous attempts, which often felt like marketing stunts, this project integrates the persona of the celebrity into a complex, multi-layered story. If this sells well, we can expect a wave of "personality-driven" fiction that focuses more on character exploration than simple brand awareness.
2. The Return of the "Prestige" One-Shot
With the release of The Rising, AWA is pushing back against the "collectible-first" mentality that has plagued the industry for years. By focusing on a $9.99 one-shot, they are targeting the "trade-waiter" demographic—those who want a satisfying, complete story without the commitment of a twelve-issue run. This is a direct play for the bookstore and digital reader market, which is currently outpacing traditional monthly periodical growth.
3. The "AWA-verse" Expansion
The diversity of the September slate—ranging from Oakland crime-thrillers to post-Cold War horror—demonstrates the company’s commitment to genre-agnostic storytelling. AWA is effectively building a reputation as a "writer’s publisher," attracting veterans who have previously worked in film or traditional literature. This strategy of hiring high-profile, non-comic writers like Greg Widen serves to legitimize the medium for a broader literary audience.
Conclusion
As September 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on the retail performance of these two titles. Beast Mode 510 is positioned as a potential breakout hit for the casual market, while The Rising promises to solidify AWA’s reputation as a purveyor of high-concept, quality genre fiction. With this slate, AWA is once again proving that it is a publisher that listens to the pulse of the culture, providing readers with stories that are as visually arresting as they are narratively ambitious.
For those tracking these developments, it is clear that AWA is not just playing the game—they are actively attempting to change the rules of how stories are told and distributed in the modern comic era. Whether you are an Oakland native, a fan of classic horror, or simply a connoisseur of high-quality sequential art, the September 2026 catalog offers a compelling look at the future of the medium.
Pevita Pearce
Nana Muazin
