Image Comics is set to launch a series of variant covers in April 2026, featuring the delightfully acerbic Gertrude from Skottie Young’s critically acclaimed comic, I Hate Fairyland. The crossover event, timed to coincide with the 50th issue of the series, will see Gert and her Fairyland compatriots “taking Image covers hostage,” according to a statement from the publisher.
The initiative isn’t simply a cosmetic change. Each variant cover will feature a redesigned logo, mirroring the distinctive aesthetic of I Hate Fairyland. The premise, as revealed by Image Comics, stems from Gert’s vocal disdain for team-up storylines. “When Spawn team-up variants were announced, Gert was annoyed. When Youngblood team-ups were unveiled, Gert began sharpening her axe. And when Invincible team-up variants were revealed, Gert screeched: “I HATE TEAM-UPS!””
Launched in October 2015, I Hate Fairyland has garnered a dedicated following and critical praise, consistently ranking among Image Comics’ best-selling ongoing series. The comic follows Gertrude, a young girl who was transported to the magical realm of Fairyland decades ago and has since become a cynical, perpetually frustrated adult determined to find a way home. The series has seen multiple printings and has been lauded for its dark humor and unique take on the fantasy genre.
A Wide-Ranging Invasion
The I Hate Fairyland-themed variants will extend across a significant portion of Image Comics’ April 2026 lineup. Titles receiving the Gert treatment include Blood & Thunder, D’orc, Die Loaded, Spawn, Fireborn, Invincible Universe Battle Beast, Lost Fantasy, Narco, Witchblade, Invincible Universe Capes, Youngblood, Corpse Knight, Darkness Vs Angelus, Feral, Final Boss Masked Vigilante, and White Sky. Some covers will feature “NSFW” (Not Safe For Work) versions, indicating potentially mature content.
Specific cover artists contributing to the variants include EJ Su, Brett Bean, David Lafuente, Brett Booth, Patrick Mulholland, Ryan Ottley, Vanessa Cardinali, Daniel Hillyard, Giuseppe Cafaro, Mark Englert, Rob Liefeld, Pat Boutin, Tony Fleecs, Tyler Kirkham, and J.P. Mavinga. Each artist will bring their own style to the collaboration, while maintaining the overarching I Hate Fairyland aesthetic.
Variant Release Schedule
The variant covers will be released in waves throughout April 2026. Here’s a breakdown of the release schedule:
- Wednesday, April 8: Blood & Thunder #12, D’orc #3, Die Loaded #6, Spawn #374
- Wednesday, April 15: Fireborn #1, Invincible Universe Battle Beast #8, Lost Fantasy #9, Narco #2, Witchblade (2024) #20
- Wednesday, April 22: Invincible Universe Capes #6, Youngblood #100, Corpse Knight #1, Darkness Vs Angelus
- Wednesday, April 29: Feral #22, Final Boss Masked Vigilante (one-shot), White Sky #3, Wrestle Heist #5
Fans of I Hate Fairyland and Image Comics alike can anticipate a month filled with unique and visually striking covers, all united by Gert’s signature disdain for collaborative storytelling. The full list of Lunar Codes for each variant is available through Image Comics’ release schedule.
The April variant covers represent a celebration of I Hate Fairyland’s enduring popularity and Skottie Young’s distinctive artistic vision. As the 50th issue approaches, fans can expect further announcements and potentially more surprises from Image Comics. The publisher has not yet indicated whether This represents a one-time event or the beginning of a larger collaborative effort.
Image Comics has not announced any further plans beyond the April variants, but will likely share updates on future I Hate Fairyland releases and other crossover events on their official website and social media channels. Collectors and fans should maintain an eye out for additional information as the April release date approaches.
