IDW Brings Worm Web Serial to Comics
The publisher is adapting John C. McCrae's Wildbow web serial into a comic book series, with a first issue scheduled for July.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Comic Books
IDW has announced a comic book adaptation of Worm, the web serial written by John C. McCrae under the pen name Wildbow between 2011 and 2013. The series will launch with a Free Comic Book Day prequel issue on May 1, 2027, followed by Worm #1 in July.
Why it matters
Worm has never had a physical release, so this adaptation brings a long-running digital serial to print for the first time. The project was brought to IDW by associate editor Cassandra Jones, who already knew the serial.
The web serial runs roughly 1.68 million words and has drawn 80 million total views, peaking at more than a million per month. The adaptation's creative team is Meghan Fitzmartin (writing), Javier Ortiz (art), David Vaquero (colors), and Andriy Lukin (letters).
The players
IDW Publishing
IDW Publishing is an American comic book publisher known for licensed properties and original series, and it is bringing this serial to print.
John C. McCrae
John C. McCrae, who writes as Wildbow, is the author of the web serial Worm and is consulting on the IDW adaptation.
The details
Javier Ortiz is drawing the series, David Vaquero is coloring it, and Andriy Lukin is lettering it, with Meghan Fitzmartin writing. John C. McCrae is consulting on the adaptation, and the launch includes a prequel issue featuring a new written piece from the author.
Timeline
2011–2013: Worm is written as a web serial.
May 1, 2027: The Free Comic Book Day prequel issue launches.
July 2027: Worm #1 is scheduled to arrive.
Culture Shift
The move of web-serialized fiction like Worm into print reflects a broader pattern of online-native stories finding physical editions. It signals that digital readerships built over years can support traditional comic publishing.
Readers can pick up the Worm prequel for free on Free Comic Book Day, May 1, 2027, at participating comic shops. Worm #1 follows in July for those who want the full series in print.
The takeaway
Web serials with large, committed readerships are increasingly finding their way into print, so long-form digital fiction is worth following for future collected editions.
What happens next
Free Comic Book Day prequel issue launches May 1, 2027, followed by Worm #1 arriving in July 2027.
Further reading
Explore more on Comic Books for other adaptations moving from digital to print.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bleeding Cool.
