Entertainment

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!

Robert Duvall, a towering figure in American cinema known for his nuanced performances in iconic films like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has died at the age of 95. The Academy Award-winning actor passed away peacefully at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, on Sunday, February 15, 2026, his wife Luciana Duvall announced. A career spanning seven decades cemented Duvall’s reputation as one of Hollywood’s most respected and versatile character actors.

Luciana Duvall shared the news on Facebook, writing, “To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything.” She continued, praising his “passion for his craft” and his dedication to embodying the “truth of the human spirit” in every role. Duvall’s passing marks the end of an era for American film, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a profound influence on generations of actors.

Duvall’s portrayal of Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 masterpiece, Apocalypse Now, remains one of the most memorable in cinematic history. His delivery of the lines “Charlie don’t surf!” and “I love the smell of napalm in the morning” have grow deeply ingrained in popular culture. But his contributions extended far beyond this single role. He also made an indelible mark as Tom Hagen, the consigliere in The Godfather and The Godfather Part II, showcasing a quiet intensity and moral complexity that defined his approach to character work.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in San Diego, California, in 1931, Robert Selden Duvall was the son of a naval officer. He pursued his passion for acting after studying drama at St. Louis University and briefly serving in the army. In 1955, he enrolled at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City, alongside future stars James Caan, Gene Hackman, and Dustin Hoffman, sharing apartments with Hackman and Hoffman during their formative years. He honed his craft on stage and in television, earning acclaim for his 1965 performance in Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge, directed by Ulu Grosbard.

Duvall’s film career began with a small but significant role as Boo Radley in the 1962 adaptation of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Further roles in films like Bullitt (1968) and True Grit (1969) helped establish his presence in Hollywood. A breakthrough came with his portrayal of the abrasive and often-mocked Frank Burns in Robert Altman’s satirical war film, M*A*S*H, bringing his talent to a wider audience.

A Collaborative Spirit and Critical Acclaim

Duvall’s career flourished through his collaborations with prominent directors of the “New Hollywood” era. He appeared in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Rain People (1969) and George Lucas’s dystopian science fiction film, THX 1138 (1970). He solidified his relationship with Coppola through his iconic roles in The Godfather films and Apocalypse Now. While a role in The Godfather Part III didn’t materialize due to salary disagreements, his earlier contributions to the saga remain legendary.

Despite often taking on supporting roles, Duvall consistently delivered compelling performances. He received an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1984 for his portrayal of Mac Sledge, a troubled country singer, in Tender Mercies. He continued to showcase his versatility throughout the 1980s and 1990s, appearing in films such as The Great Santini, Network, Days of Thunder, and The Handmaid’s Tale. He also ventured into directing, making his debut with Angelo, My Love in 1983 and later directing The Apostle (1997) and Assassination Tango (2002).

Later Career and Legacy

Duvall remained active in the film industry well into his 90s, earning another Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2015 for his performance in The Judge, becoming, at the time, the oldest male actor to receive such a nomination. He continued to take on diverse roles, demonstrating a commitment to his craft and a willingness to explore challenging characters.

Throughout his career, Duvall was known for his understated acting style and his ability to fully inhabit his characters. He was a commanding presence on screen, capable of conveying a wide range of emotions with subtlety and depth. His work has left an enduring impact on the world of cinema, inspiring countless actors and filmmakers.

Robert Duvall’s passing represents a significant loss for the film community. His contributions to the art of acting will continue to be celebrated for generations to come. As his wife Luciana so eloquently stated, he leaves behind something “lasting and unforgettable to us all.”

As we reflect on Duvall’s remarkable career, it’s clear his influence will continue to shape the landscape of American cinema. His dedication to his craft and his ability to bring complex characters to life will undoubtedly inspire future generations of actors. Share your favorite Robert Duvall moments in the comments below.