BAD IDEA is doubling down on its reputation for bold, unconventional publishing strategies with the launch of its fourth Secret Six comic ‘WHEN I WAS FIVE‘ from Eisner Award winners Mark Waid and David Lapham.
Announced Friday, ‘WHEN I WAS FIVE’ marks the first chapter in a brand-new creative initiative internally dubbed DAVID LAPHAM X, a series that will pair Lapham with some of the biggest creators in comics. While details about future collaborators remain under wraps, BAD IDEA is promising major names and massive plans for what’s next.
But here’s the catch: the book launches exclusively at ComicsPRO this week and will only be available through 99 qualifying comic book shops worldwide.
A True Limited Edition
WHEN I WAS FIVE will debut during BAD IDEA’s MEGALITH & Beyond retailer presentations, held February 19–21 in Room 1709 (Executive Level) at the Hilton Los Angeles Glendale during ComicsPRO. Every copy of the comic will be signed by Mark Waid, making it an instant collector’s item.
There are no orders. No allocations. No second printing. And it will not be made available anywhere else.
Retailers must attend one of the MEGALITH & Beyond presentations to earn a single copy. Each attending store will receive one (1) limited edition copy of WHEN I WAS FIVE and that’s it.
Big Plans for 2026
Beyond the exclusive comic, BAD IDEA will also unveil its ambitious 2026 slate, teasing projects including HABITAT, PROJECT: GOAT, and MEGALITH. Attendees can expect creator signings, free swag, refreshments, and copies of a 2026 preview comic.
For fans eager to secure a copy, BAD IDEA has released the list of the only 99 comic shops eligible to receive one. If your local store is on the list, you’ll want to make sure they attend a MEGALITH & Beyond session.
Qualifying Stores Include:
Among the 99 participating retailers are fan-favorite shops such as:
- 4 Color Fantasies
- Alter Ego Comics
- Atlantis Fantasyworld
- Austin Books
- Bedrock City Comic Co.
- Beyond Comics
- Books With Pictures
- Brave New Worlds
- Carol and John’s Comic Book Shop
- Coliseum of Comics
- Collector’s Paradise
- Comix Experience
- Cosmic Monkey Comics
- Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy
- Earth-2 Comics
- Fantom Comics
- Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff
- Golden Apple Comics
- Hall of Justice Comics
- Keith’s Comics
- Mission: Comics and Art
- MyComicShop
- New Dimension Comics
- Planet Comics
- Samurai Comics
- Secret Identity Comics
- Third Eye Comics
- Things From Another World
- Ultimate Comics
- Walt’s Comic Shop
(And many more, fans should check the full qualifying list to confirm participation.)
Also Check Out: DC Spotlight January 28, 2026: The Comic Source
The Next Chapter in BAD IDEA’s Strategy
BAD IDEA has built its brand on scarcity-driven releases and retailer-focused rollouts, and WHEN I WAS FIVE continues that trend in a major way. Pairing Mark Waid one of comics’ most celebrated storytellers with David Lapham, known for his gritty, character-driven work, already makes this a must-have. Limiting it to just 99 shops worldwide makes it one of the most exclusive releases of the year.
If your local comic shop is attending ComicsPRO, now might be the time to send them a friendly reminder to secure their seat at MEGALITH & Beyond, because once these 99 copies are claimed, that’s the end of the story.
FOR FANBOYS, BY FANBOYS
Have you checked out LRM Online’s official podcasts and videos on The Genreverse Podcast Network? Available on YouTube and all your favorite podcast apps, This multimedia empire includes The Daily CoG, Breaking Geek Radio: The Podcast, GeekScholars Movie News, Anime-Versal Review Podcast, and our Star Wars dedicated podcast The Cantina. Check it out by listening on all your favorite podcast apps, or watching on YouTube!
Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Google Play
