One of the most visually arresting sagas in British comic history is set to return this spring. Rebellion Publishing has announced that New Adventures from the Trigan Empire Book One will be released on 20th May 2026, marking the first new entries into the series since its original run ended in 1982.
The 64-page original graphic novel returns to the world of Elekton, picking up the narrative decades after the empire’s peak. While the original strip, created by Mike Butterworth and Don Lawrence, was famously titled The Rise and Fall of the Trigan Empire, it arguably focused almost entirely on the “Rise.” This new chapter, written by Michael Carroll and illustrated by Tom Foster, promises to finally address the inevitable decline of the swords-and-sci-fi civilisation.
The Weight of a Painted Legacy
The most significant hurdle for this revival is the artistic standard set by the late Don Lawrence. Known for his hyper-realistic, fully painted style, Lawrence made The Trigan Empire a foundational text for generations of European artists. Tom Foster, a stalwart of 2000 AD, is the artist tasked with stepping into this role. Notably, this project marks Foster’s first-ever fully painted book, a departure from the traditional line-and-colour work that defined his previous contributions to Judge Dredd.
Tom Foster, Artist at Rebellion, said in a statement:
“To be the artist tasked with reprising The Trigan Empire is equally intimidating. It’s a beloved title with a history of excellent art from some of the era’s best UK comics artists. Luckily, Michael’s script is so much fun to work on that, for all the pressure to do a good job, it’s a pleasure to go to work every day. It’s also my first fully-painted book, so that’s a nice change (although it also comes with its share of distinct challenges).”
A Multi-Generational Power Struggle
The plot skips forward several decades to find an ageing Emperor Trigo contemplating his legacy. The established successor, his nephew Janno, faces an unexpected threat: Nikko, Trigo’s estranged son. Having built his own empire in exile, Nikko returns to claim what he believes is his birthright, sparking a conflict that threatens to tear the Trigan Empire apart from within.
Writer Michael Carroll has deep roots with the property, having followed the original strip in the educational magazine Look and Learn during the 1970s. Carroll acknowledges the difficulty of modernising a series that has been on hiatus for over four decades.
Michael Carroll, Writer at Rebellion, said in a statement:
The idea of continuing such an iconic, well-loved comic strip was a tad absolutely terrifying at first… But where do we go from there? How do we pick up the reins on a story that’s been on hiatus for four decades – especially one that might feel a little old-fashioned to some present-day readers – while still staying true to its legacy?”
Production and Availability
Based in Oxford, Rebellion continues to leverage its Treasury of British Comics imprint to bring classic IP back to the forefront of the market. This release aligns with a broader trend of reviving “pre-2000 AD” British properties for a modern audience who value the prestige format of oversized hardcovers.
New Adventures from the Trigan Empire Book One will be available in a standard hardcover for £19.99. A special numbered edition will be available exclusively via the 2000 AD and Treasury of British Comics webshops for £29.99.
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