In honor of National Coming Out Day, Ignition Press has announced a new romantic comedy series, The Other/Half, from writer Jim McCann and artist Joe Eisma—and The Beat has all the details.
The Other/Half kicks off with issue #1 in spring 2026. It’s an opposites attract queer romance with a noir twist garnished with the charm of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Here’s the full synopsis:
Henry and Ethan are complete opposites. Henry is a rough-around-the-edges private investigator, while Ethan is a socialite who’s been financially cut off from his Upper East Side family, but it’s true when they say that opposites attract! When a priceless diamond under Ethan’s care goes missing, accusations fly. To clear his husband’s name, Henry must step into the glittering world of New York’s elite, while Ethan has to roll up his sleeves and take on the role of P.I. in order to look for clues. If they want to clear Ethan’s name and discover the truth, each will have to learn how their other half lives!
Issue #1 features main cover art by Eisma, seen below (sans title dressing), with additional variant covers to be revealed.
“I’ve always loved screwball mysteries like The Thin Man series, so to bring that to today’s audience has been amazing,” said McCann. “The Other/Half is truly a love letter to that era while showing the representation that reflects modern culture. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how perfect Joe’s art is nailing it!”
Eisma added, “The Other/Half is one of the most enjoyable comics I’ve drawn in a long time. Jim has crafted a story that is all at once funny, mysterious and sweet. The characters we’ve developed are going to really charm readers.
“Our editors Maggie Howell and Jamie S. Rich have encouraged us to really push ourselves creatively and it’s brought out the best of us in this book,” he continued. “This comic is perfect for fans who love a good comedic mystery!”
“The Other/Half is a high-stakes romp dressed to the nines in chemistry and charisma,” said Ignition Press senior editor Maggie Howell. “Jim and Joe have hit their stride, finding every opportunity to explore the story’s inherent physical comedy and the sincere, unexpected connection between the story’s two hilarious and dashing leading men. It’s a treat to have a book that satisfies as both a mystery and a romance, and readers will feel the love that’s gone into it.”
The Other/Half #1 will be available digitally and at your local comic shop in spring 2026.
