Worm Is Becoming a Comic Book: What to Know About the Web Serial Adaptation

Wildbow’s superhero web serial Worm is getting an official comic book adaptation from IDW Publishing. A special prequel is scheduled for Comics Giveaway Day on May 1, 2027, followed by Worm #1 in July 2027, according to the publisher’s announcement distributed by First Comics News.

For readers who have heard about Worm but never started it, the adaptation offers a different way into Taylor’s story. Here is what has been announced, what the original is about, and what readers should know before buying.

When Does the Worm Comic Come Out?

The launch has two stages:

An exact July publication day was not provided in the announcement reviewed for this article. Readers should ask their local comic shop about ordering the series and whether it will participate in the May giveaway.

What Is Worm About?

Written by John McCrae under the name Wildbow, Worm follows Taylor, an unhappy teenager whose attempt to become a costumed hero goes wrong when she is mistaken for a villain. That encounter draws her into a world where powers do little to simplify questions of loyalty, responsibility, and survival.

The original ran from June 2011 to November 2013 and is complete. At roughly 1.68 million words, it is a substantial reading commitment. Wildbow’s introduction also warns that the story grows increasingly dark, with graphic violence and language. Its teenage protagonist should not be taken as a sign that this is a children’s adventure.

That premise gives the comic an interesting opportunity: the opening can introduce a reader to Taylor’s immediate predicament before asking them to understand the wider superhero world.

Who Is Making the Adaptation?

The announced creative team includes:

• Writer: Meghan Fitzmartin
• Artist: Javier Ortiz
• Colorist: David Vaquero
• Letterer: Andriy Lukin
• Consulting creator: John McCrae, also known as Wildbow

IDW describes the project as an ongoing series.

How Involved Is Wildbow?

In his own announcement, Wildbow describes giving feedback throughout production, including on outlines, scripts, and artwork. Character voices and consistency within the setting are among his priorities.

He also says the character designs are being developed independently of established fan-art interpretations. Returning readers may therefore encounter costumes that differ from the versions they have pictured for years.

Is This a Printed Edition of the Original Novel?

This announcement concerns a comic adaptation. Readers looking for the complete prose story should use the official Worm website, where the serial is available to read.

Wildbow says the existing WordPress story will remain in place. The comic does not require readers to abandon the original version.

Do You Need to Read the Web Serial First?

For newcomers, my recommendation is to choose the format you are most likely to enjoy. Start the original if you want a completed prose story now; consider sampling the prequel if you prefer illustrated storytelling.

Reading the web serial first will reveal events that the comic may eventually reach. Waiting for the adaptation lets you encounter its version of those events without that knowledge. Until the comic arrives, its pacing and effectiveness as an introduction remain open questions.

Does the Comic Mean a Worm TV Show Is Coming?

Wildbow discusses the comic as a possible route toward further adaptations. That is a possibility, rather than confirmation of a television production. His announcement does not establish a studio, cast, platform, or screen release date.

The most useful next step for interested readers is to ask a comic shop about the May prequel and July first issue. For existing fans, the central question will be how the adaptation translates Taylor’s perspective into panels, and whether the visual storytelling preserves the tension behind her decisions.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook