Dark Horse Comics’ Cult Superhero Concrete Makes Long-Awaited Return | Exclusive

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Since his debut in 1986, Concrete has always been a unique superhero. While many American comics were becoming more focused on violence and sex, Paul Chadwick’s character – a man made of stone – offered a more down-to-earth approach. And now, to celebrate his 40th anniversary, this beloved character is making a comeback in a new miniseries from Dark Horse Comics.

Concrete began as Ron Lithgow, a speechwriter who was kidnapped by aliens and had his brain placed inside a massive stone body. After escaping, he was given the chance to live a normal life, with the help of his former employer, a U.S. Senator, who told everyone he was a cyborg. Instead of fighting crime, Ron used his incredible strength and stamina to assist people in everyday situations. He also pursued thrilling personal challenges, such as climbing Mount Everest and swimming the Atlantic Ocean.

The Concrete comics stood out for their realistic approach. The main character, Concrete, had difficulty with everyday tasks, even simple ones like picking up a pen or driving, which led him to need a personal assistant. The stories also tackled important real-world problems such as overpopulation, farming sustainably, and protecting the environment. The first series, which ran for 10 issues, was highly acclaimed, winning several Eisner Awards, including awards for Best Continuing Series, Best Black-and-White Series, and Best Writer/Artist – recognizing Paul Chadwick’s work.

Concrete: Stars Over Sand is a tale of “amnesia, wilderness, and suspense”

I’m so excited about the new miniseries, Concrete: Stars Over Sand! It’s the first Concrete comic we’ve gotten in over a decade, but what’s really amazing is that Paul Chadwick has been developing this story since 2010. I remember reading an interview with him back then where he described it as a story about loss and what it means to still be human, and it’s stuck with me ever since. It feels like a really personal and important project for him.

The synopsis of the first issue from Dark Horse Comics describes the story as follows.

Concrete has disappeared into the desert and hasn’t returned. Larry and Maureen are desperately worried. They’ve received reports that he’s lost and wandering the dry mountains, injured and attacking others. Stunned and disoriented, Concrete is stumbling through a terrifying world he doesn’t recognize. Loud roars echo through the air, and a mysterious sphere appears. His body is now covered in stone, and he believes he’s being pursued, seeing everyone as a danger.

Dark Horse Comics is releasing the first issue of Concrete: Stars Over Sand with two unique covers. Artist Paul Chadwick explained the covers are oil paintings created as wraparound images, inspired by locations he’s personally camped and sketched. He added that he drew on his own experiences to create a sense of suspense in the story.

Concrete: Stars Over Sand #1 (of 5) arrives in comic shops everywhere on June 17, 2026.

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2026-02-19 21:07