The name Jensen Ackles is once again buzzing among Supernatural fans, although this time the return of his most iconic character does not come via the screen. Dean Winchester reappears in a new comic book that expands the series' universe and presents an especially dark adventure for the hunter.
The interest in this release is particularly timely at a moment when fans of the franchise remain attentive to any sign of continuity for the Winchester brothers, whether in audiovisual format or, as in this case, through new narratives in panels.
A new comic book picks up with Dean Winchester after the end of the main series
Publisher Dynamite Entertainment has released Supernatural: Dean Winchester #1, a comic that hit stores on October 7. The collection continues the story the publisher has been developing in its main Supernatural line and focuses exclusively on the character played by Jensen Ackles in the original series.
The script is written by Chuck Brown, while the illustrations are the work of Rapha Lobosco. Among the variant covers, two photographic images featuring Jensen Ackles himself stand out, a way to visually link the actor to this new stage on paper.
The plot begins after the events of the conclusion of the main comic book series. Dean appears wounded and isolated, forced to face a new case alone after being separated from his brother Sam.
New Orleans and an enemy that borders on the divine
The setting chosen for this first installment is New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Amidst the city's festive atmosphere, Dean investigates a case his own father never managed to solve, linked to a threat of unusual dimensions for the Winchesters.
According to the premise, the protagonist could be forced to face an entity of an almost divine nature to solve the mystery, which places Dean before one of the greatest dangers of his career as a hunter.
Shadow Man, the creature that threatens to cause a massacre
The first pages introduce a new threat dubbed the Shadow Man, a demon-like entity capable of jumping from one body to another. In the released preview, a couple in the Okefenokee Swamp, between Georgia and Florida, encounters the creature and becomes trapped in a deadly game: screaming or trying to flee leads to fatal consequences.
Promotional material for the following issues confirms that the Shadow Man could put thousands of people at risk if Dean does not manage to stop him in time.
Upcoming installments: Florida Man, Lizard Man, and a possible soul pact
Dynamite has already confirmed the schedule for the following issues. Supernatural: Dean Winchester #2 will arrive on November 4 and will introduce a new ally for Dean, a character known as Florida Man, with whom he must try to stop the advance of the Shadow Man.
The third issue, scheduled for December, will move the story to South Carolina, where another creature under the control of the Shadow Man called Lizard Man will appear. The publisher has teased that Dean could be forced to accept a pact with serious consequences, including the possibility of putting his own soul on the line to continue the mission.
Sam Winchester will also have his own collection
While Dean faces this solo adventure, Dynamite has announced a parallel series focusing on Sam Winchester, the character played by Jared Padalecki in the original series. The collection, titled Supernatural: Sam Winchester, will also include photographic covers featuring the actor.
The script for this new series is by Paulina Ganucheau, known for her work on Disney Villains: Maleficent, with illustrations by Kendall Goode, an artist who has participated in The Terminator: Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.
Both collections will be published monthly, which will allow fans to follow the independent paths of the two brothers. For the moment, Dynamite has not confirmed if their stories will cross again at any point in this new stage.
Does this mean the return of Supernatural to television?
Despite the enthusiasm generated among fans, it is worth clarifying that this release belongs exclusively to the publishing realm. There is, for now, no confirmation of a new season of Supernatural on television or a return of Jensen Ackles or Jared Padalecki in front of the cameras.
The presence of both actors in this project is limited to the special photographic covers that accompany the releases. The collection also includes variants illustrated by artists such as Marguerite Sauvage, Keyla Valerio, and Stephen Byrne.
Supernatural: Dean Winchester #1 has been available in stores since October 7, while the second issue will arrive on November 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jensen Ackles return to play Dean Winchester on television?
No. The character's return occurs only in comic book format, published by Dynamite Entertainment. Jensen Ackles' involvement with this release is limited to the special photographic covers.
What is Supernatural: Dean Winchester #1 about?
It follows Dean Winchester, wounded and separated from his brother Sam, as he investigates an unsolved case of his father's in New Orleans that pits him against a threat of almost divine proportions.
Who is the Shadow Man?
He is a demon-like creature with the ability to possess different bodies, presented as a threat capable of causing numerous deaths if Dean does not manage to stop him.
When does the next issue of the comic come out?
Supernatural: Dean Winchester #2 is scheduled for November 4, while the third issue will arrive in December and will move the action to South Carolina.
Will Sam Winchester appear in this story?
Not for now. Sam will have his own independent collection, titled Supernatural: Sam Winchester, written by Paulina Ganucheau and illustrated by Kendall Goode, and no crossover between the two series has been confirmed.
Who are the creative leads for the Dean Winchester comic?
The script is by Chuck Brown and the illustrations are by Rapha Lobosco, with additional covers signed by Marguerite Sauvage, Keyla Valerio, and Stephen Byrne.
