A new superhero story? In this economy? But when the said superhero was a prose web serial sensation, it makes sense. IDW will present a comics version of John McCrae’s WORM, a serialized prose saga that ran from 2011-2013 and earned 1 million views a month during its peak, with an overall 80 million views.
The ongoing comic features writer Meghan Fitzmartin, artist Javier Ortiz, colorist David Vaquero, and letterer Andriy Lukin, with McCrea serving as a consultant. Worm’s comics debut will come on Comics Giveaway Day (May 1, 2027) with a special prequel issue, featuring a written piece by McCrae. The ongoing goes on sale in July WORM #1.
It’s certainly an interesting twist for a superhero to become popular in a prose novel – during and after its run Worm racked up critical acclaim along with a dedicated fanbase.
“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 a statement. “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.”
As the name suggests, the hero in question has a distinctive power: controlling insects.
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 exact revenge on those who’ve wronged her?
Fitzmartin says she was late to jumping on baord the Worm train, but “I was immediately enthralled by the amazing, vibrant world John has built. A story about complicated women, people with powers, feminine rage, and folks trying to do the right thing…with varying results? Sign me the f*ck 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.”
According to IDW Executive Editor Heather Antos, Worm came to them 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.”
Cover A by Skylar Patridge
Variant cover by Livio Baggio
Character designs by Javier Ortiz, David Vaquero
