Stranger Things franchise expands with new graphic novel and animation

The Stranger Things franchise is expanding through new media formats. Dark Horse will release an 80-plus-page graphic novel adaptation of the stage prequel, ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’, scheduled for January 2027. Written by Rachel Pinnelas and illustrated by Jake Bartok, the comic will explore the origins of Henry Creel in Hawkins in 1959.

Additionally, the animated series ‘Stranger Things: Tales From '85’ is set to return for a second season on September 17, 2026, continuing to expand the narrative universe of the hit series.