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Image Comics Unveils Complete Kick-Ass Compendium, Bundling Original Dave Lizewski Saga for Summer 2026
Image Comics has just announced a single‑volume edition that will bring the 2008‑2010 origin story of teen superhero Dave Lizewski back to shelves in a binge‑ready format. The compendium, titled Kick‑Ass: The Dave Lizewski Years, will hit comic‑shop counters on August 12 2026 and appear in bookstores on September 8 2026 at a retail price of $39.99.
The new paperback pulls together every issue from the original four‑volume run, covering Vol. 1 #1‑8, Vol. 2 #1‑5, Vol. 3 #1‑6, and Vol. 4 #1‑8. Readers who previously had to buy four separate trade paperbacks will now find the entire saga in one bound set.
Mark Millar’s debut series, illustrated by John Romita Jr., first appeared under Marvel’s Icon imprint in 2008 before Image republished the story. The narrative follows teenager Dave Lizewski, who adopts a superhero identity after questioning why real heroes never step forward.
The franchise has since expanded beyond the original arc. Hit‑Girl, a vigilante introduced in the series, received a six‑volume solo run. In 2019, a new Kick‑Ass series introduced war veteran Patience Lee as the next mantle‑bearer, and a 2020 crossover, Kick‑Ass vs. Hit‑Girl, pitted the two characters against one another. A 2023 limited series, Big Game, set fifteen years later, follows Dave (now 31) and Mindy (27) as they continue their crime‑fighting partnership while Hit‑Girl joins the Kingsman organization.
By consolidating the foundational saga into one volume, Image is making the series more accessible for both collectors and newcomers. The company’s press release highlighted that the compendium’s single, bingeable format eliminates the need for readers to purchase four separate trade paperbacks.
The release aligns with Image’s broader strategy of re‑introducing classic creator‑owned titles to fresh audiences. Image, founded in 1992, is the third‑largest direct‑market publisher and owns a roster that includes Spawn, The Walking Dead, and Invincible. The compendium is part of Millarworld, the creator‑owned imprint that also houses titles such as Hit‑Girl & Kick‑Ass, The Secret Service, and Jupiter’s Legacy.
Collectors and new readers can purchase the compendium through Image’s website, major comic‑shop chains, and online retailers. The release date was confirmed by Image’s official announcement on June 17 2026.
The launch comes at a time when the Kick‑Ass brand remains in the public eye due to ongoing discussions about a new film trilogy announced by director Matthew Vaughn in 2024. However, the current release focuses solely on the original comic narrative.
In summary, Image Comics’ Kick‑Ass: The Dave Lizewski Years compendium consolidates the foundational four‑volume saga into one paperback, making the series more accessible for readers and preserving a key piece of Millarworld history.
The new paperback pulls together every issue from the original four‑volume run, covering Vol. 1 #1‑8, Vol. 2 #1‑5, Vol. 3 #1‑6, and Vol. 4 #1‑8. Readers who previously had to buy four separate trade paperbacks will now find the entire saga in one bound set.
Mark Millar’s debut series, illustrated by John Romita Jr., first appeared under Marvel’s Icon imprint in 2008 before Image republished the story. The narrative follows teenager Dave Lizewski, who adopts a superhero identity after questioning why real heroes never step forward.
The franchise has since expanded beyond the original arc. Hit‑Girl, a vigilante introduced in the series, received a six‑volume solo run. In 2019, a new Kick‑Ass series introduced war veteran Patience Lee as the next mantle‑bearer, and a 2020 crossover, Kick‑Ass vs. Hit‑Girl, pitted the two characters against one another. A 2023 limited series, Big Game, set fifteen years later, follows Dave (now 31) and Mindy (27) as they continue their crime‑fighting partnership while Hit‑Girl joins the Kingsman organization.
By consolidating the foundational saga into one volume, Image is making the series more accessible for both collectors and newcomers. The company’s press release highlighted that the compendium’s single, bingeable format eliminates the need for readers to purchase four separate trade paperbacks.
The release aligns with Image’s broader strategy of re‑introducing classic creator‑owned titles to fresh audiences. Image, founded in 1992, is the third‑largest direct‑market publisher and owns a roster that includes Spawn, The Walking Dead, and Invincible. The compendium is part of Millarworld, the creator‑owned imprint that also houses titles such as Hit‑Girl & Kick‑Ass, The Secret Service, and Jupiter’s Legacy.
Collectors and new readers can purchase the compendium through Image’s website, major comic‑shop chains, and online retailers. The release date was confirmed by Image’s official announcement on June 17 2026.
The launch comes at a time when the Kick‑Ass brand remains in the public eye due to ongoing discussions about a new film trilogy announced by director Matthew Vaughn in 2024. However, the current release focuses solely on the original comic narrative.
In summary, Image Comics’ Kick‑Ass: The Dave Lizewski Years compendium consolidates the foundational four‑volume saga into one paperback, making the series more accessible for readers and preserving a key piece of Millarworld history.
