Marvel Comics is returning one of its darkest icons to the spotlight this summer. Werewolf by Night: Blood Moon Rise, a new one-shot arriving on July 30, 2025, promises to be a blood-soaked return to form for Jack Russell — and a must-read for fans of classic horror comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What makes this upcoming release even more intriguing is who’s behind the story. Michael Giacchino, director of Marvel Studios’ Werewolf by Night Special Presentation on Disney+, will make his Marvel Comics writing debut, translating his love for the character from screen to page. Giacchino teams up with artist David Messina for the lead story, with a backup tale penned by Jason Loo, writer of the Werewolf by Night: Red Band series. The issue will also include bonus material that pays homage to the character’s monstrous legacy.
🐺 From MCU to Comics: Giacchino’s Dark Vision Continues
Speaking to Marvel, Giacchino described the new story as “a lost tale from the original run.” This positions Blood Moon Rise as a bridge between the Werewolf’s classic horror roots and his rising popularity in the MCU.
For those unfamiliar, Werewolf by Night (real name Jack Russell) was first introduced in Marvel Spotlight #2 in 1971, though the idea of a Marvel werewolf dates back as far back as Marvel Tales #116 in 1953. Over the years, Jack has gone from a cult-favorite monster to a key part of Marvel’s supernatural landscape. Giacchino’s Special Presentation in 2022 reintroduced him to a new audience — and Blood Moon Rise looks to capitalize on that momentum.
“There’s a fun twist to it that I think is going to be interesting for people who are into Jack Russell and that lore,” Giacchino teased.
🩸 Werewolf by Night vs. Dracula – An Undead Showdown
What truly sets Blood Moon Rise apart is its core conflict — Werewolf by Night vs. Dracula. The synopsis promises a brutal, cinematic monster showdown, pitting two of Marvel’s most feared supernatural beings against one another in a battle soaked in blood and horror.
“WEREWOLF BY NIGHT: BLOOD MOON RISE spotlights what makes Werewolf By Night such a captivating Marvel icon, with over fifty years of comics history — and a hundred times as many bodies in his wake!” reads the official description.
Dracula has long existed within Marvel’s comic universe, often clashing with heroes like Blade and the X-Men. Matching him against Jack Russell is a dream matchup for horror fans, and this creative team is poised to deliver something gruesome and unforgettable.
✍️ Jason Loo Returns to Expand the Red Band Universe
Fans of the current Werewolf by Night: Red Band comic have another reason to pick this up — writer Jason Loo will contribute a short story in the same issue. Loo’s gritty, mature take on Jack Russell has been one of the standout horror runs in Marvel’s 2024 lineup, and Blood Moon Rise serves as a spiritual successor to that series.
This backup story, paired with Giacchino’s cinematic script, gives readers a dual vision of Werewolf by Night — honoring his past and carving a path forward.
🧛♂️ A Perfect Storm of Horror and Heroism
The return of Werewolf by Night is no accident. Marvel is making moves to elevate its horror characters as the MCU continues to dip into supernatural territory. From Moon Knight to the upcoming Blade reboot, the darker corners of the Marvel Universe are becoming essential to its future.
Whether you were introduced to Jack Russell through the Disney+ Special Presentation or followed his brutal comic book adventures for years, Werewolf by Night: Blood Moon Rise offers a thrilling jumping-on point.
📅 Release Info
- Title: Werewolf by Night: Blood Moon Rise #1
- Writers: Michael Giacchino, Jason Loo
- Artist: David Messina
- Cover Art: Tyler Kirkham
- Publisher: Marvel Comics
- Release Date: July 30, 2025
Marvel is finally giving its horror icons the attention they deserve, and Blood Moon Rise could be the moment Werewolf by Night goes from niche monster to front-page Marvel mainstay. With a Dracula showdown, Giacchino’s deep creative involvement, and the return of Jason Loo’s Red Band energy — this isn’t just a comeback. It’s a full moon-fueled statement.
