2022’s Greatest Horror Franchise Returns in 2026 with New Series (Exclusive)

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2022 was a fantastic year for horror fans, largely due to the release of the unique and terrifying American psychological horror film, Smile. A sequel, Smile 2, came out in 2024, and a third movie is supposedly being planned. Beyond the films, the Smile universe is expanding with a new series, and we’re excited to share a first look at it below.

On February 18, 2026, the world of Smile grew with a new comic book series from IDW Publishing. The first issue of Smile: For the Camera, written by Hannah Rose May and illustrated by Miriana Puglia, launched as a spooky prequel to the original story.

The story takes place in the competitive world of fashion in 2005, mixing the pressures of the industry with a growing sense of horror. It follows up-and-coming models whose ambitions turn into a terrifying experience, haunted by the unsettling smile that’s become well-known in the ‘Smile’ franchise. Recently, iDW gave Ebaster a sneak peek at all the special ‘fashion variant covers’ for ‘Smile: For the Camera’.

IDW Releases Drop-Dead Gorgeous Variant Covers Ahead of Smile: For the Camera #2 Release

Fashion Variant Covers by Joshua Swaby, Sweeney Boo, Kevin Wada, Stacey Lee, and Keyla Valerio

The comic book series Smile features variant covers designed to look like vintage fashion magazine covers, similar to those seen in publications like Vogue. IDW Publishing has released five of these covers, each showcasing a stylish woman with a subtly unsettling element.

Joshua Swaby’s cover depicts a model with a disturbing doppelganger—a bloody, wildly grinning version of herself—clinging to her shoulder. Sweeney Boo’s version is more understated, showing the model wearing two cheerful buttons. Kevin Wada’s cover features a torn surface, revealing a demonic grin hidden beneath the model’s face.

Stacey Lee’s cover art hints at the horror within with a model posed against a backdrop of unsettling, smiling graffiti. Keyla Valerio’s cover showcases a strikingly beautiful woman, and her smudged makeup cleverly echoes a drawn smile on the magazine itself.

Smile: For the Camera #2 (2026) Release Details: Everything You Need to Know

Preorders Due at Comic Shops This Monday (March 9, 2026)

The covers are eye-catching and should appeal to fans, but even if the artwork doesn’t grab them, the official description for the new 36-page issue of Smile: For the Camera #2 might just convince them to buy it.

The runway calls… but so does something darker.

Following the devastating events at SurFace Agency, Freja and the other models head to London Fashion Week, where intense pressure and hidden secrets create a dangerous atmosphere. As Freja struggles with increasingly vivid nightmares, Ivy gets her first major photoshoot with the famous—and feared—photographer Perry Rickens, uncovering the reason behind his reputation.

Under the blinding lights of fame, every smile hides something monstrous.

The chilling story behind the seemingly perfect images continues in Smile: For the Camera #2. Author Hannah Rose May (known for Exorcism at 1600 Penn and Rogues’ Gallery) ramps up the terror as the sinister Entity continues its violent rampage.

The second issue of Smile: For the Camera will be available for purchase on April 15th for $4.99. Comic shops are taking preorders this Monday, March 9th, 2026. The first issue is currently available at all comic book retailers and is a key part of the Smile Universe – it’s also a great place to start if you’re new to the series.

You can pre-order ‘Smile: For the Camera #2’ until March 9, 2026. It will be available to read from IDW Publishing starting April 15th!

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2026-03-06 18:41