Bad Idea Comics is once again employing its unconventional distribution methods, announcing a new “Secret Six” comic available exclusively to attendees of the ComicsPRO meeting this week. The highly anticipated release, titled When I Was Five, is a collaboration between celebrated writer Mark Waid and comic book legend David Lapham, promising a compelling – and potentially unsettling – story.
The project, internally dubbed “DAVID LAPHAM X,” marks the beginning of a series pairing Lapham with a host of prominent creators. Bad Idea describes the release as a rare offering, stating, “Congratulations. You’ve found one of the extremely rare BAD IDEA Secret Six comics. Each of the six is released differently. Some hidden in plain sight, others demand decoding. This one exists only for those in the room.” This approach is consistent with previous Secret Six releases, which have included hidden placements within Diamond catalogs and disguised giveaways at comic conventions.
When I Was Five will be distributed at BAD IDEA: MEGALITH & Beyond meetings held in Room 1709 Executive Level of the Hilton Los Angeles Glendale during ComicsPRO, February 19-21. Only 99 comic shops attending the conference will have the opportunity to acquire a copy by attending one of the presentations. Bad Idea has emphasized that there will be no traditional ordering process, allocations, or second printing – making this a truly limited edition collectible.
A Unique Distribution Strategy
Bad Idea’s commitment to unconventional distribution is a key part of its brand identity. The company has previously released Secret Six comics through methods designed to create scarcity and excitement among retailers and collectors. This latest release continues that trend, relying on direct engagement with comic shop owners at ComicsPRO to generate buzz and exclusivity. According to Bad Idea, the meetings will similarly serve as a platform to share plans for 2026, including details on projects like HABITAT, PROJECT: GOAT, and MEGALITH, alongside creator signings and a preview of upcoming comics.
Attendees of the BAD IDEA: MEGALITH & Beyond meetings will receive a copy of When I Was Five, along with refreshments, snacks, and access to a bar. The company is actively encouraging shops attending ComicsPRO to sign up for a session to secure their copy, highlighting the limited availability and exclusive nature of the release. A complete list of qualifying stores has been published, urging customers to contact their local shops to encourage participation. You can find the full list of participating retailers here.
The Stores Receiving Exclusive Access
Here’s a list of the 99 comic shops that will have the opportunity to obtain a copy of When I Was Five:
- 4 Color Fantasies
- AA Comics & Cards LLC
- Alter Ego Comics
- Arsenal Comics and Games
- Ash Avenue Comics & Books
- Atlantis Fantasyworld
- Atomik Komics
- Austin Books
- Aw Yeah Comics NY
- Bat City Comic Professionals
- BaT Comics
- Bedrock City Comic Co.
- Beyond Comics
- Substantial Clutch LLC
- Blackbird Comics
- Blerds Underground
- Books With Pictures
- Books With Pictures Eugene
- Borderlands Comics and Games
- Born to Game
- BOSCO’S
- Brave New Worlds
- Cape and Cowl Comics
- Carol and John’s Comic Book Shop
- Cheap Graphic Novels
- Coliseum of Comics
- Collector’s Paradise
- Comic Envy
- Comic Logic
- Comic Quest
- Comic Zen
- Comicazi, Inc
- Comicopia
- Comics Adventure
- Comics Etc
- Comics Place
- Comix Experience
- Cosmic Comics!
- Cosmic Monkey Comics
- Crooked Dog Comics
- Current Comics
- Digital Heroes
- Double Midnight Comics
- Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy
- Dragon’s Lair LLC
- DreamDaze Comics Fun & Games
- Dreamers & Craft-Believers
- Earth-2 Comics, Inc.
- Fantasy Books and Games
- Fantasy Books Inc
- Fantasy Comics
- Fantom Comics
- Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff
- Game On
- Geek Out
- Golden Apple Comics
- Gorilla Todd Comics
- Hall of Justice Comics
- Hello Comics
- Heroes Haven
- Heroic Adventures
- Keith’s Comics Inc.
- Kings Comics
- Knowhere Games and Comics
- Mission: Comics and Art
- More Fun Comics
- Mulligans
- MyComicShop
- Neighborhood Comics
- New Dimension Comics
- NewComix
- OffBeat
- Other Worlds Games And Comics
- Paradox Comics-n-cards
- Phantom Zone Comics
- Pittsburgh Comics
- Planet Comics
- Pop Hop
- Pulp Fiction
- Redd Skull Comics
- Resistance Comics and Games
- Revenge Of
- Samurai Comics
- Santa Monica Comics Company
- Secret Identity Comics LLC
- Space Cadets Collection Collection
- Speeding Bullet Comics
- Summit Comics & Games
- The Adventure Begins
- The Comic Bug
- The Comic Cellar
- The Dragon
- The Nerd Store
- The POP Shop
- Things From Another World
- Third Eye Comics
- Time Warp Comics and Games
- Titan Comics
- Ultimate Comics
- Walt’s Comic Shop
The limited print run of just 200 copies, distributed among these 99 stores, further underscores the exclusivity of this release, as reported by Bleeding Cool.
Bad Idea’s continued experimentation with distribution models suggests a commitment to engaging directly with comic shops and creating unique experiences for fans. The company’s plans for 2026, as previewed at the ComicsPRO event, will likely continue to challenge conventional industry norms and offer collectors opportunities to acquire highly sought-after titles.
What will Bad Idea unveil next? The comics community will be watching closely. Share your thoughts on this exclusive release in the comments below!
